Azaleas Don't Bloom Here

by Frank T. Klus

In a dark and dying world, Eugene Sulke stands on the cusp of his lifelong dream: a promotion, money, and a home in the affluent section of Old Chicago, called the Fortress, where he can watch the sun set over the azaleas. Only one thing stands in his way--his own fear that he is responsible for the terrible conditions his new home would wall him off from.

Caught in a web of intrigue and the warnings of his wife, Eugene could not see the unfolding chaos around him. Suddenly, his wife is dead, he's in prison, and then subjected to the government's final solution--a mind-altering technique that would change anyone from who they are to anyone they want them to be. A rescue is attempted, but Eugene's own fears become his worst enemy..His friends must convince him to go to New America and face the shocking truth about what destroyed his world.

Genres: Dystopia

336 pages, Paperback

First published June 3, 2016

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a fan of the dystopian books and thus this is the reason why I was looking forward to reading this book. Also the title is very catchy. I do agree with another reader that the world that Mr. Klus built for this book feels very realistic. I could picture how desolate the world had become and understandably the "dog eat" attitude. What I am speaking about is the cruel beatings that Eugene endured while imprisoned. It did not seem to just be beatings but to show just who is in charge. The beatings I got but at the same time it was difficult to read about. Another thing is the language in the book. There is the use of the "f" word as well as "cunt". Which I think the "c" word is worse than the "f" word. One last thing I wanted to point out and that I found distracting is the interchanging from Eugene to Gene. It would not have been such a problem if from one sentence Eugene was used and than the next sentence Gene was mentioned so closely together. This book may not have appealed to me but it appears I am in the minority.

[Misty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Azaleas Don't Bloom Here by Frank T Klus is a Dystopian Novel. The main character Eugene Sulke seems to be in a constant state of confusion for the first part of the book. Everyone around him tells him to not trust certain people and yet he trusts them anyways. This eventually leads to all sorts of consequences and lifestyle changes for Eugene Sulke. Personally I found that naivety and confusion of Eugene Sulke to be a pain. I would have prefered a main character that knew a bit more about everything that was going on around him. I have to say that I would have put the book down after the first part if I was not reading the book for review. However it did get better as the book continued on and Eugene Sulke learned more about what was going on. Overall Azaleas Don't Bloom Here by Frank T Klus is a good read for those who enjoy Dystopian style books and don't mind a naive main character. I was sent a copy of Azaleas Don't Bloom Here by Frank T Klus for free for only my honest and unbiased review.

[Billy Buttons · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS
23rd March, 2016
TITLE: Azaleas Don’t Bloom Here
AUTHOR: Frank L Klus
Star Rating: 4

‘A powerfully written novel; often stark and unsettling. Highly recommended!’

REVIEW
Firstly, I must say, I do enjoy a good dystopian novel so I settled down with Azaleas Don’t Bloom Here (excellent title by the way) with high expectations of death, destruction and general mayhem.
The opening chapter basically sets the scene: Old Chicago, The Dead District in 2065, a district of decay and hopelessness for anybody living there. The author has a magical pen when describing the setting, for example, the skyscrapers along Michigan Avenue became tombstones. The only problem is, it is a bit of an info. dump. I’d much prefer to be fed ‘broken street lamps’ and ‘broken shards of glass’ whilst the characters interacted; it’d make for a more absorbing read. However, it is well written and the author successfully shows the reader a horrific, if not slightly stereotypical, dystopian world.
In Chapter Two, things pick up a bit. We meet Eugene, the hero of the story, for the first time, and we get a glimpse of the Fortress where all the affluent hang out. On a side note, there is a strong political element to this novel; in many ways it is a commentary on the present world. For example, the Fortress; is it not, simply, a metaphor for a gated housing estate? Keep Out! Trespassers Will Be Shot!
Anyway, at the Chapter Three mark, the pace of the story picks up. There is an element of mystery to the story which kept me happily absorbed until 3 o’clock in the morning. Not surprisingly, for a book of this nature, there is plenty of murder, blood and gore but, thankfully, not too much. The author works hard to offer the reader not only the mayhem of his dystopian world but also a clever plot and strong characters.
If there is anything that needs working on it is the speech between the characters. Often, it felt a little ‘immature’ and rushed. For example, in Chapter 2, Eugene is pulled over by Dennis, by a member of the dreaded Lightning Squad. It turns out that Dennis and Eugene are old school pals but, oddly, they only chat for a few seconds; and what they say is simply what they need to say to further the plot. No ‘How’s life?’, ‘What y’ been up to?’ or ‘The last time I saw you, you were drunk on vodka.’
Well, I finished the novel three nights later and I did very much enjoy it. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me interested and the characters (good and evil) were interesting and well developed. The ending was also excellent and, closing my computer, I knew I’d be happy to open another of this author’s books.
I always like to end with a ‘what struck me the most’ comment. Well, ‘what struck me the most’ about this novel was the knowledge of the author. He knows this genre very, VERY well and this shows in the depth of the futuristic world he created. It is a very scary world but, still, it’s fun getting lost in it. Enjoy!

A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk

[Gayle Pace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared: It wasn't what I had expected by the title. After reading the back cover I realized this was a book that comes from what could be reality and it has so much emotions in it. The author captures you the minute you start reading. This being the author's debut novel isn't what you'd expect in a first novel. It's as though the author has been writing novels for a long time. The pace is just right. It's not too fast, where you can't keep up nor too slow where you get bored. Mr. M. didn't over describe the characters and scenes. They were realistic descriptions. As you turn the pages you keep asking yourself, What can happen next? What would you do if your spouse was lying in the hospital, possibly dying, and you have just finished a "one nighter" with a man you didn't love. You loved your husband. What led Katie to sacrifice her marriage and her husband for a few moments of pleasure? Would Katie be able to handle the guilt that was beginning to press in on her? She really didn't have time to stop and think this out, her husband needed her. The author gives you a wide variety of characters so every reader would find someone he or she could relate to. This or something similar may have even happened to someone you know or could it be YOU? The author gives you a lot to think on. Who's side are you on, Katie's or Evan's? Just about the time you think you know what's going to happen next, the author sends you spinning off track. A web of love, infidelity, and guilt spins you around. Life leads us into uncertainty every day. Is there hope for Evan and Katie, that is if Evan survives and Katie makes the right decision about her guilt. The book leaves you wanting more and as a good book does that, the reader can't wait for the second book.

I received this book from the author, Charles M. and PUYB in exchange for my unbiased view.