In the Time of the Flash

The Book of Ruin 5

Fiction - Science Fiction
327 Pages
Reviewed on 01/21/2024
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    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

In the Time of the Flash is a work of fiction in the science fiction, intrigue, and dystopian adventure subgenres, and is the fifth novel in The Book of Ruin series. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author W.G. Hladky, this latest dive into a fascinating sci-fi planet in peril depicts a world grappling with the aftermath of powerful coronal mass ejections that cripple Earth's technology. Abigail Tate, a resilient university student, finds herself in a dystopian Miami during spring break. The once vibrant city is now a battleground for violent cults, distorted by a drug called Wisht. Amidst the chaos, Abigail joins forces with Miami-Dade sheriff’s deputies, entangling herself in a web of government conspiracies, religious fervor, and a mission to protect the vulnerable.

Author W.G. Hladky has crafted an atmospheric, detailed, and immersive experience in a post-apocalyptic world that is like nothing I’ve seen this year. The narrative is a smoothly-written blend of dystopia, survival, and conspiracy that keeps the fast-paced plot rolling on through different trials and tribulations, making it a gripping read with lots of action but also a thought-provoking exploration of humanity’s downfall. Abigail's character evolves dynamically, reflecting the harsh realities of her environment, and I was especially impressed with the speech and thought presentation that details her character and makes her feel realistic and empathetic. The vivid descriptions of the transformed landscape and the challenges faced by the characters contribute to the book's atmospheric and intense nature, moving beyond the cinematic into a multisensory descriptive experience that feels like you’re really there. Overall, In the Time of the Flash explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of cataclysmic events, creating a compelling narrative that lingers in the mind, and I would highly recommend it for sci-fi and dystopian fiction readers everywhere.

Rabia Tanveer

In the Time of the Flash: Civilizations Fall Slowly, Then All At Once is the fifth book in The Book of Ruin series by W.G. Hladky. Solar storms fried the majority of Earth’s technology. A university student, Abigail Tate, however, was unaware of this when she decided to spend the spring break with her half-sister in Miami. Georgina was eccentric, but she was family. Things turned strange when the sisters reached South Florida and found the place crawling with strange spiders, a wild drug called Wisht, and a cult war. However, when the sisters were caught in a shootout, and only Abigail was saved by the sheriff's deputies, Abigail could think of nothing but saving her sister. With the authorities not interested in helping, Abigail takes it upon herself to find her sister and bring her back to safety. But not before Abigail gets entangled in conspiracies, lies, and new friends that will change her life forever.

I loved In the Time of the Flash. Author W.G. Hladky weaved magic with his words and crafted a believable world that was full of surprises. There was never a dull moment in the story, and I loved every second of it. The concept of the collapse of civilization, the execution of a clan war, religious zealots, and a powerful heroine all came together in a fantastic story that had me hooked. Abigail’s growth was remarkable. She started as a strong character, but her further development was fantastic. I loved how the environment shaped her into a larger-than-life character who was toughened by the world around her. The fast-paced narrative was phenomenal, and the overall feel of the story was incredible. I fell in love with the world-building before I liked Abigail. I felt like I was watching a movie rather than reading a novel.