Michael Z. Williamson

Michael Z. Williamson is a distinguished author of military science fiction novels, best known for his Freehold series. Williamson was born in Birkenhead, England, and spent his childhood moving around various cities and towns in England, Canada, and the United States due to his family's relocation. At the age of 18, he joined the USAF, which allowed him to tour different parts of the United States.

Williamson is not only a writer but also an active participant in historical re-enactments, a blacksmith who forges blades, a skydiver, a martial artist, a hiker, and a shooter of guns and arrows. His experiences and hobbies have no doubt contributed to the authenticity and richness of his writing.

Williamson has established himself as a prominent author of military fiction and science fiction, with his works receiving critical acclaim. His debut novel, Freehold, was published in 2004 and is notable for its strong female protagonist. The novel is set in the future, where the United Nations has become a fascist empire. Freehold is the first book in the series, and its success led to the publication of several more books, including The Hero, which Williamson co-wrote with New York Times bestselling author John Ringo. The Hero is set in the same universe as the Legacy of the Aldenata book series. At times, Williamson uses pen names such as Crazy Einer and Mad Mike, adding to his already impressive body of work.