Indie Book Reviewers' Reviews - 7 to 12

Time is for Dragonflies and Angels

      Eye-opening and engrossing, this compilation of tales of dystopian & sci/fi  as told by prolific and talented author J.M. Erickson will have you on the edge of your seat, turning the pages as fast as you can, and leave you wanting more! In fact even though the first story “Recount our Dreams” wraps up well enough, I would love to know what Jack’s ultimate fate is. (Would be cool if this had a follow up or something) I was surprised to finish this whole book so quickly, but I didn’t want to stop reading once I started! And I found the individual story length to be perfect to take in smaller doses, do something else for a bit (and gather my wits), then read another story. One thing was that I thought when I read the author’s biography was that this man is fascinated with the powers and (limitless) possibilities of the mind and our existence and it shows. Enjoyed exploring these ‘alternative’ realities with him and it makes me really wonder if some of this could be an actual reality….. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others to read as well.(4-5 stars). Nicola Flood—Goodreads; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers

       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 cliché’s or overused plot devices – nice, especially in the Sci-Fi genre where it is hard to find really unique plotlines and genuine character development. Although there are familiar tropes here in these stories (parallel worlds, alternate dimensions, AI and aliens, etc…) Erickson does an incredible job treating each story as an individual entity with a flavor and message all its own. The shorter story length keeps you hooked from beginning to end, and if you are like me you’ll find you just want to keep reading all the way through to the last one. I found a few of the stories to be more impactful personally, but each were well-executed in their own right. A solid effort from J.M. Erickson and I’m eager to read more of his published works.(5 stars) Stephan Beacher—Goodreads; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers

      “Time is for Dragonflies and Angels” by J.M. Erickson is hands down one of the most addicting and interesting and intellectually captivating books (collection of novellas/short stories) I’ve read in a long time! But I would hardly expect anything less from Erickson at this point. I’ve read at least a half dozen of his books, and have yet to be disappointed in any of them – in fact the opposite actually as I continue to be even more and more amazed at how he really pushes the boundaries of the genre and takes us to some really cool new places in our minds.  He is so talented at taking some really “out there’ ideas and putting them in stories in a way that is entertaining and even believable (because of the solid world-building and characterizations). I was completely drawn in from the opening pages, and thought the stories were all really cool and original in their own way, but all have the same vibe that only Erickson can deliver. Literary, psychologically driven and emotionally complex with several interweaving plot lines and cool tech, AI, alternate worlds, multi universes… Erickson does a fantastic job of making us feel transported not only into the various characters’ heads throughout the different surreal and experiences and their circumstances—sometimes the worst, most terrifying moments of their lives, some profound and amazing— and  it felt like I was reading several slices of real life, although not any life we’ll ever know . Fast paced and unpredictable. Some minor editing issues but nothing awful. Highly readable and extremely enjoyable. (4 stars) Karen Matthews—Goodreads; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers

      Although Science fiction/ fantasy/ dystopian is not my favorite genre  I have read a few other books by this author in the past and was really captivated by his storytelling and the way that he pulls us into these crazy, unique and seemingly far-fetched situations and realities, yet does so in a way that is strangely believable. Like some of it could happen (crazy, I know, but that’s how it feels). Like his other books have been, I found this one “Time is for Dragonflies and Angels” to be just as good as the others… better, even because this book has 5 ‘books’ in it! Great descriptions – I could always picture everything (and everyone) perfectly.  It did keep me engaged, and I liked the length of these stories… short enough to read a few in a sitting or two, but not so short where you don’t feel like you experienced anything…quite the opposite, actually.  I like Mr. Erickson’s edgy and creative writing style very much, and 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. Recommend for adults. (4 stars) Carla Biggins—Goodreads; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers

      At first I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into in deciding to read this book. Because admittedly I do tend to lean towards longer science fiction books that I can really lose myself in. So short stories or novellas are not my usual fare. But I enjoy science fiction and this author has generated some amazing reviews on this and his other works. So I read the first story “Recount our Dreams” and almost immediately my reservations went right out the window as I was sucked into this psychological rabbit hole! 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) for a while. The only one I didn’t particularly connect to is “The Gray”, but all the others were terrific and while not perfect, were darn entertaining which is all I ask for in a book. In retrospect I now think I liked this BETTER as an anthology because we see a real mix of different settings and characters, and the author is able to spread his literary wings more. 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. Will definitely be checking out his other works, Really glad I took a chance on this one…Recommend for sci/fi, literary dystopian fans. (4-5 stars) Megan King—Goodreads; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers

      I love reading science fiction and these stories by J.M. Erickson were some of the best I’ve read in a long time! I love the author’s easy and graceful use of powerful words to paint each situation and give deep imagery beyond compare. His writing is very descriptive and pulls you in. Some of the stories were moving, some dark and futuristic and challenges your psyche and expands your mind into new dimensions (sometimes literally!) All kinda bizarre and shocking in some way – a real jolt to the psyche and the senses. Loaded with skillful literary prose, and the editing was near flawless. The stories were all very interesting, and different from one another, and I liked how the author really thinks outside the box and takes chances – forcing us to look at life through a different filter for a while, even if it is frightening or disturbing.  Even though there are 5 different here, it’s a great read and each story has its own identity while maintaining the overall quality that will appeal to adult fans of science fiction.(5 stars) Eliza Brown—Goodreads; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers