Review by hanmajo -- Twisted Threads by Kaylin McFarren
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hanmajo
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Review by hanmajo -- 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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Kaylin McFarren’s erotic thriller Twisted Threads unravels geisha-turned-assassin Akira Hamada’s journey to freedom. It is the final installment in the Threads series and can be read as a stand-alone novel. McFarren’s work is filled with steamy and consensual sex scenes; however, it is also filled with scenes depicting rape, molestation, and violence which may be an issue for some readers.
Twisted Threads begins as Akira ends her most recent mission with the notorious Yakuza group: Zakura-kai. There, readers learn that although she is an excellent assassin, she’s working against her will. Luckily, Akira is presented with a mission she would not and also cannot refuse. She must disguise herself as a passenger on an extravagant cruise to identify the murderer of Zakura-kai member Keiko. Only by successfully completing her mission can Akira leave the Yakuza for good. With just ten days to learn who Keiko’s murderer is, the pressure is on.
This novel adequately showcases McFarren’s forty years of writing experience; nevertheless, there are elements of Twisted Threads that could use improvement. In McFarren’s case, it isn’t the grammar that needs fine tuning but the content. I feel as if her novel has many plot points that begged for further exploration. The best example to illustrate this notion comes from the role of “The Watcher.” This character primarily shows up during climactic points and is often criticising or observing characters with malicious intent (including Akira). It is very clear that The Watcher is doing something, but McFarren never reveals his or her motive. Moreover, his or her purpose in regards to the story as a whole is never addressed.
In addition to the plot, McFarren could have spent more time developing the romance between Akira and her love interest. Their relationship, to me, isn't unique or genuine. The conversations they share over the course of ten short days are ones that countless other authors have already written. Also, the romance between the two is alarmingly intense given the amount of time they spend together.
Overall, Twisted Threads possesses a lot of potential. McFarren’s grammar is sturdy making it easy for readers to sit back and enjoy each sentence as it comes. Her novel features interesting characters, a thought-provoking plot, and fits the mold of its genre fairly well. If McFarren took her plot just a little further—explored her characters’ relationships just a little more—the novel could have been spectacular. That’s ultimately why I’m rating it a 3 out of 4 stars.
******
Twisted Threads
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3 out of 4 stars
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Kaylin McFarren’s erotic thriller Twisted Threads unravels geisha-turned-assassin Akira Hamada’s journey to freedom. It is the final installment in the Threads series and can be read as a stand-alone novel. McFarren’s work is filled with steamy and consensual sex scenes; however, it is also filled with scenes depicting rape, molestation, and violence which may be an issue for some readers.
Twisted Threads begins as Akira ends her most recent mission with the notorious Yakuza group: Zakura-kai. There, readers learn that although she is an excellent assassin, she’s working against her will. Luckily, Akira is presented with a mission she would not and also cannot refuse. She must disguise herself as a passenger on an extravagant cruise to identify the murderer of Zakura-kai member Keiko. Only by successfully completing her mission can Akira leave the Yakuza for good. With just ten days to learn who Keiko’s murderer is, the pressure is on.
This novel adequately showcases McFarren’s forty years of writing experience; nevertheless, there are elements of Twisted Threads that could use improvement. In McFarren’s case, it isn’t the grammar that needs fine tuning but the content. I feel as if her novel has many plot points that begged for further exploration. The best example to illustrate this notion comes from the role of “The Watcher.” This character primarily shows up during climactic points and is often criticising or observing characters with malicious intent (including Akira). It is very clear that The Watcher is doing something, but McFarren never reveals his or her motive. Moreover, his or her purpose in regards to the story as a whole is never addressed.
In addition to the plot, McFarren could have spent more time developing the romance between Akira and her love interest. Their relationship, to me, isn't unique or genuine. The conversations they share over the course of ten short days are ones that countless other authors have already written. Also, the romance between the two is alarmingly intense given the amount of time they spend together.
Overall, Twisted Threads possesses a lot of potential. McFarren’s grammar is sturdy making it easy for readers to sit back and enjoy each sentence as it comes. Her novel features interesting characters, a thought-provoking plot, and fits the mold of its genre fairly well. If McFarren took her plot just a little further—explored her characters’ relationships just a little more—the novel could have been spectacular. That’s ultimately why I’m rating it a 3 out of 4 stars.
******
Twisted Threads
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like hanmajo's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Roadmap to the End of Days by Daniel Friedmann
