A Four-Novel Dystopian Series
Bold Dark Worlds
Set on a colonized Mars where surveillance, power, and survival collide — the complete series follows operatives navigating a world where the line between protector and predator has all but disappeared.
“A gritty, haunting dystopian sci-fi novel — the author does an incredible job layering the story with powerful characters and rich world-building.”
Pacific Book Review
The Series
Book One
Endless Fall of Night
A gritty, fast-paced thriller set on a colonized Mars where society teeters on collapse. Cassandra IX navigates a world shaped by systemic injustice, surveillance, and survival — a furious mirror held up to humanity's darkest tendencies.
“This gritty, fast-paced thriller… will appeal to both adult and mature young adult audiences who are concerned about where society may be heading.”
“Blindside story twists, bursts of clever banter, boundless imagination, and sly social critique make this a quick and memorable read.”
“It's not a fun read; it's a furious one… It holds a mirror up and dares you to look.”
Book Two
Heavy Weight of Darkness
A page-turning cautionary tale reflecting the dark truth of humanity's history of colonialism, slavery, and racialized oppression. One man's search for redemption in a cinematic sci-fi dystopia that transcends the genre.
“A page-turning cautionary tale providing a glimpse into a world in which greed, racism, and hate shape our future.”
“Reflecting the dark truth of humanity's history of colonialism, slavery, and racialized oppression… a multilayered exploration of the struggle and humility of changing one's ideology or beliefs… transcending other works in the genre.”
“A cinematic sci-fi dystopia following one man's search for redemption.”
Book Three
Deadly Going Dark
The third installment in the Bold Dark Worlds series. Available in Kindle/eBook, Hardcover, and Paperback formats.
“Readers who enjoy intelligent dystopian fiction with a fiercely humane protagonist will adore this.”
“In a world where class and status determine power, David must use his own wisdom to bring change.”
“A fresh take on revolution by prioritizing day-to-day survival over dramatic grandstanding. Highly recommended.”
Book Four
Hunting Armed Men
An SF saga that is equally rousing and poignant. The narrative is vibrant from start to finish, combining action and drama in a story that brings the Bold Dark Worlds series to a powerful conclusion.
“The narrative is vibrant from start to finish and combines enough action and drama to satisfy the reader.”
“An SF saga that's equally rousing and poignant.”
Characters & World
Protagonist
Cassandra IX
A powerful, complex protagonist whose relationship with her AI companion Alethia provides both humor and humanity amid the series' darkest moments. Her journey anchors the entire Bold Dark Worlds arc.
AI Companion
Alethia
Cassandra's artificial intelligence — sharp, sardonic, and unexpectedly empathetic. The dynamic between Alethia and Cassandra is one of the series' most celebrated elements, offering levity without undercutting the weight of the world around them.
Setting
Colonized Mars
A world where Earth's worst social failures have been exported to the red planet. Greed, racial hierarchy, and surveillance capitalism define daily life — a setting that functions as both backdrop and indictment.
Series Themes
Colonialism & Power
The series maps Earth's history of colonial exploitation onto a Martian future, asking what humanity exports when it reaches the stars.
Racial Hierarchy
Systemic racism is not left behind on Earth. The Bold Dark Worlds series confronts how oppressive structures replicate and mutate across generations.
Surveillance & Control
Technology in this world is a tool of domination. Cassandra IX navigates a society where every movement is monitored and dissent is dangerous.
Redemption
Across four books, characters grapple with complicity, guilt, and the possibility — however costly — of change.
Explore the Full Catalog
Bold Dark Worlds is one of six series and standalone works by J.M. Erickson.