Sprainter

by J.T. Therrien

Acolyte street artist MrE hates the politically and religiously oppressed dystopian so-ciety he lives in. So he uses his art and the city walls to spread messages of hope, salvation, and freedom. Ozone, a young woman with a shady past, arrives in town, offering MrE and the members of the rebellion much needed help. But when MrE is targeted for elimination by the repressive military regime that controls the city, will his efforts to reveal the truth have drastic consequences for all?

111 pages, ebook

First published March 11, 2013

About the author

I'm a multi-genre author who enjoys exploring art, religion and odd situations through my fiction.

Reviews

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPRAINTER is a compelling Young Adult story that can also appeal to adults who, like me, enjoy novels that are exciting yet address compelling issues. The story is gritty, urban though not gruesome. Its pace is fast; the plots are compelling and the scenes are daring. The ending has a twist that took me completely by surprise!
Bullying is one of its major themes, addressed in different ways. The direct storyline is of a tyrannical society that holds captive a city, thereby causing those who live by the tenets of faith, hope and love to go underground. A group of underground “sprainters” and “stenners,” led by Father, spray paint artistic designs and Biblical scriptures as a way to boost the city’s morale. Even within this group, though, there are characters who act out as bullies; who must deal with the evil in their own natures.
The author is adept at creating fascinating names, ones that actually showcase a character’s personality quirks and talents. Therrien is superb in the weave of his story. Using action scenes and dialogue, he brings to life each character’s persona and their inner psychical issues.
Though promoted by the author as “Catholic fiction,” its appeal is more far-reaching; the story is not one that proselytizes. It portrays the basic themes inherent within most religions: good versus evil. More so, the story masterfully highlights our individual human nature’s choice to act in accordance with our good versus acting out of hatred and resentment.

[Faye Hollidaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this novel. It held my attention from beginning until end and ended up being a real quick read, ending too soon. There are a few things that could have been fixed, but from here on out, if a novel has less than ten total technical errors, I choose not to mention them in my reviews, as is the case in this novel. There simply isn't enough to complain about. And the complexity of this novel and the enjoyment I got reading it totally makes up for whatever I could find to complain about it. I highly recommend for anyone and everyone who likes a good read.