Picture a Texas-born dreamer weaving tales of rogue pilots and cosmic adventures—meet Michael Kring! Born in 1952, this American science fiction author captured the hearts of 1980s sci-fi fans with his thrilling Space Mavericks series. Though his bibliography is short, Kring’s knack for blending space opera with political intrigue and a touch of fantasy magic has left a lasting mark on the genre.
Despite his brief time in the spotlight, Kring’s stories of daring rebels and ancient mysteries continue to spark curiosity among readers. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this elusive sci-fi storyteller whose work still feels like a warp-speed ride through the stars.
The Making of Michael Kring
Born on May 27, 1952, in the Lone Star State, Michael Kring grew up in an era buzzing with space race fever and pulp sci-fi dreams. Little is known about his early life, but the vibrant Texas landscape and the 1960s sci-fi boom likely fueled his imagination. Inspired by the likes of Isaac Asimov and Larry Niven, Kring began crafting stories that married high-stakes adventure with richly imagined worlds. By the late 1970s, he was ready to launch his own saga, stepping into the sci-fi scene with a bold vision.
Michael Kring’s Unforgettable Stories
Kring’s claim to fame is his Space Mavericks series, a two-book journey that began with The Space Mavericks in 1980, published by Leisure Books. This debut novel follows renegade pilots Fripp Enos and Kohn Tarkosz, who zip through the galaxy hauling cargo and dodging interplanetary police. The story kicks off with a seemingly simple job that spirals into a cosmic chase, complete with a mysterious girl, a forced landing on a jungle planet, and artifacts from a lost alien civilization. Fans love its fast-paced, comic-book energy and its nod to classic space opera.
The sequel, Children of the Night (1981), ramps up the stakes. Fripp and Kohn land on the planet Vespers, hunting for the origins of Fripp’s enigmatic magic ring. They’re drawn into a rebellion against the tyrant Haics, facing a subterranean race and an ancient spaceship entombed in coal. Kring’s style shines here, blending political thriller vibes with fantastical elements, though some readers note the prose can be rough around the edges. Sadly, the series was cut short after Leisure Books hit financial troubles, leaving fans yearning for a third book that never materialized.
Kring’s writing is unapologetically fun, leaning on vivid world-building and larger-than-life characters. His stories echo the Traveller RPG’s freewheeling spirit, with a touch of 1980s pop culture flair. While not groundbreaking, his work captures the era’s love for scrappy heroes and interstellar escapades, making it a nostalgic gem for sci-fi enthusiasts.
Why Michael Kring Matters
Though Michael Kring’s career was brief, his Space Mavericks series carved a niche in 1980s sci-fi. Fans on platforms like Goodreads praise its addictive, unpretentious charm, with some calling it their “secret shame” for its guilty-pleasure appeal. The series’ abrupt end due to publisher issues only adds to its cult status, with readers still speculating about Fripp and Kohn’s unfinished journey. Kring’s ability to craft memorable characters and imaginative plots in just two books speaks to his storytelling talent.
Kring’s legacy lies in his influence on fans who discovered sci-fi through his work. His stories inspired a love for the genre, encouraging readers to explore more space operas and even pen their own tales. In an era of eBooks and crowdfunding, some fans hold out hope that Kring—or a successor—might revive the Mavericks’ saga, proving his impact endures despite his mysterious absence from the literary world.
- Born: May 27, 1952, Texas, USA
- Key Works: The Space Mavericks (1980), Children of the Night (1981)
- Genre: Science fiction, space opera
Ready for a galactic adventure? Snag The Space Mavericks and blast off into Michael Kring’s thrilling universe of rebels, rings, and cosmic mysteries!