This is a great story that really does have the strength to stand on its own. It’s a dramatic tale that has several moving parts and a diverse cast. It’s easy to get pulled in and hard to put down. As a first-time reader of McFarren, I was very much impressed and look forward to reading other books by her. She clearly puts a lot of planning and work into her writing and the result is a very entertaining adventure.
Taking place in Japan, the author goes to great lengths to introduce the culture to the reader. Geishas and yakuza members take the stage front and center, and if you haven’t read much about either you’ll get a good introduction here. Of course, every story has two sides and both of these topics are complicated, but you won’t feel lost when reading this story. I’m certainly not an expert on either, but I felt that what she writes matched up with what I’ve learned from other sources. Though her take on Geishas is vastly different from what many Western writers portray. It was an interesting perspective and one I had never considered. I’m actually planning to do a little more reading on the topic now. Even if treasure-hunting isn’t your thing, I’d recommend this book just for the cultural influences behind it.
When I read the book’s description, I worried McFarren was biting off a bit much. There’s a lot in here. But she handles the plot and characters exceptionally well. You are introduced to people gradually and there’s never a point where too much information is being thrown at you at once. She is clearly a talented writer: the story flows smoothly and there are no technical issues (grammar, punctuation, etc.) to hold you up. She develops all the leading characters well. Each is unique and has a clear role in the story. Members on both sides are given attention so you can understand the motives of everyone involved. There are characters that are clearly bad, ones that are clearly good, and ones that are clearly troubled but can fall on either side of the fence. McFarren has no trouble building up a character’s story to create memorable actors in this dramatic story.
I haven’t read many treasure-hunting books, and this is the first of hers that I’ve read, but it was a suspenseful and interesting ride. I’ll be going back to read her first book, but like I said, this one stands alone. If you’re like me and jumping in now, you won’t regret it. There are hints at book one but the plot isn’t rehashed so readers won’t feel like they know it too well to bother reading it. And while Chase and Rachel’s story is already well on its way, you don’t feel like you’re missing huge chunks of necessary information. McFarren takes the time to introduce them well enough here. And if you’ve read book one, I don’t think you’ll feel bogged down by rereading what you already knew. Series always have the potential for one of these problems, but I think McFarren balanced her story-telling quite well.
The treasure hunt itself takes a while to build and unfold. There is a lot of mystery through the first quarter or so of the book. It grabs your attention and the author is great at giving you hints just far enough apart to motivate you. And the legends involved are captivating. As you can read in the description, forces much greater than two people are involved here and there is a lot of pressure to succeed. I don’t want to give away too much, but it is certainly suspenseful. I appreciated the supernatural aspect of the book. Treasure-hunting for value doesn’t have as much appeal to me as doing it for historical purposes or something much grander, like here. Involving a prophecy is a sure-fire way to get my attention and she didn’t disappoint. And while I was worried that she made the plot a little too complicated, those concerns were unfounded. Everything fits together so nicely that I’m almost ashamed I was worried in the first place. Since this is the first McFarren book I’ve read, I was wary of too much happening at once. Trust me, she is far too talented to let things get jumbled and confusing.
If you’re looking for an exciting adventure that involves a lot of Japanese culture, this is a great book. McFarren certainly deserves a chance to be on your e-book shelf.
OR
EUR 3.41 with 71 percent savings
Print List Price: EUR 11.94 
The Print List Price is the lowest suggested retail price provided by a publisher for a print book format of this title, available on Amazon (e.g. hardcover, paperback, mass market paperback).
Learn more
Learn more
You will be charged USD 3.99
These promotions will be applied to this item:
Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.
Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Follow the author
Get new release updates & improved recommendations
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Shop this series
See full series- Kindle Price:EUR 9.39-By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.
Shop this series
There are 4 books in this series.
Kindle Price:
EUR 9.39
-
By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.
About the author
Customers say
Customers praise the book's unpredictability and fast-paced plot development, describing it as a thrilling adventure with plenty of action packed battle scenes. Moreover, the narrative features well-developed characters with differing personalities, and customers appreciate the detailed descriptions of Japanese culture. Additionally, the writing style receives positive feedback for its masterful execution, and customers find the book engaging, with one review noting how it captivated their imagination throughout the weekend.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews
Select to learn more
30 customers mention story, 29 positive, 1 negative
A very nice story that has lots of action and intrigue and the author also explains some history that we didn't even know we didn't know.Read more
...They don't do anything for me. This was a good adventure story that helped me indulge in my interest in swords....Read more
This is such a wonderful read! I love the characters and the plot. Definitely a great addition to my library. I couldn't put it down!Read more
Buried Threads from the Threads series is a riveting tale that keeps you guessing as you are held in brilliant suspense....Read more
23 customers mention content, 20 positive, 3 negative
...the influence of Japanese Manga with elements of romance, suspense, paranormal, and action-adventure, McFarren provides a fast-paced, scary, yet...Read more
...'s an ancient prophecy, some psychic visions, plenty of sex scenes, murder, human trafficking, buried treasure (of course), a race against time, and...Read more
...It is definitely a thriller, complete with sex, swordfights, and supernatural battle....Read more
...The story will take you on a wild ride and will make you want to live every moment of the story inside your mind....Read more
22 customers mention engaging, 22 positive, 0 negative
...combining the influence of Japanese Manga with elements of romance, suspense, paranormal, and action-adventure, McFarren provides a fast-paced, scary...Read more
...books, and this is the first of hers that I’ve read, but it was a suspenseful and interesting ride....Read more
...There are some fun twists and turns....Read more
...Overall this book is fast paced, exciting, and full of plot twists, especially at the end....Read more
20 customers mention readability, 20 positive, 0 negative
...The pace is quick and you're left wanting more. This is a great book to read when you need a bit of distraction....Read more
...This is a good book that is a mixture of everything that you will want in a novel....Read more
...adventure that involves a lot of Japanese culture, this is a great book. McFarren certainly deserves a chance to be on your e-book shelf.Read more
...My Thoughts: Enjoyable. Action with a historical background...always enjoyable. George Shadow is the author of THE BLACK BOOK.Read more
14 customers mention character development, 14 positive, 0 negative
...I must say that Rachel impressed me and made me see what a great heroine she could be!! If you believe in the afterlife you will enjoy this book....Read more
...Author McFarren Kaylin is the ability to present strong, bold and sexy characters that fully enthrall the senses in a descriptive manner....Read more
...McFarren has plots within plots and fully developed characters that readers can completely relate to....Read more
...did, and new ones are introduced with tough situations and complex personalities. Brilliant character development there!Read more
12 customers mention action, 12 positive, 0 negative
...I especially liked the mobster elements, and the action. This really was a jam packed story with a lot going....Read more
...My Thoughts: Enjoyable. Action with a historical background...always enjoyable. George Shadow is the author of THE BLACK BOOK.Read more
...There is so much action that I cannot begin to describe it all, so be sure to pick this one up! I’m ready for book three.Read more
...McFarren keeps things going at a brisk pace, with plenty of action and just the right amount of romance sprinkled in....Read more
11 customers mention writing style, 11 positive, 0 negative
...The main characters are thought out, well written, and you really get a sense of being there amidst their adventure....Read more
...I really enjoyed the writing and plot development, and while there were a lot of characters to keep track of there was some character development...Read more
...This is a great value for what you get and one of the most talented authors I have experienced in the ebook format.Read more
...I am glad the author created this entertaining series. The books are well-written and each book kept me interested throughout the whole book....Read more
9 customers mention detailed, 9 positive, 0 negative
...The Japanese customs and folklore were very well represented and explained in detail. I felt like I was really present in the story....Read more
...I enjoyed this book just as much as the first one. So much detail and descriptive words. I also would recommend this book to everyone i know....Read more
...storyline that add complexity to the plot, and the detailed descriptions of Japanese history and cultural traditions are fascinating glimpses into a...Read more
...nice story that has lots of action and intrigue and the author also explains some history that we didn't even know we didn't know.Read more
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2014
Top reviews from other countries
- Book AddictReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 12, 2014
A highly charged adventure with a mix of cultures.
