Review of Soul Seeker
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Courtney Scruggs
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Review of Soul Seeker
[Following is a volunteer review of "Soul Seeker" by Kaylin McFarren.]
Lives are woven together in what appears to be the quaint town of Lochton, Illinois, but all is not as it seems. Benjamin Poe, a respected local fire captain, struggles to connect with Gabriel, his teenage son. They seem to have nothing in common, with every conversation turning into a heated argument. Meanwhile, Ben finds the relationship with his wife strained, the once loving couple haunted by a dark secret. As the family’s mysterious past is slowly revealed, it is understood that Gabriel, and indeed the whole Poe family, have been touched by an evil presence.
When a fire breaks out at the local hotel, the town is suspicious that Gabriel’s vague 911 call, employment at the hotel, and less then clean track record corroborate his involvement, if not his culpability as the arsonist. It is at this point that we are introduced to the character Crighton, whose dark and sinister personality unnerves everyone he encounters. His knowledge of people’s darkest secrets and his otherworldly green eyes bring about a new element of intrigue. Tangled and twisted events culminate in murder with the finger pointed at the once revered fire captain, who is convinced that a demon is to blame for every negative event that has occurred.
If you are looking for a book challenging the dichotomy of good and evil, look no further than Soul Seeker by Kaylin McFarren. More of the tale cannot be divulged without spoiling the many delightful surprises and plot twists. However, what can be said is that the second half explores McFarren’s universe from a completely different point of view. It challenges the idea of Heaven and Hell, while exploring the complexity of the individual characters we encounter. True to McFarren’s writing style, the many unexpected turns and eloquent writing style make it difficult to put down. She layers intrigue, sexual tension, trauma, and character growth in such a way, that you cannot be anything but satisfied upon finishing the final chapter.
If I were to comment on a negative aspect of this book, it would be in the continuity error found roughly half-way through the story. Though likely a typo, the error interrupts the flow of the story, albeit briefly. The story's refreshing take on good and evil, however, overshadows the one minor, negative aspect of Soul Seeker. McFarren’s attention to detail shows her dedication and passion to the artform.
That being said, I would rate Soul Seeker 4 out of 4 stars, due to the well-written, character-driven, and highly intriguing tale McFarren has spun. The story is refreshing and not a trope one encounters frequently. I would recommend the book to adults who are open to an interpretation of common religious points of view, as they are explored and challenged throughout the book. There are a few sexual encounters in the book, which are written tastefully, but still offer the reader excitement in the face of thrilling and sometimes terrifying scenarios.
******
Soul Seeker
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Lives are woven together in what appears to be the quaint town of Lochton, Illinois, but all is not as it seems. Benjamin Poe, a respected local fire captain, struggles to connect with Gabriel, his teenage son. They seem to have nothing in common, with every conversation turning into a heated argument. Meanwhile, Ben finds the relationship with his wife strained, the once loving couple haunted by a dark secret. As the family’s mysterious past is slowly revealed, it is understood that Gabriel, and indeed the whole Poe family, have been touched by an evil presence.
When a fire breaks out at the local hotel, the town is suspicious that Gabriel’s vague 911 call, employment at the hotel, and less then clean track record corroborate his involvement, if not his culpability as the arsonist. It is at this point that we are introduced to the character Crighton, whose dark and sinister personality unnerves everyone he encounters. His knowledge of people’s darkest secrets and his otherworldly green eyes bring about a new element of intrigue. Tangled and twisted events culminate in murder with the finger pointed at the once revered fire captain, who is convinced that a demon is to blame for every negative event that has occurred.
If you are looking for a book challenging the dichotomy of good and evil, look no further than Soul Seeker by Kaylin McFarren. More of the tale cannot be divulged without spoiling the many delightful surprises and plot twists. However, what can be said is that the second half explores McFarren’s universe from a completely different point of view. It challenges the idea of Heaven and Hell, while exploring the complexity of the individual characters we encounter. True to McFarren’s writing style, the many unexpected turns and eloquent writing style make it difficult to put down. She layers intrigue, sexual tension, trauma, and character growth in such a way, that you cannot be anything but satisfied upon finishing the final chapter.
If I were to comment on a negative aspect of this book, it would be in the continuity error found roughly half-way through the story. Though likely a typo, the error interrupts the flow of the story, albeit briefly. The story's refreshing take on good and evil, however, overshadows the one minor, negative aspect of Soul Seeker. McFarren’s attention to detail shows her dedication and passion to the artform.
That being said, I would rate Soul Seeker 4 out of 4 stars, due to the well-written, character-driven, and highly intriguing tale McFarren has spun. The story is refreshing and not a trope one encounters frequently. I would recommend the book to adults who are open to an interpretation of common religious points of view, as they are explored and challenged throughout the book. There are a few sexual encounters in the book, which are written tastefully, but still offer the reader excitement in the face of thrilling and sometimes terrifying scenarios.
******
Soul Seeker
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Fish Wielder by J.R.R.R. (Jim) Hardison
