Seeing Red - T.M. Doran - A Novel

Seeing Red
T.M. Doran

Ignatius Press

ISBN 9781621646396

eISBN 9781642292787

ASIN B0CWR6CHBT

This is the fifth volume I have read from T.M. Doran the first three were in the Toward the Gleam series, the second was Iota, that was very different volume. And this one is very different from both of them. Much of this story is dark and it is often disturbing. From very early on I had a clear idea where the story was going. And I could just not put it down. The description of the book is:

“This book is a thriller set in an alternate America both familiar and unfamiliar—a darkening society in which ordinary, honest citizens fear their own government. Six recipients of Extraordinary Designation Cards (i.e., Red Cards) are hiding on an abandoned northern Michigan movie set, seeking to escape the authorities who intend their demise. An Academy Award–winning screenwriter discovers these fugitives by accident, and soon so does the government, setting in motion a deadly cat-and-mouse game.

Seeing Red takes us from the forests of Michigan to Hollywood and back again, through a world of celebrities, outcasts, and sinister figures lurking in the shadows. T.M. Doran presents a timely and gripping story in an era when the sick and disabled, and those trying to care for them, are deprived of their human rights.”

The story is written in three parts, much like a three act play. The names of the sections are Virgil, Minerva and David. They story is an interesting mix of looking back, experiencing the now, and looking forward. The description states it is set in an alternate America, but I wonder if it could be set today without it being so in the open. And much of what is described is happening in Canada, the Netherlands and other places around the world. Our protagonist is Castro Hume, who is an Academy Award–winning screenwriter, but whose fortunes are falling. His name does not have the pull it did. He decided to travel back to setting of his great success, and he stumbles upon something. And the people he meets change is life. He returns from this trip to northern Michigan with a new purpose and focus. But he must navigate the minefield of politics, the entertainment industry and a government agent Dana Philby. She is on the hunt and is relentless, determined and vicious. 

The plat is very intriguing. It is one that even a week later I am still thinking about often. Who decides who gets Red Cards which is basically a death sentence? Who decides who gets medical treatment and who doesn’t? Who controls the narrative? And will anyone stand up against it?

In some ways it is in part a story of a future Underground Railroad, or Schindler. In part it is the story of a many seeking for meaning and purpose. And in part it is the story of finding a place in the world, even if the world does not want you. 

In some ways it reminds me of The Last Ugly Person And Other Stories by Roger Thomas. It has a Logan’s Run vibe but not so futuristic. And definitely it feels like a step towards a Soylent Green kind of world. 

This story is an excellent read. It is one we need today. It is a great example of modern Catholic fiction tackling current issues in a unique way. A great book for mature readers. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by T.M. Doran:
Terrapin
Iota: A Novel
Circling the Turtle

Seeing Red
...

Toward the Gleam Series:
Toward the Gleam
The Lucifer Ego
Kataklusmos

...

IOTA a Novel - T.M. Doran

Iota A Novel
T.M. Doran

Ignatius Press

ISBN 9781586178543

eISBN 9781681492704

ASIN B00OIBA3PO

This is the fourth volume I have read from T.M. Doran the other three were in the Toward the Gleam series, and this is a very different volume. Much of this story is dark and disturbing. And for much of the volume I was uncertain where it was going. A few times I even debated adding it to my ‘did not finish’ pile. However I am thankful I finished the book, by the end it was well worth it. The description of the book is:

“Jan Skala has been arrested and imprisoned by the Russian liberators of Prague, but he does not know why. Or does he?

During the Nazi occupation of the city, the journalist stayed above ground and continued to work for his father’s newspaper, which had fallen into the hands of the Gestapo. What must the Russians think of Jan? But more importantly, what does Jan think of himself?

The intriguing characters sharing his detention facility all have a backstory, but Jan cannot be sure if any of them is telling the truth. And what about Jan? Is he who he claims to be? Although the business of daily survival begins to trump every other concern, the men nevertheless struggle to understand their fate.

Iota is a poignant drama about what men believe and how they might act accordingly. The story takes place during a two-month period immediately following World War II, in a temporary Soviet detention facility near a devastated Berlin. It is a mystery-suspense story about what it means to be human and whether it is possible to retain one’s humanity in the face of evil.”

The chapter titles are all dates. The first and last chapter is June 20, 1990, and the ones between range from November 1, 1945 to December 25-26, 1945. This book is a look at a dark period and dark regime in our world. But I main character is Jan Skala, and the majority of the story is his interactions with other prisoners, guards, the camp leader, a few visitors to the camp. And within his own mind. And the most compelling part of the story is his coming to terms with his own role, actions acts, and responsibilities that lead to his being tortured and tormented for those 56 days in 1945. And it takes place in a makeshift Soviet detention facility near a ravaged Berlin.

While reading this I could not help but think about Then Raise the Dead Man High by M.L. Clark, which I had been read recently. And thought it is alternative fiction there is much the same feel in reading both these stories. I though about that volume almost every time I was reading this one. There are a few pivotal differences. For the most part this book was a dark and depressing read. And really only the final chapter really turned things around.  

The story was a good read. It would be a good read for fans of literary fiction or historical fiction for readers. Good for late teens, young adults or adults. It is a story that left me with more questions than answers, especially about the intervening years. It is a story set at the beginning of the cold war that captures much of the sentiment, fear and opinion of an early post World War II world. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by T.M. Doran:
Terrapin
Iota: A Novel
Circling the Turtle
Seeing Red
...

Toward the Gleam Series:
Toward the Gleam
The Lucifer Ego
Kataklusmos

...

Kataklusmos - T.M. Doran - Toward the Gleam Book 3

Kataklusmos
Toward the Gleam Book 3
T.M. Doran
TMDoran Books
ISBN 9781732472631
ASIN B08MZM8WDR 

This book is a stunning conclusion to the trilogy. With each book the series got better. And this is a stunning read. The first book, Toward the Gleam, was a very pleasant surprise. The second volume The Lucifer Ego, was full of surprises and new twists. And this third one takes the story to a whole new level. It ties all the loose threads of the stories together and then the tapestry is flipped and we see the stunning picture that was so masterfully woven with these words. This was my third read by Doran and I have already picked up the other three that are in print. This is an excellent read! The book and the trilogy.

This volume begins with a quote from Tolkien:

“But all the while I sit and think

of times there were before, 

I listen for returning feet

and voices at the door.”

And then a description of the meaning of the title:

“Kataklusmós: κατακλυσμός, cataclysm, deluge, a devastation.”

The novel is broken into five parts. But in each part there are events not in chronological order. The chapter titles are the date of the events:

Part I Sorrows

Part II Suspicions

Part III Speculations

Part IV Sensations

Part V Summations

The story begins on March 26th 2019 and the last date in the story is August 2020. But we visit events in 1931, 1938, 1963, 1973, 1990. But the story concludes with a return to 1973. This story is wo well written that once you start reading you will not want to put it down. 

They story has action, adventure, Literary research. And focuses on a quest to protect a secret and protect family. Bombings, torture in prison in China, and even a planned assassination. The characters are well written. The plot excellent. And the way Doran weaves back and forth in time to bring the tale together is masterful. 

The story was an excellent read it was hard to put down. It is excellent for those who have read the first volumes, but well enough written that it can stand on its own. But is strong enough to stand on its own. A great read for fans of literary fiction or historical fiction for readers of all ages. A story that ties up the trilogy, but leaves you wondering if there will be more.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by T.M. Doran:
Terrapin
Iota: A Novel
Circling the Turtle
Seeing Red
...

Toward the Gleam Series:
Toward the Gleam
The Lucifer Ego
Kataklusmos

...

The Lucifer Ego - T.M. Doran - Toward the Gleam Book 2

The Lucifer Ego
Toward the Gleam Book 2
T.M. Doran
TMDoran Books
ISBN 9781732472600
ASIN B07GLWQ98Y


The first book, Toward the Gleam, was a very pleasant surprise. The first book had been on my radar for a while and sat on my kindle for a few months. But once I started reading it I could not put it down. But the same thing happened with this second volume. I picked it up and it sat on my to be read shelf for over a year. But once I started reading, I read it in three sittings over 4 days. And as much as I enjoyed the first volume, this second is even better.

This story is broken into four parts, Decisions, Destinations, Devastations, and Discoveries. The first is an entry dated August 5th, 2016 and the final May 10th, 2017. But interspersed are some going back to 1932, 1942, 1942, 1963, 1995, and 1960. In that order. The book continues the tale of the object left with the abbot, and the contents of it, from the previous volume. And the story proves to be a hunt for both the man who might have tampered with it, and the original quest for the volume. Frequently we reference back to events in the first story, but often are given more information, and see different events.

This volume has an interesting cast of characters. Henry, abbot of a monastery. Frodo Lyle Stuart, nephew to Henry and archeologist or paleo-archeologist.  Samwise, Sam Stuart, older brother to Lyle. Beatrice Adams, a woman of Ugandan descent, and a gifted psychologist. Lyle goes on a quest to retrieve a stolen manuscript, at the request of his uncle and with the support of his brother and the woman he is dating. 

The story is packed full of adventure. But also academics, and world class institutions. It is much an adventure as any of the Indiana Jones stores. And As intricate as a Tom Clancy or John Grisham story. And in the end, they must decide if the world is ready for the knowledge contained within the manuscript. Or if like the misnamed Mr. Hill and his stories can only let the world see a glimpse, a piece, and end with hope. 

The story was a great read and was hard to put down. It is excellent for those who have read the first volume, Toward the Gleam. But is strong enough to stand on it’s own. A great read for fans of literary fiction or historical fiction of all ages. Overall an excellent read, but to be honest it will leave you wanting more.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by T.M. Doran:
Terrapin
Iota: A Novel
Circling the Turtle
Seeing Red
...

Toward the Gleam Series:
Toward the Gleam
The Lucifer Ego
Kataklusmos

...

Toward the Gleam - T.M. Doran

Toward the Gleam
Toward the Gleam Book 1
T.M. Doran
Ignatius Press
ISBN 9781586176334
ASIN B004UC7K4S


This book was a very pleasant surprise. It had been on my radar for a while and sat on my kindle for a few months. But once I started reading it I could not put it down. I read through my breaks at work and through my lunches and devoured the book over three days. It was so hard to put down when I had to take breaks from it.

This novel in the historical fiction style is told in a compelling way. There are so many characters that bibliophiles and bookaholics will recognize as authors and professors from the last century. It is an interesting blend of history, and the fantasy story that our Professor John Hill has uncovered. The main story is set between the first and second world wars. The story starts with an old man appearing at a monastery and telling the abbot the story of the artifact and book he is leaving in their care. Some of his companions cannot but be recognized as members of the Inklings. And his adventures while trying to find out if his translation of the story are possible take him to numerous countries, confirming with specialists in many disciplines. And still only getting a partial translation. But in his attempts to gleam information he arouses the interest of a man who ends up being a formidable and most dangerous foe.

There are so many interesting characters in this novel, both the representations of authors from the time, and the other characters in the story. A giant of a man who was formerly a slaver. A woman who can become almost anyone and is a master of disguise. A strange hermit in the hills. And then our own Professor Hill, his with, and his close group of friends. The longer Professor Hill has his artifact and the further he proceeds in his translation, the more danger he is in, and not just him, but his family and his friends. The story itself is story wrapped around a mystery, focused on philosophical questions. Questions that were important in the time that the story is set, and in many ways even more important today.

This story is a much more intellectual novel than many that are available today. It is not a Tom Clancy or a Robert B. Parker type of mystery. There is a depth in this story that you can go to again and again. It is well that can be plumbed and will leave you thinking. It is a novel that will suck you in and keep you turning the pages.

I have had this book for a while, but it just sat in my 'to be read pile' for a more than a year. It is a curious book, and many characters from history, C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, Agatha Christie, and more. Once I got going, I could not put it down. A great beginning and looking forward to where the story will go in book 2. If you have read much by or about the Inklings I am certain you will enjoy this story immensely. A great read for fans of literary fiction or historical fiction of all ages. A great read!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by T.M. Doran:
Terrapin
Iota: A Novel
Circling the Turtle
Seeing Red
...

Toward the Gleam Series:
Toward the Gleam
The Lucifer Ego
Kataklusmos

...