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The Wilted Flower District
At sixteen Violet Noone is thrown into a world of deception and betrayal when her sister, Ophelia, missing and presumed dead for the last four years, suddenly reenters her life. Violet and her brother, Weylin, venture into in a desolate district of Fairhaven to meet Ophelia but instead of finding her, they discover the brutally murdered body of a young man, Claude Cole. Fleeing the scene, they become suspects, relentlessly pursued by Penny, the officer in charge of the investigation. They soon learn that this murder is no isolated incident as they unravel its mysterious connection to the forbidden fruit, Elsyn. Things in the Domain are different than they were on Earth. For one thing, death there holds no promise of rebirth into another realm. Fairhaven is an energized and diverse city with many neighborhoods including the Wilted Flower District, where Violet lives with her adoptive family. Having lost her parents many years ago, Violet relies on her brother, Weylin, and her best friend, Deena, for support while concealing the truth from her adoptive mom, Ivy, whose help she needs the most. Determined to solve the mystery and reunite her family, Violet confronts her own beliefs, the political order, and the physical world. The question is how far is she willing to go?
158 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 16, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and Smith Publicity for the eARC in exhange for an honest review!
My initial impression from the cover and description was that this was going to be amazing. I found myself immediately confused though and then stayed confused and felt rushed through the rest of the book.
My initial questions were "Why was Violet's death relevant if he never mentions it again?" "What makes a Preter different and why is it only sometimes capitalized?" The questions just kept coming and most were left hanging. The world might be better explained if one had read the prior novel, but I don't know based off the reviews. I still don't know if the Domain is an alternate reality, something like heaven, or purgatory, why did her death bring her there? I wondered if it was CT but that didn't make sense obviously.
If there is another book, I would read it but hope it is another 200 pages longer and better fleshed out. The characters were likeable enough but there wasn't a lot of building or development, and the relationships seemed to spring out of no where. I didn't dislike the book, it just felt like a skeleton of something that could be so much better. I would go 2.5 for "good but would probably not recommend" and round up to three
My initial impression from the cover and description was that this was going to be amazing. I found myself immediately confused though and then stayed confused and felt rushed through the rest of the book.
My initial questions were "Why was Violet's death relevant if he never mentions it again?" "What makes a Preter different and why is it only sometimes capitalized?" The questions just kept coming and most were left hanging. The world might be better explained if one had read the prior novel, but I don't know based off the reviews. I still don't know if the Domain is an alternate reality, something like heaven, or purgatory, why did her death bring her there? I wondered if it was CT but that didn't make sense obviously.
If there is another book, I would read it but hope it is another 200 pages longer and better fleshed out. The characters were likeable enough but there wasn't a lot of building or development, and the relationships seemed to spring out of no where. I didn't dislike the book, it just felt like a skeleton of something that could be so much better. I would go 2.5 for "good but would probably not recommend" and round up to three
December 7, 2018
I am not really sure what I have just finished reading, I didn’t hate it, I enjoyed it, but I kept feeling like I had missed a few pages as the story seemed to develop as though I should have read what was coming.(but I hadn’t)
If this is a first in a series I would probably read the next one, as I liked the characters I. The book.
If this is a first in a series I would probably read the next one, as I liked the characters I. The book.
January 14, 2019
The cover was absolutely what caught my attention intially. It's undeniably gorgeous. The synopsis promised me a novel that I would get lost in, a story that would shock me and a girl that I could cheer for. Unfortunately, it did not meet my expectations.
I had a few recurring thoughts through out the book. First, WHY did we skip from a story about her mom, to this... ? LIke where is all the rest of the story. His first book "Forgotten Violets" was about Meadow, Violet's mom... this one is about her daughter, but in an entirely different way. I had so many questions through the novel about this subject.
Second, while I understood that the world Violet lived in was the "after-world" of sorts, it was never really explained why she was there at such a young age, aside from the vague explanation of being reborn. Her death was mentioned several times, which one would deduct meant it was important, yet not cause or reason was divulged. This really left a bad flow to the story.
The characters in the novel were very likable. You could easily understand why Violet did the things she did, why Wyelin was so vehemently protective, and feel the love that the family felt for each other. It's hard to way who was a better character, as I really think the cast was well rounded. I just wish they had been fleshed out a bit more and a bit more thought put into the personalities and reactions to situations. There were a few instances that both Violet and her brother acted out of character for no real reason. Those inconsistencies dampen the otherwise great characters!
The plot of the book was very intriguing, and for a young MG student they may not catch all the plot holes and inconsistencies but an older reader would probably not enjoy it immensely. If there is a third novel, and it does not time jump, but instead follows up on Violet's story and answered some of the questions, closing some of the plot holes, I believe it could be a very good ending to a promising series. However, as the second, sorta related novel on it's own, it doesn't quite reach it's potential.
I had a few recurring thoughts through out the book. First, WHY did we skip from a story about her mom, to this... ? LIke where is all the rest of the story. His first book "Forgotten Violets" was about Meadow, Violet's mom... this one is about her daughter, but in an entirely different way. I had so many questions through the novel about this subject.
Second, while I understood that the world Violet lived in was the "after-world" of sorts, it was never really explained why she was there at such a young age, aside from the vague explanation of being reborn. Her death was mentioned several times, which one would deduct meant it was important, yet not cause or reason was divulged. This really left a bad flow to the story.
The characters in the novel were very likable. You could easily understand why Violet did the things she did, why Wyelin was so vehemently protective, and feel the love that the family felt for each other. It's hard to way who was a better character, as I really think the cast was well rounded. I just wish they had been fleshed out a bit more and a bit more thought put into the personalities and reactions to situations. There were a few instances that both Violet and her brother acted out of character for no real reason. Those inconsistencies dampen the otherwise great characters!
The plot of the book was very intriguing, and for a young MG student they may not catch all the plot holes and inconsistencies but an older reader would probably not enjoy it immensely. If there is a third novel, and it does not time jump, but instead follows up on Violet's story and answered some of the questions, closing some of the plot holes, I believe it could be a very good ending to a promising series. However, as the second, sorta related novel on it's own, it doesn't quite reach it's potential.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2019
Martin Niewood’s second installation of his Forgotten Violets series, The Wilted Flower District is a young adult fantasy story that will draw in fans of both fictional worlds and realistic political deception.
Violet isn’t on Earth anymore. Death on Earth leads to rebirth in the Domain; but death in the Domain holds no promises. Some in the Domain, like Violet, have special talents. Humans and these talented individuals seem to be getting along just fine… for now. But there’s something about the Elsyn — a forbidden fruit non-humans in the Domain crave — that may throw off the peaceful balance.
In the middle of all of this potential political turmoil, Violet is young teenage orphan already feeling somewhat out of place. And that’s before she’s thrown into a world of guile and duplicity!
While she and her brother, Weylin, are looking for Violet’s (adopted) sister, Ophelia — believed dead for some four years — the pair stumble across a dead body. Fleeing the scene, they find themselves suspected of the murder. But while focused on continuing the search, and trying to clear their names, the peaceful city falls apart.
People — human and otherwise— find themselves in danger, and only Violet, with her special abilities, can save those she loves most.
The Wilted Flower District is about nonconformity, finding courage, and leaning on the support of friends and family. It’s a lighter read than one might imagine, given the nature of the troubles Violet is handling, and a fun and captivating story that will lead readers right into the series’ next installment.
4.5 stars
Violet isn’t on Earth anymore. Death on Earth leads to rebirth in the Domain; but death in the Domain holds no promises. Some in the Domain, like Violet, have special talents. Humans and these talented individuals seem to be getting along just fine… for now. But there’s something about the Elsyn — a forbidden fruit non-humans in the Domain crave — that may throw off the peaceful balance.
In the middle of all of this potential political turmoil, Violet is young teenage orphan already feeling somewhat out of place. And that’s before she’s thrown into a world of guile and duplicity!
While she and her brother, Weylin, are looking for Violet’s (adopted) sister, Ophelia — believed dead for some four years — the pair stumble across a dead body. Fleeing the scene, they find themselves suspected of the murder. But while focused on continuing the search, and trying to clear their names, the peaceful city falls apart.
People — human and otherwise— find themselves in danger, and only Violet, with her special abilities, can save those she loves most.
The Wilted Flower District is about nonconformity, finding courage, and leaning on the support of friends and family. It’s a lighter read than one might imagine, given the nature of the troubles Violet is handling, and a fun and captivating story that will lead readers right into the series’ next installment.
4.5 stars
December 7, 2018
First and foremost, the cover for The Wilted Flower District is absolutely stunning. It's eye catching and gorgeous.
That said, I think the premise of the book is incredibly promising, but it's lacking things that take it from a good book to an amazing book.
As a reader, we are told when you die on Earth you end up in the Domain. And then it cuts immediately to people being "preters." I had to make assumptions that preters are magical in some way, because I wasn't given any back story on preters, or that some people don't come into the Domain as preters but as mortals again. I guess?
I wanted to know the back story and history of this new world I'm being immersed in, and I wasn't given much to go on.
Also, I feel like the characters could have been more developed. I think it was intended for me to be uncomfortable/nervous when the Chancellor came into the story, but he wasn't described that way when Violet runs into him. But later he's described as being scary and it just wasn't believable.
And I felt that way about most of the characters. They were ok, but there could be more with them.
As far as the plot, what really kept me reading was trying to find out what happened to Ophelia.
The story felt rushed, and short, and I really would have been ok with the book being longer if it meant giving me more of a developed world and characters.
That said, I think the premise of the book is incredibly promising, but it's lacking things that take it from a good book to an amazing book.
As a reader, we are told when you die on Earth you end up in the Domain. And then it cuts immediately to people being "preters." I had to make assumptions that preters are magical in some way, because I wasn't given any back story on preters, or that some people don't come into the Domain as preters but as mortals again. I guess?
I wanted to know the back story and history of this new world I'm being immersed in, and I wasn't given much to go on.
Also, I feel like the characters could have been more developed. I think it was intended for me to be uncomfortable/nervous when the Chancellor came into the story, but he wasn't described that way when Violet runs into him. But later he's described as being scary and it just wasn't believable.
And I felt that way about most of the characters. They were ok, but there could be more with them.
As far as the plot, what really kept me reading was trying to find out what happened to Ophelia.
The story felt rushed, and short, and I really would have been ok with the book being longer if it meant giving me more of a developed world and characters.
February 25, 2019
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Wilted Flower District by Martin Niewood is a story built on a very unique world. The Wilt is part of the Domain, which is where you go after your life on Earth ends. When you die in the Domain, however, that’s it - except for the case of Violet Noone’s sister, Ophelia, who suddenly appeared after being presumed dead for four years. And so begins this quick, action-filled novelette that never runs short on murder, mayhem, or political intrigue.
I personally think this would have done so much better as a full length novel. There is so much more that could have been fleshed out but wasn’t because it was such a short book. Also Violet would’ve had more time to grow as a character if the book were longer.
The author’s writing style was a little awkward in places. It skipped around and wasn’t always smooth.
I did not read book one and I do not feel like I missed anything; however, if there is going to be a book three, I do not see how it can also be stand alone. There are too many questions not answered.
The concept was great, there were some good characters, and it was an exceptionally unique world. If it had been more fleshed out and the author had taken time to fully develop everything, this would have been a great success. I feel like right now everything is half finished.
3 stars.
The Wilted Flower District by Martin Niewood is a story built on a very unique world. The Wilt is part of the Domain, which is where you go after your life on Earth ends. When you die in the Domain, however, that’s it - except for the case of Violet Noone’s sister, Ophelia, who suddenly appeared after being presumed dead for four years. And so begins this quick, action-filled novelette that never runs short on murder, mayhem, or political intrigue.
I personally think this would have done so much better as a full length novel. There is so much more that could have been fleshed out but wasn’t because it was such a short book. Also Violet would’ve had more time to grow as a character if the book were longer.
The author’s writing style was a little awkward in places. It skipped around and wasn’t always smooth.
I did not read book one and I do not feel like I missed anything; however, if there is going to be a book three, I do not see how it can also be stand alone. There are too many questions not answered.
The concept was great, there were some good characters, and it was an exceptionally unique world. If it had been more fleshed out and the author had taken time to fully develop everything, this would have been a great success. I feel like right now everything is half finished.
3 stars.
November 4, 2023
First and foremost, the cover for The Wilted Flower District is absolutely stunning. It's eye catching and gorgeous.
That said, I think the premise of the book is incredibly promising, but it's lacking things that take it from a good book to an amazing book.
As a reader, we are told when you die on Earth you end up in the Domain. And then it cuts immediately to people being "preters." I had to make assumptions that preters are magical in some way, because I wasn't given any back story on preters, or that some people don't come into the Domain as preters but as mortals again. I guess?
I wanted to know the back story and history of this new world I'm being immersed in, and I wasn't given much to go on.
Also, I feel like the characters could have been more developed. I think it was intended for me to be uncomfortable/nervous when the Chancellor came into the story, but he wasn't described that way when Violet runs into him. But later he's described as being scary and it just wasn't believable.
And I felt that way about most of the characters. They were ok, but there could be more with them.
As far as the plot, what really kept me reading was trying to find out what happened to Ophelia.
The story felt rushed, and short, and I really would have been ok with the book being longer if it meant giving me more of a developed world and characters.
That said, I think the premise of the book is incredibly promising, but it's lacking things that take it from a good book to an amazing book.
As a reader, we are told when you die on Earth you end up in the Domain. And then it cuts immediately to people being "preters." I had to make assumptions that preters are magical in some way, because I wasn't given any back story on preters, or that some people don't come into the Domain as preters but as mortals again. I guess?
I wanted to know the back story and history of this new world I'm being immersed in, and I wasn't given much to go on.
Also, I feel like the characters could have been more developed. I think it was intended for me to be uncomfortable/nervous when the Chancellor came into the story, but he wasn't described that way when Violet runs into him. But later he's described as being scary and it just wasn't believable.
And I felt that way about most of the characters. They were ok, but there could be more with them.
As far as the plot, what really kept me reading was trying to find out what happened to Ophelia.
The story felt rushed, and short, and I really would have been ok with the book being longer if it meant giving me more of a developed world and characters.
December 13, 2018
This book was received as an ARC from Amazon in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I am a hug fan of thrilling fantasy stories but the Wilted Flower District went the extra mile and made it a mystery story too. There is nothing more terrifying then discovering the appearance of your thought to be dead sister and ending up being part of a trap for a murder. I can't imagine being in Violet's position and fighting for her family wanting everyone to be together and live their lives. The story page by page had twist after twist after twist which made the book even more exciting. Our readers will find this book very enticing and they will not put it down.
We will consider adding this title to our YFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I am a hug fan of thrilling fantasy stories but the Wilted Flower District went the extra mile and made it a mystery story too. There is nothing more terrifying then discovering the appearance of your thought to be dead sister and ending up being part of a trap for a murder. I can't imagine being in Violet's position and fighting for her family wanting everyone to be together and live their lives. The story page by page had twist after twist after twist which made the book even more exciting. Our readers will find this book very enticing and they will not put it down.
We will consider adding this title to our YFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
February 16, 2019
Fantastic cover art and an interesting setting. While its obvious that the setting is in a sort of afterlife, and its explained that Violet died previously, its rather. . . devoid of needed explanation. The characters, though, are very likable and I enjoyed reading about them throughout the book. The characters and wanting to know what happened to Ophelia were pretty much the only things that kept me reading. There were a lot of plot issues that I really didnt get. I found out after that this is a companion novel? so perhaps not having read the other is a cause for the confusion in this story?
January 19, 2019
If you've read my review of Forgotten Violets, you will already know that I wasn't a fan of this world, but I wanted to try out this companion novel, to see if it was able to live up to my hopes. And honestly, I think that the author was able to expand upon their writing in this installment.
The writing style was easier to relate to, and I think the plot was more developed than I read in Book 1. We get to follow a quest in figuring out what happened to the main character's sister after being missing for years.
Since this is a companion novel, we got to revisit the dark, fantasy world and the drug-like fruit that causes a bit of havoc. Overall, I felt like there were a lot of similarities in both books from the characterizations and plot structure.
I was able to follow along a bit easier in this book, and I gave it a 3 out of 5 stars. If you did like Forgotten Violets, I would recommend reading this one next.
The writing style was easier to relate to, and I think the plot was more developed than I read in Book 1. We get to follow a quest in figuring out what happened to the main character's sister after being missing for years.
Since this is a companion novel, we got to revisit the dark, fantasy world and the drug-like fruit that causes a bit of havoc. Overall, I felt like there were a lot of similarities in both books from the characterizations and plot structure.
I was able to follow along a bit easier in this book, and I gave it a 3 out of 5 stars. If you did like Forgotten Violets, I would recommend reading this one next.
February 3, 2021
Pretty cool story
I really enjoyed reading this. The main character is a young teen who accidentally stumbled across a dead person. People start investigating her, thinking it was her fault. The story gets more complicated and interesting. I had some difficulty understanding the world they lived in. I think they used to live on earth but after they died, they began living in this world. I’m not sure about that though.
I really enjoyed reading this. The main character is a young teen who accidentally stumbled across a dead person. People start investigating her, thinking it was her fault. The story gets more complicated and interesting. I had some difficulty understanding the world they lived in. I think they used to live on earth but after they died, they began living in this world. I’m not sure about that though.
January 11, 2019
My Review: I think that this is just not an author for me. This one really lacked what it takes to make a great story. It was very confusing at times and some things were just not fleshed out to be understandable.
Go Into This One Knowing: Confusing
February 3, 2021
3.5**
There was a lot to unpack in this world building but i love the concept of this story! Violent is a bada##
Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book
There was a lot to unpack in this world building but i love the concept of this story! Violent is a bada##
Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book
August 22, 2020
Hmmmm....not sure if I like it. I don't dislike it, but there are so many lingering questions I feel like I am still processing. I would pick up a sequel just to see if it completed some of those open ended scenarios.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews