Travis ThrasherBesprekingen
Auteur van Solitary
Besprekingen
American Omens door Travis Thrasher
It was a chilling story of a families' terror in a giant maze of a house in the high mountains of North Carolina. [isolation] was a good title for this book as well as a spot on description of what was happening to to the family. Something isn't right in the big lodge house that was supposed to give them a fresh start. We know that they are not alone... and they know they are not alone...but they are unprepared for the terrible thing that is residing as yet unseen within the rooms with them. A blizzard has imprisoned them inside with IT and what it wants is unimaginable. It was listed as "Christian fiction"...which I didn't realize at the time...but the author was in no way "preachy"...just told a very good story.
Travis Thrasher’s American Omens fits in many genre categories. It’s part suspense, part sci-fi, part speculative, but wholly entertaining (and maybe even disturbingly plausible).
In 2038, powerhouse names like Amazon, Google, Apple, and Facebook are no more. But technology has advanced in ways that are hard to imagine today from automatically driven vehicles (autovehs) to AI assistants that do everything from connecting you with others, selecting music, and offering advise based on the information the computer has for the individual, the potential for manipulation is great. And Christians are now the criminals as their conversations of faith are viewed as hate crimes.
Thrasher dangles three story threads in front of readers, inviting them to follow along until they all collide in a massive undertaking. From a programmer (it’s much more complicated than that, but I’m going to simplify it for time’s sake), a bookstore owner, and a man hired to get the job done no matter the method, the build up to the climax is gradual but steep, keeping you focused on what’s to come.
I have to say I appreciated the ending of this story. While it is satisfying, there are still questions because not everything is wrapped up in a neat little bow. Not everyone responds as the group expects, and even some in the group are still searching for their own answers.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Jake Rivers spent his college years as the ultimate partying prankster. He put all that stuff behind him, though, after a spring break when something went wrong--something he can't quite remember. When he's blackmailed into revisiting his past, he'll have to confront old college buddies and old memories he never thought he'd face again. This unique contemporary mystery ping-pongs between 1994 (Jake's senior year) and 2005 (Jake's search) in a slow reveal that kept me interested till the final page.
I picked this up as a fan of Thrasher's Solitary Tales, and it's fascinating to observe the evolution of his style and voice from this book to those. His craft has grown a lot, but his signatures are all present here: a self-aware protagonist, character-driven suspense, natural dialogue.
Another commonality with [b:Solitary|7140387|Solitary (Solitary Tales, #1)|Travis Thrasher|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1348596847s/7140387.jpg|7404309] (which may not be present in all his work) is the motif of music, but in Admission, it's overdone. This book feels something like American Graffiti for the 1990's--or at least, the alternative 1990's. As a movie, it would work great, because the audience could absorb the music as background. It's less effective, even forced, in a novel, because the reader is constantly reading artist names and song titles (in every scene, pretty much literally). As text, less would have been more.
The mystery kept me curious until almost the end (when I figured out whodunit), but the reveal was anticlimactic for some reason. Still, it felt like reality. "Well, there it is, now we move on." Anyway, the strength of this book is in the characterizations, not the plot. It's a fast read, the cast is large (for a book this length), and nobody gets deep backstory or little endearing quirks. But somehow, in this snapshot presentation of them, they all still feel real. The constant shift between past and present revealed just the right things about them at just the right time.
I cared the most for Alyssa, wanting her to find faith again and rediscover the person she'd been in college. And I really enjoyed the spiritual role reversal for her and Jake--she the devout one in college, now unsure; he the rebel in college, now devout. One of my favorite moments is current-Jake's attempt to explain his faith and how he got here, thinking that he's so bad at this witnessing thing and has no idea what to say. Realistically, the author doesn't give him a later moment of brilliant evangelical dialogue. Jake's just a guy trying to walk in the light now and shed his old, dark self.
Rounding up from 3.5 stars for the originality of the presentation and the simple humanity of the characters. I have no doubt I'll return to Travis Thrasher yet again.
If SOLITARY leaves Chris on a cliff's edge, GRAVESTONE pushes him along to explore it while rocks crumble under his feet, until finally (because Travis Thrasher clearly doesn't believe in things as passe as plot resolution), Chris is pushed right over the edge. Now we leave him in freefall. Wow, thanks, Mr. Thrasher, I guess I'll close this book and move on with my life. (Hold on a second while I check on my shipment of TEMPTATION. Surely it's reached my state by now.)
The best thing about GRAVESTONE: it isn't a stagnant rehash, stalling us until Book Three Where Stuff Finally Happens. I can't say much about the plot without spoiling details, but most of it involves digging for answers, and thank goodness, we get a few this time. The brilliant thing about this book (and about all great second-in-a-series stories) is that we also start asking new questions, the ones we didn't know enough to ask before now. The stakes skyrocket: namely, Chris's soul. Thrasher also introduces some fantastically nuanced secondary characters, and a few we met in the first book prove to be deeper than we thought. (There are two in particular I can't wait to see again.)
Only one thing makes me nervous here, and previous YA reading experience may have scarred me in this ... It's the love triangle. My first thought upon realizing that's where we were headed: No, please, no, I can't take one more of those, ever, for the rest of my life. After reading the blurb for TEMPTATION (book three), I'm even more confused. Another girl? Do we really need another one? I mean, I love Chris, but how many girls are going to fall in love with him?
That said, I'm in this series to stay and if we must have a love triangle, at least it's done well here. Plus, it's not the focus of the narrative. Plus, it's obviously not the primary source of conflict in TEMPTATION.
I'd nearly finished my crazed plow through the book when I realized the writing has improved (not that it had far to go). The paragraphs are cleaner, or something. I don't even know what, but it's better. Seamless. I don't see the author anymore. There's only Chris on these pages. The dialogue and point of view are both honed to this perfect edge that alternates between gleaming humor and slicing sorrow. Chris breaks my heart with his hilarious sarcasm. His post-traumatic stress symptoms (so, so realistic) tremble on the page.
At the end of SOLITARY, I wanted answers and justice. I still want those things. But like every great Book Two, now I want more. I want Chris to be safe and to feel safe. I want him to meet those secret Christians and hear the truth. I want rescue for his soul. And any author who can make me want all those things is dang good at his job.
[b:Solitary|7140387|Solitary (Solitary Tales, #1)|Travis Thrasher|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1348596847s/7140387.jpg|7404309] is the cliff's edge. [b:Gravestone|8835902|Gravestone (Solitary Tales, #2)|Travis Thrasher|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1328763012s/8835902.jpg|19028339] is the shove over into freefall. TEMPTATION is the plummet, but Chris doesn't get to plummet the way he wants to, arms outstretched to embrace an unhindered descent. Inconvenient tree branches keep smacking him on the way down, breaking his fall--branches like answers to questions he stopped asking. People (one particular person) refusing to give up on him though he shuts them out. A crisis with his mom that he can't ignore. And revelations that shatter his apathy and rekindle the anger and prod him at last to start asking questions about truth itself.
In fact, this entire book is a flood of revelations and answers. The reader is rewarded with scene after scene of, oh, that's who he is! and oh, that's what happened! and I was right, I knew it! Plenty of questions remain going into Book Four (as it should be), but I'm now fully trusting this author. I'll know everything I need to by the end. And I anticipate agreeing with Travis Thrasher's story decisions. I have so far.
At one point in TEMPTATION, I nearly didn't. Without spoiling anything, I can only say I thought the author was recycling a Shocking Plot Element from Book One--oh, no way, this does not work twice, I can't believe he expects me to accept this TWICE!--but Chris's reflections on the two events showed me that both were necessary. The contrasting aspect is what matters, not the comparison. (And the vagueness of that sentence sounds almost ridiculous. Sorry. If you've read the books, I think you'll know what I'm referring to.)
Chris is not admirable throughout much of this book. Many of his decisions are selfish and/or dangerous. He sometimes treats people badly, and he sometimes knows he's doing it. Constantly admirable characters annoy me, so I'm okay with this. But the real reason the book works (and could be used for an advanced fiction Character Motivation class) is this: his actions are plausible given who he is and what's gone before. He is a traumatized teenager with no adult direction in his life. He tried making a difference before, and look how that turned out. He tried trusting people before, and look how that turned out. He's witnessed things that shouldn't be physically possible, and he has no way to predict or explain them. Add to all this a persistent assault from spiritual forces of evil, and I can believe Chris would make every ignoble or ill-advised choice he makes.
That said, the change germinating in him at the close of this book is a relief. As a reader, I am ready and eager for Chris to take steps down the right road.
For the first time with this series, I did the smart thing: I ordered and received HURT before finishing this one. What I expect from the final book: final answers. Wrap-up of dangling plot threads (a few of which go all the way back to book 1). Complete exposure of the evil (defeat of it would be even more satisfying, but we'll see). Return of a few characters. Salvation for Chris (on all levels). Hope and light.
Unreasonable expectations, you say? Only if you haven't read these books.
Part of me does want to write this review to the protagonist. It's that kind of series: one in which you lose track of pages because you're not really reading; you're listening to this kid tell you his story. The plot could go almost anywhere and you'd have to stay with it because it's Chris and you're going to worry about him until he's out of danger. His questionable choices tick you off and his wise choices make you cheer and the question of his eternal soul won't let you go. This series took not only my head but also my heart for quite a ride.
In this last novel, Mr. Thrasher has a lot to live up to. He's spent the first three books evolving his craft, adding intricacy to the story he unfolded in [b:Solitary|7140387|Solitary (Solitary Tales, #1)|Travis Thrasher|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1348596847s/7140387.jpg|7404309], introducing new, deep characters without sacrificing the depth of the old ones. And I confess it: I'm a skeptical reader. I love series, but they make me skittish. That first book, however great, is tainted if the author can't keep his promises.
Well. This author kept them. All. I'd love to fill this review with spoilers about every satisfying detail. (I'm recommending this series to friends partially out of selfishness, so I'll have people to discuss it with.)
First, the plot (sans spoilers). Do we get answers? Mostly. There are a few things I'm still wondering, but Chris wouldn't realistically know all the details, either, so I can't complain? Much. (The mannequin of Marsh ... what the ...?)
Did I believe the answers? Other than a couple minor elements that felt a bit over-the-top (character in costume? the bluebird is what?!), yes. Especially given the genre blend of supernatural suspense and magical realism. Readers who want a Peretti-esque take on angels and demons will be annoyed by the "spaces between" and other elements that feel more fantastical than Biblical. My advice: it's fiction. And since it doesn't claim otherwise, go with it.
Did I believe the characterization? Oh, always. Characters and dialogue are the strongest points of the Solitary Tales. Which brings me to the girls. All Chris's girls ... after [b:Gravestone|8835902|Gravestone (Solitary Tales, #2)|Travis Thrasher|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1328763012s/8835902.jpg|19028339], I mentioned he might have too many. I was wrong. Each of them are completely different, serve a different purpose in the narrative and in his character arc. (True, maybe Poe's more-than-a-friend interest isn't strictly necessary for Chris's arc, but it is for Kelsey's.) I didn't see this until the final book, but Jocelyn, Lily, and Kelsey each play an indispensable part in Chris's journey to God.
Speaking of Chris's spiritual journey. Just, wow. I knew this had to be his ultimate destination, yet his steps even in this final book kept surprising me. The climax in particular was a jolt, because I had unknowingly charted it out before I got there, and ... let's just say Travis Thrasher did what few authors do. He turned my initial disappointment (which I was supposed to feel, I think) into an illumination of my own human nature and the necessity of grace.
In fact, that's what this whole series is: an illumination of evil, of human rebellion, of brokenness--and then of God. Told in the sarcastic, dramatic, resilient, vulnerable, searching voice of a character I won't forget.
I really don't know what Travis Thrasher is doing here. The conclusion of this book is utterly unsatisfying; in fact, I kind of want to give it three stars. But I can't, because it's unsatisfying in all the right ways. Answers? None. I mentally skimmed through my list of questions compiled while reading, and I still have all of them. All. A lot of readers won't accept this and might even shrug the rest of the series off. I'm not sure it was a wise author choice, and it certainly wasn't a safe author (or publisher) choice, and the latter is why I have to applaud it. This is disturbing, unsafe, Christian (not spiritual, Christian) fiction. I wish more of it got written today.
As for literary merit, the book could be tighter. Repetition could have been cut. And oy, the one-sentence paragraphs.
Everywhere.
Constantly.
Until they lost their punch.
Early in, I thought maybe this was an attempt at a free verse style.
Now, I think it was just an overzealous attempt to emphasize too many things.
We also have here yet another trend-embracing first person POV written in present tense. I will never be a fan of present tense, but this author makes it work. The voice isn't overwritten and feels like a high-schooler's head, yet Chris is a kid who appreciates music, is self-aware and thoughtful, and this characterization makes for some appropriately poetic sentences.
And here is the reason I just ordered GRAVESTONE (Solitary Tales, Book 2). The author leaves Chris on a perilous ledge. We don't get a resolution here; instead, we get a turning point. No going back. Everything must change, including our trapped, powerless, confused and broken hero. I want to see the change happen. I want to see Chris grow. I want justice. I want answers.
Good thing I used two-day shipping.
This book caught my attention from the first page. Set in the future, 2038, we find the main character, Cheyenne Burne working for Acatour as a programmer. Her father has disappeared after becoming a Christian. Then Cheyenne is given a coded message, by a stranger, which leads her to a group of believers. She comes across a man known as the Reckoner. This man has a group of people following him and his beliefs in bringing back Christ to this land. He also has shown what is behind the disappearances of , not just Cheyenne's father but many others who openly practice Christianity.
This vision of the future leaves the reader thinking about our world where we could not openly serve Christ. Behind the story, Thrasher has done research on legislation concerning items that could lead to Christian speech being against the law.
The book was mainly focused on a visionary view of America while not including other countries and how they are looking upon Christianity. However, I feel this book was able to reinforce by faith and pushes me to make sure I am demonstrative about my Christianity.
Highly recommended to all.
Now, that said, I'll be honest and tell you that had I come across this book in the bookstore and read the blurb first, I probably wouldn't have picked it up. I'm not be on the furturistic style stories. They just don't appeal to me. But, after reading this one, I would have been missing out on something so incredible.
This book is powerful. It's about coming into your Faith and understanding what that big little word means. The plot line is one that may get to some. Much like we are starting to see today, this book about people being sought out for their different feelings, or beliefs, will really move you. The characters of the book are chiseled perfectly. I could feel their pain, their suffering, their emotions, as if they were my own. I love that!
This book is definitely getting 4.5 stars from me. I sat down, started reading it at 6:30 pm and was done by 11:00 pm. I just could not put it down. Each page turn convicted me with something new, each turn of the page brought me closer to an ending I wasn't sure I wanted to reach. But, it was worth it in the end! Grab it now and see what I'm talking about.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook & Multnomah and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Author: Travis Thrasher
Pages: 352
Year: 2019
Publisher: Multnomah
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
The past weekend I spent time enjoying the story of American Omens. The subtitle is “The Coming Fight for Faith,” which seems to already be a part of American society today. As I progressed through the tale, I became enamored with Cheyenne’s character. In the futuristic setting, we see “Chey” (Cheyenne) working for a company that has developed highly technical software. She is one smart cookie! However, Chey enters her workplace one day and she is handed a note. She reads it later for fear someone else might see it.
The book was hard to put down because the plot thickens, the danger heightens, and it wasn’t hard to imagine fiction being reality. I was turning pages for hours until my eyes got tired, but I wanted to read on. Why are churches closed? Why are people seeming to disappear without any concern from others? Is the man who is revealing God’s plan to a select few at first a plausible character? I will answer only the one question about the prophet as that character is very mysterious and intriguing to say the least.
Christians in the novel are forced to live life off the grid but challenged to share their beliefs with others, knowing that comes with a cost. There were twists and turns in the plot that kept me engrossed and thinking, plus there are Scripture references and a quote from Oswald Chambers that I really was impacted by. On page 161, it reads as follows: “Seeing is never believing we interpret what we see in the light of what we believe. Faith is confidence in God before you see God emerging; therefore, the nature of faith is that it must be tried.”
So, when you read the novel, don’t be surprised if something stands out to you that stirs your mind, heart and soul. The timing of the release of the novel is providential in that it seems like a wake-up call to pay attention, decide for or against being a disciple of Christ, and living that faith out before the world. Here is a great story to read and share with others, perhaps even discuss it with someone!
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
Starts with a woman Heather and she's talking about the first day she met her husband and he's right there with her but not there at all, he has PTSD.
Story goes back in time to the war Darren is listening to a radio broakcast from the president about the war overseas. Darren is a chaplain and is being trained with infantry unit and to head to Iraq soon.
Love hearing of th eimagination the children have while unpacking to their new house.
Army men birthday candles-priceless! Love charity work she does, photo taking, gathering things for soldiers Christmas stockings, and care packages.
What I really like is you hear how Heather is coping on the home front and helping other in the group to survive and you also hear how he's on in Bagdad helping others with their issues.
Love how Darren uses religion and God to help get his point across to those fighting the war with PTSD and he makes head way with them...
Feared something terrible would happen on one of their missions...
Received this review copy from Thomas Nelson--FICTION via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
#Indivisible #NetGalley
Yes, this book shows you the side of war you probably don’t want to know, we put faces to those who give the utmost, both away and at home.
With God centered lives you would think that this journey would be easier, but the horrible reality of war, and some of the most devout can doubt their faith, but without faith how do you find your way back.
This is a book that is based on a true story, and knowing that we come to see the toll war takes on our military.
Come and walk in this couple’s shoes, they might get a bit tight, but it is an experience with a journey of faith.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
I can't imagine what it would be like to know at any minute enemy fire or bombs could take my life. It can really do emotional damage living in that environment for months at a time. I never thought of a chaplain being there on the ground with the troops. After reading this book, I understand more clearly how vital that position is. I liked how the author let us walk along beside Darren as he shares the love of Jesus with the troops. He became very close to some and I'm sure there were times he wasn't sure if they were listening to him. The burden seemed overwhelming at times at Darren prayed with them and let them share their frustrations. War is not easy. It can tear you from the in side out. The scars people can't see are sometimes the most damaging. I liked reading how Darren missed his family, but at one point he seemed to distance himself from them. His duties in the service became more important and he lost his way .
Heather was someone I admired a lot. Being left with three children is hard, but add to that the worry of not knowing if your husband is coming home safely wears on you. I thought she took on a lot of responsibilities and perhaps put to much on herself. Maybe she felt she needed to do her part at home as the Chaplain's wife. She held wives hands as they received devastating news, became their confidant when they needed someone to talk to and devoted her time to sending care packages overseas to the troops.
I can see how their marriage was hanging on by a thread and liked how the author took us through their journey back to each other. Darren's journal was a window into his soul for me. He felt that he needed to be strong for everyone, but in that journal he exposed his hurts, doubts and fears. I enjoyed the story and found it to be intense at times as well as hopeful. I will be looking forward to seeing the movie when it is released.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest review.
Teacher, Grace Westley answers a question about Jesus posed by one of her students during an AP history lesson on Ghandi and Martin Luther King Jr. and their nonviolence beliefs. She finds herself being reprimanded by the school and rather than apologize to end the incident, she insists she's done nothing wrong and finds herself in a courtroom.
Some characters from God's Not Dead make appearances. Pastor David Hill is a member of the jury for Grace's trial until appendicitis sidelines him. His Kenyan pastor friend covers the church while Hill is out. Amy Ryan is now in remission for her cancer--and (cheer) she rejects the guy who dumped her when he comes crawling back now that she's healthy again. She's got a new outlook on life but is still learning how to incorporate her faith in her life. Martin Yip is being tutored by Grace's attorney--and his Chinese family is not happy he's become a Christian--but Martin is convinced that Christianity is truth and refuses to back down.
The trial goes back and forth as to what exactly is on trial: Separation of Church and State, Freedom of Speech, Was Jesus a Historical Figure?, etc.
The movie was a bit more interesting to me than the book version.
Cory Brand has been chasing his demons ever since he ran from his hometown years ago. He drinks his demons away while being a popular baseball player. All he wants is to live the high life and forget the things that eat at him from his past. This all comes to an end when he spirals out of control. He finds himself back in his hometown, and not by choice mind you. He is surrounded by the ghosts of his past that still linger; they are not going to allow him to continue to throw his life away. He struggles to walk the line so he can get back to his life. Little does he know, his life as he knows it is about to change. Everyone can find redemption in the places they fear the most. Cory is not immune to redemption. He just has to accept it with open arms instead of with the bottle.
I felt so many emotions reading this book. This story is very relate-able whether you have gone through alcoholism or drug addiction or not. We all have ran from things in life at one point or another. We all have been estranged from loved ones at one time or another. Embrace this book and all it has to offer. You may even find redemption and faith in yourself after reading this book!
Cory Brand has a lot of demons haunting from his childhood. He was abused by his alcoholic father both emotionally and physically. When he is given the opportunity to play baseball, or stay behind with the love of his life, who happens to be pregnant, he leaves. Not because he is as selfish as the story begins, but it is later revealed that his father told him he'd fail as a father.
When his life begins to spiral out of control, drowning his pain with alcohol, Cory ends up back in Oklahoma...and his true journey begins... Emma is there, with the son, he never met...and the ghosts that haunt him are still in the old barn...
Can Cory Brand recover his career and his life? Or his he destined to be his father's son?
Will Kayla choose Billy, her first love. Or Ryan, her current love and fiancee? Will Thomas be able to help Kayla make the right choice? Is there a wrong choice?
A nice, feel good, you want to root for the underdog love story....
Grace is a sweet and lovely young woman who teaches history at a high school. When she references Jesus in an answer , that starts a downward spiral for her job. It seems that everyone is so sensitive to words that were not really preachy , just making a statement. After a student complains Grace finds herself trying to save her career. I loved how Grace was not upset with the student and held her ground on what she believes . Could you stand up to others and claim God is not dead? Would you have others to support you?
Tom is a lawyer who takes Grace's case. It is ironic that Tom is going to defend Grace since he doesn't believe God exists. I thought that was really a great way to witness to him by having him research and listening to others about the existence of God. Will he change what he believes? What I really liked about the book was that I didn't feel like it was preachy but stated viewpoints from both sides. Isn't is nice that we live in a country where we can freely express our beliefs ? I think about those in other countries that have to hide that they are Christians.
The story is fascinating and there are other characters in the book that play a vital part in the story. As you read the book you feel the passion that people have . I kept thinking about the right we have for freedom of speech. I don't take that likely and I think we see that right being displayed everyday. I loved the book and thought the story was well written and gave readers issues to think about.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookfun.org. The review is my own opinion.
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