Kaylin McFarren's Blog

"Kaylin McFarren, indeed, has one of the most vivid imaginations of any author I have ever read. Requiem For A Queen is filled with dark imagery, layered plot twists, and many multi-faceted characters that keep the reader’s mind engaged and turn pages as fast as you can. In addition, this colorful story of the war between Heaven and Hell is laced with themes of friendship, love, birthright, and the devotion between mother and son.

We are introduced to the main character, Samara, as she has escaped from Hell and gives birth to her son, the secret son of Lucifer - ruler of Hell. She is all alone in a cave in the woods as demon soldiers search for her while giving birth. With the help of a shapeshifter, sprite, and soldier, she is on a quest to keep her son, Papillon, out of harm’s way from Lucinda. His sister, the heir to the throne of Hell, wishes to remain the heir and is threatened by the birth of her brother. Samara’s only wish is to protect Papillon, who has unique powers, and give him a happy life. However, after Lucinda steals Papillon and hides him away, Samara is forced to confront Lucifer and confess that he is the father, her only chance to save her son from the sister who wants him dead.

I found Requiem for a Queen to be an enjoyable yet challenging read. The abundance of characters and intricate plot keep the reader engaged but also challenge them to remember the picture and retain all that has occurred in the story. From demons, witches, Cambion soldiers, shapeshifters, archangels, and the devil, there are many types of characters to try to comprehend the complex relationships between them all. Readers who enjoy mind-bending fantasy with the flair of good versus evil will devour this book and beg for more!"

Karen Almeida
Assistant Editor
Literary Titan

Requiem For A Queen

"Something which has always been truly fascinating is whether or not our parents or genetics truly define us, or if our actions are truly our own. The divide between good and evil, right and wrong, always seems to bring up questions of whether or not a person is beholden to the way they are raised, the people who birthed them, or the genes that make them who they are. One of the most creative ways to explore this dilemma in our society seems to be fiction, and one genre that has mastered this has to be the occult horror genre.

In author Kaylin McFarren’s Requiem For a Queen, the author explores this question through the story of Samara and her son Papi. The third book in the hell-bending series Gehenna, the author shares the story of Samara, one of the Nephilim who has recently escaped from a nightmarish experience as a prisoner and then wife to Lucifer in Hell. However, as she prepares to give birth to his son, she must contend not only with her newfound motherhood, but a brewing war between the forces of heaven and hell. As Lucifer’s daughter fights to regain control of the throne of hell, Samara must escape one hellish nightmare after another, all while trying to protect her son and find a means of making sure he doesn’t become the menacing evil his father is.

The author continues her long-running experience as a horror writer to bring the balance of occultism and fantasy-driven world-building which this series has become known for. One thing of note to readers is that this is definitely a mature series, and there are some trigger warnings of abuse and sexual assault that need to be addressed for future readers who may be new to this series. As there are significant sections of story that delve into the mythos of hell and demons, instances of torture and assault do arise, so be advised. However, despite this, the author’s creativity and rich mythology development was both chilling and adrenaline-fueled, keeping the reader invested in the morality balance that protagonist Samara had to undergo. The evolution of her character and the discovery of her own power make for a truly engaging read.

This is the perfect read for those who enjoy horror novels, especially those that enjoy occult horror and elements of fantasy world-building storytelling. The haunting atmosphere and tensions the author was able to infuse into this story did a great job of producing both action and spine-chilling interactions, as well as equally haunting character growth and development that kept the story flowing smoothly.

Thrilling, captivating, and brilliantly written, author Kaylin McFarren’s Requiem For A Queen is a must-read occult horror novel and the perfect next book in this growing series. The balance of horror scares and diverse character growth really elevated this growing conflict in the series to all new heights, and the introduction to equally disturbed villains like the Black Dragon was something that will keep readers hanging off of the author’s every word."

-- Alyssa Avina, Pacific Book Review

Requiem For A Queen

"To what lengths will a person go when ultimate power is within reach? Requiem For A Queen by Kaylin McFarren explores the depths of greed that propel a daughter to defy her father, the Devil himself.

Lucinda uses evil means to pursue an equally dark end, the crown of Hell. How can this woman be stopped, and an innocent child she’s stolen away be saved? Is there anyone willing to step forward, and muster the strength to stand up against the destructive battle between the Devil and his daughter?

Samara, a hybrid between angel and demon, can only save her abducted son by stepping into that battle.

Though she feels alone and powerless, Samara is determined. She refuses to reveal her location or seek help after escaping brutal imprisonment by the Devil, who raped her. Pregnant, and now in labor, Samara secretly delivers the Devil’s son and remains in hiding. Her baby is the most precious being to her; she’ll do anything to protect him, and she celebrates him as he grows. As she finds happiness, Samara becomes interested in an intriguing, handsome being who rescued her from drowning.

That joy is torn apart the day her son disappears. Lucinda has found him and decides to eliminate the only other living heir to their father’s throne.

Samara has now lost all she loves. She cannot seek help from her own family, or the Devil will execute his threats against them. So, she begins an anguished search alone, but Lucinda is devious and cunning, keeping a step ahead of her.

Samara has a terrible decision to make. Will she return to the Devil, seeking his help to find their son? What life will that leave for them both? Or, as a half-demon herself, she could try to stoke her powers, in defense of her family. Can she find her son and win him back before he is destroyed? Or will he manage to break free on his own?

Author Kaylin McFarren has created an emotional clash of wills in this third installment of the Gehenna series.

In this book, the three fervent opponents fight to win regardless of the consequences. They utilize every weapon available, unwilling to back down, in this incredible fight to discover the true value of family devotion and personal redemption. The reader is thrust into the midst of a page-turning journey, examining the darkest crevices of the nature of evil, particularly in the Devil’s actions.

Yet, Samara is part demon, and Lucinda is the Devil’s daughter. Both women struggle with their emotions, and their choices to act on the powers available to them. McFarren artfully creates a Lucifer who struggles as well, in his case, against glimpses of sweeter desires that do not fit his devilish and demonic self. These characters do not fight only external foes, but also internal forces, creating a compelling story of good versus evil that springs from within as well as from without."

Requiem For A Queen

"In Soul Seeker, Kaylin McFarren weaves a beautiful story about different kinds of relationships and the lengths those involved will go to maintain those relationships. The book is split into two parts. In the first half, we learn about how evil manipulates and twists things. Good people end up in bad places. A father fights for his son and it doesn’t end up as you would think. In the second half of the story, you learn more about the demon Crighton and how he came to be. Though he appears evil to the core, he has some redeeming qualities. This demon who does horrendous things learns how to turn his life around and fight for something worthy.

The battle between good and evil differed from anything I’d ever read. The focus is mostly on evil whether it’s good corrupted by evil or evil turning good, the storyline is compelling. It draws you in and keeps you wanting more. McFarren created interesting characters that I wanted to learn more about. I enjoyed learning the back story behind Crighton. I was surprised by what was revealed. I wouldn’t have expected myself to be rooting for the demon and his love connection to beat the odds after everything this demon did to manipulate and scare people at the beginning of the story. I enjoyed all aspects of the story. This was a page-turner; I could hardly put it down until it was finished, and I still wanted more.

I found no negatives about this book. Kaylin McFarren did a wonderful job writing this story. Transitions were smooth, the topic was interesting, and the characters were captivating. Her imagination and creativity drew me into the story. The first half was a little drawn out and didn’t seem to go with the story at first, but then you learn Crighton’s purpose, and it all makes sense in the end. McFarren wanted us to know all the bad things Crighton was capable of before we learned the good he could do. I love a true underdog story.

Soul Seeker was a well-written book with minimal grammatical or spelling errors. Based on this and how much I enjoyed reading the book, I’m rating it 4 out of 4 stars.

I would recommend this book to a mature audience based on the light sexual content and gruesome scenes surrounding abuse and death. This book plays on many interests including; horror, romance, mystery, and religion. Though I wouldn’t say the content is biblical, the characters were demons and angels. Anyone with these types of interests would most likely enjoy reading this book."

- Amanda Pearcy, Online Book Club

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Soul Seeker

“Requiem For A Queen by Kaylin McFarren takes the classic tale of good vs. evil and gives it a sultry twist. As the Red War rages between heaven and hell, Lucifer is on the hunt for the prisoners that escaped him and his soulmate. Those who oppose him have scattered to various locations in order to evade capture or are injured from previous battles. But how are they going to win if they cannot help one another?

Readers of the entire Gehenna series will appreciate the way in which the author evolves her characters within each book and over the series. The conflict in the story is one dark fantasy fans will be familiar with but the characters are the reason you keep reading, their relationships are the reason you will find this book hard to put down, and your desire to just know how it all ends will keep you coming back to this book again and again. Every good fantasy novel has a good villain and Requiem For A Queen does not disappoint. I was enthralled with the Black Dragon.

This novel also takes the trope of strong female character to a new level with Samara giving birth by herself in difficult circumstances. This reminded me of the way Margaret Atwood handles the emotional turmoil that females face in her stories. When chapter one ended with ‘Lucifer’s child was coming into this world whether Samara was prepared or not,’ I had to make sure that I was prepared to read the next chapter because Kaylin McFarren holds nothing back and I was sure we were going to be in for a ride. The author is a master of scene details and situations really come to life once we’re in the thick of the action.

Requiem For A Queen is a fiery paranormal romance that will be devoured by long-time fans of the series. Excellently combining the paranormal romance genre and dark occult fantasy I was really intrigued by the lore and backstory built into this story. It always felt like this world was lived in and we are only just now discovering it. I enjoyed the way this story tested its main character and put her in desperate situations. I know it sounds awful but this is why I love fiction and Kaylin McFarren creates some compelling situations that are superbly entertaining.” - 5/5 stars

Thomas Anderson
Editor In Chief
Literary Titan

Requiem For A Queen

4 out of 4 stars!
Requiem For A Queen

"Requiem For A Queen by Kaylin McFarren is a novel about a supernatural fantasy that narrates the battle between good and evil, what a mother has to go through for the love of her child, and the super powers that they have as the story unfolds. The scenes are exciting and fast-moving that you will be amazed of the shocking secrets revealed in each chapter. You will be shocked by the surprising secrets exposed in each scene because it is so exciting and quick-moving.

The book "Requiem For A Queen" by Kaylin McFarren started with Samara Daemonium, half angel, half demon, struggles to give birth to his son, Papillon. She is being sought for by the entire Kingdom of Hell and all of its residents while She is expecting Lucifer's child and has turned away from the Nexus warriors, She was found by Shapeshifter Onoskelis freezing in the cold under a snow-covered branch and was given the opportunity to spend some time in the cave with Onoskelis. On the other hand, Lucifer would lock her up in her room and take her child away if he found out where she was, but Lucinda, Lucifer’s daughter who feels threatened by Lucifer's son, finds them instead and abducts Papillon and gave him to the witches. He had his own struggles and was found by his grandfather drowned in the river.

Samara is now forced to return to Hell in order to confront Lucinda and inform Lucifer about the existence of her son. Samara has no choice but to rely on Lucifer because her safety depends on revealing this dark secret. She encounters struggles in finding her son Sad, but it was also an opportunity for her to discover her real self and understands her powers.

The book's chapters take you to diverse settings and bring new casts of individuals, keeping you intrigued about what comes next. I only worried that I didn't understand the scenario while reading. One time it is describing it is in hell then the next paragraphs would describe the modern world. So I was confused, only to learn that this is the third series overall. I was more eager to read the earlier episodes as a result.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy and action. I give this a rating of 4 out of 4 because it exceeds my expectations. It has a lot of action scenes that gets me excited to read more."

A captivating story of love, struggle, and a mother’s fight for her son

Kaylin McFarren conjures up a mind-boggling fantasy world with Requiem for a Queen. Samara Daemonium is a Nephalem, part-demon and part-angel. Pregnant with the son of Lucifer, the King of Hell, Samara is determined to escape his armies. All she wants is for Papillon to grow up as righteous and kind, away from the demonic influence of his father.

With the help of Onoskelis, Samara manages to keep him hidden from Lucifer for six years. But when the power-hungry Queen Lucinda intends on gaining the throne of hell and kidnaps Papillon, Samara is forced to fight.

Intent on the quest for her son, Samara must reckon with the Witches of the Eternal Flame, a mighty dragon named Vetis kidadl and the demon hunter Botis. But a mother’s instinct to protect her child is fierce and burns bright. Requiem for a Queen makes the reader perceive the alluring influence of evil and the tremendous power of love.

The novel has an exemplary narrative, and the author makes it easy to visualize the paracosm she created. The vivid descriptions of black crows, demon hunters, Nephalem, angels, and other mystical creatures enrapture. The bloodshed of the Red War and the tortures of hell are also described in great detail.

The plot expounds on love, chivalry, the importance of family, and the alluring nature of power. Samara’s love for Papillon and her instinct to protect his soul from evil are heartwarming, a rare featured in a novel with so much darkness. Damien’s love for Samara and the unity of the Nephalem family even has its own share of heartwarming feelings.

The novel portrays several powerful female characters. Onoskelis is a clever shapeshifter, Eva Lena is a loyal sprite, and Storm Eunice is a skilled Demon Slayer. Samara is a loving mother. She is bold and unflinching in the face of danger, and Queen Lucinda, although evil, is a force to be reckoned with.

Samara’s journey helps her gain a better understanding of her powers and her identity as a combination of good and evil. She shows admirable strength of character when she is forced to return to hell and the manipulative presence of Lucifer.

The verse given at the beginning of the book adds a poetic element to the book. It provides an admirable synopsis of the entire course of events detailed in the plot. “Skies filled with swords, bows and arrows on both sides, Lucinda seeks power, and all it provides,” adequately captures the violence of the Red War to come. What an intriguing way to start this book! But the beauty might not hit you until after you’ve finished the whole thing. Readers who enjoy occult and fantasy will love Requiem for a Queen."

Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha

Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy / Occult / Horror

Print Length: 341 pages

Requiem For A Queen

A half-angel, half-demon mother races to save her kidnapped son whose father happens to be the king of hell in this third installment of a paranormal series.

A pregnant Samara Daemonium hides out in the Gnarly Forest on Middle Earth. Now free of Lucifer, who had raped her repeatedly, she gives birth to a boy she instantly loves, Papillon. Unfortunately, Lucifer’s daughter, Lucinda, finds Samara and, plotting to seize her dad’s throne that was once hers, abducts young (but rapidly aging) Papillon. Samara can’t face Lucinda alone, especially since she’s recently lost her telepathy and teleportation abilities—and her foe has an army. So Samara turns to Lucifer, who could very well take the boy away for himself.

Samara’s quest to rescue her son sends her back to hell while the Red War between heaven and hell rages. It also leads her to vicious individuals, from witches who blame her for their sister’s death to a black dragon with a lethal vendetta against Lucifer. She fights to stay alive to have Papillon in her arms once again. McFarren amps up this series entry with a lively cast of characters. For example, Samara runs across a warmhearted shape-shifter as well as a formidable demon hunter, whose hatred of the evil fiends may extend to her if he learns of her origin. She bounces from one peril to the next, as she’s a captive more than once and even a potential sacrifice. But some cast members are disappointingly sidelined, like gleefully wicked and powerful Lucinda and Papillon, who quickly develops a bubbly personality. Still, the author’s dynamic prose depicts arresting turns, such as Samara’s first serene moments with her new baby boy and a tense episode where she traverses a cold, bleak dungeon (“The air smelled putrid. Words couldn’t describe the horrible stench—a mix of blood, piss, and sweat”). Much like the preceding installment, this story offers an extraordinary denouement that readers won’t soon forget.

Summary: An energetic and entertaining sequel that enhances this worthy supernatural saga.

Requiem For A Queen

Post by Odek » 28 Sep 2022

[The following is a volunteer review of "Requiem For A Queen" by Kaylin McFarren.]
4 out of 4 stars

Power is like a disease; it pollutes whatever it touches. Words by Perry Bysshe Shelley, written at the end of the book. It served as an inspiration to the author, Kaylin McFarren. Not only do the words apply to real-life situations, but they also provide context for the book, effectively summarizing its plot. Requiem For A Queen is a supernatural thriller that is exhilarating, captivating, and takes up three hundred and twenty-four pages. A fast book that indulges in a supernatural world created by Kaylin McFarren.

What happens when Lucifer is obsessed with you? Samara Daemoniam is hunted by hell's kingdom. Through Onoskelis, a shape-shifter and a friend, she takes shelter in a sand cave that served as the shifters' residence. Sam gives birth to a boy whom he names Papillon, which means butterfly. She hopes, through her guidance, he will not be like her father. They manage to live in peace till they are captured, which sets in motion a series of events. Separated from his son, she’ll stop at nothing to retrieve him. Her confinement by Lucifer, a black dragon, and an experience with witches who want her blood doesn’t loosen her will to find her son. With all this in motion, Queen Lucinda wants to overthrow her father, Lucifer, as she guides his army from hell to do her bidding.

I loved how fast-paced the book is. All the events that were set in motion were well planned. There is no moment when the author drags out an event to the point of boredom. When a challenge arose, it was overcome, leading to the next chapter of their lives. This is shown through the hard times Samara faces one moment after the other. An assumption might be made that the book's timeline is longer than the real timeline of the book, which was roughly two years.

I loved how the author introduced the book. A poetical piece starts the book. It captivates one's attention and interest. It gives a sense of foreboding; it explains lightly how the events unfold. I had a wow moment after finishing the book and reading the poem again.

There is nothing I disliked about the book. It was also exceptionally well edited. I would rate the book a 4 out of 4 stars. This is because the author was good at describing the events and the characters. It got to a point where I felt like I could help Samara. This meant that the book was able to evoke emotions in me. I was able to connect with the characters and felt as if I was a part of their world.

Due to the book being fiction, I would recommend it to anyone who loves thrilling stories that are based on fictional worlds.

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Requiem For A Queen

Requiem For A Queen
by Kaylin McFarren
Creative Edge Publishing

Book review by Mihir Shah, the US Review

"She wanted to find a way to survive on her own, just as she had planned to do before being discovered by Onoskelis."

In a fascinating concoction combining the realms of magic and Hell, McFarren delivers scintillating commentary on the quandary that is power: the more one has, the more one wants until the individual's true essence is so consumed by their hunger that they become mere puppets of that power, going to any and all lengths to attain it. Upon severing ties with the Nexus Institute, Samara Daemonium is the object of a wild goose chase featuring everyone from a former Nexus lover to Hell personified—Lucifer himself. Chaos ensues, yet like a phoenix, Samara attempts to rise from it and experience her own journey of introspection and self-realization.

In this third installment of McFarren's Gehenna series, the story opens up with powerful imagery of sand caves and a shapeshifter, Onoskelis, who comes to Samara's aid as she is on the verge of delivering her baby. While the work revolves around her, the characters in the world that McFarren has created are largely interested in retrieving her son and returning him to his father, Lucifer. Of course, earning Lucifer's wrath adds tremendous intrigue to Samara's character arc. After all, what would prompt an individual to make Lucifer an enemy and perhaps earn an eternity in Hell's prison? The answer becomes apparent very early on: Samara neither strives for her child to be a warrior nor to be exposed to the inferno of sins that is Hell. As Lucifer and others look for Samara, however, it is Queen Lucinda, Lucifer's daughter, who is on a mission to wreak havoc in Samara's life after her ambitions to rule the underworld take a major hit with Lucifer fancying Samara.

Samara's unyielding spirit and maternal instincts for her son, Papillon, named after the liberating nature of the butterfly, are on an inevitable collision course with Lucinda's irrational desire to destroy Samara, her child, and everything and everyone responsible for her escape from Hell. With the Red War in full force and Lucinda determined to eliminate her heir to the throne, the storyline integrates a tantalizing array of sprites, demon slayers, goblin witches, and even a fire-breathing dragon to create obstacles and provide allies for Samara and Papillon. Throughout it all, Samara recognizes she has innate abilities like telekinesis that haven't had a chance to be cultivated. Every ounce of energy and power will be needed to repel Lucinda while simultaneously keeping the birth of her son a secret.

In this tale of erotic romance and dark fantasy, there are numerous mind-numbing and convoluted choices that Samara is forced to make for her son. At the top of it all is deciding whether she can place her trust in Lucifer, the evil incarnate, when it comes to being reunited with her son and throttling Lucinda's heinous vision. Led by spectacular character development and an intriguing storyline, the novel delves deep into dark paranormal romance while retaining the themes of mesmerizing storytelling—a central character in dire straits who must think and act beyond that which she is capable of in order to preserve what is most meaningful for her. Fans of this fantasy subgenre may discover a new world to relish in this novel.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review
Requiem For A Queen