Fantastik: A Gripping and Captivating Novel of Suspense

by C.A. McGroarty

Destiny...Charlie Boone's will be found on a cross country trip with a complete stranger, but why?Jake Mott, an ex-con convicted of murder, and Charlie Boone, a city bus driver on the brink of insanity are complete strangers; however when their worlds collide, both of their lives are forever changed.Born the son of a schizophrenic woman, Charlie lives in his boyhood home with his wife and two kids, caring for his sick mother. Tormented by unsettling dreams and frightening visions since childhood, the thought that he shares the same affliction as her is beginning to look like a reality.Having spent the last three decades in prison, Jake is planning a trip to California to reclaim a bag of money he buried thirty years ago, and he's making the trip alone...or so he thinks.Together they embark on an epic journey of hope and redemption, but only one will live to tell about it.Fans of Stephen King, Cormac McCarthy, John Irving will love this gripping suspense thriller filled with an amazing plot, extraordinary characters, and insight into two troubled souls.

Scroll up and grab a copy of Fantastik today.

Genres: Fiction, Drama

293 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 28, 2014

About the author

Struggle, Redemption, Second Chance, Faith, Forgiveness…these are the things I write about.

I write stories that provide inspiration and hope for my readers. My characters know what it’s like to fight for something they believe in, they long for a second chance, they seek redemption and want forgiveness, all the while living life between the edge of reason and failure…sanity and madness.

I write stories about complicated characters with flawed backgrounds. People who have failed or made grave mistakes, yet find the fortitude to get up every day, face their plight and make something of what is left.

I invite you to read my work and in doing so I promise you will always be entertained. My stories provide unique perspective, provoke thought, and ultimately restore people’s faith in human beings.

We all take this ride just once…

Reviews

[NickReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 FANTASTIC STARS!

Rogue Wave by C.A. McGroarty
Publisher: Basking Ridge Publishing
Publication Date: May 28th 2014
Rating: 3,5 stars
Source: ARC sent by the author

You can find the full review and more about this book on my blog!

When I first saw this book I was immediately drawn by the cover.I think this is one of the best book covers I have ever seen,everything's matches,the colors,the font,and it fits the story,it really does.

Fantastik is a inspirational novel which gives a strong positive message.It is one of the most positive books I have ever read,and I really needed.This is a story of the journey of life,story of love and forgiveness.

The story is about two people,Charlie Bone and Jake Mott,who life crosses them together,and between them grows an unlikely friendship at first.Jake is just recently released from prison,and Charlie has a troubled childhood.Their journey to find the bag of money,turns out to be an an epic adventure filled with great life lessons.

I had a small problem with the writing style.I think it is a little poorly written but don't let this discourage you because it is really worth reading.

I recommend this book to every reader out there,especially if you like inspirational books,it is a great story of hope and love and life in general.So pick it up:)

[Thomas Everson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie and Jake are the unlikeliest of people to cross paths, let alone have any interaction. One is a city bus driver, never having done a bad thing in his life, doing the best he can to support his family, and dealing with personal issues. The other is a convicted felon who served 30 years in prison, has just been released back into the world, and is trying to decide what to do with his life.

But fate has plans for the two of them. When Charlie meets Jake, he stalks the ex-con and insists he accompany him on a cross country journey because of visions he's been having. Jake looks at him the way anyone might if they were approached by a total stranger claiming fate brought them together, as if he were insane. But something nags at Jake and they embark on an adventure they both hope will lead them to some answers.

I started Fantastik by reading the back of the book, and I was immediately torn. The blurb both on Amazon and the book states that they set out on this journey together, but only one lives to tell about it. It was a bit shocking to have this big of an idea thrown out there before I had even opened the front cover. But despite that, it actually made me want to read it even more. Who gets to live? Charlie or Jake? For the risk C. A. McGroarty puts forth offering such a large tidbit, the reader is greatly rewarded and it will tug at your heart.

I found the book easily to read and that made it quick to get through. The transitioning between characters was generally well done with only a few areas in which I had to backtrack and re-read to make sure I knew which character I was following. This isn't a big issue though. The story flows well, but the road trip part of it which I anticipated to be the longer part of the story, actually came up a bit short. It's still a well thought out book and it was enjoyable to read.

I'm giving Fantastik 4 stars for being...fantastic... (how could I resist?). I liked this book.

[Gayle Slagle]

I love music, movies, and books that WOW me, and Fantastik, by C.A. McGroarty fits into this category. McGroarty's writing is amazing and it is difficult to believe that this is his first novel; I certainly hope it will not be his last. His work is reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy, with stark language and a minimum of emotion.......yet, as in The Road, the reader comes to feel that he/she knows the main characters intimately and feels the emotions the characters feel. Both Jake Mott, an ex-con who has served time for murder and has just been released from prison, and Charlie Boone, a city bus driver who has seen visions all his life, seemingly have problems that cannot be overcome. When the two meet, their worlds collide. They decide to embark on an spic journey based on hope and their need for redemption. Relationships are an important element in the novel, exploring the relationships between Charlie and his wife, between Charlie and his sons, between Charlie and his mother, and between Charlie and Jake. This was a book I did not want to put down, and I highly recommend Fantastic by C.A. McGroarty.

[Heather Doughty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story I can't get out of my head - kind of like an ear worm. There are so many themes to discuss. Can a person be redeemed? Is someone born inherently good or bad? How does one grow to trust their inner voice? If your inner voice was telling you to drop everything and take a cross-country trip with a stranger, would you be brave enough to do it? Can love concur all? I could go on and on...

The layers of this story remind me of John Irving. The book is not as long and doesn't take place over the same time span as a John Irving novel, but the story of personal struggle and will reminds me of those stories. The details are important, the writing is strong, and the message is clear.

This would be a great book to read when you are stuck someplace and want a good story that will keep you engaged. I found it hard to put the book down. And of course, I am still thinking about it almost a week later!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic :-). I could not put it down and fell in love with the characters. The story went in a direction that I was not expecting at all and as I was reading it I kept thinking that it would be great as a movie. I went through the whole range of emotions and had goosebumps at the end.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about two men who are searching for the meaning of their life. A bus driver who fears he will inherit his mother's mental illness and an ex-con who just was released from prison As you read this book you come to really like both of these men. The ending of the book is a shock - very much not anticipated.

Really wonderful character development. I enjoyed this book very much.

[Carol Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We all take this ride,just once"

A random free book for me and I really enjoyed it. A different story line and characters than I normally read.

[Neil Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian and Faithful take to the Road once more, heading from the City of Destruction for the Celestial City, each pilgrim imbued with divinity in this mystic, holy, earthy observance of the power of dream, prophecy, loyalty, sacrifice and determination.

Fantastik is an empowering, inspirational, celebration of love and above all forgiveness, which pulses with elemental life giving energy in the veins of this emotionally literate, spiritually coherent, novel. Where no offering in mediation for past misdeeds is spurned as each sinner reaches for redemption in a temple whose four pillars are acceptance, forgiveness, understanding, loving kindness, and whose altar is grace.

C. A. McGroarty adroitly avoids sentimentality as he skilfully marshals his themes. Each interweaving and expressing themselves through agents who are always supremely, achingly, human. Flesh, blood and bone, conceived in the round, in four dimensions, in depth, with compassion, imagination, cogent realism and recognition of human frailty. All informed with the profound insight into the human condition and its limitless possibilities which makes Fantastik such an unforgettable, life affirming, and supremely beautiful book.

A feast - I urge you to partake!

[Tiffany Guthrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** Received free copy for in return a honest review***


Wow, just wow. Fantastik was simply fantastic.
I read this novel in two days because I was hooked after reading the first chapter.Immediately, I imagined where the story was going, creating my own version.Oh boy was I wrong! The book went into an entirely different direction than I had expected leaving me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

McGroarty painted a vivid picture, and I was able to envision the story perfectly. I was drawn to the characters and instantly felt attached. It tingled with my own emotions, and any book that can do that did its job.
I won't pinpoint any negativity, because I personally didn't feel there is anything big enough to point out.

Thank you Mr. McGroarty for the wonderful opportunity to read your novel. Well done sir!

[Cindelu · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads.

I must admit I plowed my way slowly through it's pages. I would read it and put it down for a few hours or even days. If I really like a book I will read it in one day.

The characters were great. They were realistic and interesting. However somehow I couldn't get on the path of where this book was going. In some of the situations I never did understand how they related to the overall story.
At the end I finally "got it" - I think. I'm afraid it was just too long and slow a journey getting there.

[Elyse Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

The emotions of the characters in this story, are filled with fear, guilt, pity, selfishness, anger, sadness, confusion, joy, compassion, loss, love, to name a few.

Charlie is married to Lisa (they have 2 young boys)
Jake is a close friend
The character's (and their relationship to each other) are very real. You feel as if you know them all.

Charlie is searching for answers. A man can hang his head down and cry when his heart has been satisfied, ....
and there is more ....
and a few surprises!

Good first novel. Congrats to the author!

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what a book! The first novel of the writer was quite a read. It has a lot in it--prison, mental illness, spirtual realm, peace, greed, murder, war etc. I don't want to give a lot away, but it agrees with what I believe that God puts me in the places I need to be to meet the people I need to meet.

[C.P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

**This book was provided to me free of charge courtesy of GoodReads First Reads Giveaways**

A very unique story that sucks you in! Great imagery, full character development, and events I hadn't predicted.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of 2 men who form an unlikely friendship, travel out west and learn a lot about forgiveness, love and redemption. The book started off confusing and it took a while before I could figure out what was going on. It ended very strong.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, it had me engrossed from start to finish. This is not your average story that you know from the start how it is going to end. Do yourself a favour and give this one a go.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a seriously fascinating read. You have to read to the end to "get it," but it's well worth it. The author has a clear prose and the characters are well developed.

[Stephanie K Freedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful.

Reminds of Cormac McCarthy,but more of Peter Keller Keller, gritty, sometimes tough to read but with the gift of redemption.

[Deborah Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Enjoyable novel by a first time author. Slow start as you wait for the characters to link together, but worth the time invested.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

You people should just read this novel yourselves and I really enjoyed reading this novel very much so. Shelley Ma

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kept my interest, but.....I can't call it a "must read."

[Ultimate World · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Fantastik by C. A. McGroarty

Fantastik is a gripping and deeply human tale that blends psychological struggle, gritty realism, and the quiet search for redemption. Charlie Boone, a man burdened by his mother’s schizophrenia and the shadows of his own unraveling mind, is a protagonist readers will ache for. His fear of inheriting the same illness—and losing his family in the process—creates a tension that is both heartbreaking and painfully relatable.

Running parallel is the story of Jake Mott, an ex-con seeking freedom not only from his prison sentence but also from the guilt of his past. His quest to retrieve buried money becomes much more than a chase for material gain; it’s a journey toward closure, penance, and perhaps a shot at redemption. When Charlie and Jake’s lives intersect, their connection feels fated, their unlikely friendship the anchor of this poignant, emotional journey.

McGroarty weaves themes of family, mental health, guilt, and hope into a narrative that is both haunting and redemptive. The novel never shies away from darkness, but in doing so, it highlights the light that can be found in connection, courage, and forgiveness. Fantastik is not just a story about survival—it’s about the human spirit’s relentless drive to find meaning and healing, even in the face of loss.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sent this book as a Goodreads first-reads giveaway.

First of all, this book is too underrated: the cover might not be the most inspiring or related to the general "back of book" explanation, but it all makes perfect sense once you read it.

McGroaty brings to life an ordinary (seemingly) cast of individuals, all with rough, troubled pasts, that are simply trying to figure out life. Then, as these two sets of characters meet, things shift and as the story goes you start unraveling the ball of yarn to see where things go: and it's beautiful. It's so well written and easy to get through, I finished it within days! It is moving, and darned that the ending did make me cry. It's one of those books that catches you, because you can relate one way or another, and keeps you wondering about whether its actually fiction or has some basis in reality.

A definite recommendation for readers!

[Robert Uttaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved Fantastik! This book had me engaged the whole time. Fantastik touches upon many different issues such as marriage, love, mental illness, prison, redemption, forgiveness, and God. McGroarty has very interesting, believable characters and accurately describes how human beings have more in common than they may think. He helps us to see our common humanity with people we may least expect to connect with. Read this book, especially for the end. There is true beauty and wisdom in it which should leave you relaxed, peaceful, and contemplative. Both believers and unbelievers can benefit from this book and connect them with God.

[CURTIS A PETERSON · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good solid read. Especially for a first novel.

Held my interest throughout the story. Very descriptive with characters I found to be interesting while flawed. I would recommend this novel if you are interested in stories with perfectly flawed characters seeking redemption and understanding.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the characters were quite engaging, in the end this left me wondering just what happened and why I should care? For me, this somehow just missed being very compelling and moving story, but it is so close to being a really good book, that I would recommend you just give it a try and see how you feel about it. Maybe I just caught it at the wrong time. It happens to me sometimes.

[Deedra · Rating 5 out of 5]

audible:This was an excellent story! I enjoyed the characters and how they grew through the whole adventure. Francis G. Kearney was a terrific narrator. I really enjoyed it. was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Kate Policani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charlie Boone has always felt off, different from others, and ashamed of it. Now living with his wife, Lisa, children, and catatonic mother, this strangeness comes to a head. Is he crazy like his schizophrenic mother, or does he have a gift? Why does he feel a connection to Jake Mott, an ex-con with a violent past? Why does the raging fire in California stir his dreams so much? Through an impossible road trip, Charlie and Jake will discover what draws them to Calimesa, California, and what Charlie's amazing dreams and visions mean. Along the way they will find something more valuable than they could ever imagine.
 
C.A. McGroarty writes a haunting tale, uncomfortable in its rawness, but in a good way. The pain and confusion that each character finds makes me think of a dark tunnel with light at the end. Charlie's fears and hopes touch the feelings deep inside us all of insecurity, hope, yearning, and certainty. His misery in the shadow of abuse and mental illness shares its weight with the reader. The joy he finds in connecting the dots of his strange abilities resonates with the human desire to find purpose in our strangeness. In every way, McGroarty has connected the reader to the character, nerve by nerve.
The foil of Lisa's waiting life during Charlie's trip add a lot of meaning to his journey and show the connectedness and dependence of marriage. Her redemption comes through waiting and taking charge of her life while he is gone, and mirrors a common state for most people at one time or another.
Jake's journey gives us yet another perspective of a life lived, wasted, and nearly lost. The hopelessness and misery that haunt him illuminate fear of misusing the gift of life, while not knowing how to bring ourselves to use it well.
Unfortnately, I couldn't give it the star rating I would have liked because of numoerous editing errors.
Fantastik is truly a journey of the heart and mind, rather than a tale of lives and events. McGroarty has triumphed in his characters and their purpose with a strange and wonderful tale.

[Kaitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finish Time: 5 nights. It took me a few nights to figure out what was going on in this book. It was an impulse download, I tend to do that when I have too many books in my queue, that I don’t know where to start. Weird, I know. I had trouble getting into this – and maybe was only reading a little at a time, so it took me until about halfway through to realize that was kind of the point – the main character of this book didn’t even know what he was doing!

I’m all for trusting your gut, but Charlie Boone had some deeper issues and his gut was making him do some crazy things. Even his wife would agree. It takes a little for Charlie and Jake’s paths to cross, but when they do, hang on for a wild ride. From two different worlds are these two men, but they both learn and grow from each other in a quite unexpected journey.

Charlie, product of a rough childhood, is having dreams and visions of things he cannot decipher. But when he meets Jake Mott, things become a little clearer, in that he knows he is supposed to follow him. Jake, just released from prison, where he was for 30 years, just wants some quiet and time to readjust to society. But when Charlie is persistent, knows things no one else ever knew, and predicts certain events, Jake just can’t say no.

It was an interesting story that had me cringing at times yet warmed my heart at others. It was part mystery what Charlie’s visions would reveal. Part self-discovery for both characters and even a little faith thrown in, which I love, especially when it is not expected. And even a little love between Charlie and his wife. I don’t even want to mention the ending, but I will say it was satisfying yet heartbreaking at the same time.

Overall a good story, I went with 3 bones because it was hard to get into and simply comparing it to other books that held my interest a letter better, but not a bad free read.

http://mydogearedpurpose.com/2014/09/...

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book about redemption. It was never about the ride... it was the Journey. I love the character Lisa and was pretty happy to see her turn out ok in the end.

I love the promise between Lisa and Charlie "We said we'd walk together, and come what may, then come the twilight, should we lose our way, and if we're walking a hand should slip free, I'll wait for you, and if I fall behind, wait for me."

[Jessa J · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't understand how there are such high reviews for this book. I thought it was awful, and maybe not so much because if the content, but because of the writing. If a middle schooler asked me to read a story they wrote and presented me with this, I would have no problem believing they wrote it. I was very unsurprised to find it is a self-published book.