Picture a British rocket scientist spinning tales of Martian mayhem and asteroid adventures—meet S.J. Morden! Writing under a pen name, Simon Morden blends hard science fiction with pulse-pounding thrillers, crafting stories that feel as real as a spacesuit’s hiss. From his Philip K. Dick Award-winning novels to his knack for weaving ethical dilemmas into space exploration, Morden’s work is a stellar ride.
The Making of S.J. Morden
Born in Gateshead, England, Simon Morden trained as a planetary geologist, earning a BSc in Geology from the University of Sheffield and a PhD in Geophysics from Newcastle University. Dreams of space travel faded, but his scientific roots fueled his writing. Before becoming a full-time author, Morden juggled odd jobs—school caretaker, admin assistant, and teaching assistant—while raising kids and keeping an Edwardian house from crumbling. His writing career kicked off with a short story, 'Bell, Book and Candle,' sparking a journey into science fiction, fantasy, and horror.
S.J. Morden’s Unforgettable Stories
Morden’s novels are a masterclass in hard science fiction, grounded in scientific accuracy yet brimming with suspense. His breakout hit, One Way (2018), follows Frank Kittridge, a convict sent to build a Mars base, only to uncover deadly secrets. Its sequel, No Way (2019), ramps up the stakes as Frank fights to survive. The Metrozone series, including Equations of Life (2011), won the Philip K. Dick Award for its gritty, post-apocalyptic London and cyberpunk hero, Samuil Petrovitch. Gallowglass (2020) explores asteroid mining with a 'Treasure Island in space' vibe, tackling climate change and corporate greed. Morden’s style is sharp, accessible, and packed with moral questions about technology and survival.
His stories don’t shy away from the human cost of ambition. Whether it’s convicts on Mars or miners in microgravity, Morden’s characters face unforgiving environments and tougher choices. Fans of Andy Weir’s The Martian love his blend of technical detail and narrative drive, though some note his supporting characters can feel less fleshed out. Still, his ability to make orbital mechanics thrilling is unmatched.
Why S.J. Morden Matters
S.J. Morden’s impact lies in making hard science fiction feel human. His novels challenge readers to grapple with the ethics of space colonization and the price of progress, all while delivering edge-of-your-seat thrills. As a former editor for the British Science Fiction Association and a judge for the Arthur C. Clarke Award, Morden has shaped the genre beyond his books. His Christian faith also informs his work, adding depth to themes of stewardship and morality, as seen in quotes like, 'When we have dominion over nature, it is not ours, either.'
- Pen Name: S.J. Morden (real name: Simon Morden)
- Key Works: One Way, No Way, Metrozone series, Gallowglass
- Awards: Philip K. Dick Award (2012) for Metrozone series
- Notable Role: Former editor of Focus magazine
Ready to blast off? Snag One Way and dive into S.J. Morden’s thrilling sci-fi universe!