Nathan M. Farrugia is a bestselling Australian author, known for his technothriller novels. He has written two series, the Fifth Column and the Helix series, which fall under the mystery, thriller, fantasy, science fiction, and techno-thriller genres. Farrugia was born in Melbourne, Australia, and grew up with a fascination for urban exploration and lock picking. He has turned his hobbies into research for his novels, often seeking out hidden places and learning about lock picking.
Before becoming an author, Farrugia served in the Australian Army as part of the infantry and reconnaissance divisions. His military experience has greatly influenced his writing, providing him with a unique perspective on weapons, tactics, and military culture. After completing his service, Farrugia went on to study film, television, and professional writing. He has since worked as a post-production video editor, colorist, and copywriter for a post-production company. During this time, his colleagues gave him the nickname "Fagoogoo" as they struggled to pronounce his surname, Farrugia.
In addition to his military training, Farrugia has trained under USMC, SEAL team, Spetsnaz, and Defence Intelligence instructors. He has also studied the Systema martial art, a little-known martial art that was once a secret of the Russian special forces. Farrugia's training and hobbies have inspired him to place himself in dangerous situations, such as climbing rooftops in Russia and being hunted by special forces trackers in the United States. He is currently in Malta, co-writing the sequel to the critically acclaimed Metro Exodus by 4A Games.