Kaylin McFarren's Blog - Posts Tagged "new-release"
Great Advance Review on Upcoming Release!
The saga of Chase Cohen and Rachel Lyons continues in book three of the Thread Series! The inimitable treasure-hunting business partners sail to England in the hope of asking Paul Lyons, Rachel’s uncle, for his blessing. Rachel, on the other hand, is not only dealing with morning sickness atop thoughts of her soon-approaching marriage, she is also riddled with a flurry of “what-ifs.” Chase’s relationship with Paul is rocky at best. Yet that pales in comparison to the serious family issues—more like skeletons in the closet—that are at stake in the Lyons household, especially when Sloan, Paul’s step-granddaughter, and Rachel are kidnapped.
Mistress storyteller and award-winning author Kaylin McFarren spins another action-packed adventure shrouded in mystery in her latest sequel. McFarren opens with a supposed tryst that morphs into an unexplained death. Grabbing her audience’s full attention, McFarren quickly shifts gears to the emotional and sexual tension brewing between Chase and Rachel, her two featured characters. Critical to McFarren’s writing style is how she slyly weaves in an array of colorfully complex characters—many of which function as foils for the purpose of building her dynamic cast—while undergirding her story with themes of the lovers’ anxiety and their unfolding relationship. Equally critical is the inclusion of a handful of supportive characters that play distinctive roles in the development of both the storyline and series.
Lightly punctuating her third person narrative with omniscient viewpoints, McFarren provides readers with windows that take snapshots into her character’s thought processes and inner turmoil, especially when she places them within life-threatening scenes. Although the bulk of her story is grippingly fast-paced, McFarren keeps readers engaged by throwing in a variety of sexual scenes that range from steamy to downright disturbing, as well as off-the-wall unexpected moments. Great “unexpected” examples include Chase inadvertently overhearing a sexually skewed hypnotic session and artistic representatives attending a posh dinner with bags on their heads, just to name a few.
Amid chapters replete with alternating character scenes, plenty of un-clichéd scenes, and romance—all set within suspenseful environs, McFarren’s tale would be incomplete without the infusion of a bit of history. Inspired by her love of the arts as well as owning and operating her own art gallery, McFarren aptly sprinkles in elements of art, giving particular attention to the works of the eccentric abstract painter Morris Graves. Also of interest is the way she portrays aspects of London, such as the infamous Soho district.
As with Severed Threads and Buried Threads, book three closes on a cliffhanger—one that indubitably will keep readers on edge anticipating its sequel. Well written and absolutely enthralling, Banished Threads is a wonderful addition to McFarren’s award-winning series!
Pacific Book Review by Anita Lock
Mistress storyteller and award-winning author Kaylin McFarren spins another action-packed adventure shrouded in mystery in her latest sequel. McFarren opens with a supposed tryst that morphs into an unexplained death. Grabbing her audience’s full attention, McFarren quickly shifts gears to the emotional and sexual tension brewing between Chase and Rachel, her two featured characters. Critical to McFarren’s writing style is how she slyly weaves in an array of colorfully complex characters—many of which function as foils for the purpose of building her dynamic cast—while undergirding her story with themes of the lovers’ anxiety and their unfolding relationship. Equally critical is the inclusion of a handful of supportive characters that play distinctive roles in the development of both the storyline and series.
Lightly punctuating her third person narrative with omniscient viewpoints, McFarren provides readers with windows that take snapshots into her character’s thought processes and inner turmoil, especially when she places them within life-threatening scenes. Although the bulk of her story is grippingly fast-paced, McFarren keeps readers engaged by throwing in a variety of sexual scenes that range from steamy to downright disturbing, as well as off-the-wall unexpected moments. Great “unexpected” examples include Chase inadvertently overhearing a sexually skewed hypnotic session and artistic representatives attending a posh dinner with bags on their heads, just to name a few.
Amid chapters replete with alternating character scenes, plenty of un-clichéd scenes, and romance—all set within suspenseful environs, McFarren’s tale would be incomplete without the infusion of a bit of history. Inspired by her love of the arts as well as owning and operating her own art gallery, McFarren aptly sprinkles in elements of art, giving particular attention to the works of the eccentric abstract painter Morris Graves. Also of interest is the way she portrays aspects of London, such as the infamous Soho district.
As with Severed Threads and Buried Threads, book three closes on a cliffhanger—one that indubitably will keep readers on edge anticipating its sequel. Well written and absolutely enthralling, Banished Threads is a wonderful addition to McFarren’s award-winning series!
Pacific Book Review by Anita Lock
Another Lovely Review
Twisted Threads
Kaylin McFarren
Creative Edge Publishing LLC (2017)
ISBN 9781975921354
Reviewed by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views (10/17)
“Twisted Threads” by Kaylin McFarren is an action-packed, psychological romantic mystery/thriller readers will simply devour. This multifaceted adventure is the fourth novel in the Threads Series, this time set on a Caribbean cruise ship. True to its name, “Twisted Threads” is full of twisty drama threaded together with manipulative plot spins, shadowy characters, heartfelt romantic entanglements, and even a bit of sensual erotica.
Taking the lead in the story is Akira Hamada, a beautiful Japanese geisha who unwillingly relinquishes all hope of a normal life when she is forced to work as an assassin for the crime lord that destroyed her lover. Her mission is to avenge the brutal murder of the crime lord’s sister–or face her own certain death.
When Akira meets Devon Lyons, the walls around her outwardly impenetrable façade soften and for the first time in a very long time, she dares to dream. The couple fall fast and hard for each other, yet Devon is unaware his aunt and uncle are the targets of Akira’s assignment. Nothing and no one are as they seem, and with a string of mysterious deaths aboard the ship, plus a killer on the loose, secrets that are best kept buried threaten to rise to the surface and take down everyone in the way.
From the very start, McFarren hooks the reader with an enigmatic mystery character who is ready for vengeance, then swiftly moves to a grisly scene revealing a ferocious protagonist who takes down the enemy as if merely swatting flies. That’s just the first few pages, and the action never stops. The beauty is in the author’s seemingly unfailing ability to write enthralling, convincing scenes, be it a bloody battle to the death or a hot and steamy love scene. The detail in her writing propels the reader forward, as she drops bits and pieces of clues along the way, only to insert twists that leave you guessing and wanting more.
Well developed characters provide authenticity to the overall tone of the story. There’s the one guy everyone loves to hate, the nagging wife, the doting, unhappy husband who only tolerates his wife because she has loads of money (and he is afraid of her), the self-important captain of the ship, the star-crossed lovers of course, and plenty of well-rounded extras who help take the story to the next level. Readers will definitely experience a range of emotions as they follow the travails and triumphs of these feisty characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Twisted Threads” by Kaylin McFarren from cover to cover. The layers of deliciousness never ends, and the seamless writing that incorporates multiple genres into one engrossing story, truly provides non-stop action and entertainment for all tastes!
Kaylin McFarren
Creative Edge Publishing LLC (2017)
ISBN 9781975921354
Reviewed by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views (10/17)
“Twisted Threads” by Kaylin McFarren is an action-packed, psychological romantic mystery/thriller readers will simply devour. This multifaceted adventure is the fourth novel in the Threads Series, this time set on a Caribbean cruise ship. True to its name, “Twisted Threads” is full of twisty drama threaded together with manipulative plot spins, shadowy characters, heartfelt romantic entanglements, and even a bit of sensual erotica.
Taking the lead in the story is Akira Hamada, a beautiful Japanese geisha who unwillingly relinquishes all hope of a normal life when she is forced to work as an assassin for the crime lord that destroyed her lover. Her mission is to avenge the brutal murder of the crime lord’s sister–or face her own certain death.
When Akira meets Devon Lyons, the walls around her outwardly impenetrable façade soften and for the first time in a very long time, she dares to dream. The couple fall fast and hard for each other, yet Devon is unaware his aunt and uncle are the targets of Akira’s assignment. Nothing and no one are as they seem, and with a string of mysterious deaths aboard the ship, plus a killer on the loose, secrets that are best kept buried threaten to rise to the surface and take down everyone in the way.
From the very start, McFarren hooks the reader with an enigmatic mystery character who is ready for vengeance, then swiftly moves to a grisly scene revealing a ferocious protagonist who takes down the enemy as if merely swatting flies. That’s just the first few pages, and the action never stops. The beauty is in the author’s seemingly unfailing ability to write enthralling, convincing scenes, be it a bloody battle to the death or a hot and steamy love scene. The detail in her writing propels the reader forward, as she drops bits and pieces of clues along the way, only to insert twists that leave you guessing and wanting more.
Well developed characters provide authenticity to the overall tone of the story. There’s the one guy everyone loves to hate, the nagging wife, the doting, unhappy husband who only tolerates his wife because she has loads of money (and he is afraid of her), the self-important captain of the ship, the star-crossed lovers of course, and plenty of well-rounded extras who help take the story to the next level. Readers will definitely experience a range of emotions as they follow the travails and triumphs of these feisty characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Twisted Threads” by Kaylin McFarren from cover to cover. The layers of deliciousness never ends, and the seamless writing that incorporates multiple genres into one engrossing story, truly provides non-stop action and entertainment for all tastes!
Mixology: The Thriller Genre
Does your favorite novel have hot intense sex with an on the edge of your seat plot and a psychotic character? Then believe or not, you're a fan of erotic, psychological thrillers, which many consider an explosive mix. Aside from the obvious, this genre is a great distraction from the general craziness of life. It dares to explore the darker side of our fantasies and their sometimes unintended consequences. Even though it does this by taking the reader to many extreme and taboo places, there are also beneficial topics involved, such as: overcoming our fears, breaking down barriers, not being victims of circumstance, and being true to our sexuality. Many of us live our lives doing what we have been conditioned to do instead of being true to ourselves and living authentically. Sometimes it takes an extraordinary situation to dismantle antiquated beliefs and to accept hidden truths about human nature and the human condition.
The real advantage of erotic thrillers is that they become a stimulating experience for the reader by delivering a roller coaster of emotions. It can be sexually-charged entertainment as well as thought provoking. One moment, you might be rooting for a villain to be caught and in the next, you’re longing for lovers to overcome their greatest challenges to be together—whether it’s forever after or just tangled up in bed. The real desire for an author creating a well-written, gripping story in this genre is to take the reader on a wild ride they never expected to experience and will take weeks…or maybe even months to forget. And even then, these books deserve to be read again and again, addressing our heightened need for passion, lust, exploration and intrigue, while throwing all caution to the wind and taking a step outside our comfort zone. Because what fun is it to restrict our book reading selections to conservative romances and historical drama when we can live precariously through hot, sexy characters in the pages of erotic thrillers, right?
Kaylin McFarren
Author of the Threads Series
www.kaylinmcfarren.comTwisted Threads
The real advantage of erotic thrillers is that they become a stimulating experience for the reader by delivering a roller coaster of emotions. It can be sexually-charged entertainment as well as thought provoking. One moment, you might be rooting for a villain to be caught and in the next, you’re longing for lovers to overcome their greatest challenges to be together—whether it’s forever after or just tangled up in bed. The real desire for an author creating a well-written, gripping story in this genre is to take the reader on a wild ride they never expected to experience and will take weeks…or maybe even months to forget. And even then, these books deserve to be read again and again, addressing our heightened need for passion, lust, exploration and intrigue, while throwing all caution to the wind and taking a step outside our comfort zone. Because what fun is it to restrict our book reading selections to conservative romances and historical drama when we can live precariously through hot, sexy characters in the pages of erotic thrillers, right?
Kaylin McFarren
Author of the Threads Series
www.kaylinmcfarren.comTwisted Threads
5-STAR SELF-PUBLISHING REVIEW
Twisted Threads by Kaylin McFarren
Reviewed by Marta Cheng
December 14, 2017
Twisted Threads
Who knew that a tropical cruise could be a health hazard – and for some, even deadly? Such is the case in Twisted Threads, Kaylin McFarren’s high-octane cruise ship whodunit, her fourth offering in the Threads series.
Former geisha, Akira, is now a trained assassin for a notorious Japanese crime syndicate led by the cold-blooded Mitsui-san. Her final assignment before being set free is to board a cruise ship, then identify and kill the person responsible for the death of Mitsui-san’s sister, Keiko, found dead two months earlier. Her short list of suspects point to a wealthy couple, but once aboard the ship, Akira decides to charm their nephew, Devon Lyons, to get to the truth. However, her assignment becomes derailed when she begins to fall for the very attractive Devon…
Twisted Threads grabs the reader’s attention from the very beginning, thanks to the many “twists” McFarren expertly weaves into the narrative. There are occasional bursts of graphic violence and kinky sex which are definitely not for the faint of heart, but could be just as much a selling point. Never gratuitous, these moments serve to heighten, or release, some of the tension that forms the core of this well-told story.
An exotic mix of mystery, murder, and romance, Twisted Threads is sure to please a wide audience of readers, either as a standalone or as part of the series.
Reviewed by Marta Cheng
December 14, 2017
Twisted Threads
Who knew that a tropical cruise could be a health hazard – and for some, even deadly? Such is the case in Twisted Threads, Kaylin McFarren’s high-octane cruise ship whodunit, her fourth offering in the Threads series.
Former geisha, Akira, is now a trained assassin for a notorious Japanese crime syndicate led by the cold-blooded Mitsui-san. Her final assignment before being set free is to board a cruise ship, then identify and kill the person responsible for the death of Mitsui-san’s sister, Keiko, found dead two months earlier. Her short list of suspects point to a wealthy couple, but once aboard the ship, Akira decides to charm their nephew, Devon Lyons, to get to the truth. However, her assignment becomes derailed when she begins to fall for the very attractive Devon…
Twisted Threads grabs the reader’s attention from the very beginning, thanks to the many “twists” McFarren expertly weaves into the narrative. There are occasional bursts of graphic violence and kinky sex which are definitely not for the faint of heart, but could be just as much a selling point. Never gratuitous, these moments serve to heighten, or release, some of the tension that forms the core of this well-told story.
An exotic mix of mystery, murder, and romance, Twisted Threads is sure to please a wide audience of readers, either as a standalone or as part of the series.
US Review of Books Gives 5 Stars to Twisted Threads
Twisted Threads
by Kaylin McFarren
Creative Edge Publishing
Reviewed by Michael Radon, US REVIEW
"'What kind of game are you playing, Yuki? What about the money you promised to give me? If anyone finds out about this...'"
The Threads series continues in this tale of suspense and mystery surrounding the employment debt of Akira Hamada. Her days as a geisha long behind her, she now serves as a deadly assassin for the Yakuza boss Mitsui. After Akira makes a threat on Mitsui’s life, his daughter-in-law, Yuki Ota, (a character familiar to readers of the series to this point) is the messenger to give Akira one final job, but Akira is unsure if this is her way out or merely a trap to end her career fatally or in prison.
Along with a loyal and skilled cleaner, Takashi, Akira is to board a Caribbean cruise. Among her fellow passengers are Paul and Sara Lyons, an unhappily married couple who Mitsui believes are involved in the death of his sister in Mexico. Akira hopes to determine which of the two is the actual murderer so that no innocent blood can be shed; so in order to get close with the Lyons family, she becomes romantically involved with Paul’s nephew, Devon, who is also along for the cruise. Upon getting in with this group of travelers, Akira discovers several peculiar people such as the mysterious Dr. Peter Bradshaw, who seems to be keeping secrets and is in the constant presence of Sara (much to Paul’s chagrin), or the captain, Kevin Brice, who faced a demotion from the cruise company a decade ago after mysterious deaths on his watch. As the pleasure cruise begins to rack up a body count, Akira has to determine who is guilty and exact her boss’s revenge without getting caught herself—all while juggling her double life as a Japanese tourist and new partner to the nephew of her target.
Many of the best suspense, thriller, and mystery stories take place on a form of transportation, and this book is no different. The reason for this narrative choice is obvious, as it creates an inescapable arena with which the players can play cat and mouse, all within a set time limit for the story to unfold. The use of a cruise ship in this story allows for the exploration of exotic locales—and an opulent backdrop for the romantic, erotic elements of this story—while still providing that basic tension and restriction that keeps the action constantly moving forward. For readers who have kept up with the series, it’s the same kind of well-crafted thrill ride that the audience has come to expect. At the same time, this story is in many ways self-sufficient. Veterans will be more aware of the origins of the Lyons family and the Zakura-kai family, but everything between these two covers still stands perfectly on its own.
Like many pieces of popular spy fiction—whether it be literature, television, or movie—the author blends in some violent action with passionate romance and casts it all on a backdrop of an exotic and beautiful locale. Akira’s conflict between the past she was robbed of, her present unsavory circumstances, and a glimpse at a happy future create an emotional drama separate from the mystery of who among the seemingly happy cruise patrons and employees is capable of foul play. The fact that Akira is one of those with murder on her hands creates a scenario in which nobody is really innocent, leading to potential treachery and backstabbing on all sides. Readers will want to follow this book all the way to the end and should have no problem doing so after being gripped by its memorable characters and suspenseful storytelling. Whether you’re new to this series or just getting started, this book will leave an impression and keep the audience guessing all the way until Akira’s final showdown.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by the US Review
by Kaylin McFarren
Creative Edge Publishing
Reviewed by Michael Radon, US REVIEW
"'What kind of game are you playing, Yuki? What about the money you promised to give me? If anyone finds out about this...'"
The Threads series continues in this tale of suspense and mystery surrounding the employment debt of Akira Hamada. Her days as a geisha long behind her, she now serves as a deadly assassin for the Yakuza boss Mitsui. After Akira makes a threat on Mitsui’s life, his daughter-in-law, Yuki Ota, (a character familiar to readers of the series to this point) is the messenger to give Akira one final job, but Akira is unsure if this is her way out or merely a trap to end her career fatally or in prison.
Along with a loyal and skilled cleaner, Takashi, Akira is to board a Caribbean cruise. Among her fellow passengers are Paul and Sara Lyons, an unhappily married couple who Mitsui believes are involved in the death of his sister in Mexico. Akira hopes to determine which of the two is the actual murderer so that no innocent blood can be shed; so in order to get close with the Lyons family, she becomes romantically involved with Paul’s nephew, Devon, who is also along for the cruise. Upon getting in with this group of travelers, Akira discovers several peculiar people such as the mysterious Dr. Peter Bradshaw, who seems to be keeping secrets and is in the constant presence of Sara (much to Paul’s chagrin), or the captain, Kevin Brice, who faced a demotion from the cruise company a decade ago after mysterious deaths on his watch. As the pleasure cruise begins to rack up a body count, Akira has to determine who is guilty and exact her boss’s revenge without getting caught herself—all while juggling her double life as a Japanese tourist and new partner to the nephew of her target.
Many of the best suspense, thriller, and mystery stories take place on a form of transportation, and this book is no different. The reason for this narrative choice is obvious, as it creates an inescapable arena with which the players can play cat and mouse, all within a set time limit for the story to unfold. The use of a cruise ship in this story allows for the exploration of exotic locales—and an opulent backdrop for the romantic, erotic elements of this story—while still providing that basic tension and restriction that keeps the action constantly moving forward. For readers who have kept up with the series, it’s the same kind of well-crafted thrill ride that the audience has come to expect. At the same time, this story is in many ways self-sufficient. Veterans will be more aware of the origins of the Lyons family and the Zakura-kai family, but everything between these two covers still stands perfectly on its own.
Like many pieces of popular spy fiction—whether it be literature, television, or movie—the author blends in some violent action with passionate romance and casts it all on a backdrop of an exotic and beautiful locale. Akira’s conflict between the past she was robbed of, her present unsavory circumstances, and a glimpse at a happy future create an emotional drama separate from the mystery of who among the seemingly happy cruise patrons and employees is capable of foul play. The fact that Akira is one of those with murder on her hands creates a scenario in which nobody is really innocent, leading to potential treachery and backstabbing on all sides. Readers will want to follow this book all the way to the end and should have no problem doing so after being gripped by its memorable characters and suspenseful storytelling. Whether you’re new to this series or just getting started, this book will leave an impression and keep the audience guessing all the way until Akira’s final showdown.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by the US Review
Newspaper Interview - Published on December 29, 2017
Sharing a fun interview from the Outlook - a popular newspaper circulated in Oregon. Here's the link for anyone who might be interested in reading it:http://portlandtribune.com/go/42-news...
In regard to those struggling reviewers on Amazon and Goodreads, shall I try to explain?
As an author (and tongue in cheek reader), I find it ironic that the negative comments I've received thus far for TWISTED THREADS have nothing to do with the erotic scenes and BDSM tactics incorporated in the story but were instead directed at the romantic interruption that (for some readers) distracted from the villainous murders that occurred on the cruise ship. With that being said, I applaud this accurate assessment, as that is precisely what I was hoping to accomplish. You see, Akira has been sent on this trip to the Caribbean with a single purpose in mind: to determine who killed a yakuza gang leader's sister and to dispose of them. The fact that she becomes enamored with luxurious aspects of the ship, incredible day outings, and a romantic relationship she never anticipated (and yes...she was immediately attracted to Devon) are important elements in her personal growth. It's not until dead bodies start piling up that she's reminded of her true purpose on the ship and the limited amount of time she has left to solve the mystery before ending her charade. So, hurray!!! Thank you for experiencing what Akira experienced by being distracted when she should have been working and for pointing out the "non" errors of my author-ly ways. - Kaylin :)
Great Review for ANNIHILATION, Book 2 Gehenna Series
Annihilation
by Kaylin McFarren
Creative Edge Publishing LLC
Book Review by Michelle Jacobs
"Lucifer's most frightening power is annihilation. You don’t need knives, spears or firearms when you can turn your enemies to dust with the wave of a hand."
Hell has a new ruler, and her desire for eternal power knows no bounds. When Queen Lucinda replaces her father on the throne of Hell, a new reign of terror and perverse dominion begins. But maintaining control proves to be more difficult than Lucinda imagined as political enemies conspire, secret alliances form, and her father's spirit returns to claim what it is his. Evil retribution is unleashed when he reclaims the throne in a stealthy, unexpected move. Lucifer punishes his daughter and begins the hunt to kidnap and possess the enigmatic Samara, who becomes his queen by brutal force. But some outside of Hell believe Samara to be the miracle prophesied to destroy Lucifer and save the world from annihilation. Will she discover her power in time, or will Lucifer's mark consume her?
This thrilling venture into the depths of Hell offers unrelenting intrigue and fearsome characters. The betrayals and powerplays between individuals and political factions stoke the suspense and keep readers guessing over loyalties and outcomes. Demons, shapeshifters, angels, and half-humans populate the pages of this paranormal fantasy. These characters provide a complex network of good and evil as they try to protect themselves and their families. At times, they resort to unspeakable violence and sacrifice in the fight to stay alive. Samara emerges as a young woman learning to use her powers and discovering her true destiny as either the Queen of Hell or savior of the world. Her brutal journey into the bowels of Hell and the bed of Lucifer is not for the faint of heart. The rape scenes are graphic, and the violence in Hell is torturous and savage. The demons in Hell torment and torture, delivering punishment in unimaginable ways.
However, there are also timeless stories of love, friendship, sacrifice, and identity within this hellish tale. The rich worldbuilding and deeply imagined story bring forth classic themes about the corrupting influence of power and evil's corrosive, destructive force. The mythic and horrific combine to generate a fantastical, dark descent into cruelty with a hint of hope on Earth as forces align to defeat Lucifer. Swerving allegiances keep the plot twisting and readers engaged as the action moves toward an epic battle.
Pop culture and texts from many different cultures are full of stories, representations, and manifestations of Satan and Hell. From classical literature's Inferno and Doctor Faustus to television's Lucifer and Supernatural, portraying the devil offers opportunities to explore morality and question the nature of good and evil.
McFarren leans into the challenge with her convincingly detailed depiction of Lucifer, his daughter Lucinda, and a host of demons at his command. McFarren wields her own kind of power as she unleashes this story from her boundless imagination and creative soul. Readers should tread carefully if they dare follow her dark tale into the depths of Hell. As Dante warned, "Abandon all hope ye who enter here." The scenes of graphic violence, erotica, and torture are intense, and Lucifer is not a conflicted soul looking for redemption. He is every bit the iconic Satan of old, and Hell is one's worst nightmare and vision of despair and horror.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
Annihilation
by Kaylin McFarren
Creative Edge Publishing LLC
Book Review by Michelle Jacobs
"Lucifer's most frightening power is annihilation. You don’t need knives, spears or firearms when you can turn your enemies to dust with the wave of a hand."
Hell has a new ruler, and her desire for eternal power knows no bounds. When Queen Lucinda replaces her father on the throne of Hell, a new reign of terror and perverse dominion begins. But maintaining control proves to be more difficult than Lucinda imagined as political enemies conspire, secret alliances form, and her father's spirit returns to claim what it is his. Evil retribution is unleashed when he reclaims the throne in a stealthy, unexpected move. Lucifer punishes his daughter and begins the hunt to kidnap and possess the enigmatic Samara, who becomes his queen by brutal force. But some outside of Hell believe Samara to be the miracle prophesied to destroy Lucifer and save the world from annihilation. Will she discover her power in time, or will Lucifer's mark consume her?
This thrilling venture into the depths of Hell offers unrelenting intrigue and fearsome characters. The betrayals and powerplays between individuals and political factions stoke the suspense and keep readers guessing over loyalties and outcomes. Demons, shapeshifters, angels, and half-humans populate the pages of this paranormal fantasy. These characters provide a complex network of good and evil as they try to protect themselves and their families. At times, they resort to unspeakable violence and sacrifice in the fight to stay alive. Samara emerges as a young woman learning to use her powers and discovering her true destiny as either the Queen of Hell or savior of the world. Her brutal journey into the bowels of Hell and the bed of Lucifer is not for the faint of heart. The rape scenes are graphic, and the violence in Hell is torturous and savage. The demons in Hell torment and torture, delivering punishment in unimaginable ways.
However, there are also timeless stories of love, friendship, sacrifice, and identity within this hellish tale. The rich worldbuilding and deeply imagined story bring forth classic themes about the corrupting influence of power and evil's corrosive, destructive force. The mythic and horrific combine to generate a fantastical, dark descent into cruelty with a hint of hope on Earth as forces align to defeat Lucifer. Swerving allegiances keep the plot twisting and readers engaged as the action moves toward an epic battle.
Pop culture and texts from many different cultures are full of stories, representations, and manifestations of Satan and Hell. From classical literature's Inferno and Doctor Faustus to television's Lucifer and Supernatural, portraying the devil offers opportunities to explore morality and question the nature of good and evil.
McFarren leans into the challenge with her convincingly detailed depiction of Lucifer, his daughter Lucinda, and a host of demons at his command. McFarren wields her own kind of power as she unleashes this story from her boundless imagination and creative soul. Readers should tread carefully if they dare follow her dark tale into the depths of Hell. As Dante warned, "Abandon all hope ye who enter here." The scenes of graphic violence, erotica, and torture are intense, and Lucifer is not a conflicted soul looking for redemption. He is every bit the iconic Satan of old, and Hell is one's worst nightmare and vision of despair and horror.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
Annihilation
Thank you sooo much, Kirkus!!
Got my KIRKUS REVIEW today and was a bit nervous to see it. Then I wanted to celebrate after reading my "amazing" ANNIHILATION review. I'm posting it here for my Facebook followers, friends, and incredible supporters to read. I'm definitely happy dancing over this one!! 😊
STAR REVIEW!
In this paranormal sequel, a teenage angel/demon hybrid and her family clash with hell’s power-hungry queen and her famous dad, Lucifer.
With her father, Lucifer, supposedly dead, Queen Lucinda aspires to be the most powerful figure in hell, tormenting and consuming demon and human souls. World domination is also in reach if she can turn the tide in the imminent Red War between heaven and hell. It seems odd, then, that Lucinda focuses her attention on Crighton, Lucifer’s former soul seeker and a Nephilim (an angel/demon), whom the queen loves. Crighton lives in Middle Earth, a place that’s neither heaven nor hell, with his guardian angel soul mate and their 17-year-old daughter, Samara. But Lucinda has a diabolical plan; she abducts someone in Crighton’s family who’s reputedly the key to destroying heaven in the war.
Meanwhile, Lucifer, an angel once more, hijacks a “meat suit” and returns to hell. He aims to seize the throne back from Lucinda while his disturbing obsession with Samara slowly brews. He may be an even bigger threat than his daughter, as he’ll likely use his power to annihilate everything—heaven, hell, and Earth.
McFarren’s epic follow-up to Soul Seeker (2020) brims with vivid characters and subplots, fueling the sequel’s impressive pace. For example, Samara’s demon-filled school days culminate in a murder mystery, and disappearing members of Crighton’s family spur several rescue missions. In addition, the author’s pithy details don’t linger excessively on scenes of brutal torture and explicit sex. Much of the cast is gleefully complex, harboring unexpected connections to others, and rarely trustworthy, though Samara is a consistently appealing young protagonist. While Lucinda’s thirst for power drives the story, the lengthy final act swerves drastically, introducing a myriad of new characters and twists aplenty involving Samara and a weirdly specific prophecy. Still, the doozy of a cliffhanger will surely leave readers yearning for a third series installment.
To summarize this review, supernatural beings propel this intricate, intriguing, and surprisingly energetic tale.
Annihilation
STAR REVIEW!
In this paranormal sequel, a teenage angel/demon hybrid and her family clash with hell’s power-hungry queen and her famous dad, Lucifer.
With her father, Lucifer, supposedly dead, Queen Lucinda aspires to be the most powerful figure in hell, tormenting and consuming demon and human souls. World domination is also in reach if she can turn the tide in the imminent Red War between heaven and hell. It seems odd, then, that Lucinda focuses her attention on Crighton, Lucifer’s former soul seeker and a Nephilim (an angel/demon), whom the queen loves. Crighton lives in Middle Earth, a place that’s neither heaven nor hell, with his guardian angel soul mate and their 17-year-old daughter, Samara. But Lucinda has a diabolical plan; she abducts someone in Crighton’s family who’s reputedly the key to destroying heaven in the war.
Meanwhile, Lucifer, an angel once more, hijacks a “meat suit” and returns to hell. He aims to seize the throne back from Lucinda while his disturbing obsession with Samara slowly brews. He may be an even bigger threat than his daughter, as he’ll likely use his power to annihilate everything—heaven, hell, and Earth.
McFarren’s epic follow-up to Soul Seeker (2020) brims with vivid characters and subplots, fueling the sequel’s impressive pace. For example, Samara’s demon-filled school days culminate in a murder mystery, and disappearing members of Crighton’s family spur several rescue missions. In addition, the author’s pithy details don’t linger excessively on scenes of brutal torture and explicit sex. Much of the cast is gleefully complex, harboring unexpected connections to others, and rarely trustworthy, though Samara is a consistently appealing young protagonist. While Lucinda’s thirst for power drives the story, the lengthy final act swerves drastically, introducing a myriad of new characters and twists aplenty involving Samara and a weirdly specific prophecy. Still, the doozy of a cliffhanger will surely leave readers yearning for a third series installment.
To summarize this review, supernatural beings propel this intricate, intriguing, and surprisingly energetic tale.
Annihilation
