When I finished this novel's predecessor, Communion, I was mesmerized and at a loss for words. I don't remember necessarily believing or disbelieving the author's claim of communicating with other-worldly beings, or visitors as he calls them—this was over 15 years ago when I read the series, mind you, and the events in question took place in the late 80's—but for me I think it was his personal struggle to understand the unknown that I connected with. In this book, for example, the sections concerning his midnight walks, or fear of taking them, those are the strongest moments because of how personal the experience is.

If Communion asks the question, "Is this real?" then Transformation attempts to give a definite answer. I might have believed him once, but not anymore. Nevertheless, it's still a gripping account. ( )

Although the images used and ideas presented in this book were more interesting to me than those in Communion, I have to give this book a lower rating. In my younger days, I had a considerable collection of books and videos on the subject of UFOs and abductions, and I could never understand why some people could be so skeptical about the subject. I am not saying that I do not believe the author, and I understand that, if abductions by "visitors" are indeed real, it would be difficult to find solid proof for them, but I think that Strieber is not even trying to appear credible in this book. Telling the reader over and over again that, yes, the events *did* take place and he did *not* make them up, is not very convincing. If I remember correctly, there are a few passages in Communion in which he questions the reality and nature of his experiences, but I did not find even one such passage in Transformation. One of the most important things when trying to prove a point is to consider the possibility of the contrary being true. Strieber does not do so. ( )

* Inherited from Mum's shelves.