Title: Flowertown
Author: S.G. Redling
First published April 3, 2012
378 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781612183022 (ISBN10: 1612183026)
Rating: 3.8
Overview
In Elizabeth Kay’s thrilling novel “The Divide,” we follow Felix on an unexpected adventure. After traveling with his parents to “The Divide” in Costa Rica, Felix is transported to a mysterious parallel world.
In this strange land, he encounters Betony, a tangle child and herbalist who quickly becomes his close friend. As Felix navigates this new world, he realizes that the mythical creatures and fairy folk believe him to be a legendary creature who utilizes science instead of magic.
With the help of Betony and his newfound abilities, Felix must find a way back home. Will he be able to leave behind the world of magic and mythical creatures, or will he choose to stay in this enchanting land forever?
Find out in “The Divide.”
About the Author
Meet S.G. Redling, a Georgetown University alumna who has spent 15 years brightening up mornings for the wonderful people of Huntington WV and its surroundings on the WKEE-FM radio show. She has now decided to hang up her headphones for good and focus on writing thrilling novels in the genres of mystery and urban fantasy.
When she’s not busy writing, S.G. enjoys painting, traveling, and attempting to speak Italian (with varying degrees of success).
Editoral Review
Flowertown by S.G. Redling is a page-turner that will keep readers on edge as they follow protagonist Ellie Cauley through a post-apocalyptic world in the aftermath of a government experiment gone awry. The novel, first published on April 3, 2012, blends genres of science fiction, thriller, and dystopia to create a gripping read.
Redling’s writing style is concise and unambiguous, which enhances the tension of the plot. The language is accessible and easy to understand, making Flowertown a great choice for readers seeking a thrilling and engaging read.
The author’s attention to detail is noteworthy, and the descriptions of the setting are vivid and compelling. The story is set in Flowertown, a small town in Iowa that has been contaminated by the experimental chemical that the government had dumped on the town during a mysterious incident.
Ellie Cauley, a resident of Flowertown, has been confined to her town for the past ten years, as the government has barricaded the area to contain the spread of the toxin. Ellie is used to the routine of life in Flowertown, until one day, she learns that the toxins will soon kill her.
Ellie embarks on a dangerous journey with her friend, Roger, to escape from Flowertown and seek medical attention before it is too late. The plot is driven by their struggle to survive against the dangers of a world that has changed forever.
The two must navigate through a hostile environment, evade mercenaries hired by the government, and find a way to rescue themselves from imminent death. The character development in Flowertown is impressive, considering the short nature of the novel.
Redling does an excellent job of portraying Ellie’s evolving emotions throughout the book, and readers will find themselves rooting for her throughout her journey. The secondary characters also display admirable depth, and Redling has done an excellent job of holding the tension throughout the novel.
The book is not without its flaws, however. The ending is abrupt, and readers may feel that the climax falls short of their expectations.
The plot is also predictable in some parts, and the characters could have been fleshed out more. In conclusion, Flowertown is a fast-paced and engaging novel that will appeal to fans of post-apocalyptic fiction, as well as those who enjoy the thriller genre.
Redling has crafted a well-written and compelling story that will keep readers hooked from the first to the last page. While the book is not without its flaws, the strengths outweigh the weaknesses, and Flowertown is a recommended read for those looking for a thrilling and memorable reading experience.
Therefore, I would rate it at 3.5/5, and it is worth reading.
