Well, Chris Buckley, I guess this is goodbye.

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. ( )

Wow! Just WOW!!! What a conclusion to an amazing series!! Thrasher has done the impossible and finished this series with a blast!

I was a bit afraid to read Hurt, wondering whether it would be a disappointment, or not. It turned out my fears were unnecessary. Just like the rest of the novels in the Solitary Series, Hurt was amazing. It left me breathless, and pleasantly satisfied.

Hurt was full of mysteries and revelations. Everything that got started in Solitary, Gravestone and Temptation found it's conclusion here, in Hurt. The sacrifices and demon ceremonies we witnessed before, now made sense. The power of God shone brighter and brighter the further the story developed, even though there was a time when the blackness threatened to cast a shadow over the characters forever.

I liked the fact that there were those chapters in between the story, where Chris (the lead guy) contemplated on everything he'd learned so far. I could see inside his mind, his character... it was as if I actually knew him. He analyzed the decisions he'd made, the insecurities he had, the miracles and the evil that was around him. It was nice reading about his internal turmoil.

Lots of secrets were revealed in this last novel in the series. Some of them I'd sort of expected, others I was clueless about. But I enjoyed reading and learning about both.

The romantic side of the story was adorably cute. I loved how the relationship between Chris and Kelsey developed - slowly, but with determination. I was glad Chris didn't give in to the threats of those blasted demon servants, and gave Kelsey his heart.

This is an awesome book and I recommend it to readers who enjoy a thrilling mystery, a suspense romance and the prevail of good (God) over evil (satan). ( )

HURT by Travis Thrasher is a compelling suspense/fiction for Young Adults. #4 in "The Solitary Tales",but can be read as a stand alone,I have not read all the others as of yet and was not lost.
See,"Solitary","Gravestone",and "Temptation". Set in Solitary,North Carolina,it is filled with danger,darkness,hope,drama,redemption,secrets,evil, and light. Chris Buckley has a long way to go,after losing the love of his life he has many questions that needs answers. "Hurt" is a compelling story for young adults and yes us older adults too. It is written with many twists and turns,many challenges for Chris,with engaging characters. A story that probably should not be read in the dark,a very intense,heart pumping suspense. "Hurt" is the final book in the "Solitary Tales" series, and I don't believe you will regret reading this story. Light just may be able to overcome the darkness. A great read! Received for an honest review from the publisher and Wynn-Wynn Media,LLC.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING:SWEET

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews ( )

Hurt is the continuing story of Chris Buckley, who came to the town of Solitary with his mother, only to discover that a group of creepy, evil men want him to take over their business from his grandfather that everyone thought was dead. With his mother now locked in rehab, crazies are coming out of the woodwork and Chris has no way to fight against them. Chris begins seeing things that happened in the past and putting all the pieces together. He now knows that May 28 will be the end, one way, or another.

Thrasher writes in short choppy sentences that create the feeling of being in the mind of an adolescent as well as increase the intensity of the book. Absolutely, do not read this book alone. I would definitely recommend having all four books in the Solitary Tales series ready, so that you can move immediately to the next. The tension is such that you will not want to wait even a week for the next one. Thrasher never lays out the plot, so the reader continually guesses the outcome. Though targeting young adults, anyone that enjoys paranormal horror will enjoy this series.

Received from NetGalley. ( )