Michael is a science fiction and horror novelist from Monmouthshire, situated right on the border between England and Wales, and has a substantial background in both advanced computing and ancient history, with an emphasis on artificial intelligence, machine learning and Greek military history. Michael started writing back in 2010 and since then has published more than thirty-five novels, with more being released every few months.
His best-selling space opera Star Crusades series has sold in excess of a million copies, and has expanded into multiple new spin-off series including Star Crusader, Black Widows, Mercenaries and many more. This growing saga continues to draw in new fans every month as the Star Crusades universe itself expands. Star Legions is a pseudo historical tale but with a strong science-fiction twist and combines Michael’s expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning with his life-ling interest in ancient history. As well as a writing science fiction, Michael also writes horror and action fiction, including the popular Zombie Dawn trilogy, co-written with his brother, Nick S. Thomas.
Michael’s academic background is as varied as his writing and he has a first degree in Computing and advanced degrees in Classical Studies and Machine Learning & Adaptive Computing. He has studied in Newport, Bristol and Bath and is also a qualified secondary school teacher in the field of Information Technology. In recent years he has undertaken substantial research in the fields of artificial intelligence as well as Greek and Byzantine military history..
HISTORICAL SWORDSMANSHIP
Michael and his brother Nick are the founders of the Academy of Historical Fencing, based in the United Kingdom. The school has over 150 members spread over the two groups, with instructors offering a variety of skills, knowledge and expertise in different weapon forms, combat and research. We teach armed and unarmed combat in the English, German and Italian traditions. We use longswords, sword & buckler, side sword, rapier, dagger, messer, sword & shield, spear and military sabre combat. We train with both synthetic and steel weapons and armour is always worn for sparring.
