Shannon Ives’s debut novel Those Fatal Flowers ambitiously weaves together Greek mythology and American colonial history into a dark tapestry of revenge, redemption, and sapphic romance. While the novel showcases impressive creativity and powerful themes, it occasionally stumbles in its execution, resulting in a reading experience that is both captivating and uneven.
Plot Overview: Past and Present Intertwined
The narrative follows Thelia, a former handmaiden to Proserpina (the Roman goddess of spring), who along with her sisters was transformed into a siren after inadvertently facilitating Proserpina’s abduction by Dis, god of the underworld. Centuries later, granted temporary human form by Proserpina herself, Thelia arrives at the Roanoke colony with a mission to secure sacrifices that will free her sisters from their curse.
The story unfolds in alternating timelines – “Before” chapters detail Thelia’s life on Scopuli as a siren, while “Now” chapters follow her infiltration of the Roanoke colony. This dual narrative structure generally works well, though the transitions occasionally feel jarring.
Strengths: A Bold Vision
Rich Mythological Integration
Ives demonstrates impressive knowledge of Classical mythology, seamlessly incorporating lesser-known elements while avoiding the well-worn paths of more popular myths. Her reimagining of the siren mythology is particularly compelling, grounding their traditional allure in promises rather than mere beauty.
Complex Female Characters
The novel excels in its portrayal of women navigating systems of oppression. From Thelia and her sisters to the women of Roanoke, each character feels distinct and three-dimensional. The relationship between Thelia and Cora is particularly well-rendered, with their romance developing naturally despite the constraints of their society.
Atmospheric Writing
The author’s descriptive prose shines brightest in the Scopuli sections, where the isolated island setting comes alive through vivid sensory details. The ritualistic scenes are especially memorable, striking a perfect balance between beauty and horror.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing Issues
The novel’s middle section drags somewhat, with multiple scenes of colony life that could have been condensed. The political machinations of the Bailies, while important to the plot, sometimes feel repetitive.
Character Development
While Thelia’s character arc is generally well-executed, some supporting characters, particularly Thomas Bailie, verge on one-dimensional villainy. A more nuanced antagonist might have strengthened the story’s themes about the complexity of human nature.
Historical Integration
Though the author’s research is evident, the historical elements occasionally feel less fully realized than the mythological aspects. Some of the colonial dialogue strikes modern notes that briefly disrupt the period immersion.
Thematic Analysis
Power and Its Corruptions
The novel explores how power operates across different scales—from divine manipulation to colonial authority to interpersonal relationships. Ives effectively demonstrates how systems of oppression can turn victims into perpetrators, though some readers may find Thelia’s eventual embrace of violence problematic.
Identity and Transformation
The physical transformations in the novel serve as powerful metaphors for deeper changes in identity and perspective. Thelia’s journey from victim to avenger to something more complex forms the emotional core of the story.
Love and Redemption
While revenge drives much of the plot, the novel’s heart lies in its exploration of love in various forms – romantic, familial, and self-love. The parallel romance plots (Thelia/Proserpina and Thelia/Cora) offer interesting commentary on the nature of first love versus mature love.
Writing Style and Technical Elements
Ives’s prose style varies between lyrical description and straightforward narrative, generally finding an effective balance. The alternating timeline structure mostly serves the story well, though some transitions between past and present feel abrupt.
Comparisons and Market Position
For readers who enjoyed Madeline Miller’s Circe or Jennifer Saint’s Hera, Those Fatal Flowers offers similar themes of feminist mythology reimagining, though with a darker edge. The novel’s integration of historical fiction elements also recalls Alix E. Harrow’s The Once and Future Witches.
Pros:
- Creative mythological reimagining
- Strong female characters
- Beautiful descriptive writing
- Compelling romance subplot
- Unique blend of genres
Cons:
- Uneven pacing
- Some underdeveloped supporting characters
- Occasional historical authenticity issues
- Middle section drag
Final Thoughts
Those Fatal Flowers marks an ambitious debut that, despite some flaws, suggests a promising new voice in mythological fantasy. While not every element works perfectly, the novel’s core strengths – its imaginative premise, atmospheric writing, and compelling relationships – make it a worthwhile read for fans of mythological retellings and historical fantasy.
The book’s greatest achievement lies in its ability to make readers sympathize with its monstrous protagonist while never fully letting us forget the horror of her actions. It’s a delicate balance that Ives maintains admirably through most of the novel.
Readers should approach the book prepared for its darker elements – this is not a lightweight fantasy romance but a serious exploration of trauma, revenge, and the costs of freedom. Those willing to embrace its complexities will find a thought-provoking and often beautiful story about the power of love to both destroy and redeem.