Reviews & Comments
I post any public comments or reviews about my fiction here. If you care to leave a comment, feel free.
Review of “What Heroes Leave Behind,” by Ryan Harvey at Black Gate, June 1, 2008
“…my personal choice for best story…Hawkins’s story has the strongest characterization in the anthology. He delves into a realistic portrayal of an aging hero who gives himself purpose once more…”
Review of “What Heroes Leave Behind,” by John Ottinger at Grasping for the Wind, May 8, 2008
“Hawkins writes a believable tale about a warrior who comes full circle, and how when heroes die, there are those who will pick up the mantle. The “shadow” that is part of the story is nicely woven in, and Hawkins makes that spectre an interesting and unique foe.”
“The Weald Maiden’s Will,” Story of the Month at www.amberstults.com, May 6, 2008
“The ending was a surprise even though hints had been dropped. What I found most pleasing is what Hawkins managed to do with the story. Some writers can do a lot or a little with 1000 words. He managed to transport me to a different time, place and way of life.”
Review of “What Heroes Leave Behind” by Dan Nelson, May 5, 2008
“The story plays with your expectations of a typical tale of a legendary warrior and an impressionable youth but quickly moves beyond the archetypes...Instead of being a cranky archetype, [Tolasun] was real and this is probably what is legendary about this story.”
Review of “What Heroes Leave Behind” by Janice Clark at The Fix Short Fiction Review, May 2, 2008
“I found the whole concept of an older warrior refreshing. Invincible superheroes have their place, but I could more closely relate to Tolasun’s refusal to give up, his determination to at least finish the battle, whatever the consequences.”
Review of “What Heroes Leave Behind” by fantasy author Bryan Hitchcock at I Dream of Dragons, March 24, 2008
“…a story to come back to…This story has it all: fast, brutal action and fully realized characters…Add an epic final battle of mythic scope and blam! That’s a kickass story.”
Review of “What Heroes Leave Behind” by fantasy author Jeff Draper at Scriptorius Rex, March 20, 2008
“Hawkins hits all the right marks in telling the tale of a hero near the end of his days. The fear of encroaching death, not by glory but by simple frailty, is a powerful presence and rings true throughout.”
