Customer Reviews

Samurai's Forbidden Love [Katana Duet]

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Wow... where to start with this one. First off let me start by saying that I was asked to review this novel by the author and given a free copy of the eBook (this review is posted under the hard copy version). I jumped right into the story (it is a novella so shorter than a full novel but longer than a short story) and finished it off in one day. The eBook copy I had was full 8.5" x 11" size and, unlike yaoi novels, contained no illustrations other than the cover.

The story itself is best described as a psychological thriller with some twincest thrown in for good measure. The author, Silapa Jarun, has clearly done her homework when it comes to this historical novel. The main characters are the two twin samurai, Aki and Akeno, and a brother and sister duo who take them into their home upon their arriving separately in the U.S. The story deals with a few different intertwining issues: Aki and Akeno dealing with their feelings for one another as well as the push and pull of what it means to be a twin; the ongoing research into trying to find a cure for the plague that haunts the residents of the area as well as the sister, Klara; and the secrets Klara and her brother Konrad keep hidden from all around them.

This is not a light read and if you are looking for a fluffy yaoi novel, you will need to look elsewhere. If you are looking for an incredibly good novel, well researched, that will keep you guessing right until the end, this is it. Of all the novels I have read, the psychological games in this one kept me on edge right until the end. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, yet another twist would present itself that fit so perfectly into the story. All of the stray strands of the plot tied themselves so perfectly together in the last ten or so pages that I am still baffled as to how Ms. Jarun pulled it all together without leaving any unanswered questions. This is not your typical happily ever after story but I was very satisfied with how it ended. I can't really reveal any more than that without ruining the story.

The sex scenes between the twins, although only a few, were described in a way that pulled you into the deep emotions one would image twin brothers in love would have. You could almost taste their desire to consume one another while having to deal with outside influences that threatened their very existence. More sex scenes would have been even better but knowing the full story, I would rather it remain the same if it meant compromising the flow of the story. This is one story where plot wins out over sex for me (what!?!?).

As far as the other aspect of the book itself, there were a few things that I think could use improvement. I'm not a fan of the cover itself; I think if it were redone it would probably pull in more readers. The one other thing is that I would suggest the author have another editor take a read through. There were a few typos and a few scene changes that I think need to be looked into. Considering how well put together this story is, I don't think either of these things warrants not reading the book. They were really the only two things that I found fault with in an absolutely wonderful read. If you are hesitant to invest in the hard copy then for a mere $3.24 you can get the eBook in PDF format. Either way, this is just one story I feel those looking for substance must read.

Plot = A+
Characters = A+
Sex Scenes = A-
Cover Art/Editing = B+

Overall Grade = A

This is an awesome story about twin siblings who were removed from their homeland (Japan) and relocated to a setting (America) that was foreign to their culture and traditions. Drama emerged as the siblings tried to make a go at a new way of life and relationships with others outside of their twin-sanctuary. As the story developed I found myself suspended between the twin's internal struggle of attempting to identify to their situation as separate individuals while at the same time, they tried to reason with their desire to keep their unique connection as a single, undivided entity as events pulled them in separate directions. What goes on between them throughout this process was gripping and emotional. Brilliant!

I really enjoyed this story, to my surprise! I picked up this book expecting it to just be smut, but found myself intrigued by the story and complexity of human nature and love. Unfortunately, I found the sex to be the most lacking part of the book. I would have loved to trade in the smutty details for more details on story and characters. I just wished the book was longer!