Review of Tuoyawon

Hazel Arnaiz · Post by **Hazel Arnaiz** » 29 May 2023, 09:19

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Tuoyawon" by R. Murrey Haist.]

4 out of 5 stars

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Chrissy prefers to date Ryan over Tommy. Chrissy and Tommy have a long history of friendship. Despite the familiarity and stability that Tommy can provide, Chrissy picked Ryan. The moment she spotted Ryan, his enigma pulled her in. It appears that the challenge of unraveling the mystery is what kept her in the relationship. Chrissy soon discovered something about Ryan that caused her to panic and flee on the spur of the moment. She drives away, unsure where she is going. Her primary concern is getting as far away as possible. Her car breaks down, and she finds herself in an unfamiliar neighborhood. Chrissy gets the strangest impression that the residents are somehow familiar to her. But she has no idea where or when she met these people. Chrissy leaves the neighborhood when her car is ready. But none of the roads lead her home. Will Chrissy ever find her way back? Before Ryan, her life was perfect. She has a loving family and friends, academic accomplishments, and a promising profession. What would it be like if she did not choose Ryan?

Tuoyawon by R. Murrey Haist is the first installment in a fascinating mystery series. The enigmatic lover, the odd setting, and the strangely familiar residents all contribute to an eerie Twilight Zone atmosphere. The plot cleverly keeps the attention of the readers by building suspense. The narrative was cautious about dropping subtle hints to pique curiosity without revealing the mystery. I was speculating on the nature of Chrissy's ordeal until the end. Was it part of a devious scheme or an otherworldly encounter? The compelling mystery was my favorite aspect of the book.

The book is a fantastic introduction that establishes the groundwork for the series. It lays the foundation of the series by offering background information about the main characters. It highlights the contrast between their previous and current circumstances due to their actions. The detailed worldbuilding contributes to the cozy yet unsettling atmosphere. The description of the neighborhood evokes a familiar yet bizarre sight. The demeanor of the residents appears to be so kind that one cannot help but suspect something is amiss. The conclusion sets the stage for more mystery and suspense, which draws the audience into the series.

The narrative explores the decisions people make and how they accept responsibility for the repercussions of their actions. It shows how emotions influence decisions. Infatuation sometimes blinds people to the warning signals in their relationships. Panic may force people to flee a dangerous situation without confirming what it is all about.

It is also worth noting how the book mixes elements of spirituality and mysticism. The cover art depicts a dream catcher, a non-Christian symbol, yet there are references to Christianity. Bringing together these seemingly unconnected beliefs adds to the appeal of the story. It will be interesting to see how these components play out in the story. Similarly, the dream catcher on the cover subtly revives interest in traditional art and crafts, their meaning, and their relevance to current times. I was encouraged to read more about the dream catcher.

There was nothing in the book that I disliked. The mystery, pacing, and length all worked well to keep my attention. However, telling the narrative in the first person and as a journal entry will add another dimension of mystery and suspense. The main character's perception of time will make the audience wonder if the events happen in reality. It is only a thought worth exploring. It does not diminish the enjoyment.

The smooth reading flow is due to the simple words and conversational tone. However, there are several editing issues. There is only one occasion of a borderline swear word, which is nearly unnoticeable. Similarly, there are no sex scenes. The references to faith and spirituality are inoffensive to any religious group. As a result of these factors, the book is appropriate for readers aged sixteen and up. It will appeal to those who appreciate a quick-read mystery and suspense thriller with a Twilight Zone feel. Readers who prefer standalone books should search elsewhere. Likewise, the subjects will spark lively discussions in book clubs.

The book is notable for maintaining interest through its engaging narrative, pace, and length. It is also effective in setting the tone for a gripping series. However, I must deduct one star due to editing issues. As a result, I give it a four out of five.

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Tuoyawon
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Nut Cashew · Post by **Nut Cashew** » 23 Jun 2023, 14:50

This is an amazing book and I would love to try reading it. I love everything about this review and I would love to read more of your reviews.

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 01 Jul 2023, 15:17

You had me at Twilight Zone! A thriller full of suspense with an eerie atmosphere is certainly intriguing, though I hope the author does proper proofreading, also thinking that this is the beginning of a series. Thank you for your great review!

Rica Concepcion · Post by **Rica Concepcion** » 12 Jul 2023, 11:03

Oh my gosh, what did she find out about Ryan? Why does the place seem to be familiar to her? Would her life be better if she didn't choose Ryan? I want to have this book so that my curiosity and questions will be answered. I was overwhelmed by the review; its bright lines and neat commentary deserve acknowledgement.

Upphilan Paul · Post by **Upphilan Paul** » 24 Oct 2023, 07:04

The reviews I have been reading drew my attention to this book genre. I haven't been reading C/T/M/H novel, but I believe there are lessons to be learnt from them. This is a captivating and mind-hacking read with a compelling review and I long to read this book and see what you've read.
I like your review. Good job.