UNREST In Patonga Wow. Unrest in Patonga by Travis James absolutely consumed me from the very first page. Having read Escape to Patonga, I was already deeply attached to the quirky, stubborn, and loveable characters of this little seaside town but this sequel takes everything to another level.
There’s something magical about how James captures small-town life the gossip, the grudges, the strange sense of belonging that exists even among chaos. The humor here is sharper, the emotions deeper, and the tension beautifully layered beneath the surface of that seemingly sleepy community.
I laughed out loud more than once at the council’s antics (seriously, how do they keep coming up with these ridiculous schemes?), and yet there were moments that completely broke my heart. The undercurrent of longing to be accepted, to be understood, runs through every page. Riley’s attempt to fit in, despite his past mistakes, was both infuriating and oddly endearing. And Bryce… let’s just say his absence lingers like a ghost in the salt air.
The ending left me sitting quietly for a while that rare kind of silence that follows when a story truly hits home. Travis James doesn’t just write about a place; he breathes life into it. You can smell the sea breeze, hear the chatter at the local pub, and feel the unspoken history between every character.
If you loved Escape to Patonga, this sequel is an emotional, funny, and deeply satisfying continuation. And if you haven’t yet visited Patonga trust me, it’s time.
There’s something magical about how James captures small-town life the gossip, the grudges, the strange sense of belonging that exists even among chaos. The humor here is sharper, the emotions deeper, and the tension beautifully layered beneath the surface of that seemingly sleepy community.
I laughed out loud more than once at the council’s antics (seriously, how do they keep coming up with these ridiculous schemes?), and yet there were moments that completely broke my heart. The undercurrent of longing to be accepted, to be understood, runs through every page. Riley’s attempt to fit in, despite his past mistakes, was both infuriating and oddly endearing. And Bryce… let’s just say his absence lingers like a ghost in the salt air.
The ending left me sitting quietly for a while that rare kind of silence that follows when a story truly hits home. Travis James doesn’t just write about a place; he breathes life into it. You can smell the sea breeze, hear the chatter at the local pub, and feel the unspoken history between every character.
If you loved Escape to Patonga, this sequel is an emotional, funny, and deeply satisfying continuation. And if you haven’t yet visited Patonga trust me, it’s time.
Martti Orsen - Goodreads Reviewer
ESCAPE To Patonga This book pulled me in from the start and didn’t let go. Riley’s emotional breakdown and retreat to his childhood sanctuary is both heartbreaking and compelling. The small-town suspicion, the eerie disappearance, and the tension between isolation and intrusion kept me turning pages late into the night.
A beautifully written, character-driven story that explores judgment, redemption, and the fragile edge of sanity. Absolutely unforgettable.
A beautifully written, character-driven story that explores judgment, redemption, and the fragile edge of sanity. Absolutely unforgettable.
Ashley Johnson - Goodreads Reviewer
ESCAPE To Patonga pulls me into Riley’s unraveling world with a mix of mystery and raw emotion. What begins as a simple escape turns into a gripping reflection on guilt, isolation, and the price of starting over. The seaside setting feels hauntingly alive, and Riley’s struggle to find peace kept me hooked until the very end.
Charlotte - Goodreads Reviewer
Escape to Patonga is a beautifully written story about breaking down and finding your way back. Travis James captures emotion, tension, and small-town suspicion perfectly. The seaside setting feels alive, and Riley’s journey is raw, real, and unforgettable. A powerful mix of mystery and heart — I couldn’t put it down!
Madison Carter - Goodreads Reviewer
ESCAPE To Patonga The way you built tension without shouting was masterful. The slow-burn paranoia. The way Riley’s isolation bled into the village’s judgment. It wasn’t just about what happened — it was about how it felt to be trapped, scrutinized, and misunderstood. You didn’t over-explain. You let the silence speak. And that’s what made it so unnerving and unforgettable. The transformation of Patonga — from peaceful escape to pressure cooker — was subtle, eerie, and real. It’s been a while since I got that can’t-put-this-book-down feeling. The depth, the emotion, the rhythm of the story… it was all so vivid. Thank you!!!
James Timothy Founder, Lumetrio Studios
Entwined is the most brilliant book I’ve every read! Thank you from my heart for giving me such a stunning book-reading experience, doubling everything so intricately contributing that extra oomph.
I had just written notes for course called “I am one, and I am many”, from literary, artistic, and psychological vantage points, so of course I’ve now put your book on its reading list.
I had just written notes for course called “I am one, and I am many”, from literary, artistic, and psychological vantage points, so of course I’ve now put your book on its reading list.
Roy Forward Australian National University Lecturer
Bad Timing - A completely different kind of experience, and while I expected to appreciate it as a fellow-Christian turned atheist, I was bowled over by the amount of research you had done to clinch it, especially in the bible. Again – brilliant!
Roy Forward Australian National University Lecturer
Bad Timing - I am reviewing this book as a reader and not a critic. I was drawn to the title and content relating to faith and why people make the choices they do. From the beginning I was drawn to the story and found it hard to put down. I just wanted to read it all in one go. Jame's writing makes me feel as though I am part of the story. The reality and honesty of his words transcends you. When a book can cause you to hear only the words on the paper, then you know the writer understands how to connect with the reader. I thoroughly enjoy the book. I still believe in my faith but now have another perspective on those who struggle. Thank you for the journey and the courage to talk about a topic that few are comfortable with.
Sharon May
Escape to Patonga provides the opportunity to visit a coastal town on the mid north coast of New South Wales, with Riley, while he attempts to sort out the mess he’s made of his marriage and job. There’s drug smuggling, a kidnapping and an amorous woman to contend with.
Has the feels of the fictional town of Pearl Bay in the Australian TV series Seachange, with flawed characters in a small community, but a bit darker.
Tracy Stanley
The writing style of Travis James does indeed draw you in at times. By no means is this book without promise.
Travis falls into the same traps as many other new authors do, including myself. I know from experience since I myself am a dyslexic author myself. I know the trials of writing and the sweet rewards of success.
Travis is a hard working author and does deserve our support for the work that he laid he for us.
Howard Peter-Burrel Moul
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was a lot of fun, and it definitely kept me guessing as to what had actually happened at a couple of points. And the plot twist definitely took me by surprise! I enjoyed being able to read about a real place, that was lovingly described, where you felt like you could smell the salty sea air, and you could feel the sand between your toes. And I hope Travis James publishes the next book, because I want to know what happens next! If you enjoy mystery thrillers from Down Under, give Escape To Patonga a go! It'll be a lot of fun, and I'm sure you'll enjoy the ride!
Amandine Llwyd - Goodreads Reviewer
Escape to Patonga is a mystery-thriller that believably details the story of Riley Pitman, a taciturn introvert who is struggling in his marriage, while also juggling a successful import business, with the added danger of agreeing to smuggle in illicit substances at the behest of a drinking buddy. When he can't handle the pressure anymore, he goes to a village where he used to vacation as a child, and because of his reticent and icy nature, he is gossiped about by the locals, who potentially get the completely wrong idea about him.
Amanda Elliott
Travis’ brisk moving story has given voice to the colourful characters and beautiful landscape of the Australian Central Coast.
Dr Sue Brown PhD
Travis has a remarkable gift for observing the lives of Australians and re-presenting them in his stories.
Roy Forward
Australian National University Lecturer
Escape to Patonga has the capacity to draw the reader into its storyline through creating a strong connection to the lives and personality traits of each character. An exciting read with lots of intrigue and plot twists along the way. Tourism in Patonga is destined to escalate after reading this novel!
Stephanie Deane
Primary School Teacher
From the opening handshake, Escape to Patonga instantly transported me into the world of the characters and held me there through the twists and turns of the plot until the very end! I'm now keen to return to Patonga to reacquaint myself with Riley's haven! A great read!
Dr John Brown PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Unrest In Patonga - Another gripping story in this duology, even better than the first! The easy flowing story, relatable chatacters, evocative descriptions of both strong characters (including our favourite Cockatoo!) and subtle gestures, with good pace makes it a good quickly holiday read that you won't want to put down. Highly recommended.
Dr John Brown PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Storytelling is in his blood.
He’s not done yet!