In a complex narrative that bounces between 1950s Boston and 1960s Vietnam, author Kevin Kelley introduces the reader to Donovan O'Brien, the most engaging, determined, and good-hearted realist you would ever hope to meet. Born of an Irish-American father and a black Belgian mother and growing up in a Boston suburb, Donovan learns about racism early, and about war a decade later, in a series of gripping episodes. This book is a compelling, exciting read.

“We are not what they do to us.” These wise words guide young Donovan O’Brien through the loss of his father, the false arrest of his mother, abuse at the hands of an uncle, cruelty at a Catholic school, the draft, the war in Vietnam, and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A sweeping and deeply moving story, it captures both the pain and resilience of a turbulent era and will resonate with readers across America.

This is the fifth book I’ve read from the author. The Life of Donovan O’Brian did not disappoint. Kevin Kelley’s writing can bring any point in history to life. Donovan’s story has many high points and low points and it wouldn’t be a Kevin Kelley book without some surprising twists. The Vietnam war was vividly and accurately depicted as were the emotions and fears of those in battle. I was reminded of how divisive and tumultuous that period of time was. It is a beautifully written book bringing hope and goodness to even the toughest of times. I look forward to book six.

I love this book because it kept my interest from page one. It is a story about a naval officer and an enlisted sailor who are captured by the North Koreans and what they endured as well as what their families endured at home. You will not be disappointed at the non stop action!

A very good presentation of a possibility that could destroy an innocent individual. Reality can be twisted until no one understands truth. With the changes now going on now, no one is certain already. Kudus to the author. Excellent.

I was surprised at the timeliness of this truly gripping story. It could happen today with the seemingly never-ending line of ruthless and dangerous dictators in North Korea. The author gives us a realistic look inside the Hermit Kingdom and how the U.S. might respond to the dilemma of a captured U.S. serviceman like Lt. McCarty. It starts off as a love story then pivots to an intriguing, action-packed story of survival. I didn't want to put it down, certainly not during much of the story. The characters all have believable background stories, and I cared about what happened to each of them, at least the good guys. This is the first of three books by this author with Lt. McCarty at the center, and they only get better! I highly recommend this one, then I bet you'll want to read the other two. Great story-telling!!

Last Saturday I sat down for a few minutes to begin to read this book. And I will admit to totally binge reading it over the weekend. From the first minute I met Colin on the streets of London I wanted to know his story. From England to Boston, through the Civil War and beyond, you follow this boy’s complex journey to manhood. The story has several twists and turns, yet the author intertwines the main characters and their supporting cast beautifully. You will laugh out loud and you will most certainly cry. Personally, I think this story would make a great mini-series. I also want to add, that I love that the author, Kevin Kelley, is donating the proceeds from this novel to charities that are most certainly changing lives, Attention Homes and Colorado Women’s Education Foundation. A great read and meaningful donations! The very best combo of all!

This book encompasses so much of what is going on even in our world today. Loss of parents for a boy of age 10, having to fend for himself, not knowing what happened to his father but feeling abandoned and then while living on the streets is discovered and scooped by Father McCall. What a backdrop! As the story unfolds, we grow through Colin in learning about faith, prayer, singing and educational lessons. When his father finally is finally connected with Colin, there is so much joy. The story continues as Colin begins a new life, learns about his father's business, grows in relationship with people and experiences racism. Ultimately, although a bit predicable, the sweet story ends well. Very enjoyable.

I loved this book! The writer kept me interested throughout the whole story! I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in our county's history during the Civil War! My heart went out for the slaves in this story! I thank you for a tale greatly written, Mr Kelly!

A Time of Chaos –is the 3 rd book that I have read in this series and they keep getting better. The plot of the entire series is completely believable and could happen at any time in the current political and international climate we live in. The author must have some great contacts in the world of Homeland Security because his writing bristles with detail and suspense. The characters are well thought out and multi-dimensional and they like the plot will surprise you. This is a series and individual book with surprising depth that pulls you in keeps the pages humming. You will find yourself up late reading to the finish!!!

A Time of Chaos gripped me from the first page to the last! There was never a dull moment as Kevin Kelley's riveting plot continues to thicken with each and every turn of the page. Although written before the events of January 6th, 2021, it proves to be both prescient and timely. This book is at once a fast-paced fictional thriller and a call for the reader to contemplate the current chaos in Washington, D.C. that threatens to upend American life as we know it.

A Time of Chaos is packed with enough action and intrigue to keep you up all night reading and praying that the events described remain purely fictional. Written with crisp, cinematic detail and fast-paced plot developments, the movie that Kevin Kelley creates in the mind of the reader would play well on the big screen at the cineplex. For readers familiar with Kevin Kelley's first novel, A Time of Lies, it is additionally gratifying to meet up again with Naval Lieutenant Christopher McCarty after his harrowing escape from North Korea and to find him in the thick of things battling to save American democracy in the nation's capital.