Review: Gravestone: A Novel

Gravestone: A Novel by Travis Thrasher

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



“Gravestone” pretty much continues right where “Solitary” left off.

Chris is enraged…enraged over what happened to Jocelyn. Enraged because he can’t trust anyone. Enraged because he still can’t get any answers to what the deal is with Solitary! Out of nowhere, a young man appears claiming to be his cousin Jared, offering help. And then there is Iris, the proprietor of the Crag’s Inn, where Chris finds part time work. Lastly, there is Kelsey, the girl from Art class who reminds him that life goes on. With all Chris has gone through, who can he trust?

These new characters provide Chris with some more food for thought in terms of the mysteries of Solitary. Especially Iris. Her Inn is out of Solitary’s influence and serves as a ray of hope for Chris, and Iris is a guiding light. But it all seems to come down to Chris vs. Pastor Marsh. Marsh is front and center, making Chris’ life a living hell.

This story continues to twist and turn, I don’t even bother to try and figure out what is going to happen because I can’t get a read on who Chris can trust either, I just fasten my seatbelt and hang on. I think the only person I trusted, out right, was Iris. Well, and Kelsey…she certainly didn’t have an agenda other than the fact that she really likes Chris.

We get little hints as to what might be going on in this installment. This is clearly a “good vs. evil”, but we don’t know what form the evil is going to take…and it’s become pretty clear that the forces are fighting for possession of Chris. But why? The story hints as it having something to do with his lineage…but that’s just assumption on my part and I’m not going to take anything for granted until Mr. Thrasher puts it in writing.

I’m still loving this series…there are elements of spirituality without being preachy or self-righteous. There is a ton of suspense that really reminds me of “Salem’s Lot”. And some really great characters! I’m loving Chris, although, at times I want to smack him upside the head and yell, “snap out of it!”. But he’s a typical teen boy…selective and self-serving hearing and memory! I love Poe, Iris, Kelsey, and, of course, Newt! I already have the third book and can’t wait to see what all is revealed! And I’ve discovered there is a prequel that tells the story of Pastor Marsh…that is now on my “to-read” list after I finish book #3.




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