What the Critics Say

A richly imagined dystopian future where the echoes of Conrad's Heart of Darkness reverberate across the red plains of Mars. The world-building is meticulous, the characters feel genuinely alive, and the political tensions driving the narrative are uncomfortably plausible.

Deadly Going Dark marks the arrival of a significant new voice in science fiction. Erickson's novel is ambitious in scope and assured in execution, with world-building that rivals the best in the genre.

In every story, the author displays bright moments of humor alongside darker bits of existential dread. His stories succeed on two levels, both as diverting bits of adventure and as deeper commentary on our modern life. The book's title refers to how the lives of dragonflies are far too brief while those of angels are far too long. As we all must exist somewhere between the two, many readers will find the length of the stories ideal — the perfect prescription for anyone who wants to briefly leave our own world behind.

The Prince: Lucifer's Origins is a fast-paced, survivalist nail-biter, with a large helping of science fiction adventure, a dash of military action, and a pinch of coming-of-age drama. Erickson's creation is a fully realized place, and it results in a universe that is pleasantly complex. Various peoples, planets, societies, aliens, customs, and technologies populate the book, which creates a setting that feels viable and a depth that is palpable as the plot progresses. The writing is intelligent, especially concerning technological advances and brain functions, and is adequately descriptive. Erickson writes like an author who is both familiar and comfortable with his writing style — and it shows. Science fiction enthusiasts will no doubt find The Prince entertaining, and there are elements enough of other genres to draw a readership from a far larger crowd. In spite of a plot that is not especially original, Erickson's veteran writing chops set this novel apart from a big portion of the self-publishing pack.

Erickson delivers an immersive sci-fi adventure. 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.

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 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.

David is a protagonist we want to root for as independence tests the military instincts that have shaped him since childhood. 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.

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 story offers a fresh take on revolution by prioritizing day-to-day survival over dramatic grandstanding. Highly recommended.

J.M. Erickson shows great mastery in the art of the short story and scores great success when it comes to purposeful writing, for besides the entertainment the stories offer, there are lessons and values that can benefit readers enormously. The writing is beautiful and engaging, and the stories are fast-paced. Time is for Dragonflies and Angels is a gorgeous collection that I'd gladly recommend to anyone who loves short stories.

Every story focuses on the extent of our ability to adapt as human beings, including the ethical message of compassion, determination and tolerance. Erickson's knowledge in the cognitive field clearly shows and makes each story much more substantial. Time is for Dragonflies and Angels is highly engaging and enjoyable, with great concepts and story lines as well as clear-cut and flawless prose.

In just those few pages, J.M. Erickson captures compelling concepts that are above and beyond ordinary science fiction and brings them to life in a way that is both very compelling and effortlessly conceivable. Each of the stories comprises a unique plot and setting and a fresh cast of memorable characters. Time is for Dragonflies and Angels is a 5-in-one jackpot for a fan of sci-fi, dystopia and alternative dimensions.

This is just the type of novel I love to get lost in — original, intelligent, creative escapism that is so clearly not of this world (or is it?), but we are very much a part of it in almost every way. I liked Victor, loved Marcia and Regina, loved (hated) how Earth was "Hell" (sad but true), and was super impressed with how the author managed to combine so many elements and themes, but kept the story tightly focused and it all came together so well. Lots of action and snappy dialogue to keep me hooked.

This book was amazing! I read a few other books by J.M. Erickson not that long ago, and he is definitely one of those authors that I now feel has "proved" himself to me in the sense that I'll read anything that he writes! The stories are always fast paced, intelligently written, great editing, interesting characters, and a great plot. But they also tie into the bigger, more universal landscape of life, touching on many broader themes that play out quite brilliantly in this universe he created. It is rare to find a writer who so consistently delivers and seems to get better each time.

I think that J.M. Erickson may have made a Science Fiction fan out of me! Brilliant layers of storyline complexity that has a psychological edge wrapped with action and high stakes. Still remarkable, memorable reading!

I was pleasantly surprised by the top-notch professionalism in this book, from the flawless editing to the strength of the narration and the complexity of the characters and engaging, thought-provoking and unpredictable storylines. This sci/fi anthology is one of the better ones I've read, and kudos to Mr. Erickson for raising the bar.

"Time is for Dragonflies and Angels" is hands down one of the most addicting and intellectually captivating books I've read in a long time. Literary, psychologically driven and emotionally complex with several interweaving plot lines and cool tech, AI, alternate worlds, multi universes… Fast paced and unpredictable. Highly readable and extremely enjoyable.

Although the length may be shorter, there is no lack of story arc, emotional investment, and profoundly complex plotlines that truly take us to another world(s). I was surprised by how we are often left with our jaws hanging open — especially the end of "To See Behind Walls." Sign of a gifted writer there.

I found myself completely lost in his unique worlds and bizarre, twisted, and even ordinary characters. Although I did enjoy some stories more than others, I was almost disappointed when I was finished because I wanted to read more.

TIME IS FOR DRAGONFLIES AND ANGELS is a must read for lovers of literary science fiction and dark drama and fantasy. This book falls into that rare group that tells unexpected and original stories that don't rely on clichés or overused plot devices. A solid effort from J.M. Erickson and I'm eager to read more of his published works.

J.M. Erickson has done it again! The world-building is brilliant, detailed, and puts us right in the story, and the characters are dynamic and fully realized. One thing I enjoy about J.M. Erickson's writing is not only that he can make the most fantastical settings feel totally believable, but he writes such strong women characters, something I don't see much of in this genre. The story touches on so many facets of the human experience: science, religion, history, evolution, biology, physics, good vs. evil… a great experience and I hope this storyline continues!

Complex, riveting, and touches on the deepest corners of the human condition, but is also quite profound at times, but not confusing. I always enjoy the characters in Mr. Erickson's books, and see what sorts of conflicts they must overcome. I also enjoyed the literary infusion throughout, and now I want to re-read Machiavelli! Thank you, Mr. Erickson, for writing another intelligent and highly entertaining novel.

I absolutely enjoyed this book and couldn't seem to put it down. I am really picky with anything science fiction related, as so often I read something that seems like I've read it a thousand times before. But that was definitely not the case with "The Prince: Lucifer's Origins." Loved the references to "The Prince" by Machiavelli weaved throughout — clever! The whole time I was reading I kept thinking how I hadn't read anything like this before. This book had some of everything I enjoy in a good book, including some more important overall themes that are relatable on almost every level.

I almost feel like I just read 5 books, so much happens and it's hard to just sum up. The writing is great, and for me that really can make or break a book. I was constantly surprised by things as they unfolded, and liked that none of the characters were predictable. In fact for me it was the characters who really sold this book for me. The world-building was great too, but I really enjoyed the relationship dynamics and how they played off one another. I read this book in the span of 3 nights which for me is pretty fast.