For Flynn Barnes, dying is just the beginning of his problems.
After waking up in his Happy Place--as all "graduates" do--he is guided by his Post-Mortem Facilitator to figure out his next move. With a lifetime of criminal behavior, an estranged family, and a vengeful English gangster to deal with, he's still got a lot of work to do.
And as Flynn will discover--even in the afterlife, free will can lead to all sorts of trouble.
Quarter Finalist
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Savage has crafted a clever and entertaining plot that draws readers in from the first pages. The storyline twists and turns in unexpected ways that will keep readers surprised and engaged.
Prose: Savage is a fine writer, able to create convincing dialogue and action perfectly balanced with just the right amount of description, resulting in a captivating read. The pacing is perfect, and despite his rough edges, readers can't help but like and root for Flynn.
Originality: Happy Places offers plenty of curveballs alongside an appealing plot, giving it an edge over similar novels.
Character Development/Execution: Flynn is more than a little rough around the edges, but despite this, readers will enjoy him, thanks to Savage's skillful characterization.
Blurb: Clever, engaging, and refreshingly unique, Happy Places will keep readers hooked until the last page.
Date Submitted: August 28, 2022
