What do you think?
Rate this book
Renegade #2
A Beckoning Hellfire
During the bloody American Civil War, the stark reality of death leads one young man on a course of revenge that takes him from his quiet farm in northern Alabama to the horrific battlefields of Virginia and Pennsylvania.
On Christmas Eve 1862, David Summers hears the dreaded news: his father has perished at the Battle of Fredericksburg. Reeling with grief and thoughts of vengeance, David enlists and sets off for Richmond to join the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia.
But once in the cavalry, David's life changes drastically, and his dream of glamorous chivalry becomes nothing but a cold, cruel existence of pain and suffering. He is hurled into one battle after another, and his desire for revenge wanes when he experiences first-hand the catastrophes of war.
A haunting look at the human side of one of America's most tragic conflicts, "A Beckoning Hellfire "speaks to the delusion of war's idealism.
On Christmas Eve 1862, David Summers hears the dreaded news: his father has perished at the Battle of Fredericksburg. Reeling with grief and thoughts of vengeance, David enlists and sets off for Richmond to join the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia.
But once in the cavalry, David's life changes drastically, and his dream of glamorous chivalry becomes nothing but a cold, cruel existence of pain and suffering. He is hurled into one battle after another, and his desire for revenge wanes when he experiences first-hand the catastrophes of war.
A haunting look at the human side of one of America's most tragic conflicts, "A Beckoning Hellfire "speaks to the delusion of war's idealism.
200 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
2 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
J.D.R. Hawkins
11 books73 followersJ.D.R. Hawkins is an Amazon, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling, award-winning author. She is one of a few female Civil War authors, uniquely describing the front lines from a Confederate perspective. Her "Renegade Series" includes "A Beautiful Glittering Lie," winner of the 2013 John Esten Cooke Fiction Award and the 2012 B.R.A.G. Medallion. The sequel, "A Beckoning Hellfire," is an Amazon bestseller and winner of the 2022 B.R.A.G. Medallion. "A Rebel Among Us," the third book in the series, is the recipient of the 2017 John Esten Cooke Fiction Award and winner of the 2022 B.R.A.G. Medallion. "Double-Edged Sword," the fourth book in the series, is the recipient of the 2023 B.R.A.G. Medallion and the 2023 John Esten Cooke Fiction Award. These books tell the story of a family from north Alabama who experience immeasurable pain when their lives dramatically change from the war. Ms. Hawkins has published a nonfiction book about the War Between the States, titled "Horses in Gray: Famous Confederate Warhorses." She has also published a short story titled "A Becharmed Callie Christmas" to go with the "Renegade Series," as well as another short story for the series titled "Fool's Gold Folly." Ms. Hawkins is a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the Historical Novel Society, the International Women's Writing Guild, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, and Pikes Peak Writers. She is also an artist and a singer/songwriter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 14, 2017
The Civil War is within weeks of entering its third bloody year. At home in Alabama, David Summers learns of his father’s death in the horrific battle of Fredericksburg. Both deeply saddened and embittered, the seventeen year-old must make a decision beyond his years. He must decide whether to stay home and care for his widowed mother and his sisters or to go to war to avenge his father’s death.
After agonizing over this quandary, David begins a perilous and life-changing journey to find and join J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalry fighting in Virginia. We follow David’s journey along with that of his spirited horse, Renegade, as they travel from Huntsville northeastward by wagon, on trains, and on foot.
J.D.R. Hawkins A Beckoning Hellfire, is a dramatic and well-written coming-of-age novel. It follows the transformation of a naïve but well-intentioned boy into a battle-hardened veteran whose innocence began to leave him at the first news of his father, Hiram’s, death. Long-held religious beliefs are challenged along with his boyhood view of the world in general.
The time span covered by A Beckoning Hellfire is only six months. The fast-paced story moves quickly for the reader but must have felt much like a much longer time to the characters. There are genuine and moving segments showing depicting David’s home life prior to, and immediately upon receiving, “the news.” The dialogue and dialect are realistic and reflect genuine emotion. The story is told in third-person but could have as easily been written in first-person as David appears in nearly every scene.
Hawkins’ work is well–researched in its depiction of cavalry procedures and tactics as well as the life of the ordinary soldier caught up in a war that no one really wanted but all seemed powerless to prevent.
Though some segments of the novel appear tailored to a young-adult audience (not a criticism), this novel is not for the queasy or faint-of-heart. The story depicts in a graphic, but not gratuitous, manner the harsh realities of war. The reader accompanies David into hell-holes that served as army hospitals, well-intentioned but lacking the sanitation, skill, and technology afforded by modern field facilities. The gut-wrench continues as Hawkins describes in detail the grisly aftermath of the Battle of Chancellorsville and the brutal hand-to-hand cavalry battle Gettysburg.
I rate A Beckoning Hellfire a very solid four stars. I look forward to going back and reading Hawkins’ earlier work A Beautiful Glittering Lie and the sequel to ‘Hellfire’, A Rebel Among Us. Well done J.D.R. Congratulations.
After agonizing over this quandary, David begins a perilous and life-changing journey to find and join J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalry fighting in Virginia. We follow David’s journey along with that of his spirited horse, Renegade, as they travel from Huntsville northeastward by wagon, on trains, and on foot.
J.D.R. Hawkins A Beckoning Hellfire, is a dramatic and well-written coming-of-age novel. It follows the transformation of a naïve but well-intentioned boy into a battle-hardened veteran whose innocence began to leave him at the first news of his father, Hiram’s, death. Long-held religious beliefs are challenged along with his boyhood view of the world in general.
The time span covered by A Beckoning Hellfire is only six months. The fast-paced story moves quickly for the reader but must have felt much like a much longer time to the characters. There are genuine and moving segments showing depicting David’s home life prior to, and immediately upon receiving, “the news.” The dialogue and dialect are realistic and reflect genuine emotion. The story is told in third-person but could have as easily been written in first-person as David appears in nearly every scene.
Hawkins’ work is well–researched in its depiction of cavalry procedures and tactics as well as the life of the ordinary soldier caught up in a war that no one really wanted but all seemed powerless to prevent.
Though some segments of the novel appear tailored to a young-adult audience (not a criticism), this novel is not for the queasy or faint-of-heart. The story depicts in a graphic, but not gratuitous, manner the harsh realities of war. The reader accompanies David into hell-holes that served as army hospitals, well-intentioned but lacking the sanitation, skill, and technology afforded by modern field facilities. The gut-wrench continues as Hawkins describes in detail the grisly aftermath of the Battle of Chancellorsville and the brutal hand-to-hand cavalry battle Gettysburg.
I rate A Beckoning Hellfire a very solid four stars. I look forward to going back and reading Hawkins’ earlier work A Beautiful Glittering Lie and the sequel to ‘Hellfire’, A Rebel Among Us. Well done J.D.R. Congratulations.
November 18, 2024
JDR Hawkins brings us a thrilling and emotionally deep revenge thriller set against the backdrop of the American Civil War with A Beckoning Hellfire! After hearing of the loss of his father, David Summers enlists in the Confederate army in order to get his revenge. But ideals and the hot coal flames of revenge tend to wane in the face of war’s atrocities, and David soon finds himself questioning his cause. Hawkins beautifully captures all the emotion of this tumultuous time period and brings it down to a human level with David. I really felt for David at the suffering he was put up against, and I really enjoyed his journey and that deep look at the true face of war. This is a very deep book that hits you right in the heart, something you feel long after you finish reading. If you love historical fiction set in the period of the Civil War that has a great mix of excitement, deep emotion, and philosophical exploration, definitely come enlist with A Beckoning Hellfire!
January 22, 2015
J. D. R. Hawkins does it again! A Beckoning Hellfire follows the same family as in her previous book, A Beautiful Glittering Lie. When the family receives devastating news, David is set on enlisting, and going into war against the North. He and his best friend, Jake, join up in the Cavalry Regiment. David leaves his family behind, and Jake leaves his family and fiancée, as they go off to finally get a taste of the adventure they had been craving.
The experience is far from what either of them pictured, and it gets worse when they have to be in different regiments. Driven onward by his faith in God, thoughts of his father, and the memory of those who took their last breaths at the hand of the North, David fights with every fiber of his being.
Hawkins should come with a "Tissues Needed" warning label, since she keeps breaking my heart. Her novels are poignant, beautiful, and thoroughly-researched. As with her previous book, I was drawn in from the very first sentence of A Beckoning Hellfire, and regretted how quickly I can read. I didn't want it to end!
I love the way Hawkins develops her characters, and portrays their personal growth and the coming-of-age of David. With her novels, you're doing more than just reading; you're having an experience. I highly recommend this to everyone that likes fiction, even if historical isn't usually your cup of tea. Students would also benefit greatly from this being adapted as part of the curriculum.
Hawkins should be nicknamed `Arachne' for the beautiful tapestries she weaves of the Civil War. Without a doubt, 5/5 stars. I would give more but, alas, there are not enough stars on the scale.
Review by Alexia Bullard for eBook Review Gal.
eBook Review Gal received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The experience is far from what either of them pictured, and it gets worse when they have to be in different regiments. Driven onward by his faith in God, thoughts of his father, and the memory of those who took their last breaths at the hand of the North, David fights with every fiber of his being.
Hawkins should come with a "Tissues Needed" warning label, since she keeps breaking my heart. Her novels are poignant, beautiful, and thoroughly-researched. As with her previous book, I was drawn in from the very first sentence of A Beckoning Hellfire, and regretted how quickly I can read. I didn't want it to end!
I love the way Hawkins develops her characters, and portrays their personal growth and the coming-of-age of David. With her novels, you're doing more than just reading; you're having an experience. I highly recommend this to everyone that likes fiction, even if historical isn't usually your cup of tea. Students would also benefit greatly from this being adapted as part of the curriculum.
Hawkins should be nicknamed `Arachne' for the beautiful tapestries she weaves of the Civil War. Without a doubt, 5/5 stars. I would give more but, alas, there are not enough stars on the scale.
Review by Alexia Bullard for eBook Review Gal.
eBook Review Gal received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2015
After having read a thoroughly engaging Civil war tale in A Beautiful Glittering Lie, I was certainly interested in reading the sequel.
David Summers is heartbroken after hearing the news of his father Hiram’s death in the Battle of Fredericksburg. This motivates him to convince his best friend, Jake, to go with him and enlist in the Confederate army, more to avenge his father than for idealism. As with his father, he and Jake find that the war means nothing more than horror, suffering and cruelty.
Again as in her first book, Hawkins recounts the human side of this tragic war. The young men in the story all too soon are thrown into battle. The author gives the reader a realistic view of the horrors of the battlefield, along with the characters’ reactions to all that happens around them.
Historical facts that mix with a look into how the war is seen from the eyes of a young soldier, this is what makes this book so unique.
David Summers is heartbroken after hearing the news of his father Hiram’s death in the Battle of Fredericksburg. This motivates him to convince his best friend, Jake, to go with him and enlist in the Confederate army, more to avenge his father than for idealism. As with his father, he and Jake find that the war means nothing more than horror, suffering and cruelty.
Again as in her first book, Hawkins recounts the human side of this tragic war. The young men in the story all too soon are thrown into battle. The author gives the reader a realistic view of the horrors of the battlefield, along with the characters’ reactions to all that happens around them.
Historical facts that mix with a look into how the war is seen from the eyes of a young soldier, this is what makes this book so unique.
November 8, 2021
A Beckoning Hellfire: A Novel of the Civil War by J.D.R. Hawkins brings one of our country's devastating times to life. David Summers is angry, hurt, and wants revenge. He can't fathom a war that would have killed the man he idolized. His passion now is to make everyone pay who represented a small part in the death of his father. As he fights this war, brother against brother, father against son, he realizes there isn't glamour or pride when you win a battle. The destruction and despair are unimaginable.
I found J.D.R. Hawkins a skillful writer as she brings the Civil War alive with a fierce reminder of our country torn apart. A Beckoning Hellfire is well-written and a fascinating novel. The characters are just as you would imagine them with hopes, dreams, and disappointments. They strive to live one more day and to keep their family and friends alive. People will show their true light during their darkest days. History lovers will enjoy this novel.
I found J.D.R. Hawkins a skillful writer as she brings the Civil War alive with a fierce reminder of our country torn apart. A Beckoning Hellfire is well-written and a fascinating novel. The characters are just as you would imagine them with hopes, dreams, and disappointments. They strive to live one more day and to keep their family and friends alive. People will show their true light during their darkest days. History lovers will enjoy this novel.
December 1, 2017
In, A Beckoning Hellfire the plot continues from A Beautiful, Glittering Lie.
Plot:
After Hiram’s death, his son David enlists in the war. He is joined by his best friend Jake. This is more of a coming-of-age novel about David in the backdrop of the Civil War.
Characters:
Interesting and multi-dimensional.
Narrative:
The author continues to charm us with her detailed descriptions and engaging us emotionally.
Overall:
As a second book in the series, the book delivers on the expectations set up by the first book. The balance between facts and fiction has been handled well. David really grows as a character as he experiences the war first hand. Aptly titled though I wished for a more interesting book cover.
Plot:
After Hiram’s death, his son David enlists in the war. He is joined by his best friend Jake. This is more of a coming-of-age novel about David in the backdrop of the Civil War.
Characters:
Interesting and multi-dimensional.
Narrative:
The author continues to charm us with her detailed descriptions and engaging us emotionally.
Overall:
As a second book in the series, the book delivers on the expectations set up by the first book. The balance between facts and fiction has been handled well. David really grows as a character as he experiences the war first hand. Aptly titled though I wished for a more interesting book cover.
December 1, 2017
In, A Beckoning Hellfire the plot continues from A Beautiful, Glittering Lie.
Plot:
After Hiram’s death, his son David enlists in the war. He is joined by his best friend Jake. This is more of a coming-of-age novel about David in the backdrop of the Civil War.
Characters:
Interesting and multi-dimensional.
Narrative:
The author continues to charm us with her detailed descriptions and engaging us emotionally.
Overall:
As a second book in the series, the book delivers on the expectations set up by the first book. The balance between facts and fiction has been handled well. David really grows as a character as he experiences the war first hand. Aptly titled though I wished for a more interesting book cover.
Plot:
After Hiram’s death, his son David enlists in the war. He is joined by his best friend Jake. This is more of a coming-of-age novel about David in the backdrop of the Civil War.
Characters:
Interesting and multi-dimensional.
Narrative:
The author continues to charm us with her detailed descriptions and engaging us emotionally.
Overall:
As a second book in the series, the book delivers on the expectations set up by the first book. The balance between facts and fiction has been handled well. David really grows as a character as he experiences the war first hand. Aptly titled though I wished for a more interesting book cover.
November 8, 2021
A Beckoning Hellfire: A Novel of the Civil War by J.D.R. Hawkins is an amazingly good story that takes place during the Civil War. David Summers has found out that his father has been killed, and he is seeking revenge against the Union army. He joins the Confederate army to try and exact revenge. War itself is completely surprising to David, and soon his thoughts turn to simply trying to survive. The author has done a great job of creating a nuanced vision of the Civil War. If you are a history buff with a focus on the Civil War, this book is a great read and one that will certainly bring in the emotional turmoil that many must have felt during this historical time in our nation. Escape to the past and learn something at the same time. Highly recommended.
December 15, 2018
I really liked the book and I did some fact checking on a couple of things. I was pleased to see that everything I looked up was accurate. However I did not like the end. You spend the entire book getting to know a young man and his struggles and then he just dies at the end? That kind of ruined things for me. Such is war I suppose.
Full Disclosure- I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Full Disclosure- I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2021
This was a vivid description of the brutal and harrowing realities of war. A young man heads out into the Civil War, full of romanticized ideas about his ability to seek revenge for his father’s death. He comes face to face with death on the battlefield as well as off of it and his world will be forever changed.
A tumultuous time in our history, the book does a really good job of showcasing the harsh life people led during the war. A really good book to read.
A tumultuous time in our history, the book does a really good job of showcasing the harsh life people led during the war. A really good book to read.
July 25, 2012
The history is intertwined ingeniously into the plot. It is well plotted and the narrative moves along at nice clip. The Civil War experience is related through the eyes of common folk rather than heroes and generals. The horror of battle experienced by foot soldiers is related. I look forward to the sequel.
January 21, 2019
I chose to read and review this book. This is a new author for me and I enjoyed the book. It is a rare thing for me to read this type of books and review it but I liked it. I felt everything was well written and very good. I usually read this genre for pleasure and knowledge so it was nice and gave me a new taste on USA even if I am not from there
November 30, 2021
Fascinating, fast-paced read. Very informative. The characters, especially the main character, David Summers, are endearing. This book gives much insight into what it was like to be a Confederate cavalry soldier.
February 25, 2022
We are proud to announce that A BECKONING HELLFIRE: A Novel of the Civil War by J.D.R. Hawkins has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
June 14, 2009
Excellent book if I do say so myself!
April 15, 2014
BRILLIANT!!! I loved "A Beckoning Hellfire" and think J.D.R. Hawkins is an AMAZING writer! I highly recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews