Frank Herbert’s Dune series is famous for its intricate world-building. Herbert meticulously explains the systems, methods, and politics that allow humanity to expand across the universe. He answers every question about plausibility before readers can ask it.
Michael F. Kane takes a different approach in his series beginning with After Moses—and it’s refreshing.
Kane clearly draws inspiration from Herbert. His chapters open with quotes from historical figures within his universe, and his stories unfold across a colonized solar system. But instead of exhaustive explanations, Kane uses a brilliant narrative shortcut: an AI named Moses once arose, solved humanity’s greatest challenges, and then vanished without a trace. Hence the title—everything happens “After Moses.”
This device liberates Kane’s storytelling. How do humans live on Ganymede? Moses invented gravity plates and environmental barriers. It’s reminiscent of Gabriel García Márquez’s magical realism—the extraordinary simply exists, everyone accepts it, and life continues.
With technology explained away, Kane focuses on what matters most: character development.
Each chapter tells a self-contained story where characters face captivating challenges. The situations often seem dire, yet Kane’s light touch keeps readers from feeling overwhelmed. You trust these characters are equal to their trials. As the chapters accumulate, a larger narrative emerges, revealing the characters’ backstories and interconnections. And always, the central mystery lingers: Who was Moses, and what happened to him?
Kane’s writing style will feel familiar to fans of Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide series. He has that same gift for witty banter and knows how to make you smile while telling a serious story. I found it thoroughly enjoyable.
If you’re searching for a new sci-fi author—especially one who writes honest stories about characters overcoming struggles with moral integrity—visit michaelfkane.com to purchase the series. Kane is an independent author well worth discovering.