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Isolation
With masterful storytelling, Travis Thrasher draws readers into a novel so gripping it cannot be put down.
James Miller is a burned-out missionary whose time on the mission field in Papua New Guinea left him exhausted and disillusioned. His wife, Stephanie, feels like she's losing her mind. After moving to North Carolina, Stephanie begins seeing strange and frightening blood dripping down the walls, one of her children suffocating. Premonitions, she's sure, of what's to come. As the visions and haunting images intensify, Stephanie asks her brother to come for a much-needed visit--but he's hiding secrets of his own that will prove more destructive than Stephanie can imagine.
Nine-year-old Zachary sees his family's move as an adventure, and as he explores the new house, he discovers every young boy's secret passageways and hidden rooms. But what seems exciting at first quickly becomes altogether frightening. When a snowstorm traps the Millers, the supernatural dangers of their new home will test everything they thought they knew about each other, and about their faith.
James Miller is a burned-out missionary whose time on the mission field in Papua New Guinea left him exhausted and disillusioned. His wife, Stephanie, feels like she's losing her mind. After moving to North Carolina, Stephanie begins seeing strange and frightening blood dripping down the walls, one of her children suffocating. Premonitions, she's sure, of what's to come. As the visions and haunting images intensify, Stephanie asks her brother to come for a much-needed visit--but he's hiding secrets of his own that will prove more destructive than Stephanie can imagine.
Nine-year-old Zachary sees his family's move as an adventure, and as he explores the new house, he discovers every young boy's secret passageways and hidden rooms. But what seems exciting at first quickly becomes altogether frightening. When a snowstorm traps the Millers, the supernatural dangers of their new home will test everything they thought they knew about each other, and about their faith.
281 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
7 people are currently reading
435 people want to read
About the author
Travis Thrasher
72 books419 followersNew York Times bestselling author Travis Thrasher has written over 75 books, from fiction in a variety of genres to memoirs and children’s books. He has collaborated with filmmakers, musicians, athletes, comedians and pastors. Travis lives with his wife and three daughters in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
February 3, 2011
I received this with I won another book on the Goodreads giveaway.
I didn't know it was a 'Christian' book; I'd already started and the author knows how to write and gives a good hook right from the beginning so I went with it.
Too bad I figured it out in under 30 pages. I had hoped I was wrong and the author gave me a false lead but no, it was as I thought. It wasn't too preachy early on but towards the end the author got his preach on full force and it became annoying. "Yes, I know, you only said 50 times already" was how I felt, bombarded over and over with the same thing. In the future when I book is listed as Christian on someone's shelves, I'll take their word for it and pass it up.
April 19, 2019
It was a chilling story of a families' terror in a giant maze of a house in the high mountains of North Carolina. isolation was a good title for this book as well as a spot on description of what was happening to to the family. Something isn't right in the big lodge house that was supposed to give them a fresh start. We know that they are not alone... and they know they are not alone...but they are unprepared for the terrible thing that is residing as yet unseen within the rooms with them. A blizzard has imprisoned them inside with IT and what it wants is unimaginable. It was listed as "Christian fiction"...which I didn't realize at the time...but the author was in no way "preachy"...just told a very good story.
December 16, 2016
Was like a cleaner version of SK's 'The Shining'. I liked where it touched on the missionary losing his faith on the mission field, which so often happens, but is a hidden fact. That why churches have to constantly recruit new missionaries!
Nice spookiness here.
Nice spookiness here.
October 25, 2012
This is really like 3.5 Stars. When I picked it up a couple years ago at Goodwill, I didn't know it was 'Christian Fiction', or I wouldn't have bought it most likely. But I was hooked by the back cover description, it sounded like it'd be a good scary story. Well, it didn't really fail in that. It was pretty well written, and had a few spooky moments, moments where I was wondering was the bad guy just a man, or something worse, a demon or something. All the faith stuff was most certainly front and present, but I kept reading anyways because I was hugely interested in where the story was going, how it was going to turn out. It wasn't really overly preachy or anything until closer to the end, when it got a little overwhelming. I mean, personally, I believe, but in my own way, and I'm not to keen on people bopping me over the head telling me what to think. But really it wasn't a bad story, and in fact, if you were into Christian Fiction, with suspense elements, this would be a great read. I liked it well enough to fly through it in one sitting today, so that says something I think. In places I could definitely see where the author was influenced by Stephen King, there are moments that are totally reminiscent of The Shining, as well as the boy Zach reminding me a lot of David from Desperation (complete with being choked unto death but miraculously surviving/coming back). The suspense kept me turning the pages, and while sure, some if it was not necessarily totally believable, it was still interesting. I only wish for maybe some more details. Like about the house, what was all the mysterious dark goings-on in there? Sure, the author showed me walls and floors painted all black and red, and a pentagram on the floor of one room, and a library full of dirty books from Playboys to super-kinky weird stuff, and 2 seconds of what may have been a snuff film, but I can't be sure as the main character turned away and didn't see it, only heard a woman screaming. Oh, and the room full of tools and surgical instruments, the 'torture room'. I would've liked more info there, like what happened in the house. Especially once it comes to light that Steph and her brother Paul had been there as children. So what happened to them there? And what was the deal with their parents? Were they evil people or what was going on there? I didn't get that. Too much stuff about her past and the house's past were hinted at and teased with, and then never explained. So I would've liked more background or something. But the action and the mystery here was good. And of course you gotta like that it had a good ending for the family, if not for the other characters involved. I liked this book pretty well. It's not going in the keeper box or anything, but it was a good, solid, entertaining read. And I just might try this author again some day, as I mostly liked his style. 3.5 Stars!
November 20, 2012
This is my first book by Travis Thrasher. After devouring this book in just over a day, he's definetly going to be on my radar from now on.
I like the type of horror or mystery that makes you think. Something that offers you hints as to what's going on or has happened, but doesn't have to rely on shock value or being overly graphic to get its point across. This book has that in spades.
In summary, a family of missionaries, after returning from a very hard mission overseas that was wrought with failure and tradedy, look for some well deserved R and R as a means to collect themselves and reconnect as a family. The husband is stressed from working so hard for years and the wife is having sleep walking/nightmare issues of her own. Or ARE they actually nightmares?
In seeking their furlough they're recommended a sprawling 40,000 square foot mansion/cabin built by a reclusive millionaire on a mountain in North Carolina that is now being used as a missionary retreat. Little did they know what secrets hide in the mansion's past and its dark corners.
Things start to go bad even before they get there. The husband wonders if moving them miles away from family and home is the right thing for his family and the wife has strong feelings of dread over the very idea. It's when they get to the house that things REALLY go bad.
Isolation is like a cross between The Shining, The Exorcist and the Amityville Horror. There's alot of spiritual conflict, good vs. evil in its most biblical sense.
Thrasher hints at things discovered, nightmares realized, memories surfaced, rituals performed in the past, but doesn't dwell on them for the sake of dwelling on them. He flashes at an image or a memory and then moves on, relying more on the confusion and terror of the characters to drive the story than out and out shock moments which makes for a really engrossing and, quite honestly, addicting read. This is also why I rated it a four instead of five out of five.
The one thing I REALLY wanted to know was about the wife's childhood and resurfaced memories. Not much is revealed about her nightmares or dark memories. That's the one thing that I wish Thrasher would have covered and explained more fully.
Other than that, the book is FANTASTIC. A gripping novel that's very difficult to put down.
I like the type of horror or mystery that makes you think. Something that offers you hints as to what's going on or has happened, but doesn't have to rely on shock value or being overly graphic to get its point across. This book has that in spades.
In summary, a family of missionaries, after returning from a very hard mission overseas that was wrought with failure and tradedy, look for some well deserved R and R as a means to collect themselves and reconnect as a family. The husband is stressed from working so hard for years and the wife is having sleep walking/nightmare issues of her own. Or ARE they actually nightmares?
In seeking their furlough they're recommended a sprawling 40,000 square foot mansion/cabin built by a reclusive millionaire on a mountain in North Carolina that is now being used as a missionary retreat. Little did they know what secrets hide in the mansion's past and its dark corners.
Things start to go bad even before they get there. The husband wonders if moving them miles away from family and home is the right thing for his family and the wife has strong feelings of dread over the very idea. It's when they get to the house that things REALLY go bad.
Isolation is like a cross between The Shining, The Exorcist and the Amityville Horror. There's alot of spiritual conflict, good vs. evil in its most biblical sense.
Thrasher hints at things discovered, nightmares realized, memories surfaced, rituals performed in the past, but doesn't dwell on them for the sake of dwelling on them. He flashes at an image or a memory and then moves on, relying more on the confusion and terror of the characters to drive the story than out and out shock moments which makes for a really engrossing and, quite honestly, addicting read. This is also why I rated it a four instead of five out of five.
The one thing I REALLY wanted to know was about the wife's childhood and resurfaced memories. Not much is revealed about her nightmares or dark memories. That's the one thing that I wish Thrasher would have covered and explained more fully.
Other than that, the book is FANTASTIC. A gripping novel that's very difficult to put down.
April 7, 2009
When I read the back cover copy for this book I knew it interested me. A family comes home from Papua New Guinea where something has happened. Since they have returned strange things have been going on with the wife, Stephanie. The missionary husband, Jim, has been really busy since returning and has kind of lost touch with Stephanie. Then the offer comes in to stay in a wonderful home in a secluded area of the Smoky Mountains of NC (my home state). Jim thinks this is the best thing that could happen. At this retreat he can reconnect with his wife and family and get to work on his projects too. Stephanie is not so sure this is what she wants, but as a dutiful wife she goes along with it.
All seems fine when they see the majestic home. They are in awe of the number of rooms. The couple currently living there is a nice older couple who are a big help with the kids and comforting to both Jim and Stephanie too. Then things become unsettling. Strange things start happening. Because the lines of communication between Jim and Stephanie are already broken down, neither realizes what the other is going through and then it all goes crazy.
This was a serious suspense book, I could hardly put it down. I would say it's got a feel of The Shining but it is so much more than that. I think The Shining feel comes from the large secluded house idea, but this isn't an old idea used over again. Mr. Thrasher takes the large secluded house idea and makes it new. I also liken it to the works of Frank Peretti, another Christian author because Mr. Thrasher can make the demonic seem more real to me. I realize it is there, but this doesn't seem all that over exaggerated like horror books. It seems real, the fear is real, the situations real and the outcome interesting. Again Mr. Thrasher stands on his own and I will definitly read more of his books in the future.
If you start reading this make sure you lock your doors and leave plenty of time to read. Better yet, make sure you read it in the daylight. It's a haunting, suspenseful read that you will remember for some time to come.
All seems fine when they see the majestic home. They are in awe of the number of rooms. The couple currently living there is a nice older couple who are a big help with the kids and comforting to both Jim and Stephanie too. Then things become unsettling. Strange things start happening. Because the lines of communication between Jim and Stephanie are already broken down, neither realizes what the other is going through and then it all goes crazy.
This was a serious suspense book, I could hardly put it down. I would say it's got a feel of The Shining but it is so much more than that. I think The Shining feel comes from the large secluded house idea, but this isn't an old idea used over again. Mr. Thrasher takes the large secluded house idea and makes it new. I also liken it to the works of Frank Peretti, another Christian author because Mr. Thrasher can make the demonic seem more real to me. I realize it is there, but this doesn't seem all that over exaggerated like horror books. It seems real, the fear is real, the situations real and the outcome interesting. Again Mr. Thrasher stands on his own and I will definitly read more of his books in the future.
If you start reading this make sure you lock your doors and leave plenty of time to read. Better yet, make sure you read it in the daylight. It's a haunting, suspenseful read that you will remember for some time to come.
November 22, 2025
#BookReviewFriday
#2025readingchallenge
#18fatfromhome
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
# 18 Far From Home
Book: Isolation
Author: Travis Thrasher
Narrator: Jack Garrett
I was really excited to get my hands on this book. It sounded different from a lot of things I've read, almost like a horror. I'd also heard good things about the author.
Although the writing was very good and the suspense kept me reading, the book had a lot of moments that had me playing a Monday morning quarterback.
The book knows what it is. It very much reminded me of the shining, and in one scene the characters say they are living through the shining!
The Miller's are a missionary family who experienced dark, spiritual warfare in Papa New Guinea. This leads them to take respite in the states, a friend offers them a lodge to stay in for free, but things aren't exactly as they seem.
Leading up to moving in to the home, there are things that happen that just didn't make sense. I despise when a story creates a lack of communication to move a story a long, and I don't like when lose ends are left. Two big things happen in the beginning of the book, one that could've ended the story before it started if someone had just communicated, and shocking things happened to draw me in to the book that are never explained or mentioned again!
I was yelling at this book and the characters within all throughout the book. Which frankly, is not something I enjoy. I like suspense, but, it has to serve a purpose.
I still gave this book four stars, as the writing was good and although I wanted more from the story, it was a good read. I feel like this author has the potential to be someone I'll really enjoy. So I'll definitely try another book.
Join my reading challenge! Scripture Literature - You are what you Read on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/share/3WYas3...
#2025readingchallenge
#18fatfromhome
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
# 18 Far From Home
Book: Isolation
Author: Travis Thrasher
Narrator: Jack Garrett
I was really excited to get my hands on this book. It sounded different from a lot of things I've read, almost like a horror. I'd also heard good things about the author.
Although the writing was very good and the suspense kept me reading, the book had a lot of moments that had me playing a Monday morning quarterback.
The book knows what it is. It very much reminded me of the shining, and in one scene the characters say they are living through the shining!
The Miller's are a missionary family who experienced dark, spiritual warfare in Papa New Guinea. This leads them to take respite in the states, a friend offers them a lodge to stay in for free, but things aren't exactly as they seem.
Leading up to moving in to the home, there are things that happen that just didn't make sense. I despise when a story creates a lack of communication to move a story a long, and I don't like when lose ends are left. Two big things happen in the beginning of the book, one that could've ended the story before it started if someone had just communicated, and shocking things happened to draw me in to the book that are never explained or mentioned again!
I was yelling at this book and the characters within all throughout the book. Which frankly, is not something I enjoy. I like suspense, but, it has to serve a purpose.
I still gave this book four stars, as the writing was good and although I wanted more from the story, it was a good read. I feel like this author has the potential to be someone I'll really enjoy. So I'll definitely try another book.
Join my reading challenge! Scripture Literature - You are what you Read on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/share/3WYas3...
February 5, 2009
You got Christian inspirational fiction in my horror novel!
That's the last time I read a book without careful detective work first, and then decide to keep with it because Hey, I liked Frailty, and that was Christian horror, right? Right. Turns out that was probably just horror with a Christian theme. This, on the other hand, was more like inspirational lit with a horror theme, which is to say, no lasting horror. SPOILER ALERT: Everything works out fine in the end. Nobody important dies who isn't brought back from the dead, other than the only brother of a main character, who got himself possessed for not having THE FAITH. These are acceptable losses. Insert overly-easy (anti)climax.
Additionally, though I've been through my share of spiritual crises, even I didn't have the sympathy to say anything re. the main character, other than "Jim. Shut up. God will return your calls when he feels like it. Stop whining and pay some attention to your wife."
I'd have thought my love of weird houses and wintry isolation would have saved this one for me, but no.
That's the last time I read a book without careful detective work first, and then decide to keep with it because Hey, I liked Frailty, and that was Christian horror, right? Right. Turns out that was probably just horror with a Christian theme. This, on the other hand, was more like inspirational lit with a horror theme, which is to say, no lasting horror. SPOILER ALERT: Everything works out fine in the end. Nobody important dies who isn't brought back from the dead, other than the only brother of a main character, who got himself possessed for not having THE FAITH. These are acceptable losses. Insert overly-easy (anti)climax.
Additionally, though I've been through my share of spiritual crises, even I didn't have the sympathy to say anything re. the main character, other than "Jim. Shut up. God will return your calls when he feels like it. Stop whining and pay some attention to your wife."
I'd have thought my love of weird houses and wintry isolation would have saved this one for me, but no.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2009
WOW. This book sure does keep you interested. I couldn't put this book down. I finished it before a week was over. I never wanted to put the book down because I wanted to find out what happend on the next page! It definitely has its spooky parts! The author does a great job with describing things in the book. Great read!
Read
October 16, 2010I received this book from Goodreads. It came in a box of books that were given to me when I signed up to win a copy of The Heretic's Daughter. I got almost 100 pages into it and just wasn't interested. The Christian element was laid on pretty thick and the writing was choppy because it was mostly dialogue and inner thoughts. I decided I didn't want to finish it.
February 8, 2009
This book had so much potential ... and fell flat. The suspense was entertaining for a while, but the ending was such a disappointment. Overall, I wouldn't recommend it.
January 6, 2025
Christain fiction....
Aside from it being too preachy, it doesn't read like a Christian book.
It was darker than I expected.
The mystery, suspense and writing style were decent.
The story line was good.
Demons scare me!👹
There were actually some genuine creepy parts that had me relived my husband was home.
It fell apart when the demon was revealed.
I would definitely read more of the writer's work.👹
December 25, 2020
The scariest Christian fiction book I've ever read! Excellent horror, character development and plotline. Amazing book, but I won't be reading it again!
August 26, 2015
Warning: Do NOT read this book into the late night hours, it will seriously creep you out and make you wonder what every single noise in your house is, and making it extremely difficult to sleep without thinking about what you have read. If you love being scared right to the end of a great suspense thriller with a wicked twist, then by all means pick this one up. It was a rough night last night after I read it just before bed.
It is definitely a novel you won't be able to put down. From the first to the last page, the suspense only intensifies and you have to keep reading it to know how it will all turn out. I love that Travis Thrasher writes novels like this, because before becoming a solid believer in Jesus, these are the kinds of books I read. Not the slasher novels, but the ones dealing with the supernatural world, because somewhere in the back of your mind, you know that it is all possibly true and it could and has happened. This is why these novels and movies work so well to their target audience group.
This one is about the Miller family who has recently returned from a missions trip in Papua New Guinea and has come away from that place forever change and a bit separated at the seams. James Miller and his wife Stephanie are feeling the strains of being married and coming back after what they dealt with regarding the supernatural evil in the village where they served. Is it possible that they simply didn't leave it all behind, or is there another more deeply buried reason from Stephanie's pasts that are causing her to have the most unreal nightmares of seeing things in her home that she swears is real, only to come to find out she's been sleepwalking. It is causing a division in the family even among the children that is bringing fear into their home.
James learns about a lodge nestled away up in the Smokey Mountains that is being designed for us for missionary families returning from their trips as a way of getting back to the real world and the 45,000 square foot mansion is just waiting for them to be the first family to try it. The only other people staying there are the caregivers of the lodge an elderly couple by the name of the Petersons. The only restriction is that the north wing is locked as the original owners strive to move some of the personal belongings that remain in the lodge. Sounds like the perfect retreat right? Well you'll just have to join the family to see how it all works out in the end.
I received Isolation by Travis Thrasher compliments of the author, himself, as he knows what a huge fan I am of his others series like Solitary and the Books of Marvella. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review, aside from a free copy of this novel and the opinions are strictly my own. Fans of Stephen King, Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti will absolutely have to pick this one up. It is definitely a 5 out of 5 in the way of suspense, horror and all the elements that readers love when they pick up a book like this. They want to be scared right to the end, and the part that I love about Travis Thrasher's writing style is he doles out pieces of suspense a small bit at a time, so you seriously don't know what is coming or what lies behind the locked doors and secret passages in the lodge known simply as Edge Hill.
It is definitely a novel you won't be able to put down. From the first to the last page, the suspense only intensifies and you have to keep reading it to know how it will all turn out. I love that Travis Thrasher writes novels like this, because before becoming a solid believer in Jesus, these are the kinds of books I read. Not the slasher novels, but the ones dealing with the supernatural world, because somewhere in the back of your mind, you know that it is all possibly true and it could and has happened. This is why these novels and movies work so well to their target audience group.
This one is about the Miller family who has recently returned from a missions trip in Papua New Guinea and has come away from that place forever change and a bit separated at the seams. James Miller and his wife Stephanie are feeling the strains of being married and coming back after what they dealt with regarding the supernatural evil in the village where they served. Is it possible that they simply didn't leave it all behind, or is there another more deeply buried reason from Stephanie's pasts that are causing her to have the most unreal nightmares of seeing things in her home that she swears is real, only to come to find out she's been sleepwalking. It is causing a division in the family even among the children that is bringing fear into their home.
James learns about a lodge nestled away up in the Smokey Mountains that is being designed for us for missionary families returning from their trips as a way of getting back to the real world and the 45,000 square foot mansion is just waiting for them to be the first family to try it. The only other people staying there are the caregivers of the lodge an elderly couple by the name of the Petersons. The only restriction is that the north wing is locked as the original owners strive to move some of the personal belongings that remain in the lodge. Sounds like the perfect retreat right? Well you'll just have to join the family to see how it all works out in the end.
I received Isolation by Travis Thrasher compliments of the author, himself, as he knows what a huge fan I am of his others series like Solitary and the Books of Marvella. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review, aside from a free copy of this novel and the opinions are strictly my own. Fans of Stephen King, Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti will absolutely have to pick this one up. It is definitely a 5 out of 5 in the way of suspense, horror and all the elements that readers love when they pick up a book like this. They want to be scared right to the end, and the part that I love about Travis Thrasher's writing style is he doles out pieces of suspense a small bit at a time, so you seriously don't know what is coming or what lies behind the locked doors and secret passages in the lodge known simply as Edge Hill.
May 16, 2019
James and Stephanie Miller, along with their two children, eight-year-old Zach and four-year-old Hannah, have just returned to the US after a harrowing time on the mission field in Papua, New Guinea. James is disheartened by things that have happened, and Stephanie isn't sure of anything any more - not her faith, and not even her sanity. Nightmares and horrible visions plague her sleeping moments, and have now started to creep into the times when she's awake.
James feels that all they need is time to reconnect as a family away from all of the pressures of life. So they head to a mansion in the middle of nowhere in North Carolina. Stephanie is thrilled when her brother Paul comes to visit, but her visions continue and she is wondering more and more if she is crazy. Zach finds hidden rooms and passageways in the house, and they begin to uncover frightening truths about the person who built the house. When a blizzard traps them, evil starts to rear its ugly head and the family must cling to their tenuous faith to get them through.
Isolation is an incredibly creepy book, definitely not one to be read late at night, even if you don't get scared easily. The author has a wonderful ability to portray the setting that puts the reader right in the midst of the action, even if you don't want to be there! The mansion takes on an identity of its own and almost becomes a character in the novel.
The reader gets a good sense of the characters and will be able to identify with each one at some point during the narrative. Stephanie's struggles with her faith hit home and the ending showed how simple God's redemption is, despite our shortcomings. My one frustration with Isolation was that the background story of Stephanie and Paul, which we know is critical to understanding the underlying problems, isn't revealed in a very timely manner. Once the reader has all of the pieces, it isn't clear why the author didn't lay the cards on the table sooner.
Overall, Isolation is an excellent story with the theme of good triumphing over evil. God's glory is revealed clearly, yet simply, and the reader cannot help but be amazed at what God can do in each of our lives. Travis Thrasher is a superb author, and his books continue to get better and better. Those who like suspenseful stories will certainly want to pick up a copy of Isolation.
James feels that all they need is time to reconnect as a family away from all of the pressures of life. So they head to a mansion in the middle of nowhere in North Carolina. Stephanie is thrilled when her brother Paul comes to visit, but her visions continue and she is wondering more and more if she is crazy. Zach finds hidden rooms and passageways in the house, and they begin to uncover frightening truths about the person who built the house. When a blizzard traps them, evil starts to rear its ugly head and the family must cling to their tenuous faith to get them through.
Isolation is an incredibly creepy book, definitely not one to be read late at night, even if you don't get scared easily. The author has a wonderful ability to portray the setting that puts the reader right in the midst of the action, even if you don't want to be there! The mansion takes on an identity of its own and almost becomes a character in the novel.
The reader gets a good sense of the characters and will be able to identify with each one at some point during the narrative. Stephanie's struggles with her faith hit home and the ending showed how simple God's redemption is, despite our shortcomings. My one frustration with Isolation was that the background story of Stephanie and Paul, which we know is critical to understanding the underlying problems, isn't revealed in a very timely manner. Once the reader has all of the pieces, it isn't clear why the author didn't lay the cards on the table sooner.
Overall, Isolation is an excellent story with the theme of good triumphing over evil. God's glory is revealed clearly, yet simply, and the reader cannot help but be amazed at what God can do in each of our lives. Travis Thrasher is a superb author, and his books continue to get better and better. Those who like suspenseful stories will certainly want to pick up a copy of Isolation.
October 13, 2014
This book falls into the Christian Fiction category, but it's unlike any other book I've read in that genre. It has more of a horror feel to it, and the scariest type in my opinion, as it deals with demon possession. I can see how some people would dislike this book based on the Christian aspects of the story, but I found it very interesting.
The story deals with a missionary family who are back in the states after serving in Papua, New Guinea and experiencing some difficult things there. They are invited to stay at a remote lodge in the mountains of North Carolina with another missionary couple while on furlough. When they arrive at the cabin, strange things start to occur. The setting was reminiscent of The Shining by Stephen King, and the author references the movie at one point.
There were some moments in the book that made me feel very uncomfortable as I tend to shy away from any stories that deal with satanic rituals, witchcraft, etc., but I continued on and I'm glad that I did.
A good story but definitely controversial material. I will be seeking out more books by this author in the future.
The story deals with a missionary family who are back in the states after serving in Papua, New Guinea and experiencing some difficult things there. They are invited to stay at a remote lodge in the mountains of North Carolina with another missionary couple while on furlough. When they arrive at the cabin, strange things start to occur. The setting was reminiscent of The Shining by Stephen King, and the author references the movie at one point.
There were some moments in the book that made me feel very uncomfortable as I tend to shy away from any stories that deal with satanic rituals, witchcraft, etc., but I continued on and I'm glad that I did.
A good story but definitely controversial material. I will be seeking out more books by this author in the future.
January 2, 2009
A missionary family looks forward to a vacation in a magnificent lodge high in the North Carolina mountains. Life as a missionary is difficult under the best circumstances, but for the Millers it has begun to split their family apart. Haunted by the circumstances under which they left Papua New Guinea, things don't get much better when they arrive home, especially for wife and mom, Stephanie.
Nightmares have begun to haunt her sleep. Dreams become confused with memory, which meld with reality and she begins to doubt her sanity. Her husband James, fears for her as well and the rest of his family. The isolated surroundings are just what they need to re-connect with each other. Stephanie looks forward to seeing her brother, Paul and his help with some of her frightening memories.
But the lodge holds its own dark secrets and instead of a restful retreat, the Millers find themselves in the middle of a nightmare from which they can't escape.
Isolation is a fast-paced read with a plot line that twists and turns throughout the book.
Nightmares have begun to haunt her sleep. Dreams become confused with memory, which meld with reality and she begins to doubt her sanity. Her husband James, fears for her as well and the rest of his family. The isolated surroundings are just what they need to re-connect with each other. Stephanie looks forward to seeing her brother, Paul and his help with some of her frightening memories.
But the lodge holds its own dark secrets and instead of a restful retreat, the Millers find themselves in the middle of a nightmare from which they can't escape.
Isolation is a fast-paced read with a plot line that twists and turns throughout the book.
November 26, 2012
I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't. This is not the first time I have randomly picked up a book at the library because it sounded interesting, and been sorely disappointed to find out that it's Christian fiction. Nothing against the genre, but from my experience most of it just comes across way too preachy and that was definitely the case here. The author writes well and the story had a lot of potential, but give it a rest already! At one point, the word God was used eight times on one page. The author totally lost me though, when a key character that had been killed was resurrected. The story would have worked so much better if the author had used a lighter hand with the theology, and kept the story line somewhat believable. Skip this one, there's better books out there.
November 11, 2010
The book I read was called "Isolation", by Travis Thrasher. I think this book would be considered a mystery because it makes you think about the plot and how the characters interact throughout different mind jogging events. What I think the author is trying to say in this book is ( and i know this a religious factor) is believe in god because he will help you in your time of need. I don't think that this is a story for younger kids because it has too much grusome and horrific events in it. So the intended audience I think would be highschool kids and older. I also think that people would like this mystery novel because mysteries are always resolved in the end.
April 26, 2010
I enjoy a good suspense fiction book. For you adrenaline thriller junkies who always have to be on the edge of your seat, this is a must-read. It delves into the supernatural and shows that even when hope is gone and the tiny thread of faith to which you desperately clung snaps, God is with you and will see you through your turbulation. Stephen King and Peretti fans will love this one. Good job, Travis!
October 24, 2008
This is a Christian suspense thriller. It is a great read, especially here at Halloween. Good versus evil is the plot. A burnt out missionary family takes a "repreive" in an isolated mansion in the mountains of North Carolina. They get more than they bargained for in the experience. For a little fright with a Christian view, this is a good choice!
April 27, 2009
This is one of the more disturbing books that I have read, however I must admit it was hard to put down. I think it was because I needed to see if anything good was going to come of the events that were taking place. I thought this would be more in the suspense catagory, but there was a little bit too much horror it for my liking.
Read
April 3, 2009I read over 100 pages, but I could not finish this book.
Nothing wrong with the book itself--it was very interesting and well-written, the characters were engaging and the plot really drew me in, but it was just too scary for me. Definitely scarier than any Peretti book I've read.
Nothing wrong with the book itself--it was very interesting and well-written, the characters were engaging and the plot really drew me in, but it was just too scary for me. Definitely scarier than any Peretti book I've read.
February 23, 2015
This book was really scary but enjoyable. I should have read the author's note about his growing up reading Stephen King novels.
I feel its comparable in Christian theme to Frank Peretti with the spiritual references - demons, possession, etc.
I feel its comparable in Christian theme to Frank Peretti with the spiritual references - demons, possession, etc.
Want to read
December 6, 2012This book is SCARY!! I love a really scary book but I can't handle it when James travels. So it's on hold.
Read
March 20, 2013Interesting for the first 2/3 of the book; then it got off track as far as I am concerned. It didn't seem to know if it was a serial murderer book or a Christian inspirational book.
January 18, 2015
I love this book so much, I have bought 3 copies because I give them away and them buy another. Read it 3 times.
April 6, 2018
Wow. A complete understatement, but "powerful story" is all I can think of when describing this book. This is the first Travis Thrasher novel I've read, and though it was a little slow until about the middle/towards the end of the book, the wait is definitely worth it. Mr. Thrasher describes the missionary family like real true Christians and not the "Hollywood" picture movies try to paint. Even the strongest of us Christians have doubts and questions and the Millers' struggles are no different, especially after experiencing spiritual warfare overseas. Being a Christian myself with my own personal struggles, I connected with this story and felt my faith both faltering with Jim and Stephanie but more importantly strengthening by the end of the book. In what looked like would be a hopeless sad ending with only a few pages left, completely turned around before we could expect it. Just like what could be said with real life situations. (God takes what would be meant for evil and turns it into something good for those who love Him. Romans 8:28)
Written like a classic horror movie, I admire Thrasher's writing style and would definitely list this book happily as a title to recommend to fellow readers everywhere.
Written like a classic horror movie, I admire Thrasher's writing style and would definitely list this book happily as a title to recommend to fellow readers everywhere.
March 15, 2018
I would give this book a rating of five out of five stars because this book was a wonderful read from cover to cover. This book was encapsulating within every moment. From paralyzing fear, to good thematic development, this book had it all. The family, a missionary family, is easy to relate to. This book shows the inside view into a normal missionary’s life, until you see some weird things start to happen. Hallucinations, dead bodies, the family knew something was terribly wrong. You also get an inside look into the life of a merciless killer, one who wants to prove he has more power than God, and can do things by his own hand. This killer and the missionary family meet, and it's within the same house in the middle of a snow storm. Will the family get out alive? Will the family settle their doubts and questions for God? This book gives you the answers to all your questions in a stunning way. This book is definitely a wonderful read to all who dare to open its cover. However, I shall warn you, don’t read this book at night if you plan on getting any sleep.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2023
Had I known it was labeled “Christian fiction” I honestly wouldn’t have looked at it twice. But as a die hard horror fan, the story line grabbed me. Family trapped alone (or so they initially believe) in a remote house during a blizzard. Under attack from demonic forces. Sign me up for that that read!!!
Overall good story line and progression, with enough twists to keep you guessing. I do wish that the author had expanded a bit more on Stephanie’s nightmares, her childhood tie to the house, and the family’s experiences with the demonic while on mission work in Dambi. I feel it would have upped the scare factor a bit and given some background as to what they were dealing with in the home.
As an agnostic, I tended to not linger long over some of the longer spiritual passages/references but could respect their place and relevance in the storyline.
One recommendation…this book should be read in the winter. Preferably during a snow storm….increases the creepy factor immensely!
Overall good story line and progression, with enough twists to keep you guessing. I do wish that the author had expanded a bit more on Stephanie’s nightmares, her childhood tie to the house, and the family’s experiences with the demonic while on mission work in Dambi. I feel it would have upped the scare factor a bit and given some background as to what they were dealing with in the home.
As an agnostic, I tended to not linger long over some of the longer spiritual passages/references but could respect their place and relevance in the storyline.
One recommendation…this book should be read in the winter. Preferably during a snow storm….increases the creepy factor immensely!
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