Picture a Canadian storyteller who swapped army boots for a keyboard, spinning interstellar tales that pulse with military grit and space opera grandeur—meet Eric Thomson! A retired soldier turned science fiction maestro, Thomson crafts gripping narratives drawn from his decades in uniform, blending authentic battle tactics with cosmic adventure. His Decker’s War series has hooked readers with its relentless action and flawed yet honorable heroes, making him a hidden gem in the sci-fi universe.
Thomson’s journey from the battlefield to the bookshelf is as compelling as his stories. With a knack for weaving real-world experience into fiction, he’s carved a niche for fans craving space opera with a tactical edge. Let’s dive into the life, works, and legacy of this Canadian author who’s quietly reshaping military sci-fi.
The Making of Eric Thomson
Born in Canada, Eric Thomson—his pen name—spent over three decades as a soldier, serving in the Regular Army’s Infantry and the Army Reserve’s Armoured Corps. His military career, spanning 31 years, took him across diverse terrains, including a stint in Germany with Canadian Forces Europe. A voracious reader of science fiction, military fiction, and history, Thomson devoured the Army’s reading list in his youth, drawing inspiration from classics that fueled his imagination. After retiring from the military and a stint as an IT executive for the Canadian government, he traded bureaucracy for storytelling, launching his writing career in 2014 with a passion for space opera infused with military authenticity.
Eric Thomson’s Unforgettable Stories
Thomson’s bibliography is a treasure trove of interconnected series set in his Commonwealth and Empire universe, with the Decker’s War series leading the charge. This seven-book saga follows Zack Decker, a former Marine Pathfinder turned operative, navigating conspiracies and covert missions in a politically unstable galaxy. Titles like Death Comes But Once (2014) and Hard Strike (2019) showcase Decker’s relentless drive and Thomson’s knack for high-stakes action. The series, praised for its gritty realism, draws heavily on Thomson’s own experiences, with readers likening it to David Weber’s Honor Harrington saga for its military depth.
Beyond Decker’s War, Thomson’s Siobhan Dunmoore series charts the adventures of a warship captain battling both alien foes and internal politics, culminating in 2024’s The Final Shore. His Ashes of Empire series explores a galactic empire’s rise and fall, while Ghost Squadron and Constabulary Casefiles add layers to his universe. Thomson’s style—marked by strong, flawed characters, intricate world-building, and a space opera twist—delivers thrilling narratives that resonate with fans of tactical sci-fi. His ability to bridge eras, like connecting Dunmoore’s time to Decker’s, showcases his meticulous craft.
Why Eric Thomson Matters
Eric Thomson’s impact lies in his ability to humanize the chaos of interstellar conflict, grounding epic tales with the authenticity of a soldier’s perspective. His works resonate with readers who crave sci-fi that feels lived-in, where heroes grapple with loyalty, betrayal, and moral gray zones. By self-publishing through Sanddiver Books Inc., Thomson maintains creative control, ensuring his stories stay true to his vision. His growing fanbase, evident in glowing Amazon reviews and audiobook demand, signals his rising influence in military sci-fi, even if he remains under the radar compared to genre giants.
Thomson’s legacy also extends to his disciplined storytelling process, balancing writing with passions like scuba diving, hiking, and photography, often shared with his wife, his self-proclaimed #1 fan. His work inspires aspiring authors to draw from personal experience, proving that authenticity can elevate genre fiction to new heights.
- Pen Name: Eric Thomson
- Key Works: Decker’s War, Siobhan Dunmoore, Ashes of Empire
- Publisher: Sanddiver Books Inc.
- Hobbies: Scuba diving, hiking, photography
Ready to blast off into Eric Thomson’s galaxy? Snag Death Comes But Once and dive into the thrilling, tactical world of Decker’s War—space opera with a soldier’s soul!