JB Yanni’s Captivating Time Benders Series
Exploring Time, Family, and Emotion: JB Yanni’s Captivating Time Benders Series
JB Yanni’s Time Benders series masterfully blends time travel, history, and family dynamics, exploring themes of grief, faith, and resilience through relatable characters and thought-provoking moral dilemmas.
JB Yanni, the acclaimed author of the Time Benders series, has redefined the boundaries of science fiction by intertwining the fantastical concept of time travel with the deeply human experiences of family, grief, and faith. Her work resonates with readers not only for its imaginative storytelling but also for its emotional depth, offering a unique blend of adventure and introspection. Through her books, Yanni invites readers to journey through pivotal moments in history while exploring the enduring bonds of family and the complexities of loss.
The Time Benders series stands out for its ability to merge science, history, and heartfelt family dynamics. At its core, the story follows the Fitzgerald siblings—Ken, Deb, Joe, and Kim—who discover the ability to travel through time. Their adventures are not just about altering history but also about navigating their own grief after the sudden loss of their parents. Yanni’s portrayal of these young characters is both relatable and inspiring, showcasing their resilience, moral dilemmas, and emotional growth.
“JB Yanni is a masterful storyteller who combines imagination, emotional depth, and historical accuracy to create unforgettable narratives.” – Reader’s House
For Yanni, the inspiration behind the series stems from her lifelong fascination with time travel and history. “I have always thought the last great adventure for the human race would be to time travel,” she shares. This idea, coupled with her desire to highlight the strength of family bonds, became the foundation of the Time Benders books. By framing the story through the lens of grief, Yanni not only creates a compelling narrative but also delivers a powerful message about healing and finding peace.
The Fitzgerald siblings are a testament to Yanni’s skill in character development. Each sibling is distinct, with unique personalities and challenges that make them relatable to readers of all ages. “Ken, Deb, Joe, and Kim are, I hope, very relatable characters. If we weren’t one of these kids, we knew one,” Yanni explains. Drawing inspiration from her own life, she infused the characters with traits from herself, her siblings, cousins, and friends. Among them, Deb, the bookish and introspective sibling, is the one Yanni identifies with most, recalling her own childhood spent in libraries.
“I have always thought the last great adventure for the human race would be to time travel.” – JB Yanni
One of the most thought-provoking aspects of the Time Benders series is its exploration of moral and spiritual questions. As the siblings grapple with the consequences of altering the past, Yanni delves into themes of fate, faith, and the ripple effects of choices. “We all, at some point, have asked ourselves in quiet moments if we would change something we said or did if we could,” she reflects. Through her storytelling, Yanni encourages readers to embrace life’s challenges and trust in the process of growth, even in the face of adversity.
Yanni’s meticulous research into historical events adds another layer of authenticity to her work. From the assassination of JFK to the Civil War, she seamlessly blends real history with the speculative elements of time travel. Her dedication to accuracy involves hours of research, often spent in libraries poring over old maps, photos, and historical records. “For me, science fiction is at its coolest when it’s just outside the realm of possibility. I want readers to say, ‘that could happen,’” she says.
The second book in the series, Time Benders and the Two Promises, delves deeper into the consequences of time travel while exploring questions of faith and emotional resilience. Yanni’s ability to balance the scientific complexities of time travel with the emotional and spiritual journeys of her characters is a hallmark of her writing. She believes that these elements are inseparable, especially when writing about teenagers who are naturally navigating questions of identity, faith, and emotions.
“I hope readers look at their own faith and choices and realize that there are lessons and growth in even the worst events of our lives.” – JB Yanni
Family is a recurring theme in Yanni’s life and work, and her personal experiences have profoundly influenced her storytelling. Her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s, in particular, has shaped her perspective on family connections and grief. “Alzheimer’s is a horrific disease, one that slowly, bit by bit, removes the essence of someone,” she shares. This experience has deepened her understanding of loss and strengthened her ability to portray the Fitzgerald siblings’ bond and their journey through grief.
JB Yanni’s Time Benders series is more than just a tale of time travel—it’s a heartfelt exploration of family, resilience, and the human spirit. By blending science fiction with emotional truths, Yanni has created a literary experience that resonates with readers on multiple levels. Her work reminds us that even in the face of loss, there is strength to be found in family and hope to be discovered in the journey forward.
For fans of science fiction and heartfelt storytelling, JB Yanni’s Time Benders series is a must-read—a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring bonds of family.
