A relentless dystopian tale that grips from start to finish…
Hladky’s fifth installment of the Book of Ruin series offers a thrilling and tumultuous journey, one that demands readers hold on tight. Earth was left reeling after a sudden barrage of coronal mass ejections. In the midst of this chaos, university student Abigail Tate sets off for spring break in Miami with her affluent half-sister. But as they arrive in the city, Abigail is greeted with a dystopian nightmare. The streets are overrun with the effects of a potent and dangerous drug Wisht, and violent cults are entangled in bloody battles. And if that wasn’t enough, Florida is constantly bombarded by solar storms. As Abigail tries to survive, she teams up with sheriff’s deputies who have their own agenda. Government cover-ups and religious extremism complicate their journey further.
Familiar readers will recognize the haunting backdrop of a world plunged into darkness in the 21st century, yet this book unveils the enthralling backstory of the Weir family. Through the lens of past volumes, readers bear witness to the pivotal moments shaping their legacy, which ultimately steer the course of humanity a millennium into the future. Hladky deftly guides readers through a disorienting odyssey into a dystopian realm ravaged by the mind-altering grip of Wisht. Detailed descriptions of the decaying cityscape and its societal decay breathe depth and realism into the narrative, while the looming presence of perilous cults and genetically altered entities amplifies the tension. The novel offers a chilling glimpse into a future that eerily mirrors our own reality. Set against a backdrop of societal decay, moral degradation, and unchecked technological progress, the story serves as a cautionary tale against the perils of greed, apathy, and blind pursuit of advancement. Themes of ethics, scientific hubris, and authoritarianism permeate the narrative, compelling readers to confront pressing issues within their own society by drawing parallels between fiction and reality. Despite its place within a series, the novel stands confidently on its own merits, anchored by the endearing Abigail, and a seamless fusion of levity and gravity. Exploring themes of societal collapse and human resilience, Hladky offers a nuanced portrayal of its multifaceted main characters. However, sensitive readers should exercise caution due to the presence of triggering scenes depicting sexual violence against women.
The intricate world-building, compelling characters, and exploration of timely themes make for a riveting reading experience that lingers long after the final page is turned.
In the Time of the Flash
W.G. Hladky
Pub date January 1, 2023
ISBN 978-1946886507
Price $12.99 (USD) Paperback, $4.99 Kindle edition