Historical Fiction Author
Jeff
Janoda
Breathing life into history's most extraordinary moments
Explore the Books
Historical Fiction Author
Breathing life into history's most extraordinary moments
Explore the Books
About the Author
Jeff Janoda was a fisheries science technician, and then an educator for 31 years, during which he published several science fiction short stories and two novels. Now retired, he focuses on writing, fitness, travel, and reading. Season Of Life is his third novel, due to be released in the fall of 2026. His lifetime passion is history, with a military and political focus but really in all its aspects. His fiction has been described as historical fiction with a surreal twist. Deeply researched and engaging, his writing often incorporates ‘otherworldly’ or paranormal aspects that enhance the story he is telling. Janoda lives in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with his wife, Susan and dog, Tulip.
He can be reached using the contact form below.
Works
Now Available!
Historical Fiction · American Civil War
Under the violent shadows of the Battle of Gettysburg, a free Black farmer, a Union spymaster, and a fiery young nurse are drawn together by an ancient trickster spirit — in an engrossing tale of blood, mystery, and the hard truths of war.
"5 Stars — Very Highly Recommended"
Readers’ Favorite
"Season of Life by Jeff Janoda is an absorbing work of Civil War historical fiction that begins in the raw aftermath of Gettysburg. Its combination of Civil War fiction, historical adventure, supernatural fiction and military espionage creates a distinctive reading experience with plenty of action and an emotional core."
Literary Titan
"Season of Life becomes both an immersive Civil War novel and something stranger, a tale haunted by a central question: What gives a human life meaning? … makes the aftermath of Gettysburg feel literally haunted."
BookTrib
"Engrossing blood-and-guts historical fiction with a respectful touch of low fantasy thrown in."
Kirkus Reviews
"This is an excellent read for any history-enthusiasts who appreciate a dash of fantasy and the supernatural thrown into their historical fiction reads. Run, don't walk, and pick up your copy of Season of Life by Jeff Janoda today!"
Pacific Book Review
"5 Star-Must Read"
Discovery
Historical Fiction · Medieval Iceland
A multigenerational feud in an Icelandic fjord, replete with intrigue, killings, love and even the supernatural. A retelling of the ancient Saga of the People of Eyri — gripping, compulsively readable, and hailed as a model of how to turn a saga into a novel.
"A masterful retelling of an Icelandic Saga. Janoda's rendering of the physical and intellectual landscape is effortless. Highly recommended."
Library Journal
"No better saga adaptation has yet been written. Janoda's book is a model of how to turn a saga into a novel."
Times Literary Supplement
"Saga does what good historical fiction is supposed to do: put a face on history that is recognizable to all."
Booklist
"Medieval Iceland is a savage land, an alien landscape that Janoda describes brilliantly and unsparingly."
Historical Novels Review
Historical Fiction · World War II
When two German fighter pilots are flung into the terrible siege of Stalingrad, they discover the conflict in the air is as fierce as in the frozen streets below. A story of determination, duty, loyalty, and friendship at a time when the entire world had turned to war.
"An ambitious historical novel set on the Eastern Front in WWII. Military history buffs will relish the opportunity to spend time in a fully realized World War Two environment."
Kirkus Reviews
"Sundog is on a par with Saga — addictive and thrilling — despite its vastly different subject matter. We await Mr. Janoda's next novel with interest. Where will he go next? We are sure to be going with him."
The Varnished Culture
What Critics Are Saying
"Thoughtful historical fiction deserves this kind of grounding, giving readers drawn to Civil War stories every reason to put this at the top of their reading list. 5 Stars — Very highly recommended."
Asher Syed — Readers’ Favorite
Season of Life
"A masterful retelling of an Icelandic Saga. Janoda's rendering of the physical and intellectual landscape is effortless. Highly recommended."
Library Journal
Saga: A Novel of Medieval Iceland
"No better saga adaptation has yet been written. Janoda's book is a model of how to turn a saga into a novel."
Times Literary Supplement
Saga: A Novel of Medieval Iceland
"As focused as Jane Austen, as macabre as Stephen King. Jeff Janoda traces out the hidden springs of power in the micro-society of an Icelandic fjord."
Tom Shippey, author of The Road to Middle Earth
Saga: A Novel of Medieval Iceland
"Saga does what good historical fiction is supposed to do: put a face on history that is recognizable to all."
Booklist
Saga: A Novel of Medieval Iceland
"…If the mob bosses of The Sopranos spoke Old Norse and wore chain mail, they would feel right at home in this absorbing historical melodrama…Despite the archaic setting, Janoda manages to imbue his characters with believable psychologies and motivations. A gripping recreation of an ancient genre."
Kirkus Reviews
Saga: A Novel of Medieval Iceland
"An ambitious historical novel set on the Eastern Front in WWII. Military history buffs will relish the opportunity to spend time in a fully realized World War Two environment."
Kirkus Reviews
Sundog
"Engrossing blood-and-guts historical fiction with a respectful touch of low fantasy thrown in."
Kirkus Reviews
Season of Life
"Highly recommended for those with an interest in the American Civil War, or in a real-life, insightful melange of the real and the fey, daily struggles for life and liberty, spying in the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln, the arrangement of cemeteries and blood and guts action."
Lesley Jakobsen — The Varnished Culture
Season of Life
"This is an excellent read for any history-enthusiasts who appreciate a dash of fantasy and the supernatural thrown into their historical fiction reads. Run, don't walk, and pick up your copy of Season of Life by Jeff Janoda today!"
Pacific Book Review
Season of Life
5 Star-Must Read! Under the violent shadows of the Battle of Gettysburg, a free Black farmer, a Union spymaster, and a fiery young nurse are drawn together by an ancient trickster spirit — in an engrossing tale of blood, mystery, spy craft and the hard truths of war.
Discovery
Season of Life
Get in Touch
Whether you're a reader, reviewer, or fellow enthusiast of history and storytelling, Jeff welcomes your correspondence. Leave a note below and he'll reply to the address you provide.