Picture an American storyteller who sent soldiers back 6,000 years to rewrite history—meet Mike Moscoe! Born in 1947, this science fiction author weaves tales of time travel, human resilience, and alternate futures. His Lost Millennium series, starting with First Dawn, captures readers with its bold exploration of civilization’s turning points, all from the mind of a Navy kid turned literary trailblazer.
The Making of Mike Moscoe
Born in Philadelphia to a Navy family, Mike Moscoe’s childhood was a whirlwind of change. Moving wherever an aircraft carrier could dock, he saw much of the U.S. before settling into high school. This nomadic life, paired with studies in International Relations, history, theology, and counseling, gave him a unique lens on human nature. After retiring, Moscoe settled in Vancouver, Washington, where he began crafting science fiction that challenges how we view history and progress.
Mike Moscoe’s Unforgettable Stories
Moscoe’s Lost Millennium trilogy, written under his own name and later as Mike Shepherd, is his crown jewel. First Dawn (1996) follows Lieutenant Launa O’Brian and Captain Jack Walking Bear, 21st-century soldiers sent to 4000 B.C. to save humanity from a plague-ravaged future. The story blends gritty military strategy with cultural clashes, as the duo trains peaceful tribes to fend off warlike nomads. Second Fire (1997) deepens the saga, exploring the moral cost of war and its impact on peaceful societies. Lost Days (1998) wraps the trilogy with a radically altered future, questioning whether their mission truly succeeded. Moscoe’s style—rich with character development and time-travel paradoxes—draws comparisons to Harry Turtledove, blending action with thoughtful alternate history.
Beyond Lost Millennium, Moscoe’s Jump Universe series, written as Mike Shepherd, dives into military science fiction. Books like The First Casualty (1999) showcase his knack for fast-paced space opera. His stories often probe the tension between cooperation and conquest, reflecting his diverse education and curiosity about human folly and glory.
Why Mike Moscoe Matters
Moscoe’s work stands out for its bold take on time travel and human potential. His Lost Millennium series isn’t just sci-fi—it’s a meditation on whether we can rewrite our flaws to build a better world. Though not a household name, Moscoe’s influence resonates with fans of cerebral science fiction, earning praise from authors like Robert J. Sawyer. Living quietly in Vancouver with his wife Ellen, he continues to inspire readers to question history’s path.
- Born: August 2, 1947, Philadelphia, PA
- Key Works: First Dawn, Second Fire, Lost Days, The First Casualty
- Fun Fact: His short story “A Day’s Work on the Moon” was nominated for a Nebula Award in 2000.
Ready to travel 6,000 years into the past? Grab First Dawn and dive into Mike Moscoe’s thrilling blend of time travel and human triumph!