Hurt by Travis Thrasher - Reviewed

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Hurt David C. Cook; New edition (January 1, 2013) by Travis Thrasher

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

After college, he targeted working in the publishing industry and was fortunate to find a job early after graduation. He worked as Author Relations Manager for Tyndale House Publishers, the publisher of his first two novels.

The thirteen years he spent working in author relations taught him the business of publishing as well as the psyche of writers.

Early on, he made a deliberate choice of not wanting to be boxed in by a brand or a genre. Instead, Travis has chosen time and time again to write the stories that mean something to him at that moment. He views his first ten years of being published as training and practice. Those novels in many ways were written for himself.

The four years of writing full time have taught him the discipline and determination necessary to make it as a novelist. They’ve also served to close the chapter on what is hopefully just one era in his writing journey.

The stories continue to fill his head like they did when he was in third grade. The only difference is that Travis now knows what to do with those stories. His goal continues to be to tell stories that move him as well as his readers. He wants to continue to experiment and take risks, but more than anything he wants to provide readers a satisfying experience.

The dream remains the same. To try and write something magnificent. To make up wild worlds full of wonderfully rich characters. To make sense of the world through the stories he tells. And to try and inspire hope with the words he writes.

ABOUT THE BOOK

His Rebellion Will Soon Turn to Hope

When Chris Buckley first encountered the mysteries of creepy Solitary, North Carolina, he had little idea how far he would fall into the town’s shadows. After losing the love of his life, Chris tried to do things his way. He hunted answers. Then he gave up trying to find them.

But now Chris comes back to Solitary knowing there’s a purpose for his being there. As he watches his place in a twisted and evil bloodline become clear, Chris waits for the last battle—and wonders who will be left when he finally makes his stand.

My Thoughts:

“I’ll be the first and only one in this blood line to do something about the darkness and madness and sickness that keeps building and growing.”  (p. 154)

“Move now.  Reach out and take a leap and put everything on the line for this thing deep down that you believe in.”  (p.437)

Chris has lost much.  He is struggling to believe in God’s mercy, His power, His grace.  He faces living nightmares.  He faces losing everything – life itself.  Will he overcome the shadows of doubt that keep him from taking the boldest leap of faith he has ever dared?

Travis Thrasher has brought Chris full-circle in this series, but I think it is fitting that he fights doubt till the very end.   I think there is honesty in this character that touches us all – if we are honest with ourselves and God.   The Solitary Tales are four books that must be experienced.  Travis Thrasher is a writer with a powerful message wrapped in the element that every teen -  in the height of the angst of being a teen – will understand and enjoy.

This is the true definition of a Christian horror series.  It is well-written, thought-provoking and honest.  It’s not an easy read emotionally.  It will challenge you spiritually.  Prepare yourself for a WILD ride!!

If you would like to read the first chapter of Hurt, go HERE