Review by Pelz94 -- Twisted Threads by Kaylin McFarren
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Pelz94
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- Latest Review: Twisted Threads by Kaylin McFarren
Review by Pelz94 -- Twisted Threads by Kaylin McFarren
[Following is a volunteer review of "Twisted Threads" by Kaylin McFarren.]
3 out of 4 stars
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Twisted Threads by Kaylin McFarren traces the story of the protagonist, Akira Sato, whose passion-driven thirst for vengeance sends her on a tumultuous journey of which there might be no return. The theme of revenge which pervades the atmosphere of the novel is birthed in a saga whose beginning is found in three other novels before Twisted Threads- Severed Threads, Buried Threads, and Banished Threads, all featuring the same protagonist whose quest for retribution gives the series an episodic tinge, with the core of the story kept intact.
The entirety of the novel is subtly captured by the author in the form of a poem titled “The Death Ship”, placed strategically at the forefront of the novel. The title of the poem is apt because the novel is set on a cruise in which many deaths occur. Blinded by rage and indignation, Akira Sato, the protagonist, “was cursed in both worlds and simply waiting to die at the hands of another assassin.” Although she is drawn into the world of murder through her desire to enact vengeance, this is taken advantage of by Mitsui-san, who becomes her employer, manipulating and pulling her fully into the world of contract killing, and, in time, this makes her existence a numb one, with little meaning and very little emotional activity.
Twisted Threads deserves points on the note of its suspenseful rhythm. The story draws one in and doesn’t let go. The author utilizes the suspense because she seems to understand the reader’s brain’s desire to satisfy its curiosity. Moreover, quite interesting is the manner in which McFarren skilfully infuses vestiges of Japanese culture into the novel through the protagonist and her interaction with other characters. This is despite the fact that the novel is not even set in Japan. This reflection of Japanese culture awards the novel and the events therein with a tenable touch of realism.
Right from the very beginning of the novel, the central theme of revenge has become apparent, as it is even seen in the subtitle of the novel: “the only thing sweeter than a secret is revenge.” This glaring exhibition of the theme of vengeance faults the novel to an extent. This theme therefore becomes blasé because it is all the reader sees in the novel, making the latter have a monotonous outlook. Also, the tone of the novel, vis-a-vis the tool(s) of description appears to be a bit simplistic. On a general note, the reader is led on to expect so much from the novel but ends up seeing a somewhat insipid picture painted. This is because the gratification that the reader expects from the events in the novel is held off for too long, thereby testing the patience of the reader.
Although a bit stretched thin, the syntax of the novel is quite impressive, as it urges the reader onto an all too familiar thematic terrain. As a matter of personal opinion, on the note of romance, the salacity embossed on the core of the novel is rather brazen, over-detailed, and repetitive. However, as far as the novel is concerned, it is a fine piece, albeit having shortcomings. Its appeal draws from the fact that the theme of revenge, when weaved finely, never gets old.
Twisted Threads would appeal strongly to those who simply love literary entertainment, and specifically to those who are enamoured of the themes of romance and suspense, when intricately weaved together. Literary enthusiasts with prudish tendencies would most likely find the novel offensive, with its unabashed show of salacity. I would give the novel a 2.5 if possible, because my judgement of the novel teeters between ambivalence and a spark of admiration. However, I will settle on a 3 because the effort put into the writing is quite evident. I therefore rate the novel, Twisted Threads, 3 out of 4 stars.
******
Twisted Threads
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3 out of 4 stars
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Twisted Threads by Kaylin McFarren traces the story of the protagonist, Akira Sato, whose passion-driven thirst for vengeance sends her on a tumultuous journey of which there might be no return. The theme of revenge which pervades the atmosphere of the novel is birthed in a saga whose beginning is found in three other novels before Twisted Threads- Severed Threads, Buried Threads, and Banished Threads, all featuring the same protagonist whose quest for retribution gives the series an episodic tinge, with the core of the story kept intact.
The entirety of the novel is subtly captured by the author in the form of a poem titled “The Death Ship”, placed strategically at the forefront of the novel. The title of the poem is apt because the novel is set on a cruise in which many deaths occur. Blinded by rage and indignation, Akira Sato, the protagonist, “was cursed in both worlds and simply waiting to die at the hands of another assassin.” Although she is drawn into the world of murder through her desire to enact vengeance, this is taken advantage of by Mitsui-san, who becomes her employer, manipulating and pulling her fully into the world of contract killing, and, in time, this makes her existence a numb one, with little meaning and very little emotional activity.
Twisted Threads deserves points on the note of its suspenseful rhythm. The story draws one in and doesn’t let go. The author utilizes the suspense because she seems to understand the reader’s brain’s desire to satisfy its curiosity. Moreover, quite interesting is the manner in which McFarren skilfully infuses vestiges of Japanese culture into the novel through the protagonist and her interaction with other characters. This is despite the fact that the novel is not even set in Japan. This reflection of Japanese culture awards the novel and the events therein with a tenable touch of realism.
Right from the very beginning of the novel, the central theme of revenge has become apparent, as it is even seen in the subtitle of the novel: “the only thing sweeter than a secret is revenge.” This glaring exhibition of the theme of vengeance faults the novel to an extent. This theme therefore becomes blasé because it is all the reader sees in the novel, making the latter have a monotonous outlook. Also, the tone of the novel, vis-a-vis the tool(s) of description appears to be a bit simplistic. On a general note, the reader is led on to expect so much from the novel but ends up seeing a somewhat insipid picture painted. This is because the gratification that the reader expects from the events in the novel is held off for too long, thereby testing the patience of the reader.
Although a bit stretched thin, the syntax of the novel is quite impressive, as it urges the reader onto an all too familiar thematic terrain. As a matter of personal opinion, on the note of romance, the salacity embossed on the core of the novel is rather brazen, over-detailed, and repetitive. However, as far as the novel is concerned, it is a fine piece, albeit having shortcomings. Its appeal draws from the fact that the theme of revenge, when weaved finely, never gets old.
Twisted Threads would appeal strongly to those who simply love literary entertainment, and specifically to those who are enamoured of the themes of romance and suspense, when intricately weaved together. Literary enthusiasts with prudish tendencies would most likely find the novel offensive, with its unabashed show of salacity. I would give the novel a 2.5 if possible, because my judgement of the novel teeters between ambivalence and a spark of admiration. However, I will settle on a 3 because the effort put into the writing is quite evident. I therefore rate the novel, Twisted Threads, 3 out of 4 stars.
******
Twisted Threads
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Pelz94's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Twisted Threads by Kaylin McFarren
