The Green is the first book in author Twitchell's newest book series. I was excited to get myself a copy of The Green after reading the author's last book, Average Joe (I loved that story!), and The Green did NOT disappoint!
Author Twitchell has a unique writing style that incorporates realistic elements from specific time periods to create her world building. In Average Joe, readers were immersed in the 1980's era due to the MC Joe's affection for all things 80's. In The Green, the setting is the 1950's. Characters deliver their dialogue in such a way that it enhances and preserves the illusion of that long-ago decade. While there are descriptive elements which lend to the world building such as clothing, hairstyles, and even gender roles in office settings, it’s the dialogue that delivers the 1950’s era unmistakably to the reader.
The female MC is an underappreciated, low-ranking detective who has to cater to her professionally superior male counterparts. She serves them coffee, accepts career-stalling assignments, and remains vigilant for opportunities to demonstrate her professional abilities to the men she works alongside.
As soon as the mood is set, the action begins. An inexplicable green fog rolls through the town and straight into buildings. Chaos and destruction ensue with an apocalyptic quality to the totality of the devastation that follows the passing of the green fog. “The Green”, as it comes to be known after the event, impacts the entire planet and all humans in any number of ways. Some are transformed and given abilities, some are deformed, some die, some are left unchanged, and so on. Individuals manifest their encounter with The Green depending on their personalities, too. A good person who develops a talent post-exposure to The Green, might not be problematic for society. However, a criminal mind exposed to The Green and then endowed with a power-enhancing talent, might prove difficult to interact with. Governments are forced to respond.
Author Twitchell does a great job creating characters with depth. From the female MC, Detective Josephine June, to the male MC, criminal Arlen “The Gent” Montgomery, the characters present motivations for their actions which drive their interactions with one another. There are quite a few characters in the story, but each has a well-defined personality. What’s left unsaid by the characters and the author, creates intrigue as the reader understands reveals will be coming as the story progresses. Oh, Arlen. What are you up to? I still don’t know. But I want to!
This is the second story I’ve read by author Twitchell. I really enjoy her writing style which is fun, creative, and unique. Her stories have characters with big personalities, and she writes them in such a way that they come across as realistic no matter what inventive setting she places them in. As with the first book of hers that I read (Average Joe. Highly recommend), I can see The Green as a movie on the big screen. While the characters have a ‘larger-than-life’ aspect to them, they also have very relatable personalities which makes it easy for readers to connect with them. My understanding is that Book 2 will be released soon, and I am definitely looking forward to continuing this story!