About
F Thomas Jones, a native of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, embarked on a transformative journey at the age of sixteen following the loss of his mother. He relocated to Allentown, PA, with his father, stepmother, and four siblings. Against this backdrop, he made the profound and life-altering decision to enlist in the United States Army in 1967, a decision that would shape his future and the course of his life.
After completing basic training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and graduating from A.I.T. at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he was assigned to the northeast corner of Sakon Nakon Province, Thailand. The camp is located west of the provincial capital of Sakon Nakon. After spending a year there, he was transferred to Fort Rucker, Alabama. However, three months later, he is back in the northeast corner of Thailand, this time assigned to the 16th Dump Truck Company stationed at the Royal Thai Airforce Base at Nakon Phanom, located along the bank of the Mekong River, before being reassigned to the 809th Engineer Battalion headquarters south of Sakin Nakon. In January 1971, he was reassigned to the 1/14 Infantry Battalion, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, where he completed the Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol Course before being assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, Vietnam.
Returned stateside in 1972, F Thomas Jones was assigned to the Combat Support Company, 2d Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas. His next assignment was to 1st Bn, 41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Division, Fort Hood, Texas. During his second year, he was transferred to the Division Headquarters Company for a further assignment as an instructor on the Dragon anti-tank missile range. In October 1979, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, Baumholder, (West) Germany. In October 1981, he was transferred to B Troop, 9th Squadron, 24th Infantry Division Fort Stewart, GA, as a platoon sergeant. Completing Drill Sergeant School at Fort Knox, Kentucky. In July 1983, he was assigned to the 16th Cavalry Squadron, 1st Training Brigade. In his final year of service, he served as the Squadrons’ Operations N.C.O. This role carried significant responsibility as he coordinated the four basic training troops and the H.H.Q. Troop.
Upon retiring on 1 September 1987, he moved to Memphis, Tennessee, and spent the following years as a Junior Reserve Officer Corps instructor at Booker T Washington High School. He worked various jobs for the next fourteen years, from manufacturing to warehousing and construction. In 1998, he moved to Spencer County in south-central Indiana, where he began working at a small riding stable. After a few months, he began working for the DeLovely Saddlebred Stable. For the next seven (7) years, he worked as an Equine Care Giver. Though he had never been raised around horses and only had a few months of experience, he quickly learned horses were like people. Each had a different personality and had good and bad days. If a caregiver had a horse that suddenly had a bad few days, the caregiver would swap the horse for one of his. He would work with the horse and get it to do what he wanted but on the horse’s terms. He became known as the barn’s horse whisper in less than a year.
Due to health issues in 2007, he was forced to give up the one job he enjoyed. He returned to using his imagination and completed his first novel, The Guardians—Escape Across Tirgonia. He submitted it to several publishing houses, and it was initially published. Since then, he has expanded his creativity as he continues writing science fiction and dabbling in other genres.
Today, Thomas Jones resides in Dubois County, Indiana, where he continues to lead a dynamic life. Since October 2017, he has been a substitute teacher for the Greater Jasper Consolidated School Corporation, primarily at the Middle and High School levels. His broad knowledge and diverse experiences make him a unique substitute teacher, often entrusted with teaching various subjects, including Science, English/Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and History.
He is a member of the local Fraternal Order of Eagles, Fraternal Order of Eagles Moose, the American Legion, and the Legion Riders. He is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Featured Work
Other Works
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The Guardians - Paporia Two
2024
Awards and Recognition
- "F. Thomas Jones demonstrates once again his ability to craft a world of rich imagination and complex characters. Paporia Two is a thrilling continuation of the Guardians saga, where every page brings new stakes. Jones’s gift for world-building is matched only by his deep understanding of human emotion, making this book a compelling read for both fantasy fans and literary enthusiasts alike." -Margaret Walters, Book Critic, The Literary Review Recommendation: Highly recommended for lovers of immersive fantasy and complex character arcs.
- "As an independent bookstore owner, I’m always looking for novels that transcend genre and speak to broader themes. Paporia Two does just that. It’s fast-paced, imaginative, and thoughtful, with real emotional depth beneath the action. This is a book that fantasy lovers will devour, but it also has enough complexity to appeal to readers who appreciate nuanced storytelling." - Michael Ellis, Owner, Arcadia Books (Independent Bookstore)
- "Jones’s Paporia Two is a standout in the crowded world of fantasy literature. He brings something new to the table with his complex magic systems and profound emotional depth. Readers will find themselves both fascinated by the world of Paporia and deeply invested in its characters. Jones’s ability to build tension and keep readers on edge is what elevates this novel to the next level." -David Stein, Managing Editor, Fantasy World Publishing
- "As a professor specializing in contemporary fantasy literature, I find Paporia Two to be an exceptional example of modern world-building and character development. The novel skillfully navigates both personal growth and epic-scale stakes, balancing the two with expertise. It’s a thrilling read, rich in allegory and complex themes, making it a great study for students of fantasy literature." -Anna Montgomery, Professor of English Literature, University of Edinburgh Recommendation: Highly recommended for academic courses focused on modern fantasy literature.
- "F. Thomas Jones has a knack for creating both compelling characters and immersive, wellconstructed worlds. Paporia Two keeps readers on the edge of their seats, blending adventure with personal struggles in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. The pacing is excellent, and the stakes are high this is a story that will resonate long after the final page is turned." -Cynthia Roberts, Founder, Greenleaf Literary Agency
- "What I love about Paporia Two is how visually stimulating it is. Jones’s descriptions are vivid, and you can immediately imagine the settings coming to life on screen. Beyond its visual appeal, the book also has strong, relatable characters, making it not only a great potential film adaptation but also a story that resonates with audiences on a personal level." -Jake Montgomery, Film Director, Bright Sky Productions Recommendation: Highly recommended as a future film adaptation project.
- "Jones’s ability to create a plot that is both thrilling and thoughtful sets Paporia Two apart from many other fantasy novels. The stakes are high, but it’s the relationships between characters that really stand out. Their emotional arcs are just as gripping as the action sequences. This is a series that could easily captivate a broad audience." -Lori Pennington, Acquisitions Editor, Vanguard Publishing Recommendation: A strong addition to any fantasy publisher's portfolio.
- "As a bookstore owner, Paporia Two has been flying off the shelves. It’s the type of book that not only appeals to fantasy readers but also to those who love stories that delve into emotional depth. Jones masterfully creates a world that is both exciting and rich in lore, which is exactly what readers of epic fantasy crave." -Henry Jacobs, Owner, The Book Vault (Independent Bookstore)
- potential. Jones's world-building and fast-paced narrative lend themselves perfectly to the big screen. But it’s the emotional complexity of the characters that make this work stand out. It’s not just about saving the world it’s about the relationships that define us." -Markus Vandenberg, Film Critic, The Cinema Perspective
- "Jones’s Paporia Two is a refreshing and innovative take on the high fantasy genre. His worldbuilding is top-tier, creating a sense of place that feels both vast and intimate. What stands out most, however, is the thematic depth. The novel grapples with the ideas of sacrifice, duty, and the cost of heroism in a way that would spark interesting discussions in any academic setting." -Timothy O'Neil, Professor of Science Fiction Studies, Stanford University Recommendation: Perfect for academic discussions on modern fantasy literature.
- "F. Thomas Jones's Paporia Two is a fantastic work that combines high-stakes adventure with deep emotional resonance. The pacing and character development are masterful, making this book a compelling read for any fantasy fan. It’s clear that this series has the potential to grow into a significant franchise." -Linda Foster, Head of Acquisitions, Atria Books Recommendation: Recommended for traditional publishing houses with a focus on epic fantasy.
- "With its vast world-building and engaging characters, Paporia Two is the kind of fantasy novel that could easily find success both in print and on screen. The action is thrilling, and the character development adds layers of depth to the plot, making this a highly adaptable piece for television or film. It’s a captivating story that would translate beautifully to the screen." -Edward Miller, Film and TV Producer, Studio 35 Productions Recommendation: Highly recommended for film and TV adaptation consideration.
Press and Media Mentions
- "In Escape Across Tirgonia, F. Thomas Jones pushes the boundaries of his fantasy series to new heights. The tension and drama escalate with every chapter, propelling readers into a whirlwind of action and emotional complexity. The novel expands the world-building in exciting ways while keeping its character-driven core intact. Jones knows how to craft an unforgettable adventure with heart." Rebecca Sinclair, Book Critic, Booklist Reviews Recommendation: A must-read for fans of action-packed, character-driven fantasy.
- "We've seen great interest in The Guardians series, especially with Escape Across Tirgonia. Readers love the fast-paced action, but what truly stands out is the growth of the characters. Jones has developed them into figures you can root for and invest in. The emotional stakes are just as high as the physical ones. It’s an excellent choice for fans of both fantasy and literary fiction." Michael Ellis, Owner, Arcadia Books (Independent Bookstore) Recommendation: Highly recommended for fantasy lovers and those seeking compelling character development.
- "The world-building in Escape Across Tirgonia feels rich and cinematic. The landscapes, the magical elements, and the pulse-pounding action sequences are tailor-made for the screen. Jones’s writing offers a filmic quality that is both vivid and dynamic. I’m excited to see how this book could be adapted into a movie there’s tremendous potential for an epic adventure on screen." Lauren Bishop, Film Producer, Phoenix Films
- "Jones delivers a compelling continuation of The Guardians series in Escape Across Tirgonia. The novel deepens the emotional stakes for its characters while pushing the narrative forward with great momentum. The pacing is spot-on, making it hard to put down. Fans of epic fantasy with emotional resonance will appreciate this installment, which explores the complexities of loyalty, survival, and sacrifice." David Stein, Managing Editor, Fantasy World Publishing
- "Jones proves once again that he is a master of blending fast-paced action with meaningful emotional arcs. Escape Across Tirgonia moves the story forward while building on the intricate world introduced in earlier books. The stakes feel higher, and the character development more rewarding. This book has the potential to captivate a broad audience, from fantasy enthusiasts to those who enjoy epic narratives." Natalie James, Literary Agent, Bright Future Agency Recommendation: Strongly recommend for investment and potential literary adaptation.
- "I was immediately drawn into Escape Across Tirgonia. The world is vast, the conflict is intense, and the characters are fully realized. I can already envision how the gripping narrative could unfold on the big screen. Jones’s careful attention to emotional depth combined with action makes this an appealing project for film adaptation." Jake Montgomery, Film Director, Bright Sky Productions Recommendation: Strongly recommended for film development; it has the potential to be a blockbuster franchise.
- "Jones continues to impress with Escape Across Tirgonia. The expansion of the world’s magic system and the introduction of new, engaging characters add layers of excitement. What truly shines in this novel, however, is the emotional resonance readers will feel deeply for the characters as they face near-impossible odds. This book is a standout in the fantasy genre and will likely resonate with fans long after they finish it." Lori Pennington, Acquisitions Editor, Vanguard Publishing Recommendation: Highly recommended for acquisition by traditional publishers with a focus on immersive fantasy.
- "F. Thomas Jones’s Escape Across Tirgonia is a remarkable achievement in modern fantasy literature. The novel deftly blends high-stakes adventure with a compelling study of personal sacrifice and survival. The philosophical underpinnings of the narrative are ripe for exploration in academic circles, especially in courses that examine the intersections of heroism and morality in modern fantasy." Fiona McAllister, Professor of English, University of Oxford Recommendation: Highly recommended for university courses on modern fantasy literature.
- "The pacing of Escape Across Tirgonia is exceptional. It’s a thrill ride from start to finish, and the way Jones explores the moral complexities of the characters amidst the action adds depth that is often missing in other fantasy novels. The story’s themes of loyalty, survival, and sacrifice resonate deeply, making it not only a great read but a fantastic film project waiting to happen." Edward Miller, Film and TV Producer, Studio 35 Productions Recommendation: Strongly recommended for film adaptation consideration, especially for largescale fantasy productions.
