Gordon Eklund

Gordon Eklund is an American science fiction author who began publishing in the early 1970s and became known for both his novels and short stories. His work frequently explores themes of alternate history, time travel, and sociological science fiction. Eklund's most notable works include "All Times Possible" (1974), "The Eclipse of Dawn" (1971), and his collaborations with Gregory Benford, particularly "If the Stars are Gods" which won the Nebula Award for Best Novelette in 1975. He wrote several Star Trek novels including "The Starless World" and contributed to the Star Trek: The Original Series franchise. His short fiction appeared regularly in major science fiction magazines including The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Galaxy Science Fiction, and Amazing Stories throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Eklund also wrote under various pseudonyms, including the pen name Lord Tecumseh. During the peak of his career, Eklund was particularly active in the New Wave movement of science fiction, incorporating more experimental and literary techniques into traditional science fiction storytelling. His output decreased significantly after the 1980s, though he occasionally continued to publish short stories into the 1990s.

Readers describe Eklund's work as competent but not memorable, with most reviews focusing on his Star Trek novels and his Nebula-winning collaboration "If the Stars are Gods." Readers appreciate: - Complex plotting in "All Times Possible" - Character development in his Star Trek novels - The blending of hard science with philosophical themes in "If the Stars are Gods" Common criticisms: - Pacing issues, particularly in longer works - Dated writing style from the 1970s - Inconsistent quality across his bibliography On Goodreads: - "If the Stars are Gods" averages 3.4/5 stars (42 ratings) - "The Starless World" averages 3.2/5 stars (156 ratings) - Other works typically receive 3.0-3.5/5 stars with limited reviews One reader on Amazon notes: "His Star Trek work is serviceable but lacks the spark that made the best Trek novels stand out." Another comments that his short fiction "shows more innovation than his novels." Most of his books have fewer than 200 total online ratings, indicating limited readership in the digital era.

Chains of the Sea (1973) A collection of three novellas exploring the impact of alien contact on Earth, including Eklund's contribution about a young boy's perspective during first contact.

The Starless World (1978) A Star Trek novel featuring Captain Kirk and the Enterprise crew investigating a mysterious artificial sphere in deep space.

All Times Possible (1974) A novel dealing with alternate timelines and the consequences of changing historical events.

The Eclipse of Dawn (1971) A post-apocalyptic story set in a world where civilization has collapsed following a catastrophic event.

If the Stars are Gods (1977) Co-written with Gregory Benford, this expanded version of their Nebula-winning novelette follows an astronaut's encounter with aliens who worship stars as living beings.

Find the Changeling (1980) A Star Trek novel focusing on the search for a shapeshifting alien infiltrator aboard the Enterprise.

Lord Tedric (1978) Based on a concept by E.E. "Doc" Smith, this space opera follows the adventures of an ancient warrior in a far-future setting.

Dance of the Apocalypse (1974) A novel exploring the aftermath of a global catastrophe through interconnected character narratives.

Philip K. Dick wrote extensively about alternate realities and the nature of consciousness in works like "The Man in the High Castle" and "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" His exploration of shifting realities and sociological themes mirrors Eklund's interest in alternate histories and social science fiction.

Gregory Benford combines hard science concepts with character-driven narratives in works like "Timescape" and "In the Ocean of Night." As Eklund's collaborator and contemporary, he shares similar approaches to blending scientific concepts with human elements.

Robert Silverberg produced numerous works during the New Wave period that merged literary techniques with science fiction themes. His prolific career spans similar magazines and publications as Eklund, with comparable interests in sociological science fiction.

Barry N. Malzberg writes experimental science fiction that challenges conventional narrative structures. His work in the 1970s appeared in many of the same markets as Eklund and demonstrates similar interests in psychological and social themes.

James Tiptree Jr. wrote science fiction that examined social and psychological themes through a science fiction lens during the same era as Eklund. Her work appeared in the same magazines and demonstrated similar interests in exploring human nature through speculative scenarios.