Indie Book Reviewers

Rogue Event

I read a lot of fantasy and Science Fiction, so this is a genre I’m familiar with. Having read several others of J.M. Erickson’s books and really enjoying them, I was curious to see how he would deliver in this one “Rogue Event” and if it would be as good as the others. Mr. Erickson is unarguably a very talented writer, but more than that he genuinely impressed me with his thorough world-building and sheer creativeness on many levels in such a short amount of time (this is a novella). All too often I read works that feel clearly derivative of other books, and although I appreciate literary influences (as is felt here as well), when something this original comes along it is a refreshing change of pace! Some of the writing was downright lyrical in the simple elegance of the prose, and other times I was nearly breathless from the intensity and violent passion. I finished it in less than two hours, and went through so many highs and lows, it felt like a rollercoaster of a full-length novel! I was hoping for a different ending, but it was powerful nonetheless. A must read for Sci-Fi fans. (5 stars) Stacy Decker- Goodreads; Shelfari; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers

I really enjoyed “Rogue Event” by author J.M. Erickson, even though science-fiction isn’t usually one of my more preferred genres (don’t dislike it, just don’t generally gravitate). But I was really impressed! I really liked the setup with it being in the future and feelings were considered ‘bad’ and they had to take pills to act like robots. There are people living under the earth that provide the energy, and a ‘rogue planet’ is passing near Earth throwing things into chaos. Wow!  I thought that Mr. Erickson did such a wonderful job with the descriptions of the world and the different characters. There are several of them, some more fully fleshed out than others, and I was so shocked at some things that happened. Emotionally engaging and with lots of action considering the shorter length. Would have been cool to see what the author could have done with this had it been longer. Very cool promise! Feels pretty suitable for mature teens on up. I had a great time reading this!(4-5 stars) Anabella Johnson- Goodreads; Shelfari; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers


This book was great… lots of fun to read and very creative, but very true to a standard sci/fi universe. I’m a huge fan of Erickson’s work and I knew that he could write and tell a great, captivating story. But I was in no way prepared for how totally addicting this novel would be, and the sheer magnitude of the world, the characters, the multi plots, the rules and tension… I  was totally hooked and read it in one sitting. The way Erickson writes is captivating from the beginning and you just want to keep reading and reading and not stop. It is both descriptive and has great world building (important for a fantasy-sci/fi) but also is fast moving and unpredictable so that you aren’t bored. I was disappointed when it was over, especially because it seemed really abrupt and I just wanted more… But overall was an interesting and original tale of government control, free will, fate and the role of the  ‘other’…  Recommend for fans of psychological thriller/ action/science fiction.(5 stars) Karen Matthews- Goodreads; Shelfari; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers

“Rogue Event” by J.M. Erickson was an interesting mix of dystopian, action, high-stakes drama, science fiction, and dare I say, a psychological adventure? I can’t quite say that I’ve ever really read anything like it before, and even though it’s a fast read that I finished in the span of an evening (less than…) I loved the level of detailing and thought to the futuristic world development… There are many complex subplots woven throughout  and we experience through different characters perspectives. The book is divided into 6 ‘sections’, but it all reads as a cohesive novella. I saw some minor editing/proofing things and honestly didn’t like the ending…. Felt like I was on a great date that was suddenly over out of nowhere and never see the person again. But an enjoyable, memorable experience nonetheless.(4 star) Jhonni Parker- Goodreads; Shelfari; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers

Usually I tend to gravitate towards more literary, romance, or character-driven novels, but I like this author from another book of his I’d just read so even though hard core sci-fi isn’t really my thing, I decided to give it a shot.  Well, I can definitely say that a lot of people would love this book! First off the characters are awesome, and even for being ‘fantastical’, there is things that felt relatable to modern day, like having too much government control, work over humanity and feelings, outcasts, earth heading for possible destruction…! There are a lot of characters, some more developed than others, but all are realistic enough and don’t seem like cardboard cutouts. I especially like the darker psychological angle that Mr. Erickson employs that gives this story an edge over many I’ve read lately. I enjoyed this much more than expected and will look for more from him in the future. (4 stars) Essie Harmon- Goodreads; Shelfari; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers

Brilliantly crafted and written, “Rogue Event” is a thrilling new standalone novella (not part of a series it appears) by J.M. Erickson,  author of other several amazing series I have enjoyed. This futuristic dystopian world is wholly conceived, and I was pleased with the level of character development in such a limited space – the writing needed to be focused and tight and it was. The plots are complex and intelligent, yet quirky enough to keep you guessing and shift the dynamic of the storyline in unexpected ways, something that even a jaded reader like myself can fully appreciate and still be shocked by. This is great because nothing I hate more than predictable clichés. Even though there are some familiar “Orwellian” elements present, Erickson gives a fresh perspective that works so well in the context of this story. I would also like to commend the level of professionalism in this novel, from the cover, to the formatting, to the editing – all top notch. Looking forward to more great stories from J.M. Ericson and will be recommending to my friends who enjoy quality science/fiction. (5 stars) Cody Brighton- Goodreads; Shelfari; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers