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luisasm's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, I've been ignoring it, but it became clear in this book: this is Christian fiction. That's not actually a bad thing (note: I'm not religious) in fact it fit surprisingly well into the story. It was preachy, yes, and increasingly obvious that it was promoting finding God. But honestly, Chris has had such a sucky life, he needed some hope. Besides the religious bits, the story started out a little slowly. Kelsey is the least interesting of the love interest in my opinion. But there were some really creepy moments in this one, gorier than the rest. It wasn't too complicated, just scares that will never cease to scare anyone ever (see: the bridge scene). There were also less scary, more as sickening things, things maybe even worse because they could actually happen (see: Aunt Alice) And the end was abrupt, and didn't fully explain everything. But at least Chris wasn't some completely perfect angel at the end. He got his revenge. And his family even got a happier ending. The last few chapters seemed a little too cheesy, but they were the most preachy chapters, so maybe that was just me. I think the big picture here is that the religious parts didn't detract, the story was creepy and complex, and Chris is a character you root for, even if he's an idiot.
roseice's review against another edition
4.0
This was a great series, handled in such a unique way. I'm a sucker for writing that escapes fictional norms—and manages to hold its own. I've never read anything quite like this story. It was quite dark, but suffocated with charm at the right moments and humourous too, mostly because Chris was an awesome character. Gravestone was my favourite of the books, but all of them read a bit differently. I can only imagine how much work went into crafting this multi-layered series. Kudos to Mr. Thrasher for delivering a satisfying, hope-saturated ending! I won't soon forget it.
amandagstevens's review against another edition
5.0
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.
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.
fadetojon's review against another edition
4.0
At first, the book started off a little slow. And I’ll admit, that I wasn’t liking the preachy-ness of it. But honestly, it was a great end to the series. I highly recommend the entire Solitary Tales.
novelgoddess's review against another edition
2.0
GoodReads Synopsis: 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. The fourth and final book in the Solitary Tales shines light into deep darkness as Chris’s journey to Solitary comes to a dramatic close.
My Thoughts: I was so frustrated with this book...which in turn was frustrating! I really enjoyed the first 3 books and the novella of this series...but this final book was a letdown.
Over the previous books, the pace was heart pounding with tension continually building. So I was really looking forward to this, the final chapter. But, the story starts out very slowly and builds very slowly over a very long time. We are talking almost 500 pages here...with many tangents that did not further the story along and only succeeded in bogging it down further. THEN when we finally reach what has to be the culmination of all 4 books...it's over in a few pages and nothing really happened...at least nothing that came close to all the build up.
Can you tell I was bummed out? I was!
It's taken me a while to write my thoughts on this book. The sad part is that a week later all I can remember was how disappointed I was...not much of the story remains other than the (anti)climax. Thank goodness for notes and highlighting.
My Thoughts: I was so frustrated with this book...which in turn was frustrating! I really enjoyed the first 3 books and the novella of this series...but this final book was a letdown.
Over the previous books, the pace was heart pounding with tension continually building. So I was really looking forward to this, the final chapter. But, the story starts out very slowly and builds very slowly over a very long time. We are talking almost 500 pages here...with many tangents that did not further the story along and only succeeded in bogging it down further. THEN when we finally reach what has to be the culmination of all 4 books...it's over in a few pages and nothing really happened...at least nothing that came close to all the build up.
Can you tell I was bummed out? I was!
It's taken me a while to write my thoughts on this book. The sad part is that a week later all I can remember was how disappointed I was...not much of the story remains other than the (anti)climax. Thank goodness for notes and highlighting.
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