Science fiction often asks what humanity might become, while fantasy explores worlds shaped by wonder and myth. Time’s Orphans: Book 1 of the Medieval Future Series by Michael Anthony brings those ideas together in a story that feels both ambitious and deeply personal.
Set against the backdrop of interstellar exploration, the novel follows a group of immortals carrying humanity’s hopes across the stars. What begins as a mission of survival gradually transforms into a gripping examination of power, truth, and the choices that echo through generations.
A Mission Built on Humanity’s Greatest Ambition
The story begins with a remarkable premise. Guided by visionaries connected to SpaceX, xAI, and the Whatfinger team, a crew boards Elon Musk’s first great Ark. Their mission is extraordinary: transport 20,000 fertilized eggs and the foundations of civilization to a distant world, ensuring humanity’s future beyond Earth.
A major scientific breakthrough changes the nature of the journey. By the late 2020s, cellular reset technology inspired by David Sinclair’s research has effectively halted aging. The crew no longer faces the traditional burden of multi-generational space travel. Instead, they can personally witness the destination they set out to reach centuries earlier.
This concept gives the novel a distinctive foundation. Rather than focusing solely on technological achievement, the narrative explores what happens when people live long enough to carry old wounds, secrets, and ambitions across vast stretches of time. The result is a fascinating blend of futuristic science and timeless human conflict.
A New World Filled with Beauty and Mystery
After centuries in transit, the Ark finally arrives at a stunning planet marked by twin continents, brilliant oceans, and creatures that seem drawn from ancient legends. The setting immediately expands the novel beyond traditional hard science fiction.
One of the most memorable elements is the presence of dragons. Their mysterious reactions, particularly when they respond to Mark’s piano music, create an atmosphere of wonder mixed with growing unease.
At the same time, Beth experiences increasingly disturbing prophetic dreams. What initially appears to be stress or anxiety soon develops into chilling visions of violence, betrayal, and bloodshed. Her warnings raise difficult questions about the colony’s future and whether the greatest threat comes from the unknown world around them or from the people preparing to settle it.
Through these developments, Michael creates a compelling sense of tension. Every discovery carries excitement, yet every revelation suggests hidden dangers waiting beneath the surface.
Secrets, Power, and the Weight of Immortality
Beyond its imaginative setting, Time’s Orphans succeeds because of its character-driven storytelling. The immortals arriving on this new world are far from perfect heroes. They bring centuries of emotional baggage and unresolved conflicts with them.
A central source of tension involves a carefully maintained lie. The crew has agreed to tell future generations that cellular resets were a unique gift tied to the original mission and can never be repeated. This deception becomes increasingly significant as questions of authority, inheritance, and control emerge.
Several characters carry particularly powerful personal struggles. Joana wrestles with grief connected to the loss of her son. Thorne develops a growing belief that he is destined for a higher purpose within the colony. Other members of the crew harbor secrets that threaten to reshape the future they are trying to build.
These conflicts elevate the novel beyond an adventure story. It becomes a reflection on leadership, morality, and the responsibilities that accompany power. The haunting question posed by Beth captures the heart of the narrative: what if humanity itself represents the greatest danger?
Readers who enjoy works such as Dune, Foundation, and The Expanse will likely appreciate the novel’s combination of large-scale ideas and intimate character drama.
About the Author
Michael Anthony serves as the editor of a major news site, spending his professional life navigating headlines, cultural trends, and the occasional conspiracy theory. Living in Hollywood, Florida, he brings a sharp sense of humor and an observant perspective to his fiction.
Rather than embracing a conventional midlife hobby, Michael chose to create a sweeping saga involving immortals, singing dragons, political conflict, and the difficult choices people make over centuries. His personality shines through the writing, blending wit, curiosity, and a willingness to tackle ambitious themes.
The Medieval Future series originally began as a massive 1,400-page manuscript before being divided into multiple books. Time’s Orphans serves as the fast-paced introduction, while the upcoming Shadows of the Ark expands the story into an even larger exploration of civilization-building, betrayal, and survival.
Conclusion: An Imaginative Start to an Epic Saga
Time’s Orphans: Book 1 of the Medieval Future Series delivers a refreshing combination of hard science fiction, fantasy, and emotional storytelling. Its exploration of immortality, hidden truths, and humanity’s enduring flaws gives the novel substance beyond its exciting premise.
For readers who enjoy expansive world-building, thought-provoking ideas, and memorable characters facing impossible decisions, this first installment offers an engaging beginning to what promises to be a remarkable series. It is a journey across the stars that ultimately asks one of humanity’s oldest questions: what kind of future will people create when given a second chance?
We had the privilege of interviewing the author. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Thank you so much for joining us today! Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do.
My name is Michael Anthony. By day (and most nights), I write and edit for a living while running Whatfinger, a large independent news organization that pulls in millions of pageviews every month. Yes, I’m a proud workaholic — some people collect stamps, I collect keyboards and half-finished novels at 3 a.m.
I’ve always believed that success isn’t about balance. It’s about obsession with creation. Whether it’s a breaking news story, a killer headline, or the perfect scene in a book, I chase that moment when everything clicks. That’s what keeps me going.
Please tell us about your book.
Time’s Orphans, the first book in the Medieval Future series, started as part of one massive 1,400-page manuscript. Eventually, I realized I wasn’t writing one book — I was writing an entire saga. So I split it. Book 1 is short, fast-paced, and takes place entirely on Elon Musk’s first great Ark as it hurtles toward a new world, carrying the last hope of humanity.
Book 2, Shadows of the Ark, is three times longer and much wilder. Once they actually land, things get… interesting. We’re talking dragons, immortals shaping society, brutal betrayals, and the messy reality of trying to build a new civilization while old Earth problems follow you across the stars.
The series blends hard sci-fi, epic fantasy, political intrigue, and unfiltered honesty about our world — including Covid, politics, the Deep State, and the eternal fight for freedom. It’s written for readers who enjoy big ideas, strong characters, and stories that don’t insult their intelligence.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
I’ve always believed that success isn’t about balance. It’s about obsession with creation. Whether it’s a breaking news story, a killer headline, or the perfect scene in a book, I chase that moment when everything clicks. That’s what keeps me going.
Any message for our readers
If you like your science fiction with dragons, your fantasy with real-world stakes, and your stories told by someone who actually pays attention to what’s happening on Earth… I think you’ll enjoy the ride.
Thank you so much, Michael Anthony, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!
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