Cover Image: Desert Flowers

Desert Flowers

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Member Reviews

“People are almost never what they seem.”

In this case, sadly the book wasn’t quite what it seemed either. Per the placeholder “review” below, you can see proof of why it is important to have good titles, pretty covers and clever synopsis in order to hook readers. Especially a reader like me who doesn’t even bother reading a whole blurb before hitting the request or one-click buttons or running straight to the nearest cash register.

When I glossed over the summary for Desert Flowers the following jumped out at me . . . .

themselves and their five daughters

middle of nowhere

young hiker

must do what they can to protect themselves

And my brain convinced me it would be a bit like <I>The Strangers</I> which would have me running and screaming at every strange noise I heard in my house for the next week and a half. Without spoiling things, please note this book was NOTHING LIKE THAT. Obviously I have to take a portion of the blame for this being such a fail for me. However, when there is absolutely ZERO character development – other than kind of a squicky “farmer’s daughter” type of vibe, no explanation of the why behind the main plot point and a story that could have easily been told as a 50-page novella since it absolutely no depth beyond surface level, I refuse to give more than 1 Star. The only bright side was it was so simplistic I read it in a couple of hours.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!

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The book was a little slow in the beginning to engage in but became more fascinating as i continued reading along. This is not the type of book that i like to read but i found that i couldn't put it down. This was a very strange family (the parents were terrible and vicious) and i truly felt terrible about what was done to Rick. I did like how the book ended.

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A family, totally isolated, out in the desert and an unwanted visitor prying into their secrets! All kinds of action ensues. Oooh the suspense! It is worth picking up to find out what happens. Reviewed thanks to the publisher and Netgalley, look foward to this book in Aug 2017.

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Too slow to start, I gave up at 25% as nothing had happened sorry! Very well written, just not for me

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After having read Paul Pen's previous novel, The Light of the Fireflies, I honestly could not wait to start this book.

The characters and setting reminded me of Fireflies and the book throughout followers his previous writing style, which was the main factors that made me a huge fan of his work.

The plot twist was a real shock and I really enjoy the way the author makes situations that do actually happen but don't get get talked about, into the main aspect of his books.

I was slightly let down by the ending in general but the last few short chapters tied up the story as a whole really quite beautifully.

I can't wait for Pen's next adventure!

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This book is just way too slow for me and hasn't grabbed my attention yet. I'm over 25% in, my interest should be drawn and it just isn't.

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Well written story that dwells a lot on parents who have isolated their children from main-stream society, supposedly for the protection of the children, but actually for the protection of themselves. When a stranger discovers their secret, long and drawn out violence against the stranger ensues. I was enough engaged to continue reading to find out what happened, but it was difficult as I don't enjoy reading about people suffering. I can't say I actually enjoyed the book, but the story was at least interesting.

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If you've read [book:The Light of the Fireflies|28802599] you probably know what to expect from this book. [book:Desert Flowers|34323502] does not mark a significant departure from the author's former work and offers just as much dark entertainment.

(Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!)

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The author, Paul Pen, proves himself to be a master of moods in the telling of a very well done novel about family and background. Rose and Elmer are introduced as husband and wife raising their family in a remote location in Mexico's Baja California desert. They've chosen a lifestyle which allows them to spend time on making their daughters models for a happy existence and in which their parents see to all their needs. It is also a lifestyle which allows them to preserve a secret which if exposed could ruin their lives. They follow a set routine in which Elmer, the husband works at a gas station six days a week while Rose dedicates herself to being with their daughters hardly ever leaving their home.
An extremely happy existence until one day Rick, a young hiker, happens on their property. He asks to stay over one night to rest and manages to change everything for the family. What secrets does he carry, what are his intentions towards Elmer and Roses' family and what are his goals towards them? It is in this phase of the book that Mr. Pen's ability to radically change the mood he has set up at the opening stands out.
The ending is not telegraphed at all until the final segment of the book but the story is 100% guaranteed to keep the reader engrossed and glued to the novel as it develops. A very well done story and sure to make the author one that will be sought after in his future writings.

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