Picture an American storyteller who whisked readers through time, battled dragons, and even tangled with Shakespeare—meet Simon Hawke! Born Nicholas Valentin Yermakov in 1951, Hawke is a master of science fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction, blending history with speculative twists. From his thrilling Time Wars series to quirky Star Trek novelizations, his vivid tales have captivated genre fans for decades.
With a life as colorful as his stories, Hawke’s journey from motorcycle salesman to celebrated author is a saga of its own. His knack for weaving real history with fantastical elements makes every book a wild ride. Let’s dive into the world of Simon Hawke and discover why his stories still spark imaginations!
The Making of Simon Hawke
Born on September 30, 1951, in New York City, Simon Hawke—originally Nicholas Valentin Yermakov—grew up with a passion for storytelling. Half-Russian, he drew inspiration from diverse cultural roots and a love for history and adventure. After studying at Hofstra University and Western New Mexico University, Hawke juggled eclectic jobs: radio announcer, bookstore clerk, armed guard, and even writing instructor at colleges like Pima Community College. These experiences shaped his grounded yet imaginative voice. By 1984, he adopted the pen name Simon Hawke, later making it his legal name, and launched a prolific career that would define his legacy.
Simon Hawke’s Unforgettable Stories
Hawke’s bibliography is a treasure trove of genre-blending brilliance, with series like Time Wars and The Wizard of 4th Street standing out. The Time Wars series, starting with The Ivanhoe Gambit (1984), follows the Temporal Army Corps as they protect history from time-travel meddlers, weaving in classics like Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe or the French Revolution’s Scarlet Pimpernel. Its fast-paced plots and clever historical nods make it a fan favorite.
The Wizard series, beginning with The Wizard of 4th Street (1987), imagines a futuristic world where Merlin, freed from centuries-long captivity, replaces technology with magic. Hawke’s playful tone shines here, blending myth with sci-fi. He also penned Star Trek novels like The Romulan Prize (1993) and Friday the 13th tie-ins, showcasing his versatility. His historical fiction, like Sons of Glory, a Civil War tale, and the Shakespeare & Smythe mysteries, highlights his knack for vivid characters and rich settings.
Hawke’s style is swashbuckling yet accessible, often compared to Raphael Sabatini. He loves tweaking tropes—think mistaken identities or love triangles—with a wink to readers. His stories balance action, humor, and historical depth, making them timeless escapes for genre lovers.
Why Simon Hawke Matters
Simon Hawke’s impact lies in his ability to make history thrilling and speculative fiction relatable. His Time Wars series inspired readers to see historical events as dynamic playgrounds, influencing later time-travel narratives. His work in tie-in novels brought depth to franchises like Star Trek, earning him a loyal following. Named Colorado Writer of the Year in 1992, Hawke’s legacy endures through his genre-blending creativity and dedication to storytelling as a craft.
Though not a household name, Hawke’s influence ripples through sci-fi and fantasy communities. Fans cherish his ability to craft immersive worlds without pretension, proving that storytelling is about connection, not posturing. His books remain a gateway for readers craving adventure with a historical twist.
- Born: September 30, 1951, New York City
- Key Works: Time Wars series, The Wizard of 4th Street, The Romulan Prize
- Award: Colorado Writer of the Year, 1992
- Fun Fact: Hawke once worked as a motorcycle salesman!
Ready for a literary adventure? Snag The Ivanhoe Gambit and dive into Simon Hawke’s time-twisting, swashbuckling world!