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The Cause #1
The Cause: A Deep Conspiracy Thriller
The fate of the nation hangs in the balance when the world's only anti-gravity aircraft is stolen from Area 51.
With the ruthless secret society, The Cause, seeking to implement their masterstroke of tearing four states from the union, Special Agent Frank Deal and his expert team of WMD hunters must race against the clock to recover the powerful technology before it's too late. At their side is college student Michael King and his team of amateur sleuths, whose evidence of a shadowy student organization on campus, The Tyros, may provide the FBI’s only clue to tracking down the superweapon. Along the way, they will uncover startling connections between The Cause, The Tyros, and the genius physicist Rick Donnelly who holds the key to the new technology. With the unimaginable power of gravity wave propulsion at stake, the combined forces of Frank Deal and the university students must risk everything to save the United States of America from a devastating new civil war.
If you enjoyed the thrilling chase for justice in books like Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code , you'll love the nonstop suspense of The Cause . Buy now before the price changes!
With the ruthless secret society, The Cause, seeking to implement their masterstroke of tearing four states from the union, Special Agent Frank Deal and his expert team of WMD hunters must race against the clock to recover the powerful technology before it's too late. At their side is college student Michael King and his team of amateur sleuths, whose evidence of a shadowy student organization on campus, The Tyros, may provide the FBI’s only clue to tracking down the superweapon. Along the way, they will uncover startling connections between The Cause, The Tyros, and the genius physicist Rick Donnelly who holds the key to the new technology. With the unimaginable power of gravity wave propulsion at stake, the combined forces of Frank Deal and the university students must risk everything to save the United States of America from a devastating new civil war.
If you enjoyed the thrilling chase for justice in books like Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code , you'll love the nonstop suspense of The Cause . Buy now before the price changes!
338 pages, Paperback
Published April 22, 2023
399 people are currently reading
1916 people want to read
About the author
Dan Klasing
8 books32 followersI live in Alabama. Yes, I know. Stereotypes abound about the south in general and Alabama in particular. Some are true. Some are not. I graduated from Auburn University and then attended law school at The University of Alabama. There’s a big football rivalry between the two schools you may have heard about. It’s a major thing down here.
For almost thirty years I practiced law all over the state. No need to bore you with that, except for the fact that my job allowed me to meet real-life characters of all types. Some good. Some bad. And some were just plain outlandish. Not surprisingly, I often develop characters based on the interesting people I met through the years.
I’m still a lawyer, at least technically. But now I’m doing something I truly love – writing. As an attorney, I wrote all the time. Mostly, mind-numbingly detailed legal motions and briefs and such. Now, I can write what I want.
I have an awesome wife who puts up with my eccentricities ¬– writing late into the night or hanging out in the garage fiddling with old cars. She is a lawyer too, but a much better one than I ever was and beautiful to boot.
I’m a lucky guy.
I hope you enjoy the books!
Dan
For almost thirty years I practiced law all over the state. No need to bore you with that, except for the fact that my job allowed me to meet real-life characters of all types. Some good. Some bad. And some were just plain outlandish. Not surprisingly, I often develop characters based on the interesting people I met through the years.
I’m still a lawyer, at least technically. But now I’m doing something I truly love – writing. As an attorney, I wrote all the time. Mostly, mind-numbingly detailed legal motions and briefs and such. Now, I can write what I want.
I have an awesome wife who puts up with my eccentricities ¬– writing late into the night or hanging out in the garage fiddling with old cars. She is a lawyer too, but a much better one than I ever was and beautiful to boot.
I’m a lucky guy.
I hope you enjoy the books!
Dan
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 22, 2025
“hotel’s black barman”
This is the second page and we’re already presented with a character with black skin yet the previous person’s skin color is not clarified…we’re usually to assume they are white. Happens too often. Skin color only matters if the person is not Caucasion…
This type of characterization turns me off and I stop reading.
Why clarify this? It truly has no bearing on the story. Adding to this, usually no other characters are defined by their race unless they are people of color.
This is the second page and we’re already presented with a character with black skin yet the previous person’s skin color is not clarified…we’re usually to assume they are white. Happens too often. Skin color only matters if the person is not Caucasion…
This type of characterization turns me off and I stop reading.
Why clarify this? It truly has no bearing on the story. Adding to this, usually no other characters are defined by their race unless they are people of color.
February 9, 2025
One of several books I binge-read during a cruise.
May 27, 2025
The Cause: A Deep Conspiracy Thriller (The Cause, #1) by Dan Klasing - Kindle Edition
"A united and obedient minority easily overcomes a fractured and apathetic majority." p. 154
This is not a stand alone book. It merely sets the second book in the series.
On February 29, 1918, a racist and xenophobic man, Edward Jones Clark starts "The Cause." Its mission is to overwhelm the US and secede the South from the country, thus creating a white nationalistic nation: The Federated States of America (FSA) by controlling the basic four parts of society: Government, Military, Business, and the Press.
Now in the present: Drs. Dave Knox and Richard (Rick) Donnelly have just finished construction of the GW-FB1 - Gravity Wave Fighter Bomber 1 - that uses as gravity waves as its fuel. The plane can’t be shut down by any weapons because the gravity waves would stop anything from hitting it. The only drawback to the plane is that it needs fuel coming from a new element: Element 128 which is almost impossible to make. Dr. Donnelly finds a way to do so and alongside Dr. Knox, they use the Memorial Day weekend to leave Area 51 and join “The Cause” and its Directors.
Meanwhile, Michael King - a sophomore at Southern University in Alabama returns to his frat house - ETA MU - for his second Year. His best friends, Zach Self, and Lawrence (Bubba) Adcock hate the frat's president, Hunter Ewell - a member of the Cause
As it turns out the Greek associations in the South through Tyros, a association consisting of all the Greek fraternities and sororities, dominate the governance of campus life and are a recruitment source for "The Cause."
When the ruthless secret society seeking to implement their masterstroke of tearing four states from the union (Alabama, Georgia, Louisianas, and Texas) Special Agent Frank Deal and his expert team of WMD hunters must race against the clock to recover the powerful technology before it's too late. Let by Texas governor, Margie Franks, the US President, Kimberly Mallory must rely on Frank Deal, Zach Self, and Lawrence (Bubba) Adcock (a genius) and Michael's girlfriend, Sarah, whose evidence of a shadowy student organization on campus, The Tyros, may provide the FBI’s only clue to tracking down the super weapon. Along the way, they will uncover startling connections between The Cause, The Tyros, and the genius physicist Rick Donnelly who holds the key to the new technology. With the unimaginable power of gravity wave propulsion at stake, the combined forces of Frank Deal and the university students must risk everything to save the United States of America from a devastating new civil war. The fate of the nation hangs in the balance when the world's only anti-gravity aircraft is stolen from Area 51.
Narrated from there third person point of view, this was a hard to put down, fast paced, thriller. The characters are alive and come out if the page. I read it in two sittings. My only complain with the book is that it sets up book two - not a stand alone book.
"A united and obedient minority easily overcomes a fractured and apathetic majority." p. 154
This is not a stand alone book. It merely sets the second book in the series.
On February 29, 1918, a racist and xenophobic man, Edward Jones Clark starts "The Cause." Its mission is to overwhelm the US and secede the South from the country, thus creating a white nationalistic nation: The Federated States of America (FSA) by controlling the basic four parts of society: Government, Military, Business, and the Press.
Now in the present: Drs. Dave Knox and Richard (Rick) Donnelly have just finished construction of the GW-FB1 - Gravity Wave Fighter Bomber 1 - that uses as gravity waves as its fuel. The plane can’t be shut down by any weapons because the gravity waves would stop anything from hitting it. The only drawback to the plane is that it needs fuel coming from a new element: Element 128 which is almost impossible to make. Dr. Donnelly finds a way to do so and alongside Dr. Knox, they use the Memorial Day weekend to leave Area 51 and join “The Cause” and its Directors.
Meanwhile, Michael King - a sophomore at Southern University in Alabama returns to his frat house - ETA MU - for his second Year. His best friends, Zach Self, and Lawrence (Bubba) Adcock hate the frat's president, Hunter Ewell - a member of the Cause
As it turns out the Greek associations in the South through Tyros, a association consisting of all the Greek fraternities and sororities, dominate the governance of campus life and are a recruitment source for "The Cause."
When the ruthless secret society seeking to implement their masterstroke of tearing four states from the union (Alabama, Georgia, Louisianas, and Texas) Special Agent Frank Deal and his expert team of WMD hunters must race against the clock to recover the powerful technology before it's too late. Let by Texas governor, Margie Franks, the US President, Kimberly Mallory must rely on Frank Deal, Zach Self, and Lawrence (Bubba) Adcock (a genius) and Michael's girlfriend, Sarah, whose evidence of a shadowy student organization on campus, The Tyros, may provide the FBI’s only clue to tracking down the super weapon. Along the way, they will uncover startling connections between The Cause, The Tyros, and the genius physicist Rick Donnelly who holds the key to the new technology. With the unimaginable power of gravity wave propulsion at stake, the combined forces of Frank Deal and the university students must risk everything to save the United States of America from a devastating new civil war. The fate of the nation hangs in the balance when the world's only anti-gravity aircraft is stolen from Area 51.
Narrated from there third person point of view, this was a hard to put down, fast paced, thriller. The characters are alive and come out if the page. I read it in two sittings. My only complain with the book is that it sets up book two - not a stand alone book.
June 7, 2024
This was indeed a conspiracy book - on steroids, I'd say! It begins with a prologue in 1928, when a group of wealthy men gather to begin a group called "The Cause." This group have plans for the world -- and the growth of wealth and power for the descendants of each man, because they realize that, to achieve their goals, it will take a few generatoins. Chapter One begins in "present day," and the plot thickens with the current Directors of The Cause nearing something big. Besides these characters, there are a group of college students who play a big part in the adventure, along with various other players. It's an interesting story with some unusual plot twists.
August 12, 2024
The Deep State is Exposed!
An intriguing story that, in my opinion, captures the strength of “The Deep State” and exposes it for what it truly is - a group of elitists that see a democratic state (of, by and for the people) as unnecessary and problematic. This may not make sense to some readers but it’s clearly the author’s intention to expose this reality in a fictional event. Recommended reading!
An intriguing story that, in my opinion, captures the strength of “The Deep State” and exposes it for what it truly is - a group of elitists that see a democratic state (of, by and for the people) as unnecessary and problematic. This may not make sense to some readers but it’s clearly the author’s intention to expose this reality in a fictional event. Recommended reading!
September 28, 2024
fast moving story
If you believe in conspiracy theory, you might consider this a blood bath to the 24 election should things go, well, let’s say south. If not, then you will enjoy a fast paced, fun to read, crazy, silly story book that, for me, I couldn’t put down. It’s mission unbelievable impossible.
If you believe in conspiracy theory, you might consider this a blood bath to the 24 election should things go, well, let’s say south. If not, then you will enjoy a fast paced, fun to read, crazy, silly story book that, for me, I couldn’t put down. It’s mission unbelievable impossible.
October 29, 2024
COULD THIS “REALLY HAPPEN”?
At the beginning of the read, I was skeptical about the contents.
Plowing through I became engrossed! The events, planned and executed, were eye opening and shocking! The future air plane held a pilot like me in awe.
A real page turner full of plot and surprise!
At the beginning of the read, I was skeptical about the contents.
Plowing through I became engrossed! The events, planned and executed, were eye opening and shocking! The future air plane held a pilot like me in awe.
A real page turner full of plot and surprise!
Read
July 8, 2024Cussler-style Action Crap With Secession
The alleged science is ridiculous, as is the conspiracy. It takes Action Strongman bullshit to an interesting place, but pretentious language cannot mask the ignorance of science, people, or military protocol.
The alleged science is ridiculous, as is the conspiracy. It takes Action Strongman bullshit to an interesting place, but pretentious language cannot mask the ignorance of science, people, or military protocol.
July 10, 2024
Unusual story
That was different. But it was pretty good. Twists and turns you didn't see coming. Story line was different. The plane sounded more like a spacecraft than an airplane. And no love story involved. Look forward to the next book!
That was different. But it was pretty good. Twists and turns you didn't see coming. Story line was different. The plane sounded more like a spacecraft than an airplane. And no love story involved. Look forward to the next book!
July 14, 2024
Gripping !
Conspiracy , kidnappings, megalomaniacs and treachery. The intricate deceit of the participants during their quest for power, grips you until the very end.
Good start for Book Two.
Conspiracy , kidnappings, megalomaniacs and treachery. The intricate deceit of the participants during their quest for power, grips you until the very end.
Good start for Book Two.
July 18, 2024
A first for me and this author.
I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end to end. Well written, well edited and really good story. Only suggestion, get rid of Reed and keep Bubba.
I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end to end. Well written, well edited and really good story. Only suggestion, get rid of Reed and keep Bubba.
July 22, 2024
Science Fantasy
Liked the protagonists. Story did little to let up. Blood pressure climbed higher. Secret Society bloodlines diluted, big idea, execution proceeded, but human errors abounded.
Liked the protagonists. Story did little to let up. Blood pressure climbed higher. Secret Society bloodlines diluted, big idea, execution proceeded, but human errors abounded.
October 30, 2024
The Cause
Omigosh, this book is so scary because in the world in which we live today this could be so very real. Probably something very akin to the Cause and the Directors do actually exist. That would explain a lot of our recent history.
Omigosh, this book is so scary because in the world in which we live today this could be so very real. Probably something very akin to the Cause and the Directors do actually exist. That would explain a lot of our recent history.
August 23, 2022
I like the whole concept of the plot but i'm not so sure I like the ending
April 9, 2024
Best book I've read in awhile. Unable to put it down except to go to bed the 1st night. The next day, first on my list to finish reading this book. I encourage everyone to enjoy a great novel.
May 9, 2024
Enjoyed the book, just purchased the 2nd in the series. The students did better than the FBI
July 10, 2024
thrills
This book kept me up until I finished it. Fast paced to the end a cracking read could come true
This book kept me up until I finished it. Fast paced to the end a cracking read could come true
July 19, 2024
enjoyable
The first 3rd of the book was a real page turner. The 2nd third got bogged down and wordy. The last third was better.
The first 3rd of the book was a real page turner. The 2nd third got bogged down and wordy. The last third was better.
July 27, 2024
Started a wee bit slow but the momentum picked up. Enjoyed reading this
September 11, 2024
good read!
Good action thriller that is hard to put down, the further you get into it. I would recommend it. Part of a series.
Good action thriller that is hard to put down, the further you get into it. I would recommend it. Part of a series.
September 21, 2024
great thriller
Very skilful interweaving of subplots with clever twists and turns.
Very difficult to put the book down.
Strongly recommend it.
Very skilful interweaving of subplots with clever twists and turns.
Very difficult to put the book down.
Strongly recommend it.
October 12, 2024
Nice theory
Save your Dixie Cups - the south shall rise again! A power mad governor, a science fiction weapon, geniuses, college fraternities and sororities...oh, and the FBI
Save your Dixie Cups - the south shall rise again! A power mad governor, a science fiction weapon, geniuses, college fraternities and sororities...oh, and the FBI
October 26, 2024
interesting
I liked the plot of this book. i had a hard time staying engaged sometimes though. it’s an ok read.
I liked the plot of this book. i had a hard time staying engaged sometimes though. it’s an ok read.
November 16, 2024
Awesomeness
Awesome. Fast moving. Has youth, bad guys and unlikely heroes. Can’t wait to read the next one. Great technical wizardry.
Awesome. Fast moving. Has youth, bad guys and unlikely heroes. Can’t wait to read the next one. Great technical wizardry.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews