Sykes Sam

Sam Watkins[1] is an American epic fantasy writer who publishes fiction as Sam Sykes.

He is the son of Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander series.[1]

His debut trilogy of novels, the Aeons' Gate series, was appreciated by critics for its characterization and dialogue, and for its deconstruction of standard fantasy tropes, but criticized for its meandering, derivative plot.[2][3]

In 2020, multiple authors, including Megan O'Keefe,[4] accused Sykes of making "gross, sexual comments" at various conventions over the years. Sykes issued an apology, acknowledging "the harm [he] caused through [his] vulgar and sexual words, [his] poor judgment and [his] lack of respect for [his] colleagues."[5] In response, his publisher Orbit Books announced that they would not be acquiring further books from Sykes and would not be arranging or supporting any public appearances for Sykes, including at conventions.[6] Both Sykes and Orbit Books pledged to donate a portion of the profits from Sykes' books.