Title: Filaments
Author: KZK
Publisher: KZK
ISBN: 979-8993018003
Pages: 215
Genre: Psychological Fiction / Mystery / Thriller / Suspense
Reviewer: Christina Avina
Pacific Book Review
Reputation and social standing have become a cornerstone of society over the course of human history. Depending on the era and culture of a particular society, people are constantly judged by politics, social standing, wealth or a lack thereof, and so much more. In more modern times, social topics such as religion, addiction, and alternative lifestyles have been the make it or break it line that can determine a person’s place in their community.
In author KZK’s Filaments, the author explores the impact a person’s reputation can have on their life when a woman returns to her hometown after her mother’s odd behavior and the disappearance of two men. Thea is a woman who lives her life in a scientific community but finds herself drawn back to her small Minnesota town after receiving news her mother is at the center of a case of two missing people. Suddenly old friends feel like new enemies, and the reputation she fought to escape her entire life takes a turn when new secrets concerning a mysterious bog in the forest change her life forever.
Expertly balanced between strong character development and dynamic world-building, this novel is a fantastic blend of science fiction, mythology, and suspense thrillers. The author touches upon many important themes throughout the story, from small town life and the ways in which family reputations and religious dogma can overwhelm a community, to the impact grief can have on a person and our connections to the natural world, the story is filled with thought-provoking topics while also infusing the narrative with rich, emotional depth that readers can easily get lost in.
For readers who enjoy suspense thrillers, especially those that infuse elements of science fiction, mythology, and even horror, this book will deeply resonate with them. The heart of the book is in the development of its characters, especially protagonist Thea, and the relationships that become impacted throughout. From her bond with her mother and the reputation her mother’s struggles brought them both throughout their lives, to the complex friendships turned rivalries she developed and the shocking betrayals the story brings to life, the author kept the character arcs grounded in a way that allowed the more magical and horror meets sci-fi elements to become both shocking and believable. The rich imagery the Minnesota setting captures and the detail the author puts into the mythos that is developed, and the cinematic style of writing will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
