Kaylin McFarren's Blog - Posts Tagged "prophecy"
Wowzers!!
Since Armada is an avid writer and has books listed on Goodreads, I just had to share this amazing review she sent to me after reading an advance copy of Buried Threads. Now if all of my reviews were this good... :)
"If you happen to see Lara Croft, Indiana Jones, and Robert Langdon in line with food stamps, you can thank Kaylin McFarren's Buried Threads for putting them out of work. Instead meet Rachel and Chase, treasure hunting partners and lovers who are vastly unprepared for what awaits them in the perilous streets of Japan. There is no misdirection and no lucid confusion at all throughout the story as to who is good, and who is bad. Instead Kaylin McFarren brazenly lays out all her cards - but the brilliance of Buried Threads lies in the cards Ms. McFarren has hidden up her sleeve.
Although the novel is told through rotating points of view, giving you a perfect 360 of what is going on, Rachel stood out as the true protagonist as she arrives in Japan to join her boyfriend and fellow treasure hunter, Chase, in a search for a select set of swords. The yakuza set the story on fire, tracing every step and making their presence known with every single page as they watch Rachel and Chase in their quest. Guided by Shinzo, a psychic Buddhist monk, and swordswoman Yuki they embark on a mission that would make even hardest of tomb raiders reach for a pair of Huggies. Add in the complications of organized crime and the inexplicable, and you'll soon learn their task is for only the bravest of souls.
Ms. McFarren has handed you a front row seat to Japanese culture and an introduction to the dangerous world of the yazuka; adorned with the vibrant addition of geishas and revenge schemes, peppered with spirits and close calls underwater, then finally sprinkled with a dash of toe-curling romance. There isn't a frivolous moment to be found in over 300 pages, and neither are you given the opportunity to breathe. Just as soon as it's been figured out, everything changes and you're whisked away even deeper into this eccentric world. There is more than just treasure at stake as Rachel and Chase race to find the swords. Instead the entire fate of Japan rests in their hands.
Ms. McFarren comes off as intelligent and knowledgeable in her quest to share this story. She also manages to take a foreign world and paint a visual picture for even the most unacquainted of paper-and-ink travelers. As I understand Buried Threads follows the events of Severed Threads, but easily stands on its own without needing to read the other installment - except after reading this, I just might have to. After I read Buried Threads again." – Armada West, author of Undefeated
"If you happen to see Lara Croft, Indiana Jones, and Robert Langdon in line with food stamps, you can thank Kaylin McFarren's Buried Threads for putting them out of work. Instead meet Rachel and Chase, treasure hunting partners and lovers who are vastly unprepared for what awaits them in the perilous streets of Japan. There is no misdirection and no lucid confusion at all throughout the story as to who is good, and who is bad. Instead Kaylin McFarren brazenly lays out all her cards - but the brilliance of Buried Threads lies in the cards Ms. McFarren has hidden up her sleeve.
Although the novel is told through rotating points of view, giving you a perfect 360 of what is going on, Rachel stood out as the true protagonist as she arrives in Japan to join her boyfriend and fellow treasure hunter, Chase, in a search for a select set of swords. The yakuza set the story on fire, tracing every step and making their presence known with every single page as they watch Rachel and Chase in their quest. Guided by Shinzo, a psychic Buddhist monk, and swordswoman Yuki they embark on a mission that would make even hardest of tomb raiders reach for a pair of Huggies. Add in the complications of organized crime and the inexplicable, and you'll soon learn their task is for only the bravest of souls.
Ms. McFarren has handed you a front row seat to Japanese culture and an introduction to the dangerous world of the yazuka; adorned with the vibrant addition of geishas and revenge schemes, peppered with spirits and close calls underwater, then finally sprinkled with a dash of toe-curling romance. There isn't a frivolous moment to be found in over 300 pages, and neither are you given the opportunity to breathe. Just as soon as it's been figured out, everything changes and you're whisked away even deeper into this eccentric world. There is more than just treasure at stake as Rachel and Chase race to find the swords. Instead the entire fate of Japan rests in their hands.
Ms. McFarren comes off as intelligent and knowledgeable in her quest to share this story. She also manages to take a foreign world and paint a visual picture for even the most unacquainted of paper-and-ink travelers. As I understand Buried Threads follows the events of Severed Threads, but easily stands on its own without needing to read the other installment - except after reading this, I just might have to. After I read Buried Threads again." – Armada West, author of Undefeated
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
