The Retreat

By: Dan Frey

Narrated by: Kyla Garcia

In this debut work of supernatural fiction, writer Dan Frey delivers a taut story full of psychological suspense.

Under the shimmering light of a full moon, newly engaged couple Paul and Cora head home from a dinner party. But when a devastating car accident leaves Cora paralyzed from the waist down, their future together is changed in the blink of an eye. As Cora’s depression leads to a dependence on prescription pain meds, Paul turns to the works of inspirational self-help author Gabrielle Lawson. After learning of the guru’s week-long retreat focused on "energetic healing", Paul convinces a skeptical Cora to attend.

Not long after the group arrives at the retreat center, located on a supposed "vortex site" in the remote Arizona highlands, strange things begin to happen. All of the attendees except Cora fall under Gabrielle’s charismatic spell, and even Cora cannot ignore the terrifying visions she begins to experience, which test her perception of reality and force her to question their leader’s true intentions. Is Gabrielle really an altruistic healer who simply wants to help others, or is she pursuing a much more nefarious agenda? Find out as author Dan Frey and award-winning narrator Kyla Garcia take listeners on a wild ride that explores the dark side of alternative spirituality.

©2019 Dan Frey (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC.

Couldn't stop listening!

The Retreat is a quick-paced, trippy thriller that had me hooked from the beginning! A very intriguing plot with unexpected twists right up to the end. Loved it!

A “Novel” Novel!

Truly an original, unique story — a concept with rules unfamiliar to the audience, which makes it impossible to predict what’s coming next!

passed the time but dragged

I struggled to finish and found the main character very unlikable and on the low is side...the narrator wasn't much better

What did I just listen to

This is totally out of my normal zone, but I got into it and had to finish. If it were a print book, there is no way I would have finished, but it was an amazing ride, expertly narrated and performed.

Wholly original thriller perfect for right now

This book is right up my alley. It would be difficult to bore me with explorations of the culture of wellness-- who profits from it, who benefits, all of that. This book does it all and goes even further by wondering... "who is hurt by it?" At what point does our pursuit of higher truth and deeper happiness end up making things way, way worse? Beyond a fantastic way into where we are as a culture today, this book is a page-turning (not sure the Audible equivalent of that; maybe it's a "sit in your car even after arriving at work to finish" book) thriller that managed to truly surprise me at every turn. Just when I thought I knew where it was going, it went somewhere else, and then it was over and I must give it the best compliment I can give any book: I wished there was more to read. Definitely a wonderful book for anyone who thinks that maybe there's a little more to life than only what they know right now. Looking forward to what's next from the author.

Gripping

I genuinely could not stop listening to this audiobook. I listened to it 4-5 hours at a time, when I usually lose interest after about 30 minutes. The story has you on edge the entire time trying to figure out the truth behind the mystery and I had no idea where it was going to end until the very last minute. Highly recommend.

Pretty decent book

The story was good but the narrative was distracting at times. It was as if the narrator would lose pace. The overall story was interesting though and an interesting ending.

I was hooked immediately

This story blew me away! As a student and teacher of yoga and explorer of various new age spiritual practices, I can’t believe there hasn’t been a narrative yet looking into the dark side of new age mysticism. The author captures certain elements of that community perfectly and gave me chills so many times.
I love the protagonist of Cora and how strong and vulnerable she is at the same time. A multi-dimensional and superbly written hero.
Kyla Garcia nails it in the narration. And although you’re listening, this one is a true page turner!!

A bit predictable.

Enjoyed the book. Particularly interested as we had just spent a week in Sedona, and I know the area well. The story moves quickly and develops the characters well. The only downside, is that it's pretty predictable.
Even the end.

Twisty Debut Work

With THE RETREAT, the author's command of the craft is in fine display. A quick-paced mysterious yarn that should be a great deal of fun for anyone who enjoys surreal and heady spaces. Additionally, I don't think I've ever heard a more lively narrator - I can hear her enjoy her reading it as it happens. A wonderful effort all around.