Amazon Reader Reviews

Got pulled into this world almost immediately and stayed there. The story doesn't just focus on action which is what gave it its staying power. The emotional weight of the characters choices sits alongside the tension in a way that felt balanced and real. The constant push and pull between loyalty and survival ran through everything and made even the quieter moments feel loaded. Heavy and atmospheric in the best way.

I've followed this series from the beginning and Hunting Armed Men is the payoff I was hoping for. Kurtz is fully realized here — her intelligence, her contradictions, her moral clarity in a world that has none. The cat-and-mouse structure works because both sides are written with equal depth. Erickson never lets you forget the human cost of every decision. Exceptional.

If you know Heart of Darkness you'll catch all the echoes and if you don't it doesn't matter because the story stands completely on its own. The Mars setting is vivid and the class dynamics feel uncomfortably familiar. Bennett's arc across this series has been one of the most satisfying character journeys I've read in years. This book sticks with you.

The pacing in the first half is slower than the previous books but it earns it. By the time the final act kicks in you feel the weight of everything that came before. The dialogue between Kurtz and Alethia remains the highlight of the series — sharp, funny, and unexpectedly moving. Knocked one star only because I wanted more of the supporting cast.

Erickson uses the future to talk about the present without ever being preachy about it. The world he's built across this series is internally consistent and genuinely frightening in its plausibility. Hunting Armed Men brings the themes of power, race, and resistance to a head in ways that feel earned. One of the best entries in the series.

J. M. Erickson's Hunting Armed Men is a smartly conceived dystopian science fiction novel, with Mars presented as a place that feels particularly alien at every turn. The author has a gift for world-building, a skill that comes through naturally when static drains energy rifles, leaving gunpowder firearms as field equipment. The characters feel fully formed here. Alethia, Cassie's implanted AI, is my favorite, with literal honesty that brings a dry wit to her exchanges with the surrounding humans. Knowles, a Fort Deadly cadet, has self-possession when visiting troops rely on his understanding of Mars. The science fiction ideas fit the setting beautifully, with giant mushroom-like vegetation setting the tone for cadets who serve as scouts for shipboard soldiers. The pacing moves at a firm clip as Earth's military loyalties widen the scale of the story. Very highly recommended.

Erickson delivers an immersive sci-fi adventure that works beautifully because he lets the unforgiving, weapon-ruining elements of the Martian environment dictate how the tactical action unfolds. The pacing hits high gear immediately after the initial shuttle escape, maintaining a swift momentum as the factions converge on the settlement. The plot development unravels with ease, showing a seamless, domino-effect relationship between imperial arrogance and the raw realities of planetary adaptation. What really makes the story fascinating is the conflict between the entitled, rule-following officers and the merit-based, adaptive colonists, which makes the growing tension feel organic — never scripted. The world-building creates a lethal, breathing ecosystem where subterranean biological hazards like sand squid toxins play an important role in how the local militia fights back. Very highly recommended.

Hunting Armed Men by J.M. Erickson handles the themes of survival and shifting loyalties incredibly well. Erickson builds an amazing sci-fi setting, making the damp, hot subterranean towns of Freeport and Fort Deadly drive the plot and influence the decisions of everyone trapped inside them. Cassandra's epic journey is a major high point, charting her path from a feared revolutionary to a worn-down character in search of a real human connection. The story moves at a great pace, portraying clever, non-lethal ambushes by the militia that breathe new life into standard sci-fi tropes. The inclusion of Alethia, the intuitive AI psychologist, adds a really unique layer regarding mindfulness and self-reinvention. The constant push and pull between the unyielding military hierarchy and the stubborn independence of the colonists keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Got pulled into this world almost immediately and stayed there. The story doesn't just focus on action which is what gave it its staying power. The emotional weight of the characters choices sits alongside the tension in a way that felt balanced and real. The constant push and pull between loyalty and survival ran through everything and made even the quieter moments feel loaded. Heavy and atmospheric in the best way.

The worldbuilding in this book really stood out to me. Mars feels lived-in, harsh, and full of quiet resistance. I liked how the story balances military orders with very human struggles. The characters feel burdened by their choices in a realistic way. It's a heavy story, but a compelling one.

That's when a story is really working. The duty versus personal morality angle doesn't just present difficult situations it makes you sit with them in a way that lingers. The atmosphere stays tense throughout without ever becoming exhausting which takes real control to pull off. Came away thinking about it more than I expected to from a sci fi war story. The reflective quality sneaks up on you and that's exactly what makes it memorable.

This is a pretty intense read emotionally. The tone stays serious and reflective throughout. I liked how it explores exhaustion and responsibility in leadership. The Martian setting adds a sense of isolation that fits the story well. It's not light reading, but it's very absorbing.

I went into this expecting a standard sci-fi military story, but it quickly became something much deeper. The tension between Earth and Mars feels intense and believable. I found myself especially drawn to the moral conflict in Robert Lee's orders versus his own sense of duty. The pacing kept me engaged the entire time. It's a dark, thoughtful take on power and rebellion that stuck with me after finishing.

I wasn't sure I'd care about Bennett after the first two books but Erickson completely won me over. Watching him confront everything he's taken for granted — his privilege, his assumptions, his complicity — is genuinely uncomfortable in the best way. The Mars underground sequences are tense and vivid. This is the book where the series fully comes into its own.

The parallels to current events are impossible to miss and that's clearly intentional. But Erickson never lets the allegory overwhelm the story. The characters feel real, the world feels lived-in, and the moral questions don't have easy answers. Delta Exchange is one of the most disturbing settings I've encountered in recent fiction. Highly recommended.

Started this on a Friday night and finished it Saturday morning. The pacing is relentless once it gets going and the emotional stakes keep rising. I appreciated that the book doesn't offer easy resolutions — the ending is hopeful but honest. Erickson respects his readers enough not to wrap everything up neatly.

You don't need to have read Heart of Darkness to appreciate this but if you have the intertextual layers add a lot. The genetically modified creatures in the Martian underground are genuinely unsettling. Bennett's journey into the dark zones mirrors Marlow's river journey in ways that feel organic rather than forced. A remarkable piece of science fiction.

Every detail of this future feels thought through — the class system, the technology, the geography of Mars, the political structures. It never feels like an info dump because the world is revealed through action and consequence. The supporting characters are as well-drawn as the leads. This is the kind of science fiction that makes you think long after you've finished.

The middle section drags slightly but the payoff is worth it. Betsy Ann Hall is a fascinating character and I hope she appears in future books. The action sequences are well-choreographed and the philosophical underpinning gives them weight. Four stars only because I found the ending slightly abrupt — I wanted more resolution.

Once a decorated officer, Willard Bennett has been court-martialed, imprisoned, stripped of his status, and denied the privileges of his former life. Haunted by the woman who brought about his downfall, he dreams of finding her and exacting revenge. When Space Command offers him one last chance at freedom—a mission to track down and kill Cassandra Kurtz, the notorious insurrectionist—Bennett seizes the opportunity. But as he investigates her past, traveling through the Delta Quarter where her story began, his conviction begins to waver. What starts as a quest for redemption becomes a deeper journey into truth, morality, and the shadows of human nature.

A thrilling continuation of Endless Fall of Night that blends fast-paced sci-fi with deep moral complexity. Erickson delivers a story that is equal parts suspenseful and thought-provoking, following Willard Bennett as he wrestles with revenge, redemption, and the blurred lines between good and evil. What I loved most was how the narrative pushed me into self-reflection.

Such a thrilling read. A wonderful blend of fantasy dotted with real world events and circumstances. I really enjoyed this book.

This book was thankfully a quick, direct read that made for an exciting standalone story in its series. I miss reading books from authors that have the ability to tell a detailed story without creating a bulky read, this was truly enjoyable. Erickson takes Heart of Darkness and gives it a cool sci-fi spin, throwing readers into a fast-moving plot in a harsh future world where punishments are severe and people fight hard to regain their rights.

From the first chapter I was completely invested in Cassie's survival and her mission. She's brilliant, flawed, and utterly compelling. The AI implant Alethia adds a fascinating dimension — their relationship is one of the most original I've encountered in recent sci-fi. The dystopian world is terrifying because it feels like a plausible extrapolation of trends already in motion.

I read this in one sitting. The pacing is relentless and the world-building is seamlessly integrated into the action. The class system Erickson has constructed is both alien and uncomfortably familiar. Cassie's voice is sharp and her moral clarity in a morally bankrupt world makes her a genuinely heroic figure. Can't wait for the next book.

This book hit me hard. The parallels to contemporary politics are clear but never heavy-handed. Erickson trusts the reader to make the connections. The writing is lean and precise — no wasted words. The ending sets up the next book perfectly without feeling like a cliffhanger cheat. This is exactly the kind of science fiction the moment calls for.

The novella format works well here — tight and focused. The world is established efficiently and the characters are immediately distinct. My only quibble is that I wanted more time on Mars before the action kicks in, but that's a minor complaint about a book that does so much right. The AI-human relationship is handled with real nuance.

The future Erickson imagines is a warning, not a prediction — but it's a warning that lands. The reinstatement of slavery and the erasure of history feel like logical endpoints of forces already at work. Cassie's resistance is inspiring precisely because it's costly. This is science fiction with something to say and the craft to say it memorably.

I've read a lot of AI characters in fiction and Alethia is one of the most interesting. The way her consciousness expands and her relationship with Cassie deepens across the book is handled with real care. The banter between them is genuinely funny in places which provides welcome relief from the darkness of the setting. Excellent work.

We picked this for our monthly read and ended up spending three hours discussing it. The questions it raises about identity, resistance, and complicity generated real debate. The arranged marriage subplot is handled with more complexity than I expected. Erickson doesn't let any of his characters off the hook easily. Highly recommend for group reading.

Exactly what I want from a novella — tight, purposeful, and complete. The world is rich enough to feel real without being overwhelming. Cassie is a protagonist worth following and the ending left me immediately wanting the next book. Knocked one star because a few of the secondary characters felt underdeveloped but that's the nature of the format.

Started this at 10pm thinking I'd read a chapter or two. Finished at 2am. The tension never lets up and the stakes feel genuinely high. The world Erickson has built is internally consistent and the rules of the society are clear without being over-explained. Cassie's voice is distinctive and compelling throughout. Immediately bought the next book.

Erickson is doing something genuinely ambitious here — using the conventions of space opera to interrogate the history and present of racial capitalism. The Conrad parallels are handled with sophistication. This isn't allegory that flattens its subject; it's fiction that uses its speculative premise to illuminate real dynamics with clarity and force. Impressive work.

The action sequences are well-written and the ideas behind them give them weight. I appreciated that the book doesn't sacrifice one for the other. The Martian colony setting is vivid and the political structure is believable. My one note is that the pacing in the middle section slows slightly but it picks back up strongly for the finale.

I drifted away from sci-fi for a few years because so much of it felt either too technical or too shallow. This book reminded me why the genre matters. The human story is front and center and the speculative elements serve it rather than overwhelm it. Cassie is a character I'll be thinking about for a long time. Already started the next book.

Jay Ericksons Endless fall at night is a very interesting sci Fi book I found myself enjoying it and couldn't put it down it's great for any sci Fi fans out there.

This was a pretty quick read with lots of twist and turns. I really liked the strong woman protagonist in the story.

Set in a divided society that extends its reach to Mars, Endless Fall of Night follows Cassandra XI as she's stripped of status and forced into a mission she cannot refuse. Following Cassandra XI's fall from privilege, the story moves from political trial to a dangerous mission on Mars. J. M. Erickson weaves social commentary into a tense, speculative narrative.

If you like sci-fi, apocalyptic novels, you'll like this one. This is a dark, compelling journey through a society divided by hierarchy and oppression, anchored by a strong, evolving heroine whose story challenges both systems and readers alike.

Endless Fall of Night by J. M. Erickson is a thought-provoking and unsettling blend of dystopian science fiction and social commentary. It paints a chilling vision of a future defined by rigid class divisions, systemic oppression, and moral decay. The pacing is steady yet tense, pulling the reader deeper into its layered world. It challenges you to confront uncomfortable truths. Ideal for fans of dystopian epics with a philosophical edge, it's both gripping and disturbingly relevant.

"Endless Fall of Night" by J. M. Erickson is a gripping mix of political drama and psychological suspense set in a crumbling future. It weaves themes of power, oppression and survival into a chilling narrative that mirrors humanity's past mistakes while warning of what lies ahead. It is a haunting portrayal of control, division and resilience that lingers in the mind long after the final page.

This future looks a lot like ours, just with Mars dust and wider class divides. Cassandra starts out investigating something small, but it turns into a tangle of politics, prejudice, and power plays. It moves fast without glossing over the rough parts, and the mix of action, moral gray areas, and quieter beats keeps it engaging. The science feels grounded, and the world comes across as lived-in.

Although there are parts of this novel that were quite heavy to read, it was extremely interesting! I enjoyed the futuristic setting and the fast-paced storyline. Some readers may not appreciate the disturbing setup of society, but it is a real issue that could be our future one day if we let it happen, so it is nice to see these topics being included to bring awareness. Overall, I was intrigued by the raw portrayal of humanity and resiliency, and the amount of descriptive imagery. Very captivating.

The book's Martian mystery layers racism, classism, and AI ethics without slowing the plot. The smart social commentary, the brutal action, and the tender AI-human friendship make this book a fast read. Finished the book in a day, but kept thinking about it for days. I enjoyed the book.

This haunting futuristic dystopian novel shows us exactly what can happen if tyrannical forces of our government take over and divide our society (on Earth and beyond) using a rigid caste system. It's definitely a scary warning! The author did an impressive job with the complex and relatable characters and vivid world-building; I felt like I was right there in the story alongside the characters! Very thought-provoking themes of political power, space exploration, survival, resilience, and the darker side of humanity. Recommended.

Futuristic dystopian fiction that shows we might want to be careful what we wish for as we enter into the world of AI and robots and the destruction of societal norms. It is fast paced easy reading. Read it and do what you can to keep this from being our future - for your future.

Erickson deepens everything that worked in the first book — the world, the characters, the moral complexity. Cassie's mission becomes more dangerous and more ambiguous as the book progresses and the supporting cast gets real development. The New Georgia colony sequences are some of the most vivid writing in the series. Essential reading if you've started the Heart of Darkness saga.

Each book in this series is better than the last. The world feels more real with every entry and the characters more fully human. Cassie's relationship with Alethia continues to be the emotional core and it's handled with real tenderness alongside the tension. The ending sets up the next book in a way that made me immediately want to keep reading.

This is not light reading and it doesn't pretend to be. The darkness of the setting is matched by the moral weight of the choices the characters face. Some readers might find the middle section slow but I found it necessary — the quiet moments make the action hit harder. Erickson is building something substantial here.

One of the things I love about this series is how thoroughly Erickson has thought through the social and political structures of his world. The colony politics in this book feel real — the factions, the compromises, the violence beneath the surface. Cassie navigating all of this while pursuing her mission makes for compelling reading throughout.

I came for the plot and stayed for Alethia. The AI character is written with such specificity and warmth that she feels completely real. Her observations about human behavior are often the sharpest commentary in the book. The action is excellent but the relationship between Cassie and Alethia is what makes this series special.

Does exactly what a good second book should do — expands the world, deepens the characters, and raises the stakes for what comes next. The pacing is slightly uneven in places but the overall momentum carries you through. The final sequence is the best action writing in the series so far. Looking forward to book three.

I've been recommending this series to everyone I know who reads science fiction. The combination of sharp political commentary, vivid world-building, and genuinely compelling characters is rare. Deadly Going Dark is the book where the series fully hits its stride. If you haven't started yet, start now.

J.M. Erickson's Deadly Going Dark is a really well-executed science-fiction dystopian novel. David is a protagonist we want to root for as independence tests the military instincts that have shaped him since childhood. The Republic's caste system is tangible through its people, like Isabelle Roswell, a patrician teenager whose crashed transport draws outsiders toward the Dark Zone, then gives David's guarded loyalties an intimate edge through Maggie, his sister, urging him to face Becky and Tom, the childhood friends he has kept at a distance for years. The extraordinary telling of David's life beyond Earth broadens the book beautifully. His work alongside soldiers drawn from different social classes makes Fort Deadly instantly believable. Erickson also handles political issues sharply, through visual scenes like those same soldiers emerging through the Martian darkness beneath red and green field lights. Readers who enjoy intelligent dystopian fiction with a fiercely humane protagonist will adore this.

If you are looking for a dystopian sci-fi novel laced with drama, adventure, action, suspense, and a coming-of-age tale, Deadly Going Dark by J M Erickson is a worthy pick. Set in the near future, Erickson teases the return of classism and slavery in a technologically advanced world. I was drawn into the characters' troubled world with steady narration and vivid depictions. I could see everything, from the controlled appearance of the living habitat's interior to the harsh exterior shrouded in smog, dark brown skies filled with eroding particles, the grimy underground market of the Delta Exchange, and the Dead Zone's desolate and ruined setting. Erickson uses the story to explore themes of family dysfunction, oppression, inequality, racism, discrimination, exploitation, and technology. In a world where class and status determine power, David must use his own wisdom to bring change.

Deadly Going Dark by J.M. Erickson is a dystopian, military science fiction novel that offers a fascinating look at psychological conditioning. The descriptive prose lingers on every detail, like the specific mechanics of kinetic firearms, as well as the oppressive heat of the underground caverns. The pacing mirrors a calculated military campaign, building methodically as the protagonist establishes his cross-caste militia. The book develops high stakes through purely tactical maneuvers as we watch a leader who operates entirely without panic. The outer-rim scenes stay sharp and vivid the whole way through. The story offers a fresh take on revolution by prioritizing day-to-day survival over dramatic grandstanding. It's a nice choice for readers who love precise background details and enjoy complicated political chess matches. Highly recommended.

Erickson sticks the landing. Bold Dark Worlds brings the Heart of Darkness saga to a conclusion that honors everything that came before while pushing the themes to their logical and emotional endpoints. Cassie's final arc is both surprising and inevitable. The world feels fully realized and the ending earns its emotional weight. One of the best science fiction series I've read.

I've been following this series since Endless Fall of Night and Bold Dark Worlds is the payoff I was hoping for. The scope expands significantly while keeping the intimate character focus that makes the series work. The final confrontation is everything. Erickson has written something genuinely important here — science fiction that will last.

The Heart of Darkness series has always been about more than its plot and Bold Dark Worlds makes that explicit without becoming didactic. The questions about power, resistance, complicity, and what it costs to fight for justice are answered — or rather, shown to be unanswerable — with real honesty. This is the kind of science fiction that matters.

The scale of this book is larger than the previous entries and it mostly works. A few of the new characters introduced late in the series don't get enough development but the core cast is handled beautifully. The action sequences are the best in the series. Four stars because the ending, while satisfying, felt slightly rushed in its final pages.

Discovered this series through a recommendation and read all five books in a week. Bold Dark Worlds is a fitting conclusion to one of the most consistently excellent science fiction series I've encountered. Erickson's voice is distinctive and his world is unlike anything else in the genre. Highly recommend starting from the beginning.

Bold Dark Worlds by J. M. Erickson is a dark and ambitious retelling of Heart of Darkness set on Mars. The novel follows a journey through a harsh, divided Martian society, using its science-fiction setting to explore power, exploitation, class inequality, and the lasting effects of imperialism. One of the book's strongest elements is its portrayal of Mars as a society shaped by scarcity and hierarchy. The privileged live with access to resources and authority, while laborers and colonized communities are left to endure dangerous conditions. This inequality is not merely background detail; it influences the characters' decisions and exposes the systems that allow imperial power to survive. The novel also captures the unsettling atmosphere of its source material. As the journey moves farther from the established centers of power, the environment becomes increasingly dangerous and morally uncertain. Mars's isolation creates a sense of tension and disorientation, while the characters are forced to confront what lies beneath the civilization they serve. The story's questions about who has the right to control land, resources, and other people give the retelling considerable weight. I particularly appreciated the way the book uses science fiction to reconsider the themes of Heart of Darkness rather than simply copying its plot. The Martian setting adds new possibilities for examining colonialism, labor, and social division, while the darker tone reinforces the novel's criticism of systems built on exploitation. Bold Dark Worlds is a compelling and unsettling Mars-set reimagining of Heart of Darkness. Its strongest qualities are its oppressive world-building, sharp class divisions, and thoughtful examination of imperial power.

Very well written book. This author has pulled you into the future with very detailed descriptions of the world around you. The author had me picturing what I consider normal now versus what it will look like in the world that is created in the future. Though I am sure anyone who read this hopes that this doesn't turn into the future however it was hard to put this book down.

Bold Dark Worlds: The Patricians is a dark science fiction novel set in the year 2158, where society is divided by race, social class, and unequal rights. The story follows Cassandra IX, a privileged woman who risks her status by helping enslaved people and teaching them to read using forbidden books and technology. After being convicted of insurrection and sentenced to prison, Cassie struggles to survive while holding on to her beliefs about equality, freedom, and human dignity. This thought-provoking book explores the dangers of discrimination and extreme government control while showing how courage and the pursuit of knowledge can inspire change.

Very well written book. This author has pulled you into the future with very detailed descriptions of the world around you. The author had me picturing what I consider normal now versus what it will look like in the world that is created in the future. Though I am sure anyone who read this hopes that this doesn't turn into the future however it was hard to put this book down.

Bold Dark Worlds by J. M. Erickson is a dark and ambitious retelling of Heart of Darkness set on Mars. The novel follows a journey through a harsh, divided Martian society, using its science-fiction setting to explore power, exploitation, class inequality, and the lasting effects of imperialism. One of the book's strongest elements is its portrayal of Mars as a society shaped by scarcity and hierarchy. The privileged live with access to resources and authority, while laborers and colonized communities are left to endure dangerous conditions. This inequality is not merely background detail; it influences the characters' decisions and exposes the systems that allow imperial power to survive. The novel also captures the unsettling atmosphere of its source material. As the journey moves farther from the established centers of power, the environment becomes increasingly dangerous and morally uncertain. Mars's isolation creates a sense of tension and disorientation, while the characters are forced to confront what lies beneath the civilization they serve. Bold Dark Worlds is a compelling and unsettling Mars-set reimagining of Heart of Darkness. Its strongest qualities are its oppressive world-building, sharp class divisions, and thoughtful examination of imperial power.

Alexander Burns is the kind of protagonist you root for immediately — damaged, determined, and morally serious. The amnesia setup could feel like a cliché but Erickson uses it to explore questions of identity and loyalty that give the thriller plot real depth. The team Burns assembles feels like a family by the end. A strong debut and a great start to the series.

If you like Tom Clancy but wish the characters had more inner life, this is the book for you. The tradecraft is convincing and the action is well-paced but what sets Albatross apart is the psychological depth. Burns's PTSD and his recovery are handled with real care. The love story is genuinely moving. Highly recommended for thriller fans.

The plotting is occasionally uneven and some of the secondary characters could use more development but the core story is compelling and Burns is a great lead. The action sequences are well-written and the emotional beats land. You can see Erickson finding his voice here and it's a strong one. Four stars for a debut that promises a lot.

What makes Albatross work is the group Burns assembles — each member is distinct and their relationships feel earned. The banter and the loyalty and the occasional friction all ring true. The thriller plot gives them something to do but the character work is what makes you care about the outcome. Looking forward to seeing where the series goes.

The military and intelligence details feel authentic without being overwhelming. Erickson clearly knows this world and uses that knowledge to ground the more dramatic elements. Burns's background as a special ops agent is handled with credibility. The moral questions about loyalty and betrayal are the kind that stay with you after the last page.

Albatross is clearly a first novel in some ways — the pacing isn't always smooth and the plot occasionally strains credibility — but the characters are so well-drawn that you forgive the rough edges. By the end I was completely invested in Burns and his team. The series only gets better from here.

Started this on a Sunday afternoon and finished it that night. The momentum builds steadily and the final act is genuinely tense. Burns is a protagonist you want to see succeed and the obstacles Erickson puts in his way feel real rather than contrived. The emotional core of the book — the love story and the found family — gives the action its weight.

Picked this up on a whim and ended up reading the whole series. Albatross sets up the world and the characters with real skill. The premise is familiar — rogue agent, government conspiracy — but the execution is fresh because Erickson is more interested in his characters' inner lives than in the mechanics of the plot. Excellent start.

This is a book about a soldier that loses his memory and, with the help of a psychiatrist, slowly puts the pieces of his past together. This is a thrilling tale about war, deceit and corruption. It is an interesting story and very well written. It kept me on the edge of my seat for the whole tale. I would definitely recommend this book to others and am looking forward to reading the next book in this series!

The author brings together 5 unique characters that go from stranger to family in a five year period. They are all united in the aspect that for the sake of "national security" they have lost everything held dear to them. Woven around one man's involvement in the world of intelligence and the cost incurred by those around him who have tried to help him regain his lost memories, the author weaves an intricate story that makes you ponder... what if?

Normally not into the action packed novels, but found myself unable to put it down. Found myself longing for the next book! This is a must for your summer reading list.

I was given a copy of this book to read and review. Erickson has created a cast of characters that you just can't help but like and root for. The overall storyline is fast paced and enjoyable. With all this being said, however, overall the book is an interesting read with a good storyline.

Albatross is a wonderfully absorbing, fast-paced story about a U.S. government agent by the name of Alexander Burns who was betrayed and seriously injured in a cover-up during a foreign military operation. His injuries involved memory loss to some extent and he now wishes to set the record straight while confronting the grueling task of regaining his memory and simultaneously facing down those who stand to lose much if he is successful in doing so. It is a particularly timely novel, in this era of government secrets, spying, and international hostilities.

Erickson tightens everything in Raven. The plotting is sharper, the pacing more assured, and the emotional stakes higher. Samantha's death hits hard because Erickson has made you care about her. Burns's grief and rage drive the book in a way that feels psychologically real. The moral ambiguity of his revenge mission is handled with real sophistication.

From the opening pages to the final chapter, Raven is relentlessly tense. Erickson has mastered the art of the thriller — every scene advances the plot or deepens the characters, often both. The government conspiracy elements feel plausible and the personal stakes keep you emotionally invested throughout. One of the best thrillers I've read in years.

Burns is not a clean hero and Raven doesn't pretend otherwise. His methods are questionable and his motivations are mixed and Erickson doesn't let him off the hook. The question of whether vengeance can be justice is at the heart of the book and it's asked honestly. The ending is satisfying but not comfortable. Exactly right.

The action sequences are excellent and the character work is even better. My only complaint is that a few of the plot threads from Albatross don't get the resolution I was hoping for but that may be setting up future books. Burns and Becky's dynamic is one of the most interesting relationships in the series. Four stars for a book that's very close to five.

Erickson has clearly done his research on intelligence agencies and the result is a conspiracy thriller that feels grounded rather than fantastical. The bureaucratic evil is more frightening than any individual villain. Burns's decision to release the files is handled with real moral seriousness — the consequences feel genuine. Excellent work.

Took this on a long flight and finished it before we landed. The pacing is perfect for that kind of reading — propulsive enough to keep you turning pages but substantial enough to feel like you've read something real. Burns is a great protagonist and the supporting cast is excellent. Already downloaded Eagle.

Raven operates on multiple levels simultaneously — as a thriller it's gripping, as a character study it's insightful, and as a meditation on justice and vengeance it's genuinely thoughtful. Erickson is doing more than most thriller writers attempt and succeeding at most of it. The Kirkus comparison to Clancy and Ludlum is apt but undersells the psychological depth.

Thrilling and thoughtfully written book. Alex Burns faces the risk to be seen as a criminal or a terrorist, and even the reader may be confused because the book starts with Burns loading his gun. This is the second book and I suggest you read the first one first, even though you will understand things even if you read this book alone. This book gives another glimpse into today's main wound - terrorism.

J.M Erickson's Raven, is an action packed book filled with espionage and intrigue. I really enjoyed the read. The characters are well developed, and I could actually see this book, plus the previous volume of the series, being made into a feature film. This is a story concerning a special branch of American secret agents set up to counter terrorism around the world as well as the daily lives of those that make up the unit. It makes it a much more relevant story for our times.

This is a whirlwind of a book. It is a page turner, a really fast read, and exciting. It was an enjoyable enough ride, and I would read the rest of the series.

I really enjoyed the first book in the series which lead me to read this one. J.M. Erickson's way of writing this genre really grabs you and you cannot put down the book! If you're a person who likes to read action, that keeps a steady pace yet keeps the reader enthralled the entire time, this is for you. The story line in the series is unique as well. Really great read!

Raven: Birds of Flight Book Two by J. M. Erickson is the continuation of a series focused on agents who are fighting against terrorism around the world. Burns is a good field agent, but he is being tested constantly. I think this novel was very good. I think at the heart of this, the story is really getting at the question of how much protection are we willing to accept. The agents in this book are stopping the bad guys, yes. But, civilians are dying in the process. Are we willing to sacrifice one or two to protect the entire group?

I really love the intensity of the books written by J.M. Erickson. I feel like I am there with Welch when she is sabotaged. And I sensed the grief Burns must have felt when he realized he killed an infant's mother to save hundreds of other's lives. Raven: Birds of Flight twist around the careers of several military personal. There were times I was confused because the author portrayed the main characters in various stages of their career in different chapters. But it does tie it all together with a tremendous ending that will leave you craving the next book.

Eagle is the book where Burns becomes fully human again. His recovery — emotional, physical, moral — is the real story and Erickson handles it with care. The dog subplot sounds like it shouldn't work but it absolutely does. The action is excellent but it's the quieter moments that make this entry in the series so memorable.

Three books in and Erickson is still finding new dimensions in his characters and his world. Eagle expands the scope of the conspiracy while keeping the focus on Burns and the people around him. The new characters introduced here are well-drawn and the returning cast gets real development. The ending left me immediately wanting Falcon.

The middle section is slightly slower than the previous books but the character work justifies it. Burns's relationship with Daniels is the most complex antagonist dynamic in the series and Eagle develops it well. The action sequences are as good as ever. Four stars because the ending feels slightly abrupt — I wanted one more chapter.

Erickson's knowledge of how intelligence agencies actually work gives this series a credibility that most spy thrillers lack. The bureaucratic politics, the competing loyalties, the way information is weaponized — all of it rings true. Burns navigating this world while dealing with his own demons makes for compelling reading throughout.

I wasn't expecting to be moved by a subplot involving a dog in a spy thriller but here we are. The parallel between Burns's recovery and the dog's is handled with real subtlety. It's the kind of detail that reveals a writer who thinks carefully about what his story is actually about. Eagle is the most emotionally resonant entry in the series.

Eagle does the difficult work of a third book — deepening the world and the characters while setting up the final confrontation. It doesn't have the propulsive momentum of Raven but it earns its slower pace with genuine character development. The Daniels threat feels more real and more personal than ever. Ready for Falcon.

Falcon takes the series in a direction I didn't expect and it works beautifully. The dream sequences could have felt like a gimmick but they're handled with real craft — they reveal character and advance the emotional story in ways the waking narrative can't. The final confrontation between Burns and Daniels is everything the series has been building toward.

The visits Burns has with people from his past while he's drugged are the most emotionally powerful writing in the series. Erickson uses the dream logic to explore grief, guilt, and love in ways that feel genuinely moving. The action plot is excellent but these sequences are what make Falcon something more than a thriller.

I've been reading this series since Albatross and Falcon is the conclusion it deserves. The threads from all four books come together in ways that feel earned rather than contrived. Burns's arc from damaged amnesiac to something approaching peace is one of the most satisfying character journeys I've followed in fiction. Excellent series.

Falcon is quieter and more introspective than the previous books and some readers might find that jarring. I found it appropriate — this is a book about endings and it has the right emotional register for that. The action is still there but it serves the character story rather than driving it. Four stars because the shift in tone takes some adjustment.

The FBI investigation running parallel to Burns's captivity adds a dimension that the previous books didn't have. Seeing the events from outside Burns's perspective gives the reader information he doesn't have and creates a different kind of tension. Erickson handles the multiple viewpoints with skill. A worthy conclusion to a great series.

I don't usually cry at thrillers but the final pages of Falcon got me. The emotional payoff is real because Erickson has spent four books making you care about these people. The resolution is bittersweet in exactly the right way — hopeful but honest about what's been lost. One of the most emotionally satisfying series conclusions I've read.

Finished Falcon and immediately started Albatross again. Knowing where the story ends makes the early books richer — the seeds of everything are there from the beginning. Erickson clearly had a plan and executed it. The Birds of Flight series is a genuine achievement in the thriller genre. Highly recommend reading all four books in sequence.

Flight of the Black Swan feels like a gift to fans of the series — a chance to spend more time with characters we love in a story that has its own momentum and purpose. The novella format suits the material perfectly. Erickson knows when to be economical and this is a model of efficient storytelling. Highly recommended for anyone who loved the main series.

The novella format requires a different kind of discipline and Erickson demonstrates he has it. Every scene earns its place. The action is crisp and the character moments are precise. Flight of the Black Swan is a complete story that also enriches the larger series. More of this, please.

At novella length this is obviously a quicker read than the main series books but it doesn't feel slight. The story is complete and the character work is as strong as ever. My only complaint is that I wanted more — which is probably the best thing you can say about a short work. Four stars because I wish it were longer.

The opening pages are some of the most propulsive writing in the series. Erickson wastes no time and the story moves at a pace that makes the novella length feel exactly right. The interweaving plotlines that define the series are here in miniature and they work just as well at this scale. A great addition to the Birds of Flight world.

Having read all five entries in the Birds of Flight series, Flight of the Black Swan is the ending I didn't know I needed. It provides closure while leaving the world open. The characters feel fully themselves and the story has real stakes despite its brevity. Erickson has built something special with this series and this is a fitting final chapter.

The setup — a cryogenically frozen scientist wakes up in a matriarchal future as the only man — sounds like it could be played for cheap irony but Erickson treats it with complete seriousness. Melendez is a fascinating protagonist and the artificial persons he encounters are some of the most thoughtfully conceived AI characters I've read. The philosophical questions are real and the story is gripping.

What does it mean to be human? What is the difference between sentience and sapience? These are the questions at the heart of Future Prometheus and Erickson explores them through story rather than lecture. The APs are not metaphors — they're characters, and their struggle for recognition and rights is genuinely moving. Dystopian literature at its finest.

The Shelley and Wells references are not decorative — they're structural. Erickson is in genuine dialogue with the tradition of science fiction as social critique and he holds his own. Melendez's journey from confusion to understanding to action mirrors the best of the genre's tradition. The novella format keeps it tight and every page counts.

A lesser writer would have used the matriarchal society as either utopia or dystopia. Erickson refuses both easy options. The society he depicts is complex — better in some ways, worse in others, and above all human in its contradictions. Melendez's position as the only man is used to explore questions of power and identity without reducing either to a simple lesson.

As someone on the autism spectrum I found Melendez's portrayal genuinely moving. His neurodiversity is presented as a strength and a complexity rather than a limitation or a superpower. The way his mind works is integral to the story and Erickson handles it with evident care and research. Representation like this matters.

The two-novella structure works well — Emergence establishes the world and Evolution deepens it. The transition between them is handled smoothly and the second novella benefits from the groundwork laid in the first. My only note is that Evolution ends somewhat abruptly, clearly setting up the next volume. Four stars for a book that's very close to five.

The warning in the US Review of Books is accurate — this is highly engaging and you will lose track of time. I started Emergence on a Tuesday evening and finished Evolution before midnight. The world is vivid, the characters are compelling, and the ideas are genuinely interesting. One of the best science fiction debuts I've encountered.

Future Prometheus has the feel of classic science fiction — ideas-driven, character-focused, morally serious — while addressing questions that are urgently contemporary. The pandemic that transforms men into violent creatures is clearly a thought experiment about toxic masculinity taken to its logical extreme. Erickson handles the premise with intelligence and humanity.

There's a lot going on in this engaging tale and all of it is great. "Future Prometheus" felt a lot like the author just pulled out a blender, crammed it full ideas and hit the puree button. The action is intense, the relationships realistic, and many of the conversations are laced with a delightfully dry wit that will leave you snickering quietly to yourself long after you've finished reading. Overall, "Future Prometheus: The Series" is a long, but fulfilling read that's well worth its rather modest purchase price.

The Science fiction with full of creative ideas around artificial humans and its impacts. A different kind of story that makes sense, if you like unbelievable science fiction and buy into the concept of artificial humans, sole human survival and female domination. The novel is the adventurous and thrilling journey of Jose Melendez, a human who is fighting into this artificial human world where things have gone wrong with Artificial Intelligence and lead to destruction.

Massachusetts therapist/professor/author J.M. Erickson has earned multiple degrees and has written eleven books, including a five part series BIRDS OF FLIGHT and a five part series FUTURE PROMETHEUS. Erickson blends all of his rich background in dealing with variations of mental response and behavior and concentrates on writing science fiction that is imbued with a hefty dose of psychology. The power of Erickson's writing is such that his words act as a magnet, holding our attention through a multi-planet sci-fi tale as though we were traveling along side the characters. He is a compelling author whose style is such that he commands our attention from page one to the end. Very solid work.

Future Prometheus II is where the series fully realizes its ambitions. The three-novella structure allows Erickson to develop the world and the characters across a broader canvas while maintaining the tight focus that made the first volume work. Melendez's leadership of Omega Platoon is compelling and the Aurora Prime threat is genuinely frightening.

Erickson's use of Shakespeare throughout the series is one of its most distinctive features and Future Prometheus II uses it to greatest effect. The quotes illuminate the action rather than decorating it. The parallel between Melendez's situation and various Shakespearean protagonists is drawn with real intelligence. This is a writer who has read widely and thought carefully.

The best antagonists are the ones whose logic you can follow even as you oppose them and Aurora Prime is exactly that. Her vision of a world without the contradictions of human emotion is internally consistent and genuinely frightening. The scenes between her and Melendez are the intellectual heart of the book. Erickson has created something special here.

Each of the three novellas is excellent on its own terms but the transitions between them are occasionally abrupt. The overall arc is satisfying and the climax is genuinely exciting but a few threads from the first volume don't get the resolution they deserve. Four stars for a book that's very good but not quite as seamless as it could be.

Singh is one of the most compelling characters in the series and Future Prometheus II gives her real development. Her relationship with her son Roberto is handled with genuine emotional complexity. The scenes between her and Melendez have a warmth and tension that grounds the larger action. I would read a Singh-focused spinoff in a heartbeat.

The Self-Publishing Review comparison to Falling Skies is apt. The ensemble cast, the military action, the philosophical underpinning — all of it would translate brilliantly to the screen. But the book works completely on its own terms. The visual imagination is extraordinary and the character dynamics are exactly what serialized drama needs. Highly recommended.

Future Prometheus II delivers on every promise the first volume made. The world is richer, the characters are deeper, and the ideas are more fully developed. The climax is genuinely exciting and the ending sets up future volumes in a way that feels earned rather than manipulative. One of the best science fiction series currently being written.

It was ok. I love to read all different types of books. This one though was so very hard to get into to. It seemed like it took forever to read. I was a bit confused and bored. If you love Sci Fi Military type books this is for you!

It's a great science fiction read. It was a little hard to get into initially because of the flashbacks. However, I really did get sucked in. The story line is intriguing and the characters J.M. Erickson paints in the book are easily visualized by the reader. It reminded me of World War Z... but better actually. I found myself on the edge of my seat the more I got into the book. I recommend this book.

Kind of a lengthy read for me, clocking in at almost 500 pages. Liked it, didn't love it. Also I'm a fan of sci fi, but not particularly for military stories. Initially this book drew me in because of the title with "Prometheus" and I'm a sucker for greek mythology.

If you are looking for a book for a day by the pool, This is it! An excellent read! Even if you are not a die hard sci fi person this will keep your attention and make you want to read I and two of the series.

Although this is not my favorite genre book, the story was good. I didn't like some of the topics covered but looking aside from that this book read good, it was fluid in the way it flowed. Not for teens this is an adult book in my opinion. May read the next just to see what happens.

Erickson takes the ancient astronaut premise and treats it with genuine scientific rigor. The Terran civilization is fully realized and the questions about the origins of humanity are explored with real intelligence. Andrea Perez is a compelling protagonist and the government conspiracy elements add thriller momentum to the philosophical core. A genuinely original piece of science fiction.

Erickson moves from sixty-three million years ago to the present day with complete confidence. The scope of the story — planets, civilizations, the origins of life — is handled without ever losing the human scale. The Latin language and ceremonial elements of the Terran culture are beautifully imagined. This is science fiction with genuine cosmic ambition.

The Self-Publishing Review comparison to Doctor Who is apt — there's the same sense of vast time scales and civilizations beyond human comprehension. The novella format keeps it from getting too dense and the pacing is well-managed. My only note is that I wanted more time with the Terrans — they're fascinating and the book moves past them too quickly.

The thriller plot — government agents suppressing Andrea's research — is handled with real tension. The scenes where she realizes the danger she's in are some of the most effective in the book. Erickson balances the cosmic scale of the backstory with the immediate personal danger of the present-day plot with real skill. Highly recommended.

The thriller plot is competent but the real interest is in the philosophical questions Erickson raises about the nature of consciousness, the origins of civilization, and the relationship between creator and created. These questions are embedded in the action rather than stated directly which is the right approach. Four stars because I wanted more depth in the present-day sections.

Some stories need to be novellas and this is one of them. The tight format forces Erickson to be economical and every scene earns its place. The world is established efficiently and the characters are immediately distinct. The ending sets up the sequel in a way that feels earned. Immediately downloaded Apocalypse.

This is a well written Sci-Fi novella, set in the recent past and the future on both Earth and other planets in the solar system. Humans were not the first ones here, but were engineered by a group of beings known as Terrans. Intelligent Design gives the reader both current and past scientific theories and events, and brings them together in an enticing soup of conspiracy, humour, high-tech gadgets, and existential questions. I wholeheartedly recommend this novel to dyed-in-the-wool Sci-Fi enthusiasts.

If you enjoy an interstellar novel with elements of religion and some great fighting sequences then Intelligent Design by Joseph Erikson will be right up your alley. In Intelligent Design you are privy to not one, but two of his wonderful novellas. The first is Revelations which takes us all the way from 65 million years ago when superior beings were trying to save hominids through present day. I look forward to reading more work by Joseph Erikson.

Intelligent Design by Joseph Erikson consists 2 novellas in one book. Revelations shows the beginning of all time millions of years in the past as well as present time. It shows that our history is far more complex than any of us would have imagined and that we are not alone in the universe. What I enjoyed most about this book was the fact that it was clear how much research Erikson put into many aspects of the novel.

The title Intelligent Design: Revelations to Apocalypse makes it seem like this book is going to be a religious one, but instead it is a very engaging science fiction novel. The approach to writing meant that readers don't find out everything there is to know all at once, instead, what the reader knows is often connected to what the characters know and what they are learning. I found the overall theme fascinating, especially as it focused on a situation that was far outside our reality, yet at the same time very relatable.

I had a difficult time getting into this book. But once I did I enjoyed the technology advancements that each planet had. The author does a wonderful job of providing detail about each planet that makes the books enjoyable. As we move from the prologue were the first planet is whipped out from a natural event then to the current time line and on planet earth we learn that we are not alone in the solar system. This book is definitely worth the read.

With an inspired ingenuity, author J.M. Erickson combines two novellas into one completely brilliant novel. Although both stories could certainly stand-alone and still be very compelling, together they become even more forceful and significant. Intelligent Design: Revelations to Apocalypse is not just a science fiction, action adventure story. Rather, this book is a frightfully realistic imagining of the beginning and of the end of our reality, and our world, as we know it now.

The story had a little of a slow start but that is usually expected with science fiction because you have to get used to the worlds that are being created. After the initial slow start, the story kicks into gear at a pretty steady pace. Definitely can tell the author did do a good amount of research into several different areas, for example: religion, meteorology and even fighting styles. Overall, great read for lovers of science fiction with a mix of fantasy.

Right off the bat this book was hard for me to really delve into the story. It felt disjointed and not until a good quarter of the way in did it start to make sense. The writing and plot layout are solid and once I was able to follow the storyline the book took off in terms of depth and speed of the story. It was a nice change of pace from the usual Science Fiction stories and the characters are given enough details to truly become individuals to me. A good book with a rough start.

Intelligent Design: Revelations to Apocalypse by J.M. Erickson is actually two books for the price of one. While science fiction is not my favorite genre, I did enjoy this one. Since it is two books, the dreaded wait for the sequel is non-existent which in my book is a major plus! The storyline starts in ancient history and moves forward to present times. The characters are believable and enjoyable and the plot keeps your interest.

An interestingly written, far ranging sci-fi story of the universe, its initiation, evolutionary refashioning and theoretical changes that could drastically reorganize the present alignment and necessitate wide-ranging adaptive transformations. An interesting aside with respect to 'faith' is notable.

One of the worst parts about reading books in a series is the span of time between the first and second installments, but fortunately, we don't have to deal with that problem with Intelligent Design. In this jam-packed thrill ride, we dive from ancient past to mysterious present. For a new author to immediately grip me, not only with plot and characters alone, but with a uniquely confident writing style, I tend to stand up and pay attention. Erickson has a way with words, to say the least.

I was absolutely glued to this book. I'm a big fan of apocalyptic stories and this one really stepped away from what I'm used to reading, which was very refreshing. The world the author spins is so realistic that I could easily picture it in my mind. I really enjoyed the character development too, as each seemed to be realistic and took on challenges like a real person might. I'd recommend this book to sci-fi fans, or those who love a novel that offers a fresh new look to the genre.

This was an incredibly creative and complex read that split open our current conceptions of space travel, human origins, and the true story of the past. I love authors who are able to force a science fiction reality directly on top of our own, predicting the future in such memorable ways. Erickson seemed inspired by Asimov, but brought his own darkness to the stage. I think that the combination of science, mythology, tradition, and even religion blended perfectly in the book, making for an adventure that would appeal to a diverse range of readers.

Apocalypse takes everything that worked in Revelations and amplifies it. The threat of Jupiter's gravitational disruption is handled with real scientific plausibility and the stakes feel genuinely cosmic. The interplay between the different species — humans, Terrans, Martians, AIs — is the most complex and satisfying in the series. Erickson is building something remarkable.

The US Review of Books is right that the interplay between the species is what makes this book charming as well as compelling. The Terrans, the Martians, and the AIs all have distinct voices and perspectives and their interactions reveal character and advance the plot simultaneously. Erickson has created a genuinely diverse universe in the best sense of the word.

If you want science fiction that's genuinely fun to read while also making you think, Intelligent Design: Apocalypse delivers both. The adventure plot is propulsive and the ideas embedded in it are substantive. The cosmic scale doesn't overwhelm the human story — if anything it makes the personal stakes feel more significant. Excellent work.

The US Review of Books description of this as a book for readers open to both fictional science and fascinating religion is accurate. Erickson doesn't resolve the tension between scientific and religious ways of understanding the universe — he uses it productively. The originators of the universe are present but not explained, which is exactly the right choice.

Revelations was excellent but Apocalypse is better. The world is more fully realized, the characters are deeper, and the stakes are higher. The ending is genuinely surprising and emotionally satisfying. Erickson has created a science fiction universe that rewards investment. Highly recommended for fans of ideas-driven adventure fiction.

Each story in this collection is complete and satisfying on its own while also connecting to the others in ways that reward careful reading. Erickson's range is impressive — from intimate character studies to cosmic speculation — and his voice is consistent throughout. The Massachusetts settings give the collection a distinctive sense of place. Highly recommended.

The Self-Publishing Review is right that multiverse theory is the central theme and Erickson explores it from multiple angles without repeating himself. Each story finds a different way into the same set of questions about choice, identity, and the roads not taken. Rogue Event is the standout for me but every story earns its place.

Neurogenesis and To See Behind Walls are the most explicitly literary stories in the collection and they work because Erickson understands what made the originals great and finds something new to say with the premises. The Flowers for Algernon riff is particularly moving. Four stars because a couple of the shorter pieces feel slight compared to the stronger entries.

As someone who grew up in the Merrimack Valley I appreciated the specificity of the settings. Erickson uses the familiar geography to make the speculative elements more unsettling — the contrast between the ordinary and the extraordinary is one of the collection's great strengths. The MIT story is particularly effective in this regard.

The story about humanity's preparation for a rogue planet passing through the solar system is one of the most quietly devastating things I've read in short fiction. The scope is enormous but the focus stays human. The ending is perfect — hopeful and heartbreaking simultaneously. The rest of the collection is excellent too but Rogue Event is something special.

This collection shows a different side of Erickson than the novels — more playful, more formally experimental, more willing to leave things unresolved. The Gray is the most ambitious story and the most divisive — I found it fascinating but I can see why some readers might find it too strange. Four stars for a collection that takes real risks.

Time is For Dragonflies and Angels is a collection of stories that tackles the themes of time travel and alternate universes. The author, J. M. Erickson, paints a bleak vision of the future, albeit not one without some glimmers of hope. Despite the Orwellian undertones, we are reminded of the strength of the human spirit. Erickson has created a fitting contribution to the genre, with characters who feel real, and who are in some cases, quite relatable.

I am a fan of both dystopian fiction and of shorter stories, so this anthology fit the bill for me. What author J.W. Erickson has put together here are nothing short of brilliant. If you are searching for layered meanings and themes of a dark future that will have you thinking even after you've finished reading, this is the collection for you. This is an excellent collection and one that I will revisit again, more than likely.

This book is about science fiction. Presents the idea of parallel worlds and parallel dimensions. Not a long book, but it is very complete and the author developed the story complete. In this book they develop 5 independent stories, all of them develop the same theme (parallel worlds and parallel dimensions). Also presents social problems. I found a very good book.

Time is for Dragonflies and Angels written by J. M. Erickson is a collection of different science fiction short stories. This compilation are all well written with very imaginative plots. I was enthralled by the stories and ended up reading this novel in one sitting. It was hard to put down, as each and every story was so engaging and fast paced as well as detailed and really pulls the reader into each plot. All five stories were unique and were a joy to read. I highly recommend this compilation of short stories to any reader who enjoy science fiction.

"Time is for dragonflies and angels. The former live to little, and the latter live too long"....a character in one of the stories makes this observation about why she doesn't really worry about being on time. If you are a fan of the sci-fi short story genre, especially the idea of multiverse/parallel earths, you are sure to enjoy these stories. They vary in length from novella to very short, but each is thought provoking and entertaining.

I'm always amazed at how many different directions that science fiction can take and this book is a fantastic example of that. In total, the book contains five short stories, each of which is related to the concept of parallel worlds. Personally, I enjoyed all of them and the writing style works extremely well. The book would work exceptionally well if you love science fiction but don't have the time to sit down and read a novel.

I've always felt sci-fi was one of the best ways to add in social commentary without sounding preachy or boring. I feel, this selection of short stories managed to do this brilliantly, which made the entire collection an amazing read. It's hard to pick a favorite out of this bunch of five incredible stories. The writing is superb and the author tackles some hard topics like multi-dimensions that many authors can't pull off quite as well.

Being as I am a big fan of stories that address social issues that we face daily, I was excited to begin reading this. As I finished each short story, I was more excited to begin the next. The issues that were addressed were subtle enough so that you weren't being bombarded with the authors viewpoint, but present enough that you could make your own decision on how you feel about the issue.

Massachusetts therapist/professor/author J.M. Erickson blends all of his rich background in dealing with variations of mental response and behavior and concentrates on writing science fiction that is imbued with a hefty dose of psychology. His tales are all rich in quality science fiction imagery, character development and imaginative near credible situations. His language, while contemporarily raw, flows like fine poetry in passages. This is the third book of Erickson's this reader has enjoyed. He is a man of significance on so many levels and embellishes his clinical career with a true gift for creating excellent science fiction tales.

Erickson takes the Lucifer myth and reimagines it as a science fiction coming-of-age story without losing what makes the original myth powerful. Victor's transformation on Earth — the ruined planet — is genuinely moving and the parallels to the biblical story are drawn with subtlety. This is the kind of genre fiction that rewards literary attention.

The prince's journey from sheltered scholar to something harder and more purposeful is handled with real care. Erickson doesn't rush the transformation — you feel every stage of it. Sergeant Devin is an excellent foil and their relationship is the emotional core of the book. The world-building is rich without being overwhelming. Highly recommended.

The Self-Publishing Review description — survivalist nail-biter with coming-of-age drama — is exactly right. The survival sequences on Earth are genuinely tense and the character development that happens within them is earned rather than imposed. Erickson has created a universe that feels fully realized and a story that stands completely on its own.

The political dynamics of the royal family are one of the most interesting elements of the book. The brothers' rivalry and the institutional corruption of the monarchy feel real and the stakes of Victor's survival are embedded in that political context. My only note is that I wanted more time in the royal court before the action moves to Earth. Four stars for a book that's very close to five.

Devin's moral crisis at the opening of the book — refusing to participate in human rights violations and accepting the consequences — establishes her as a character of real integrity. Her protection of Victor is not just professional duty but a moral commitment. The relationship between them is the heart of the book and it's handled beautifully.

You don't need to have read any of Erickson's other work to enjoy this — it's completely self-contained. The world is established efficiently and the characters are immediately engaging. The ending is satisfying while leaving room for future stories. Four stars because the middle section occasionally loses momentum but the opening and closing thirds are excellent.

If you are in the market for a fast paced mixed genre novel with a heavy science fiction base then you have come to the right place. The Prince: Lucifer's Origins by J. M. Erickson is not as religious as the title might suggest. This story will definitely keep you on your toes. I would recommend it in a heart beat.

The Prince: Lucifer's Origins by J. M. Erickson is an action filled science-fiction thriller with 12 year old prince Victor as our leading man. This story is fast paced and engaging. It would be a great story for me to share with any of my students who are interested in Science Fiction as it should be at their level.

With a mix of sci-fi, drama and intrigue Erickson leads us into a study of the human mind and soul. I greatly enjoyed the quotes of wisdom before each chapter by Niccolo Machiavelli that sparks the interest of what lies ahead. Powerful and exciting are the character developments, especially Prince Victor as the story unfolds creating an outstanding novel. Wonderfully written, deep book – one to definitely read slowly and savor, as this is not your typical sci-fi adventure.

Victor, the prince is intelligent and creative. At first he doesn't have much control over his life but through harsh circumstances have toughened him up. There's plenty of action in this book and the story flows well despite the different species and planets and other information the reader must learn about.

The Prince is an exceedingly fast paced science fiction novel that is bound to take your breath away. The book is interspersed with lots of scientific, religious and political elements that speaks about an ideal society. The story is highly interesting although it requires that you read carefully each and every line otherwise you are bound to miss some action. My favorite character was Rose- the artificial intelligence of Prince who got deeply integrated with his brains. She is cheeky, intelligent, knowledgeable and possessed with loads of attitude.

I'll admit that the title of this book is one that made me a little bit nervous, but the author did pull off the topic well and it fits within the genre. One of the most interesting things about the novel was the interplay between religious figures and symbolism, and the world of science fiction. That certainly isn't the easiest balance to pull off, and I was certainly impressed at how well the author managed it.

The Prince: Lucifer's Origins is a novel written by J. M. Erickson. This fantasy book has a mixture of everything; science fiction, drama and intrigue. I do not tend to like science fiction, but in this case I enjoyed it. It makes you think that life has prepared many things for you, but you may avoid doing what is planned. I would recommend reading The Prince.

Twelve-year-old Victor isn't interested in the family business – the family business being to rule, conquer and contain one's fiefdom – "fiefdom" in the case of Victor's world being actual planets. While The Prince: Lucifer's Origins is undoubtedly sci-fi, it feels like its origins are steeped in English medieval history with the reluctant young prince being called to arms. Erickson has done a good job creating this alternate universe into which he's invited his readers. A good solid read.

This book is interesting in the fact that for much of the book, you have very little insight into what is going on. However, what the book does explain is the voyage of a young prince to a place where he is supposed to be safe. Something goes wrong and he faces many challenges. The book has a great outer space and science fiction future feel to it and many elements of the settings are familiar enough to present day for you to understand what is going on. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves science fiction or stories about alternate realities.

This book is an intriguing mix of drama, science-fiction, and emotion of the human soul. A mission into the "ancient civilization" depicts "earth" as "hell" and you don't want to miss this adrenaline filled action. Trapped in hell five years, death-defying occurrences will engage the reader immensely. Good and evil will intersect as will the indomitable will to survive. I highly recommend this book as it is a real page turner filled with action and science-fiction at its finest.

Before I read this book I was captivated by the author's biography. He is a brilliant man that seems to keep himself very busy so I knew this would be a well written book. This 12-year old boy is wise beyond his years and this book is packed full of suspense and intensity. I was highly impressed with his style of writing and thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Massachusetts therapist/professor/author J.M. Erickson blends all of his rich background in dealing with variations of mental response and behavior and concentrates on writing science fiction that is imbued with a hefty dose of psychology. He is a man of significance on so many levels and embellishes his clinical career with a true gift for creating excellent science fiction tales.

Rogue Event takes an apocalyptic premise — a rogue planet sending Earth into deep space — and uses it to explore what makes life worth living. Gabriel Lawless is a perfect protagonist for this story: his refusal to be numbed by the efficiency drugs makes him both a criminal and the most human person in the book. The ending is exactly right.

The character of Gabriel — passionate, curious, adventurous in a world that has criminalized all three — is one of Erickson's finest creations. His relationship with his family, slowly eroded by their compliance with the efficiency regime, is heartbreaking. The cosmic event that ends the world is almost beside the point — the real story is what it means to be fully human.

Central Corporate Command & Mainframe Control is one of the most plausible dystopian governments I've encountered in fiction. The emotional suppression drugs, the criminalization of curiosity and passion, the efficiency-above-all ideology — all of it feels like a logical extrapolation of real trends. Erickson uses the science fiction premise to make a serious point about what we risk losing.

Gabriel's crime of possessing literature is one of the most effective details in the book — the idea that stories themselves are contraband in this world says everything about what the regime fears. The underground community of readers and thinkers is sketched quickly but vividly. Four stars because I wanted more time with the underground before the apocalypse arrives.

Rogue Event is exactly as long as it needs to be. The novella format suits the story perfectly — tight, focused, and complete. The US Review of Books is right that the entertainment value is consistent throughout. But what makes it more than entertainment is the emotional truth at its center. Gabriel's story is about what we owe to our own humanity.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is one of the great American short stories and Erickson's homage to it is genuinely worthy of the original. He takes the premise — a man who escapes into fantasy — and gives it a science fiction dimension that deepens rather than replaces the psychological insight. The ending is both surprising and inevitable. Excellent work.

The distinction between the protagonist's inner fantasy life and his outer reality is handled with real craft. The fantasy sequences are vivid and specific — not generic wish fulfillment but a particular vision of what this particular person needs. The science fiction element that blurs the boundary between fantasy and reality is introduced at exactly the right moment.

To See Behind Walls is a well-crafted piece of short fiction that does what it sets out to do with skill and economy. The Thurber influence is clear but Erickson makes the premise his own. My only note is that it's the slightest of the standalone works — the ideas are interesting but not as fully developed as in Rogue Event. Four stars for a good story that could have been a great one with more space.

To See Behind Walls appears in the Time Is for Dragonflies collection and I think it benefits from that context — the other stories around it illuminate what Erickson is doing with the Walter Mitty premise. As a standalone it's good; as part of the collection it's excellent. Four stars as a standalone, five as part of the larger work.

The "Secret life of Walter Smitty" of our time. This is such a great short story. It raises so much thought about how things have changed since the 1930s yet have stayed the same. We all want to feel important so we use our imagination during the most mundane of times. This is a story about today for today and tomorrow.

This short bit of flash fiction's mix of mundane morning chores interspersed with a series of thrilling imaginative adventures makes for a surprisingly good read. Much as James Thurber's "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" was an important work of fiction for its time, this loving homage attempts to walk a similar path using potential near-future scenarios as the avenue for exploring those same fears and concerns. "To See Behind Walls" maybe a short read, but it's one that you will want to revisit again and again for years to come.

The idea of an afterlife as a shared consciousness — a kind of collective digital space — is one of the most original premises I've encountered in short science fiction. Erickson develops it with real care and the two protagonists are immediately engaging. The accidental connection between Sage and Cobb is handled with both scientific plausibility and emotional resonance.

Dr. Melanie Sage is one of Erickson's most interesting protagonists — a brilliant scientist whose autism is managed by a neural chip that she has modified herself. The implications of that modification drive the plot and reveal character simultaneously. Her relationship with Dr. Cobb is handled with real sensitivity. A strong early work that shows the range of Erickson's imagination.

At 62 pages this is very short even for a novella and the premise deserves more space than it gets. The characters are well-drawn and the ideas are genuinely interesting but the resolution feels rushed. Four stars for a work that suggests what Erickson would become — the imagination is fully there, the craft is still developing.

Afterlife Code is clearly an early work — the prose is less assured than Erickson's later writing and the plotting is occasionally uneven. But the core ideas are already there: the intersection of technology and consciousness, the complexity of human relationships, the moral weight of scientific discovery. Worth reading as a window into where the author started.

Afterlife Code is a short novella (69 pages) written by J. M. Erickson. The premise is that a brilliant scientist who struggles with autism has created a computer code for a brain implant that helps her lead a more normal life. What can't be portrayed with that simple write up is that this is roughly seventy pages of science fiction, time travel, horror that demands at least one re-read to truly get everything that happens in this story. That's the magic of this novella, you want (maybe even need) this to be a full length book and possibly even the beginning of a series.

This novel centers on a brilliant computer scientist, Dr. Melanie Sage, who has a brain implant that helps her to manage her autism. She creates a special code for her implant to help her overcome some of the challenges she faces as a result of having autism. But things don't quite go according to plan when she decides to activate the code when she sees her therapist, Dr. Cobb. He also has an implant to help him manage symptoms of PTSD, though Dr. Sage doesn't know this. Unfortunately, his implant is much older, and when Dr. Sage activates the code, it triggers a seizure.