NEW
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Best work to date
by Colin M. Poitras

James W. Hawk’s best work to date. A veteran writer, producer, and director of short films, Hawk’s storytelling is both visual and visceral, making it a fast-paced excellent read full of rich detail. CONFLUENCE takes us deep into the lives of its troubled main characters, Lilith and Jacob, who may appear normal on the outside but who are struggling mightily to deal with their torturous pasts. Our emotions switch from suspicion to anger to sorrow and finally to head-shaking incredulity as Hawk draws us in for what appears to be a sensational serial killer mystery only to expose a complicated web of deep secrets in the story’s final, shocking reveal. Nothing is ever as it seems with James W. Hawk’s stories, so hold on to your seat and enjoy the ride. My hunch is this tale is far from over. I am looking forward to more great work from James W. Hawk!

NEW
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Tour de force in cinematic writing
by Hilma Falkowski

“Confluence” by James W. Hawk is a novel waiting for a film producer and director to give it life on the screen. This book is a tour de force in cinematic writing. In essence, Mr. Hawk’s point of view and perspective simulate the reader’s experience of watching a film. His words communicate the story’s images in visual terms similar to a mental storyboard. Structurally, each chapter begins with an opening scene which segues into various camera shots with twists and turns that progress the complex plot. The reader will visualize characters move across the page because of Mr. Hawk’s description of their actions, expressions, and body language. Most people involved in filmmaking will perceive this novel’s potential for a movie. An actor will recognize the characters’ emotions by the precise dialogue or the suggestive hints to a character’s body language. The director and cinematographer will visualize camera shots because of Mr. Hawk’s emphasis on a character’s action or reaction or an object’s detail or symbolism. In addition, the haunting scene descriptions will aid the production designer in planning the film set, and the sound editor will benefit from Mr. Hawk's mastery in describing what his reader is hearing. Finally, “Confluence” has numerous examples for the filmmakers to use their creativity transferring Mr. Hawk’s words to the screen. The challenge will be making the audience grasp the ending: the deep duality of the human mind.

NEW
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Absolutely loved it
by Maria Douglas

I absolutely loved it. Loved it so much that I read it in one sitting and I've ever read a book in one sitting, definitely a page turner! It reads like a narrative screenplay, with details that are precise without all the extra 'fluff' many writers use to describe a scene. I really, really enjoyed that aspect of this story. The pace of the content was spot on, fueling the reader to push on to explore what will happen next, and just when you think you know where it's going, wham, it goes somewhere you would never expect. Wow! This is the perfect murder mystery.

NEW
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
You'll be surprised when you get there
by Colin M. Poitras

James Hawk is a gifted storyteller who never disappoints. TO beta-VANVERDEN AND BACK is a wonderful blend of science fiction and mystery that keeps you reading until the end - and you'll be surprised when you get there! Can't wait for future installments from the ATHOIA's Anthology

NEW
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Mind bending...
by Colin M. Poitras

James Hawk returns with another well-crafted story that challenges the reader to open their minds. This mystical sci-fi narrative tells the tale of Nate Ragere, who seems to be the last man on Earth. As always, Hawk's strong storytelling and deep character development will keep you engaged and you quickly learn what seems to be, often isn't. Of course, it wouldn't be a James Hawk tale without a mind-bending twist at the end!

Questions abound in this mysterious, and “other worldly” story. Reading it will only give clues to the answers. The story keeps you guessing. Your mind is constantly trying to solve the puzzle. Who is Gene Ratere? Was he born? His life seems omnipresent and eternal. Where is he from? Another world? Where is he now? There are only remnants of a civilization. What happened? Is this a dream? Is this a nightmare? Or is it a voyage to the unknown?

James Hawk returns with another well-crafted story that challenges the reader to open their minds. This mystical sci-fi narrative tells the tale of Nate Ragere, who seems to be the last man on Earth. As always, Hawk's strong storytelling and deep character development will keep you engaged and you quickly learn what seems to be, often isn't. Of course, it wouldn't be a James Hawk tale without a mind-bending twist at the end!

Hawk has packed a lot of story into 35 pages. It is the first time I have read any of his writings and found To beta-Vanverden and Back, a well-written story and entertaining. The plot is easy to track with. It is unique and imaginative and has a kind of Star Trek influence

Jim Hawk has taken his incredible film directing skills and created a story full of imagination, intrigue, futurism tension and detail and written a story that will make any reader ask serious questions about life today and where we as humanity might end up. What if there is life out in the universe and how would we as humans react to it? TO beta-VANVERDEN AND BACK is a must read.

This story is innovative, other worldly, yet somehow hits home. The writing is succinct and moving. The ending is more than satisfying. In fact, it's surprising in the best way: it's earned.

I've been a fan of Jim Hawk for years ( if you've never seen his short films your missing some pretty wild stuff, watch them online) This book is wonderful, a little Star Wars, a little Star Trek and some of Harry Potter mixed in. Hawk does a wonderful job keeping you intrigued until the very end, I loved it.

This was a really fun, thoughtful story, and kept surprising me. Philip K Dick meets Star Trek TNG. I love the scale of it, and the way it plays on assumptions. A quick, interesting read that stands out among the really good short stories I've read on Kindle.

Jim Hawk relays a well written story that spans over 50 million years and he is able to do it in 33 pages. He pulls us along for the ride and then slaps us with a bold twist that makes us see the work in a whole new light. Thoroughly enjoyable and a fun read!

Hawk has an amazing knack for creating a world that not only feels real but invites the reader to look around and explore

I am an unpaid reviewer for this author. The story involves the experiences of a futuristic space traveler. The story is well dedveloped and imaginative. Since this is only the beginning of the saga, it will be interesting to read more.

This book is a quick read, and you never see the end coming! Really gets you thinking about our short time on earth and how much was before us and how much is ahead. Looking for more from James Hawk!!

Jim Hawk is a talented writer. He is very original and entertaining! I look forward to more so others can continue to enjoy!!