The Documentary Podcast Max Kidruk: Imagining the future in a science fiction trilogy
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Jul 7, 2025 
Max Kidruk, a bestselling Ukrainian science fiction writer and author of The New Dark Ages trilogy, discusses his unique perspective on crafting futures while living amid war. He reveals how contemporary geopolitical conflicts shape his narratives, moving from idealistic dreams of Mars to realistic portrayals of colonization and survival. Kidruk shares the emotional challenges of writing during air alerts in Kyiv and the solace he finds in creativity. His journey symbolizes resilience, blending personal trials with broader cultural narratives.
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Realistic Dystopia in Sci-Fi
- Max Kidruk writes his trilogy to realistically depict a possible grim future to warn readers.
- His sci-fi reflects the harsh reality of war and moral decline, rejecting overly optimistic visions.
Detailed Martian Worldbuilding
- The Martian trilogy imagines a future Mars colony with realistic scientific detail and societal challenges.
- Colonists face conflicts rooted in biological changes and social inequality shaped over generations.
Immortality Sparks Migration
- Telamid is a drug that stops aging, vital for Mars colonists against cosmic radiation but banned on Earth.
- It drives mass migration to Mars as people seek extended lifespans in harsh environments.
