The Prince: Lucifer’s Origins is a science fiction novel by J.M. Erickson. The adventure settles on young protagonist Prince Victor Venture IX, descendant of an intergalactic royal family. Victor makes the decision to pursue his studies instead of his usual roles in the court, but his preteen thirst for knowledge is short-lived when a fellow princely brother gives him a one-way invite to join him in the Sagittarius Sector. From here, a twisting web of intrigue begins that sees poor Victor thrown into the depths of the somehow-familiar planet of Hell, only to rise again with incredible strength that seems to be sent from the universe itself.

I have read some of J.M. Erickson’s action novels before, and I was delighted to see that the same high level of attention to detail goes into his science fiction works. The Prince: Lucifer’s Origins is the kind of book that needs to be read and digested slowly, with a varied cast of characters who pick up different parts of the story, and a lot of information regarding the politics and history of the vivid interplanetary world that Victor travels around. In The Prince, I found myself captivated by the intense character development of the female characters, which I usually find lacking in the science fiction genre. Erickson presents strong, talented women of varying ages who hold their own in what is still largely a patriarchal universe. Though planetary politics is definitely the theme at the novel’s heart, there’s plenty of action, intrigue and humanity to enjoy as well.

The Prince: Lucifer's Origins by J.M. Erickson is a book of science fiction that introduces you to Prince Victor Venture who would prefer to stay where he is on a University world and do nothing but learn. However the Royal family demands his attendance at the court of his brother and so he must go. Another of his brothers is there as well. Prince Ramsey fears the other two brothers will form an alliance so he decides to kill Victor. While Victor does not end up dead, he is stuck on a planet that is vicious and hostile, a planet that may as well be Hell - but Victor survives and becomes his own force of nature, and not only survives but thrives.

I love a good science fiction story and this is not just a good one but a fantastic one. An interesting take on the origins of Lucifer, but at its core it is a story about the strength to adapt, change and become someone else when you have no choice. The images painted are strong and they stand out as clear as a movie when you are reading. The characters created have such a depth to them that you could almost picture yourself walking on this journey right alongside them. This is my first J.M. Erickson book but won't be the last; there is a deep talent with excellent turn of phrase here and I truly enjoyed the writing style. If you are ready to dive into a new world with some familiar themes painted in a different way, then this is the book for you.

This is science fiction set in a feudal background. A winning combination for books as different as Dune and Star Wars. The Prince: Lucifer's Origin's opens with an introduction to two strong female cousins. J.M. Erickson then begins painting a picture of a galactic empire in turmoil and these warriors, Sergeant Marcia Devin and Captain Regina Devin, are poised to play a big part in setting things straight because they find themselves guarding twelve-year-old Prince Victor Venture IX. Victor has brothers and he is actually last in line for the throne...but maybe all that will change. There are a host of interesting characters, plenty of internecine strife, and a future that is very strange but very, very possible.

I like science fiction. I like it a lot. But it was not my first love as a young reader; classical mythology was. So I'm a pushover for a great science fiction tale with plenty of classical and religious references. This is a pretty good description of The Prince: Lucifer's Origins by J.M. Erickson. Not only do I love this book, I love the idea of this book. A story of what might have happened to explain some myths that have been passed down for generations...or how they might be created in the future. Either way you look at it, this is a great idea. However, in order to make it a good book, you still need the basics: great characters, a great plot, and good writing. J.M. Erickson delivers on all three counts.

The Prince: Lucifer’s Origins by J.M. Erickson tells the story of how Prince Victor Venture IX came to be the lord of planet Hell. Prince Victor is the youngest prince of the Royal Family. Like all of the princes, he was sent to the university planet to gain an education, but unlike the other princes, he was left there for many years, which enabled him to become a free thinker. When the aircraft transporting Victor is attacked by his older brother, Victor is set on a course to land on planet Hell. Hell is virtually abandoned, with the exception of a couple of predatory species and an archaic computer whose sole function is to repopulate the planet. Victor’s time in Hell molds him, but now he must face his family and the destruction they have created.

The Prince: Lucifer’s Origins by J.M. Erickson is an exciting take on the old tale of the Lord of Hell. I found the futuristic Hell fascinating, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages to find out what would happen to Victor while he was there. The different races and planets were imaginative, and I found myself easily slipping into the worlds that J.M. Erickson created. I loved the characters, especially Rose, and I enjoyed that the interactions between the characters were frequently informal and made me chuckle. While the themes in the book were serious and there was plenty of action, there were also many times where the characters’ personalities were expressed, which made it easy to identify with them and made me care what happened to them. This was an imaginative retelling of Lucifer, and I definitely recommend this book.

"The Prince is a compelling novel of action, survival, and stark morality, where the struggles range from unique and personal to galaxy-shaking. It's fast-paced, with a large helping of science fiction adventure, a dash of military action, and a pinch of coming-of-age drama. 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." - Self-Publishing Review, 4 stars

FULL REVIEW
"The Prince: Lucifer’s Origins is a science fiction, coming-of-age adventure tale by prolific independent author J. M. Erickson, whose list of past releases include the award-winning Birds of Flight series. The Prince follows Sergeant Marcia Devin and her scrappy squad of combat veterans – disillusioned members of the royal army who are burdened with a dangerous, career-ending mission for disobeying questionable orders.
That mission is providing safe passage for the young prince Victor Venture IX of the royal family – whose radical opinions have drawn the hostility of the rest of his monarchical relations. In an attempt to stymie Prince Victor’s liberalism, monarchist forces converge on Sergeant Devin’s transport, seeking to put an end to Victor’s troublesome views before he comes into age and maturity. The prince’s life seems doomed to end in adolescence – but not if Sergeant Devin has anything to say about it. She will condemn the prince to Hell itself before allowing the death of her charge. On the ancient, savage world of Earth, Prince Victor will surely die…or become something Sergeant Devin can’t possibly imagine.
The Prince is a compelling novel of action, survival, and stark morality, where the struggles range from unique and personal to galaxy-shaking. 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.
A portion of Erickson’s cast of characters, such as primary character Victor Venture, are well presented. Providing a function in the story that realistically allows Prince Victor to talk to himself, thereby easily communicating information through dialogue, is particularly helpful in orienting readers with events. (Though the means of this communication, Rose, is a bit on the annoying side). 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.
Despite Erickson’s writing, however, characters (especially semi-secondary characters like Regina Devin) can sometimes come off as hard to relate to, and there are some long-running gags throughout the story that become more irritating than amusing. As for problems in the plot, the whole narrative seems a bit staged. Large portions of story, characters, etc. are taken straight from the Bible, and, as a caution to possible audiences, some readers may find the parallels drawn between a character known as Lucifer One and Jesus to be offensive.
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. 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." 4 stars (Advance Review Copy) Self-Publishing Review

6. I know we’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but I really love this cover! But fortunately what’s inside is even better! I almost feel like I just read 5 books, so much happens and it’s hard to just sum up (but there are several reviews that already describe the plot in detail so I won’t here). The writing is great, and for me that really can make or break a book, even if the plot is “familiar”. But 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. Don’t get me wrong, the world-building was great too, I just really enjoyed the relationship dynamics and how they played of one another. I read this book in the span of 3 nights which for me is pretty fast. Will definitely be reading more from Mr. Erickson soon. Highly recommend for fans of sci/fi/ (5 stars) Brenda Maxwell – Goodreads; Shelfari; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers

5. This novel, “The Prince: Lucifer’s Origins” by J.M. Erickson 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? ha), 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… at times I worried it would lose focus… but it all worked out in the end. Lots of action and snappy dialogue to keep me hooked. (4 stars) Laura Clarke– Goodreads; Shelfari; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers

4. 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, in this case touching on many broader themes that play out quite brilliantly in this universe he created. I don’t mean to overly gush, but it is rare to find a writer who so consistently delivers and seems to get better each time, so I’m happy to have discovered his books. As much as I enjoyed “The Prince…” This one was a tad more complicated for me than the others, and I definitely appreciated the character bios at the beginning (more authors should do this!). But overall another great read that will appeal to fans far beyond the typical science fiction realm. (4-5 stars). Karen Matthews– Goodreads; Shelfari; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers

3. 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! Same plot recycled…same stock characters… blah. But that was definitely not the case with “The Prince: Lucifer’s Origins” by J.M. Erickson. [side note – 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! It had just this really great mix of so many elements, it’s almost hard to totally categorize this book (but it is definitely science fiction/alternative reality)… 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. So even if you aren’t a die-hard sci/fi fan, there is something in here that you’ll enjoy, and I for one would love to see the story continued. (4-5 stars) Jenna Brewster– Goodreads; Shelfari; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers

2. Having thoroughly enjoyed reading several other books from JM Erickson (his “Birds of Flight” series is amazing!) I Eagerly jumped on the chance to read this one. I admit the title had me a bit curious… was this a religious book? Or more sci/fi/thriller/action/drama like his others? Well, yes. In a way it’s all of it… 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, and I very much look forward to your next release. (5 stars) Sam Ryan– Goodreads; Shelfari; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers

IBR = Independent Book Reviewers

1. J.M. Erickson has done it again! Wow, I loved the story as much as the others of his I’ve read (check them out… he’s got an AMAZING backlist!) As always the world-building is brilliant, detailed, and puts us right in the story, and the characters are dynamic and fully realized. One thing in particular I enjoy about J.M. Erickson’s writing is not only that he can make the most fantastical settings feel totally believable (this is Sci/fi after all), but I like that he writes such strong women characters, something I don’t see much of in this genre. The book can get fairly complex sometimes, but I like that kind of science fiction, and you still care about the characters. 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! Highly recommend!! (5 stars) Stacy Decker– Goodreads; Shelfari; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers

"Devin was clear of the rubble and had to make concerted efforts to avoid the still smoldering fires and beheaded bodies littering the campus."
Sergeant Marcia Devin is a career soldier with a sudden crisis of faith. Seeing the monarchy she defends committing human rights violations during an operation and refusing to participate has her demoted and disenfranchised. At the same time, Prince Victor Venture IX is set to begin preparing for ruling a system of his own, leaving the scholarly planet of Pax that he loves behind. With no interest in leaving, he is forced to make a change he does not want to. The paths of these two intersect with Devin to guard the prince and escort him from Pax, but she is instantly made aware through an ally that one of Victor's brothers intends to kill him during transport. Having to improvise, she and a small crew help Victor escape by sending him to the ruined planet of Hell, also known as Earth. What Victor experiences here will transform him emotionally and physically, and sets the stage for a coup against his family that will free citizens from the tyranny of the monarchy he was intended to ascend to.
Mixing classic literature, science fiction, and religious texts as its inspiration, the unique setting of this book is quick to stimulate the imaginations of its readers. The author separates this from typical messiah-oriented liberation fantasy by both avoiding and embracing the clichés that come with this kind of story. At the same time, by having a major piece of the action take place on the ruined surface of Earth, the far out story is able to root itself in the real-world events of human history that readers will be familiar with. With exciting action, a fantastical plot, and a handful of genuinely enjoyable characters, this book follows in the footsteps of the author's previous work, continuing to showcase his superb balance of the challenge his characters face and the ways they internalize it and interact with one another.
Reviewed by Michael Radon
RECOMMENDED by the USR