Title: Hurt (Solitary
Series Book #4)
Author: Travis Thrasher
Pages: 496
Year: 2013
Publisher: David C. Cook
In the
fourth and final installment of this series, the author brings an end to the
tale that began in the first novel, Solitary. The novel is classified as “Young Adult”, but
adults will enjoy the interesting work of fiction as well. The previous installments lay not only the
foundation for the narrative, but also heighten the mystery contained in the
series. Chris is the main male character
who due to family issues is forced to move from Chicago to North Carolina. The town is named Solitary and is a place
where his mother grew up, but when they move there some things are vastly
different.
Chris tells the tale through all
four books, which gives the readers a first person view that keeps them
guessing where the story is going until the final page. A reader must read the prior novels: Solitary,
Gravestone and Temptation in order to understand all that has
occurred before. What makes a good
mystery to you? Do you like
suspense? I can tell you that the author
will keep you riveted in your chair as you look at the fictional world through the
eyes of Chris.
Chris has been trying to understand
what other characters in the story tell him he isn’t really getting. Through
Chris everything looks so “normal” and plain, but his life has been anything
but ordinary or without excitement. He asks
many questions that go unanswered by various supporting cast members. His mother is of no help in trying to make
sense of his environment and those who inhabit it. Chris had left Solitary for a
short period of time and now he has returned, hoping to find the exit to the
maze he feels he has traveled through for years.
There are bullies in the school and
town, a missing uncle, people leaving questions hanging and looking everywhere
but in his eyes while they are talking. Chris
finds what he thinks is love, but is it really?
Chris is learning what waiting feels like and hates it, and then proceeds
to expand that feeling into every area of his life. Behind all the masterful maneuvering of
characters and scenes painted by the author lie deeper questions Chris has yet
to ask. The Solitary Series is not just the
everyday or the usual suspense, mystery or thriller novels so don’t expect that.
In fact, you may not see what you think
is going to happen in the story until you get there, read it, and discover
something completely different.
Travis Thrasher writes beyond the
ordinary work of fiction. There is a
depth into the unseen spiritual world. It
is hard to write a review of just the final part of a long story of a young
man’s journey that happens when he is in high school. Why? I
don’t want to give away the ending or take away by mentioning too much from the
journey the reader takes through the four works of fiction. I can say that I haven’t read anything like this;
Travis is a unique and creative writer!
My rating is 4 stars.
Note:
I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely
my responsibility. Other reviews can be
read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/
. Also follow me on Twitter
@lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457
