New Review by TurnEditor:
Personal note from the reviewer:
“Re: Your novel is wonderful!”
“I have just finished reading your novel Light and Transient Causes, which I found at the downtown Allen County Public Library. It is a breathtaking work and one of the best novels I have ever read. In some ways it seems like a combination of Tom Clancy and Spike Lee, but there is much, much more.
I was struck by the portrayal of a dystopian America, by the touching portrayals of family life, and by the growth in many of the characters. Although I have never served in the military, the details you provide of descriptions of military maneuvers and the destruction of the walled section of downtown Indianapolis sound like descriptions I have read of fighting in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. . . .
I also wonder to what extent your novel is a warning of things to come if the country continues on its present path. One thing that concerns me greatly is the base that blindly supports the Trump administration’s policies. Donald Trump will not be president forever, but the people and ideas that constitute his base will live on and may become even more radical.
I see that your blog contains many positive ideas for change, so I am going to begin catching up on previous posts as I have time. I am a Christian, so I do not get into despair because I believe that God is in control and is working out his purposes through all of this. I am also encouraged that eloquent, thinking people like you continue to share ideas with those of us who are still capable of thinking and learning.
Thanks again for your novel and your other writings.”
Review at Amazon.com
By: turneditor
5.0 out of 5 stars A gripping story with believable characters
December 24, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
“Light and Transient Causes is a breathtaking work. In some ways it seems like a combination of Tom Clancy and Spike Lee, but there is much, much more.
I was struck by the portrayal of a dystopian America, by the touching portrayals of family life, and by the growth in many of the characters. Roger Woodbury is probably correct in his criticisms of some of the military details, but I disagree that the characters are one-dimensional and predictable. One of the things that I appreciate about this novel is its depiction of the dilemmas that many of the characters face and how they often have second thoughts about their actions. And although the novel was written before 2016, it has great relevance in the Trump presidency and may serve as a warning about things to come in the post-Trump United States.”
Excerpts from previous reviews:
“Powerful, and tightly written. . . Hawkins skill at erasing time barriers and including portions of elements that are very much with us adds to the terror of this theme.” – Grady Harp, Hall of Fame, Top 100 Reviewer, posted at Amazon.com
“This one will become a future classic. [It} reminded me of other classics like 1984 and Animal Farm. Well written and certainly one that will make you think long after you finish reading it. . . a solid five stars.” – Vermont Reviewer posted at Amazon,com
“I don’t give 5 stars usually but this book deserves that and more. . . . Well written, well plotted, character development and dialog was excellent. Well done Mel Hawkins, well done!” – BBB Gran, posted at Amazon.com
“Excellent book with a ton of action. . . . Mel Hawkins keeps the plot tight and clean while keeping the reader entertained. Hawkins also has brilliant insights . . . .” – Cindi Clubbs, posted at Amazon.com
“This is a superb book. . . . Mel Hawkins has done a splendid job in juggling all the twists, turns and complications of this very believable novel. Books like this don’t come along very often. . . .” – Charlie B, posted at Amazon.com
“I was fascinated by the book and fearful at the same time. . . . It’s chilling in the sense that it’s all possible in the world we live in today. Awesome read!” – Brian, posted at Amazon.com
“The best book I have read this year. . . . Absolutely, hands down, knock off your socks book to keep you wanting more. . . . I have read many war novels that fell short with battle scenes; this book was right on the money. . . .” – Cody Mathews, posted at Onlinebookclub.org
“Spell binding. It is a captivating story that could become reality. . . .” –RMB, posted on Amazon.com