Purgatory Road

Couldn't put it down.

All the raving reviews and the back cover blurb made me really want to read this novel. I enjoy thrillers, suspense, mystery. I can honestly say, this book is probably the most different book I have ever read. It begins with two characters, a runaway girl, and a couple. Both in Vegas, for different reasons. The girl is just tired of her mundane boring life and is looking for adventure. She is headed to California. The couple is on vacation. Seeking a bit of a thrill for a day, yet tired of the Vegas strip, they take a car trip out into the desert, only to end up stranded on a road to nowhere. The characters are developed enough. A wife who pretty much always does her husband's bidding, compliant, letting him have the glory, be in charge, while feeling lost and lonely and undesired in the relationship. A husband who wants to be something he is not; who is overconfident, yet insecure, hence his somewhat macho attitude; who desires freedom... but from what; and whose life is based on his routine and security of his work, his self-made person. Then throw in a few other characters. A sadistic man, who preys on vulnerable girls or people, giving them hope, then killing them. His character is fueled on by a man named Seth... real or imaginary is for you to determine. Then there is Boots, a good guy? Sometimes it's hard to tell. He has a strange way of handling things. To me, this book was typical of a behind the scenes, sort of spiritual warfare. A battle between good and evil which plays out in the lives of the characters, as well as, between Boots and Seth. It's a bit twisted and creepy weird at times. I am not sure I would call it Christian per say. It isn't extremely clear on God, or what part he plays in this book. The author kind of leaves it to the audience's imagination. Even though it was interesting enough to keep me reading, there were times I wondered why I was reading this.... I am having a hard time deciding if this is a 3 or 4 star book. I guess somewhere in between. Some will like it more than others. I haven't quite decided if I would read another book by this author in the future or not. I would recommend this book for adults only, possibly older teens This book was provided to me free courtesy of Revell to read. I was not asked to post a positive review and all opinions are my own.

"Purgatory Road" is an intriguing thriller telling the stories of Molly and Jack & Laura, who wind up around Vegas. Molly is a teenaged runaway who is kidnapped and psychologically tortured. Jack and Laura are a couple who have lost touch with each other and their marriage. Jack takes Laura away from the city and out into nowhere when the car stops working on the highway and they are left to die of thirst miles and miles away from the nearest people. They are rescued inches away from death by Boots. Jack comes to some realizations out on the road but still has some lessons to learn. Boots is a hermit living in the desert that comes to all three of their rescue. A patient man, he seems to know the lessons they need to learn. It's unclear exactly who he is or what he is, but the book creates more questions than it answers. Early on, you get tidbits that everything is not what it seems. It appears that this book will have a sequel, so be prepared to be left with some questions. Everything is not wrapped up in a bow at the end, though many storylines are concluded. Overall, it was a quick and intriguing read, and I would be curious to read the next! Please note that I received an ARC through a goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.