This first book of THE SOLITARY TALES series is rated at only three and a half stars, but its sequels receive a much higher rating. ( )

SOLITARY is basically a Christian horror story, except it isn't. The scariest aspect of this novel lies in its lack of fantasy. Huge contrast to most horror stories, in which the villain has superhuman strength and eighty-seven lives, but the "heroes" could still maybe survive if they used a fleck of common sense. In SOLITARY, the villain is ... a town? A religion? A group of people following that religion? The group leader? Demons themselves? All of the above, apparently (at the end, the reader still isn't sure). And the hero, Chris Buckley, is an achingly average seventeen-year-old (with above average courage, though he doesn't know it) who wants what everybody wants in high school: an identity.

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. ( )

By: Travis Thrasher
Published By: David C. Cook
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed 4
Book Blog For: GMTA
Series: Solitary Tales #4
Review:

"Hurt" By Travis Thrasher was another enjoyed series read that offered suspense, action. mystery and much love though it all and taking place in North Carolina. "Hurt" was of a teenage POV love story with many twist and turns really making it hard to put down until the very end. This story has a good plot and story line that is very interesting and believable. The characters are well developed and very captivating only keeping your attention through the read. This read could be considered a 'Christian fiction' and this author did a wonderful job as presenting the subject.

If you are looking for a good Christian, mystery, thriller with suspense read you have come to the right place and I would recommend this read to any YA and adult. ( )

I liked the fast pace of this novel, but it had it's fair share of problems. It was repetitive. I've got a secret. I can't tell you the secret. I want to know the secret. Now I've got my own secret. Oh, good grief. You'd all save yourselves a lot of trouble if you would just spit it out. With all of the books on my to-be-read list, I don't think I'll bother with the next book in the series. ( )

Hmmm. This was an entertaining book what with the mystery and intrigue throughout. I had a hard time putting it down at times and so that was pleasant. The only problem was that the ending was incredibly sad and the mystery was never fully explained. I was definitely left wanting more and am debating whether or not I want to read the next book to see if things are wrapped up at all. I'm worried though that the secrets will remain just that as part of this author's M.O... ( )