Michael L. McKuin: Fighting Injustice Through Science Fiction and Horror

By Michael McKuin and Laurie Tang 

For some, writing is a hobby, a means of creative expression. But for Michael L. McKuin, author of Kill the Bastard, writing is a lifeline, using it as a weapon against social injustice and a voice in a world that has sought to silence him. Whether through song lyrics, poetry, theatre plays, or novels spanning science fiction, fantasy, and horror, he has found solace in storytelling.

From an early age, McKuin battled depression, and writing became his refuge, as a way to lift his head above the crashing waves of despair. Through the worlds he creates, he experiences a freedom that has been stolen from him in the real world by social injustice and corruption. He constructs landscapes of wonder, terror, and rebellion, where characters fight back against the forces that seek to control them. Writing is more than just a passion for McKuin: it is survival, a way to reclaim a stolen life and bring awareness to the injustices that have shaped his journey.

A devoted father of three, a son, a brother, a friend, and a metalhead with a deep love for 1980s horror films and novels, McKuin hopes to catch your interest in his novels and to give you “a hell of a ride that you can enjoy.” But more than that, he hopes to create work that resonates with readers, giving them a space to escape and to find strength in the face of adversity through every eye-opening, hair-raising page.

The Power of Sci-Fi and Dystopia

Why science fiction and dystopia? Because the most terrifying force in the universe is the unknown. The genre allows McKuin to explore limitless possibilities—futures shaped by rogue artificial intelligence, nuclear war, corrupt leaders, or even biblical apocalypse. He states, “Anything can lead us to a futuristic dystopia…whatever type of future that may be, it is just fun to write about and can be a little scary because of…what if?” Inspired by classics like The Terminator, Mad Max, George A. Romero’s Living Dead films, and Resident Evil, he crafts his own dystopian worlds, warning readers of what could come if society fails to address its current injustices.

Science fiction, for McKuin, has always served as a mirror to society, a way to examine the consequences of unchecked power, corporate greed, and government overreach. Kill the Bastard taps into this tradition, using futuristic settings and speculative technology to highlight the failures of modern civilization. By immersing readers in gripping, action-packed narratives, he forces them to confront uncomfortable truths about their own world.

Science fiction and horror are not just about entertainment. They are McKuin’s tools to shine a light on corruption, to expose systemic failures, and to pull readers into a narrative that forces them to question the world around them. Through his work, he seeks to capture attention, engage audiences, and ultimately bring awareness to the very real dangers of social injustice.

A Story of Rebellion and Love: Kill the Bastard

His latest novel, Kill the Bastard, embodies this mission. The story follows Thirteen, a genetically engineered soldier raised to obey without question. Known as a “Bastard,” Thirteen and his kind exist solely to exterminate the “Flaws”—mutated beings cast out into the decayed wastelands beyond the city of the elite.

On a mission, Thirteen encounters Chanta, a Flaw. Her glowing red eyes pierce more than the darkness when she attempts to escape. Struck by her beauty, he feels love for the first time and begins to question everything. Now hunted by both Bastards and Flaws, Thirteen and Chanta find purpose in a forbidden love.

Thirteen must now confront his past and fight to bring unity in a world where both Bastard and Flaw are being manipulated.

This gripping sci-fi dystopian novel is more than just an adventure—it is a reflection of the injustices that plague our own reality. Kill the Bastard challenges readers to consider what happens when an individual dares to defy the structures that seek to control them. It explores themes of identity, autonomy, and the fight against oppression.

McKuin masterfully blends high-stakes action with deeply emotional storytelling, making Kill the Bastard an unforgettable read. Fans of dystopian fiction, cyberpunk thrillers, and thought-provoking horror will find themselves enthralled by his vision of a fractured future where humanity itself is on trial.

A Legacy in Writing

Michael L. McKuin’s ultimate goal is to join the ranks of the greats—Stephen King, Brian Keene, Edgar Allan Poe, Shirley Damsgaard, R.L. Stine, and many more. He wants to terrify and thrill readers, to make them think, and to build a loyal fanbase eager to embark on each new journey he creates.

But most of all, he hopes to help others. If even one person finds solace, strength, or understanding through his work, then every word has been worth it.

Beyond storytelling, McKuin is dedicated to advocating for social justice and raising awareness about wrongful convictions, corruption, and systemic failures. His writing is an extension of his personal fight, a way to reach audiences who may never have considered the realities of injustice before.

His gratitude extends to the United Black Family Scholarship Foundation and Zo Media Productions—organizations fighting for justice and giving voices to those who have been silenced. Without their support, his story may never have been told. Their commitment to helping those in need and striving for a better world aligns perfectly with McKuin’s mission.

With Kill the Bastard and the upcoming sequel Lux Nova, as well as his horror series Boneyard Falls, he invites readers to experience thrilling, thought-provoking fiction that challenges, excites, and awakens the mind.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Michael L. McKuin?

As McKuin continues his literary journey, he remains focused on growing as a writer and expanding his reach. His upcoming projects promise to delve even deeper into the horrors of unchecked power and the resilience of the human spirit. With plans to explore new genres, expand his world-building, and further his advocacy for justice, his future in storytelling is bright.

Through his work, he seeks not just to entertain, but to leave a lasting impact. His stories serve as cautionary tales, reminders that the fight for justice is ongoing and that the most powerful weapon anyone can wield is knowledge.

Michael L. McKuin is a writer with a mission. He invites you to join him on this journey—through dystopian landscapes, haunted cities, and the depths of human resilience. Kill the Bastard is just the beginning.