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Das geheime Leben des Sam Hollowaay
Seit dem plötzlichen Verlust seiner Familie ist der 26-jährige Sam wie gelähmt. Doch nachts überwindet er seine emotionale Starre und verwandelt sich in den Superhelden »Phantasma«. In einem selbst gebastelten Kostüm unternimmt er Streifzüge durch die Nachbarschaft und versucht, Menschen zu helfen. Als eines Tages eine wunderschöne junge Frau in sein Leben tritt, wird Sams Welt komplett auf den Kopf gestellt. Wird es ihm gelingen, auch im Alltag den Mut aufzubringen, den er als »Phantasma« schon lange beweist?
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 4, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
August 17, 2018
‘The two most important things in life are to be brave and to be good.’
As a child, Sam recalls being told by his mother that he was ‘a sensitive boy’. He is indeed sensitive but I think a more appropriate description might be ‘humane’. Sam is intensely aware of the needs of others, their daily struggles and their feelings. He also has an appreciation of how each person in their own way contributes to society and, indirectly, to his own well-being and creature comforts. ‘Sitting down to a nice cup of coffee. And yet we go about our lives without ever thinking of the people working whole lifetimes on coffee plantations, living awful hand-to-mouth existences in the hope things will be better for their kids, but they never are, and all that so we may enjoy sugar-free gingerbread one-shot skinny decaf lattes with a sprinkling of cinnamon in lovely coffee shops who falsely claim ethical perfection.’
This aspect of Sam’s character really comes to the fore when an incident occurs that affects the operation of the company for which he works. It also triggers distressing reminders of the traumatic and tragic event which has shaped his life and to which his response has been to adopt a regimented, ordered existence – what he himself describes as seeking a ‘stable state for his soul’. Unfortunately, that stability will prove to be precarious as events unfold that are outside his control.
To my mind, Sam is a superhero, not just because of the brave and selfless acts he carries out when he becomes his alter ego The Phantasm, but because of what he has endured in his life and the fact he is still carrying on despite everything. Having said that, I defy anyone not to shed a little tear at the description of Sam’s usual Christmas Day routine. Then a chance – or if you believe in such things, fated – encounter brings him the possibility of a much brighter future but one which will test Sam’s fortitude to the limit.
The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway is a story of grief and guilt but also of friendship, generosity, love, the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of community. It delivers a powerful message about knowing when to reach out to others, having the courage to let people get close to you and being willing to accept help when that is the hardest thing you can imagine. In case this makes the book sound heavy, I’ll also say that it is written with real wit and humour.
I received a review copy courtesy of publishers, Wildfire Books, and Anne at Random Things Tours in return for an honest and unbiased review.
As a child, Sam recalls being told by his mother that he was ‘a sensitive boy’. He is indeed sensitive but I think a more appropriate description might be ‘humane’. Sam is intensely aware of the needs of others, their daily struggles and their feelings. He also has an appreciation of how each person in their own way contributes to society and, indirectly, to his own well-being and creature comforts. ‘Sitting down to a nice cup of coffee. And yet we go about our lives without ever thinking of the people working whole lifetimes on coffee plantations, living awful hand-to-mouth existences in the hope things will be better for their kids, but they never are, and all that so we may enjoy sugar-free gingerbread one-shot skinny decaf lattes with a sprinkling of cinnamon in lovely coffee shops who falsely claim ethical perfection.’
This aspect of Sam’s character really comes to the fore when an incident occurs that affects the operation of the company for which he works. It also triggers distressing reminders of the traumatic and tragic event which has shaped his life and to which his response has been to adopt a regimented, ordered existence – what he himself describes as seeking a ‘stable state for his soul’. Unfortunately, that stability will prove to be precarious as events unfold that are outside his control.
To my mind, Sam is a superhero, not just because of the brave and selfless acts he carries out when he becomes his alter ego The Phantasm, but because of what he has endured in his life and the fact he is still carrying on despite everything. Having said that, I defy anyone not to shed a little tear at the description of Sam’s usual Christmas Day routine. Then a chance – or if you believe in such things, fated – encounter brings him the possibility of a much brighter future but one which will test Sam’s fortitude to the limit.
The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway is a story of grief and guilt but also of friendship, generosity, love, the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of community. It delivers a powerful message about knowing when to reach out to others, having the courage to let people get close to you and being willing to accept help when that is the hardest thing you can imagine. In case this makes the book sound heavy, I’ll also say that it is written with real wit and humour.
I received a review copy courtesy of publishers, Wildfire Books, and Anne at Random Things Tours in return for an honest and unbiased review.
July 8, 2018
Sam is 26, lives in his immaculately clean house, has 2 equally geeky friends and he works in the factory of a Japanase wholesaler where he’s a model employee. At night he’s roaming the streets (in a ridiculous costume) and although his actions are limited to helping elderly ladies with their shopping or bringing lost dogs back home, he feels good with these little helpful acts. Good people doing good deeds definitely applies to Sam.. but when he falls in love, everything is jeopardized and in danger of falling apart, including the safe, simple life he carefully built up. It all starts to unravel and while he is used to coping on his own, he might need some help to deal with the setbacks he comes across. Sometimes help does come from the people you least expect it from. One of the people reaching out and helping him was definitely a surprise but I cheered when I realised he was actually getting help from someone in his corner!
It took me a while to get into this novel but Sam did grow on me as the story developed and in the end I genuinly cared and I wanted him to overcome the past. The episodes of ‘The Phantasm’ were at first quirky and funny - as a parody on old heroes like batman - but behind Sam as the masked man lies a tragedy slowly revealing itself as the story progressed. There was a shift at a certain moment from which point I started to understand more clearly why he felt like he needed this alter ago. The general hilarity of it all changed everything with the new insights. His background and the trauma which he dealt with on his own definitely shed a different light on his actions. There’s a reason why he feels best when he’s in character and why he simply can’t hang up his costume, even after he hears his love interest say she thinks The Phantasm is ridiculous, and it was sad and I felt heavy-hearted hearing what life had thrown at him.
There was a good mix of laughter and pain in this novel. His backstory was very tragic, well thought-out and the best part of the novel for me. Unfortunately that's also probably what I will remember in a few month's time and the first part of the novel won't hang in my head as long.. it was so cartoonish at times that I had a hard time imagining this character could be a real person. So to end I'd say I liked it, but didn't love it. A commendable debut and if you have a bit more fantasy than me, you might love it.
It took me a while to get into this novel but Sam did grow on me as the story developed and in the end I genuinly cared and I wanted him to overcome the past. The episodes of ‘The Phantasm’ were at first quirky and funny - as a parody on old heroes like batman - but behind Sam as the masked man lies a tragedy slowly revealing itself as the story progressed. There was a shift at a certain moment from which point I started to understand more clearly why he felt like he needed this alter ago. The general hilarity of it all changed everything with the new insights. His background and the trauma which he dealt with on his own definitely shed a different light on his actions. There’s a reason why he feels best when he’s in character and why he simply can’t hang up his costume, even after he hears his love interest say she thinks The Phantasm is ridiculous, and it was sad and I felt heavy-hearted hearing what life had thrown at him.
There was a good mix of laughter and pain in this novel. His backstory was very tragic, well thought-out and the best part of the novel for me. Unfortunately that's also probably what I will remember in a few month's time and the first part of the novel won't hang in my head as long.. it was so cartoonish at times that I had a hard time imagining this character could be a real person. So to end I'd say I liked it, but didn't love it. A commendable debut and if you have a bit more fantasy than me, you might love it.
August 17, 2018
Sometimes you read a book you can not imagine being turned out into a movie, and some other times you have a chance to read a book that already feels like watching a movie while turning those pages…
The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway is that type of the book. The novel you “watch” in your head and have a great time, the story that entertains you.
The story follows a 26 years old guy who likes to dress out as a superhero in his free time and help others.
He isn’t fishing big criminals, but helps everyday people, like you and me.
It’s sort of like Kick-Ass movie, only with less action and more nerdness (nerdness… Is that a word?).
To be honest, it took some time for me to get used to Thomas’ writing style because there are more telling then showing, and also more descriptions then real conversations.
But once I got used to it, I was really invested into the story.
I am still not sure if the story just got better with every page or was it really the writing style thing the case (probably both), but I noticed that closer I was to the end, the faster I was reading.
Sam Holloway was really an unique book character. I couldn’t help, I liked him so much. If he was a real person, he would probably be that kind of guy that gets under everyone’s skin once they get to know him, despite his awkwardness.
From what you read in this review so far, you probably got a feeling this is a happy story with sunshine and rainbow, but that isn’t in case.
Sam Holloway also has a tragic past he lives with all his life, so happiness and tragic intertwine trough the whole story.
This book also represents mental illness.
I think Rhys Thomas did a great job when it comes to plotting and storytelling. In one novel, he managed to show heart wrenching moments and funny situations without much oscillations and still kept one atmosphere through the whole story, and that takes talent.
The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway is a book I would recommend to everyone who likes to read/watch superhero stories. Entertainment is guaranteed.
Find this and more reviews on my blog: https://bookdustmagic.wordpress.com
The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway is that type of the book. The novel you “watch” in your head and have a great time, the story that entertains you.
The story follows a 26 years old guy who likes to dress out as a superhero in his free time and help others.
He isn’t fishing big criminals, but helps everyday people, like you and me.
It’s sort of like Kick-Ass movie, only with less action and more nerdness (nerdness… Is that a word?).
To be honest, it took some time for me to get used to Thomas’ writing style because there are more telling then showing, and also more descriptions then real conversations.
But once I got used to it, I was really invested into the story.
I am still not sure if the story just got better with every page or was it really the writing style thing the case (probably both), but I noticed that closer I was to the end, the faster I was reading.
Sam Holloway was really an unique book character. I couldn’t help, I liked him so much. If he was a real person, he would probably be that kind of guy that gets under everyone’s skin once they get to know him, despite his awkwardness.
From what you read in this review so far, you probably got a feeling this is a happy story with sunshine and rainbow, but that isn’t in case.
Sam Holloway also has a tragic past he lives with all his life, so happiness and tragic intertwine trough the whole story.
This book also represents mental illness.
I think Rhys Thomas did a great job when it comes to plotting and storytelling. In one novel, he managed to show heart wrenching moments and funny situations without much oscillations and still kept one atmosphere through the whole story, and that takes talent.
The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway is a book I would recommend to everyone who likes to read/watch superhero stories. Entertainment is guaranteed.
Find this and more reviews on my blog: https://bookdustmagic.wordpress.com
May 31, 2018
This story will stay with me for a long time. It’s full of pathos and humanity, brought to vivid life by the cast of unique and memorable characters.
My favourite chapters were the Phantasm scenes, which were so genuinely funny and perfectly executed. But I think what will stick in my memory the most is Sam’s story, which I felt deeply along with him.
Brilliantly drawn and has that wonderful cosy British quality that can easily be overdone and kitschy but here feels real, affectionate and modern.
I have read all of Rhys’s novels and though they are all different stories they have in common these very real characters who, though conflicted, strive to be kind and brave in the worst of circumstances. If you liked The Suicide Club, you’ll love this one.
My favourite chapters were the Phantasm scenes, which were so genuinely funny and perfectly executed. But I think what will stick in my memory the most is Sam’s story, which I felt deeply along with him.
Brilliantly drawn and has that wonderful cosy British quality that can easily be overdone and kitschy but here feels real, affectionate and modern.
I have read all of Rhys’s novels and though they are all different stories they have in common these very real characters who, though conflicted, strive to be kind and brave in the worst of circumstances. If you liked The Suicide Club, you’ll love this one.
July 16, 2018
A 'hero' you won't forget.
This is the kind of story you begin and soon snuggle into, wrapping yourself up in a sympathetic character, trusting the author to guide your emotions and take you to a satisfying conclusion.
At times though it feels too sad. We meet a real-life superhero, a young man who dresses as a comic-style champion. Sam assumes this alter-ego several times a week, looking for wrong-doers and those in need. The rest of the time he lives by strict routine, works in a mundane job, unwillingly meets some old schoolfriends for social occasions.
He's an enigma... a dull-seeming everyman, but also a masked protector. You can't help but be intrigued at the incongruity, especially when the two sides clash:
"(Superhero belt) has seven pouches for, as the product description said: pistol, double pistol, magazine clips, baton and handcuffs. Instead Sam had: length of twine: smoke bombs, compass, notepad and pen, hand warmer, tape measure, laser pointer, £100 cash, cat treats, torch, asthma pump, rape alarm."
Love it. We also get small hints at a troubled past:
"By keeping things regimented and ordered Sam was able to create a stable state for his soul."
We eventually learn, bit by bit, what has happened in Sam's past to spilt his life and it's heart-wrenching. Both the descriptions of Sam's life 'pre' his terrible ordeal and grief afterwards feel terribly realistic.
Sam of course is given a life-changing encounter by the author, forced to re-assess his life and priorities, face his demons and past. It's painful but also warming to watch as he works through his issues - the awful events referred to throughout happening at a very awkward time in a person's life, as he hovered between adolescence and independent adulthood, 'betwixt and between'.
The psychology of Sam is a character in itself, though Thomas also creates some decent minor characters too - his friends, a potential love interest, an enigmatical boss.
I enjoyed the subplot of Sam's workplace as well, it weaves in and out of Sam's personal crises and fitted in nicely with the plot.
You may ache a little with sadness, but Sam's story is also stirring and has its own quiet humour. An easy enough summer read with depth and affability.
With thanks to Netgalley for the sample reading copy.
This is the kind of story you begin and soon snuggle into, wrapping yourself up in a sympathetic character, trusting the author to guide your emotions and take you to a satisfying conclusion.
At times though it feels too sad. We meet a real-life superhero, a young man who dresses as a comic-style champion. Sam assumes this alter-ego several times a week, looking for wrong-doers and those in need. The rest of the time he lives by strict routine, works in a mundane job, unwillingly meets some old schoolfriends for social occasions.
He's an enigma... a dull-seeming everyman, but also a masked protector. You can't help but be intrigued at the incongruity, especially when the two sides clash:
"(Superhero belt) has seven pouches for, as the product description said: pistol, double pistol, magazine clips, baton and handcuffs. Instead Sam had: length of twine: smoke bombs, compass, notepad and pen, hand warmer, tape measure, laser pointer, £100 cash, cat treats, torch, asthma pump, rape alarm."
Love it. We also get small hints at a troubled past:
"By keeping things regimented and ordered Sam was able to create a stable state for his soul."
We eventually learn, bit by bit, what has happened in Sam's past to spilt his life and it's heart-wrenching. Both the descriptions of Sam's life 'pre' his terrible ordeal and grief afterwards feel terribly realistic.
Sam of course is given a life-changing encounter by the author, forced to re-assess his life and priorities, face his demons and past. It's painful but also warming to watch as he works through his issues - the awful events referred to throughout happening at a very awkward time in a person's life, as he hovered between adolescence and independent adulthood, 'betwixt and between'.
The psychology of Sam is a character in itself, though Thomas also creates some decent minor characters too - his friends, a potential love interest, an enigmatical boss.
I enjoyed the subplot of Sam's workplace as well, it weaves in and out of Sam's personal crises and fitted in nicely with the plot.
You may ache a little with sadness, but Sam's story is also stirring and has its own quiet humour. An easy enough summer read with depth and affability.
With thanks to Netgalley for the sample reading copy.
January 16, 2019
If you get the chance watch the Australian movie Griff the Invisible. Quite a few similarities to this book. Both heartwarming.
March 21, 2018
An easy, fun read. Not my usual choice but I couldn’t put it down. (Advanced review copy).
August 16, 2018
LOVED. LOVED. LOVED!! Do I need to say anymore?! Oh ok then, I'll add a few more thoughts! Needless to say, this book gave me all the feels and Sam Holloway is one of those characters that I immediately fell in love with! A 26 year old unlikely superhero - normal by day( well, normal-ish!), but 3 nights a week he dons a superhero costume to patrol the streets to make the world a better place. And it makes him happy! He has his routines, a simple life living alone - he's an only child of only child parents so loneliness has followed him throughout his life and he embraced it as a child and it set off his interest in comic books and the superheroes on their pages.
This book tells his story - each chapter alternates between 'normal' Sam, and 'Superhero Sam' and this way is a perfect way to explore the extremes of his life and what has led him to reach this point in his life. I've seen comparisons to Eleanor Oliphant and can totally understand why. He was teased at school and has never really fitted in, but comic books made him feel like there's more out there and is a way for him to escape certain aspects of his life.
He can also be found trawling through Facebook posts of those people he used to know, out in the world doing things he'd never dream of, and that's when the loneliness of a night strikes him. But his routines keep him safe
But his life is about to change after a random conversation in a local pub and his outlook on life begins to alter. He has never really connected with anyone but Sarah seems to get his quirkiness! She's not one to fit in either and is happy to join him and his friends when they go meteor spotting, pub quizzes - just hanging out. But with personal distractions, comes the risk of his nice, safe world crashing down around him.....
This was such a powerful story for me - it dealt with a character dealing with loneliness, grief and also the social anxieties that the world today brings with it. He is prone to over analyzing everything, and pondering the meaning of life when he sees just how low humanity has got - so relevant in the times we live in! It was humorous and heartbreaking in equal measures! An absolute delight to read so what are you waiting for.... go get your copy now!
This book tells his story - each chapter alternates between 'normal' Sam, and 'Superhero Sam' and this way is a perfect way to explore the extremes of his life and what has led him to reach this point in his life. I've seen comparisons to Eleanor Oliphant and can totally understand why. He was teased at school and has never really fitted in, but comic books made him feel like there's more out there and is a way for him to escape certain aspects of his life.
He can also be found trawling through Facebook posts of those people he used to know, out in the world doing things he'd never dream of, and that's when the loneliness of a night strikes him. But his routines keep him safe
But his life is about to change after a random conversation in a local pub and his outlook on life begins to alter. He has never really connected with anyone but Sarah seems to get his quirkiness! She's not one to fit in either and is happy to join him and his friends when they go meteor spotting, pub quizzes - just hanging out. But with personal distractions, comes the risk of his nice, safe world crashing down around him.....
This was such a powerful story for me - it dealt with a character dealing with loneliness, grief and also the social anxieties that the world today brings with it. He is prone to over analyzing everything, and pondering the meaning of life when he sees just how low humanity has got - so relevant in the times we live in! It was humorous and heartbreaking in equal measures! An absolute delight to read so what are you waiting for.... go get your copy now!
August 3, 2018
If you’re looking for something a little different, something quirky, say, or even geeky, with a superhero for our times, where there’s quiet courage and genuine pathos, a tragic backstory, the hope of a hesitant heart, romance, kindness and humour, then you need to read The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway by Rhys Thomas.
The beautiful cover should tip you off that this book is something special. Open it and you tumble headlong into the world of Sam Holloway’s alter ego. (I had way too much fun reading some of these Phantasm sections in my best film trailer voice. It is unavoidable. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.)
It’s clear from Sam’s impeccable taste in chocolate bars that he’s one of the good guys, despite life treating him cruelly. But you sense that, whether he’s in disguise, doing good deeds, or quietly living his ordered existence at home or in the office, he’s not dealing with past trauma and it’s holding him back. His friends are there for him when he wants to go to the pub or play board games but something seismic needs to happen to effect change. Enter Sarah, potential romantic interest and human catalyst.
The Unlikely Heroics runs the whole gamut of emotions. You laugh, you cry, you get mad, you get goosebumps; you wince, you sigh, you gasp with pain, you cringe with embarrassment; you feel like hugging or punching someone, and you just plain feel for Sam. It’s this emotional range together with its humour which makes The Unlikely Heroics work so well and has you rooting for Sam to open up, hopefully find happiness, and enjoy closure. Especially when this requires the book’s dark horse to step in and help.
The Unlikely Heroics is an engaging and affecting novel, showing the power of the imagination to shield us, the bravery there is in opening your heart and letting someone else in. Grab yourself some cherry Coke and a Toffee Crisp, suit up and geek out with The Unlikely Heroics. Because this superhero needs YOU.
The beautiful cover should tip you off that this book is something special. Open it and you tumble headlong into the world of Sam Holloway’s alter ego. (I had way too much fun reading some of these Phantasm sections in my best film trailer voice. It is unavoidable. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.)
It’s clear from Sam’s impeccable taste in chocolate bars that he’s one of the good guys, despite life treating him cruelly. But you sense that, whether he’s in disguise, doing good deeds, or quietly living his ordered existence at home or in the office, he’s not dealing with past trauma and it’s holding him back. His friends are there for him when he wants to go to the pub or play board games but something seismic needs to happen to effect change. Enter Sarah, potential romantic interest and human catalyst.
The Unlikely Heroics runs the whole gamut of emotions. You laugh, you cry, you get mad, you get goosebumps; you wince, you sigh, you gasp with pain, you cringe with embarrassment; you feel like hugging or punching someone, and you just plain feel for Sam. It’s this emotional range together with its humour which makes The Unlikely Heroics work so well and has you rooting for Sam to open up, hopefully find happiness, and enjoy closure. Especially when this requires the book’s dark horse to step in and help.
The Unlikely Heroics is an engaging and affecting novel, showing the power of the imagination to shield us, the bravery there is in opening your heart and letting someone else in. Grab yourself some cherry Coke and a Toffee Crisp, suit up and geek out with The Unlikely Heroics. Because this superhero needs YOU.
September 11, 2022
Na audioknihu jsem narazila jen díky slevě. Podle obálky, a vlastně i anotace, jsem nabyla dojmu, že půjde o lehké humorné dílko k oddechovému poslechu. Nemohla jsem se víc mýlit.
Příběh mě dost zasáhnul. Byl mnohem hlubší, než jsem čekala a mnohem víc k zamyšlení.
Sáhla jsem po této četbě proto, abych zahnala chmury po předčasném úmrtí jednoho z nejsrdečnějších lidí z mého okolí. Tak to moc neklaplo. Ale s určitým smířením mi kniha přesto pomohla.
Místy jsem se pousmála, místy si i pobrečela.
Za tu naději, kterou ve mně kniha zažehla, nestrhnu ani hvězdičku za nadužívání product placementu (Spar, Tesco, Marks&Spencer...)
Mohu jedině doporučit, třeba zrovna jako audioknihu.
Příběh mě dost zasáhnul. Byl mnohem hlubší, než jsem čekala a mnohem víc k zamyšlení.
Sáhla jsem po této četbě proto, abych zahnala chmury po předčasném úmrtí jednoho z nejsrdečnějších lidí z mého okolí. Tak to moc neklaplo. Ale s určitým smířením mi kniha přesto pomohla.
Místy jsem se pousmála, místy si i pobrečela.
Za tu naději, kterou ve mně kniha zažehla, nestrhnu ani hvězdičku za nadužívání product placementu (Spar, Tesco, Marks&Spencer...)
Mohu jedině doporučit, třeba zrovna jako audioknihu.
May 11, 2018
This is such a well told story. The author didn't just create a character with an alter ego, a secret and a love interest; He gave Sam a history and a reason for why he does what he does. I showed us just how Sam's trauma has shaped him as a person and how it continues to impact his life. I didn't expect this story to focus so much on Sam overcoming his challenges but he does in a completely believable way.
Highly recommend. I found it emotional and inspirational with a dash of action and romance.
Highly recommend. I found it emotional and inspirational with a dash of action and romance.
August 13, 2018
An absolutely wonderful book. Couldn't put it down. Made me smile, made me cry. Read it.
October 1, 2018
**The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
4 "I need to tell you something." Stars
I adored this book. The story doesn't fit into my typical reading preferences and I'm all the more grateful to have read it because of that fact. When I say not my typical I mean that in the best way regarding the romance. As a contemporary fiction work it's a softer shade of romance that ultimately shows the healing power of love and kindness and decency. I wouldn't classify this book as a romance as much as adult fiction.
This is a thoughtfully written novel about man emotionally locked away from the world when it comes to himself but effortlessly passionate about the lives around him. The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway bases itself on the human condition of wanting to be loved and giving that love back, not only for yourself but furthering that complex emotion to an innate awareness of the humanity, or lack thereof, that goes on around you.
Sam Holloway is a selfless man and character who's been handed a lot of life to deal with. His outward courage doesn't correlate to bravery for himself so the story takes root there. The concept was brilliant to me, especially today. He's careful to the point of madness when the meticulousness of life is threatened. He's hardened and open at the same time. Scared yet brave. Sam Holloway consistently shines even through his own shadows. The book took several chapters for me to become fully invested but I felt a kinship to the characters and to both the painful and extremely heartfelt emotions Rhys Thomas was able to evoke. Definitely worth the read.
4 "I need to tell you something." Stars
I adored this book. The story doesn't fit into my typical reading preferences and I'm all the more grateful to have read it because of that fact. When I say not my typical I mean that in the best way regarding the romance. As a contemporary fiction work it's a softer shade of romance that ultimately shows the healing power of love and kindness and decency. I wouldn't classify this book as a romance as much as adult fiction.
This is a thoughtfully written novel about man emotionally locked away from the world when it comes to himself but effortlessly passionate about the lives around him. The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway bases itself on the human condition of wanting to be loved and giving that love back, not only for yourself but furthering that complex emotion to an innate awareness of the humanity, or lack thereof, that goes on around you.
Sam Holloway is a selfless man and character who's been handed a lot of life to deal with. His outward courage doesn't correlate to bravery for himself so the story takes root there. The concept was brilliant to me, especially today. He's careful to the point of madness when the meticulousness of life is threatened. He's hardened and open at the same time. Scared yet brave. Sam Holloway consistently shines even through his own shadows. The book took several chapters for me to become fully invested but I felt a kinship to the characters and to both the painful and extremely heartfelt emotions Rhys Thomas was able to evoke. Definitely worth the read.
August 15, 2018
Sam Holloway is a quiet some would say introverted man of twenty six. He lives in an immaculately kept huse. He is a model employee of a Japanese parts firm. He spends some of his time with two equally average young men. He doesn't like to draw attention to himself.
But Sam has a secret. At night he is The Phantasm- a Superhero- who goes about looking for ways to do good. These acts are of the simpler kind, like carrying old ladies shopping or rescuing lost dogs, but one day he ,ay do something earth shattering!
When Sam meets a girl he struggles to find the courage to show who he really is. Can he really fight is way out of his lonely existence and form a real bond with someone- someone who will care for him because of his quirks and not in spite of them.
I really felt for poor Sam, he was such a lonely man and it makes you wonder how many people out there are like him. I was really hoping for a happy ending for him.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me meet & fall little in love with Sam Holloway.
But Sam has a secret. At night he is The Phantasm- a Superhero- who goes about looking for ways to do good. These acts are of the simpler kind, like carrying old ladies shopping or rescuing lost dogs, but one day he ,ay do something earth shattering!
When Sam meets a girl he struggles to find the courage to show who he really is. Can he really fight is way out of his lonely existence and form a real bond with someone- someone who will care for him because of his quirks and not in spite of them.
I really felt for poor Sam, he was such a lonely man and it makes you wonder how many people out there are like him. I was really hoping for a happy ending for him.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me meet & fall little in love with Sam Holloway.
August 12, 2018
Sam Holloway is an ordinary guy. He works hard, spends time with his friends, enjoys holidays in the country. But there is something that makes him stand out from the crowd. Three nights a week he dons a mask and goes out on the street to fight crime. 'The Phantasm' is bravery personified. He is all Sam's favourite superheroes in one. Armed with determination, courage and kindness, Sam patrols the streets, keeping the innocent safe and out of harm's way. When Sam meets Sarah, a sweet, fiery-haired librarian he is instantly smitten. And she with him. But in order to have a relationship, he will have to open up about his life, about The Phantasm and what happened to him in the past.
It took me a while to get used to the chapters titled 'The Phantasm' dotted through the book in which Sam takes to the streets as a superhero but towards the middle, I began to see why he feels the need to do this. Years ago something terrible happened to him, something that cut his life into two and has made every day since a constant struggle to bear the weight. 'The Phantasm' is his way of coping, of navigating the trenches of his grief and living something resembling a life. It broke my heart reading about Sam's past. When Sarah comes into his life, I found myself urging them to be together. They could make each other happy and help mend each other's broken hearts.
For me, the courage, bravery and kindness shown in this book isn't so much whilst Sam is wearing his superhero outfit and being The Phantasm but whilst he is just being himself. I adored Sam. He's a character you instantly sympathise with and can't help but cheer on. The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway is a warm, witty, beautiful book about love, loneliness, grief and finding a new way in life.
Warm. Witty. Beautiful.
It took me a while to get used to the chapters titled 'The Phantasm' dotted through the book in which Sam takes to the streets as a superhero but towards the middle, I began to see why he feels the need to do this. Years ago something terrible happened to him, something that cut his life into two and has made every day since a constant struggle to bear the weight. 'The Phantasm' is his way of coping, of navigating the trenches of his grief and living something resembling a life. It broke my heart reading about Sam's past. When Sarah comes into his life, I found myself urging them to be together. They could make each other happy and help mend each other's broken hearts.
For me, the courage, bravery and kindness shown in this book isn't so much whilst Sam is wearing his superhero outfit and being The Phantasm but whilst he is just being himself. I adored Sam. He's a character you instantly sympathise with and can't help but cheer on. The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway is a warm, witty, beautiful book about love, loneliness, grief and finding a new way in life.
Warm. Witty. Beautiful.
October 7, 2018
Amazing.
Absolutely amazing.
I believe I will be thinking of this book for a long time.
Absolutely amazing.
I believe I will be thinking of this book for a long time.
March 27, 2019
Was für ein wunderschönes Buch
June 18, 2018
The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway is a fantastically original and beautifully crafted novel from Rhys Thomas.
TUHOSH is full of moments of great humour and profound sadness that will appeal to all kinds of readers.
The action sequences in TUHOSH are exhilarating yet retain the sense of humour that runs throughout the novel - they are grounded in realism, laugh out loud funny, and as we draw to the book's climax, gripping and intense.
I found the central relationship between Sam and Sarah to be beautifully realised over the course of the novel with great dialogue and moments of brilliant nuance. Their journey together was a highlight of the novel for me.
The ending perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the novel, an original and moving piece of fiction that deserves to reach the largest possible audience.
TUHOSH is full of moments of great humour and profound sadness that will appeal to all kinds of readers.
The action sequences in TUHOSH are exhilarating yet retain the sense of humour that runs throughout the novel - they are grounded in realism, laugh out loud funny, and as we draw to the book's climax, gripping and intense.
I found the central relationship between Sam and Sarah to be beautifully realised over the course of the novel with great dialogue and moments of brilliant nuance. Their journey together was a highlight of the novel for me.
The ending perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the novel, an original and moving piece of fiction that deserves to reach the largest possible audience.
August 12, 2018
The first chapter of The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway immediately endeared me to the titular character and yet it doesn't appear to reveal much about this kind, heroic and desperately lonely man at all. Instead it focuses on his alter ego, 'the Phantasm', a new type of superhero who keeps Cherry Coke and a chocolate bar in his utility belt (a Toffee Crisp, but he would quite rightly have preferred a Spira) and who exacerbates his asthma by throwing a smoke bomb in the direction of louts who are lobbing rocks at trains. As the book progresses there are chapters dotted throughout the book that detail the Phantasm's latest exploits which become more haphazard and dangerous as his life veers out of the tight control he has maintained for years.
It becomes apparent very quickly that Sam's ordered life hides a deep sadness and he needs his nights as the Phantasm as an outlet for the emotions he has suppressed for years. Though his feats may be daring, they frequently fail, sometimes with hilarious results, at other times the consequences are more painful or poignant. By day though he works in a Japanese electrical components wholesaler where he has a moderately responsible position. He goes to the pub with his friends, takes a week off work every twelve weeks when he follows the same holiday routine every time, and keeps things stable to protect his fragile soul. However, when he meets Sarah the wall he has built around himself begins to crumble. He eventually opens up to her and reveals the terrible tragedy which changed his life so abruptly and in doing so begins to think he may be able to finally start living again.
It's not an easy process though, Sam has spent so many years carefully concocting a shell to protect him from having to face the terrible truth about what happened that even just allowing it to crack a little exposes scars that are still painfully raw. He is torn between the solace he finds donning his carefully concocted costume and his growing love for Sarah. Sam and Sarah clearly need one another; both have been broken by events in the past and struggle with the secrets they have guarded for so long. Sam's anxiety is crippling and for a time it seems as if he will retreat back into his measured yet meaningless existence but events transpire against him and he eventually realises that for the sake of the future, he must acknowledge the pain of his past.
There are some scenes in The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway that are brilliantly funny; yet even at his most inept or unfortunate, his innate goodness stands out. Sam has been existing, rather than truly living for years, the beloved comic books which sustained him during his formative years became balm which soothed him but he is a man in turmoil and his anguish is frequently heartbreaking. As I said at the start of the review, I fell in love with Sam in the first chapter and it meant that I felt his every emotion keenly, whether it was sharing his tentative happiness when he is with Sarah, his fear when it looks like he may lose everything or his overwhelming sense of loss and loneliness when it seems that he will finally be overwhelmed by depression.
Though Sam's story is one that has been shaped by the awful event in his past, The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway shines with life-affirming hope. The moments where he is most tormented are hard to read but it is the gentle humanity portrayed here - not just from Sam but from those whose lives this unassuming man has touched - which give the book its heart. There's a scene in the novel where Sam is arguably at his lowest and it is here that he is shown a simple act of compassion which moved me to tears. He hears some wise advice, 'to look closely at people to see the magic' and this is really what The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway is about. It allows us to look closely at people to see the magic of kindness, hope and love. I loved every wonderful word of this funny, moving and wise book - Sam Holloway may not be a superhero in the traditional sense but in these cynical times, he's the superhero we all need.
It becomes apparent very quickly that Sam's ordered life hides a deep sadness and he needs his nights as the Phantasm as an outlet for the emotions he has suppressed for years. Though his feats may be daring, they frequently fail, sometimes with hilarious results, at other times the consequences are more painful or poignant. By day though he works in a Japanese electrical components wholesaler where he has a moderately responsible position. He goes to the pub with his friends, takes a week off work every twelve weeks when he follows the same holiday routine every time, and keeps things stable to protect his fragile soul. However, when he meets Sarah the wall he has built around himself begins to crumble. He eventually opens up to her and reveals the terrible tragedy which changed his life so abruptly and in doing so begins to think he may be able to finally start living again.
It's not an easy process though, Sam has spent so many years carefully concocting a shell to protect him from having to face the terrible truth about what happened that even just allowing it to crack a little exposes scars that are still painfully raw. He is torn between the solace he finds donning his carefully concocted costume and his growing love for Sarah. Sam and Sarah clearly need one another; both have been broken by events in the past and struggle with the secrets they have guarded for so long. Sam's anxiety is crippling and for a time it seems as if he will retreat back into his measured yet meaningless existence but events transpire against him and he eventually realises that for the sake of the future, he must acknowledge the pain of his past.
There are some scenes in The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway that are brilliantly funny; yet even at his most inept or unfortunate, his innate goodness stands out. Sam has been existing, rather than truly living for years, the beloved comic books which sustained him during his formative years became balm which soothed him but he is a man in turmoil and his anguish is frequently heartbreaking. As I said at the start of the review, I fell in love with Sam in the first chapter and it meant that I felt his every emotion keenly, whether it was sharing his tentative happiness when he is with Sarah, his fear when it looks like he may lose everything or his overwhelming sense of loss and loneliness when it seems that he will finally be overwhelmed by depression.
Though Sam's story is one that has been shaped by the awful event in his past, The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway shines with life-affirming hope. The moments where he is most tormented are hard to read but it is the gentle humanity portrayed here - not just from Sam but from those whose lives this unassuming man has touched - which give the book its heart. There's a scene in the novel where Sam is arguably at his lowest and it is here that he is shown a simple act of compassion which moved me to tears. He hears some wise advice, 'to look closely at people to see the magic' and this is really what The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway is about. It allows us to look closely at people to see the magic of kindness, hope and love. I loved every wonderful word of this funny, moving and wise book - Sam Holloway may not be a superhero in the traditional sense but in these cynical times, he's the superhero we all need.
October 15, 2018
This was a book I saw many tweets about and was intrigued by the cover description – “This is no ordinary love story and Sam is no typical hero”.
Well, I have to say, as soon as Sam is introduced at the start of this book, I loved him. I’m sure most of us are familiar now with characters like Elinor Oliphant who have bulit carefully constructed worlds around themselves – everything in its place so that nothing can get out of their control. This is Sam.
He uses this sense of control to block out a painful past. Something that continually haunts him. However, the very start of the book brings in a new dimension. Sam is also a superhero, patrolling the streets at night, bringing his own brand of justice to those who cause harm.
The descriptions of Sam and his activities are really endearing. He has maybe let himself get too carried away to the point where he pushes himself a bit too far, believing he is invincible. He gets himself into some scrapes that are quite comical and made me laugh out loud. The scene with the Polish lorry driver seriously cracked me up! 😁
Others characters we are then introduced to, are his two friends who are quite geeky and encourage him to be out a bit more (trips to the pub and laser quest for example). This is how, after an initial encounter, he gets to know Sarah.
I found the initial stages of their friendship so heart-warming and very cute. I loved his thoughts about how beautiful she is, coupled with his surprise at her actually wanting to spend time with him and get to know him.
There is a point where we come to the Christmas season in the book which I loved. The big house they were all in, the woods surrounding it and the food. It was all so atmospheric and the tension building between Sam and Sarah was amazing.
At the start of the book I could never had imagined the direction the storyline would end up taking and that is a real gift in the author’s writing. There are plenty of twists and turns and some quite dramatic events that you wouldn’t necessarily see coming.
The love story between Sam and Sarah was beautiful, at points quite heartbreaking and really well written. He has to decide to be vulnerable with her and let her in, something he’s avoided doing for so long. The relationship is not at all plain sailing and Sarah has some past secrets of her own. The pain that came across in one particular low point in their relationship was reflected in Sam words “I love you, but I know I can be happier without you.”
Sam’s journey throughout this book is filled with drama, epiphanies, some quite weird moments (including a spontaneous trip to Japan!) but most of all love. It’s not just about romantic love. The people in his life care about him and get him through his hurt and grief. They persist, they show him how much they care and he realises that life is worth living.
This book took me by surprise. It had a wonderful and sometimes surprising storyline, a fantastic cast of characters and a very loveable hero in Sam. He has his moment of glory culminating in a heart-rending and satisfying conclusion.
I whole-heartedly recommend this book. I loved every page of it and I didn’t want it to end.
Well, I have to say, as soon as Sam is introduced at the start of this book, I loved him. I’m sure most of us are familiar now with characters like Elinor Oliphant who have bulit carefully constructed worlds around themselves – everything in its place so that nothing can get out of their control. This is Sam.
He uses this sense of control to block out a painful past. Something that continually haunts him. However, the very start of the book brings in a new dimension. Sam is also a superhero, patrolling the streets at night, bringing his own brand of justice to those who cause harm.
The descriptions of Sam and his activities are really endearing. He has maybe let himself get too carried away to the point where he pushes himself a bit too far, believing he is invincible. He gets himself into some scrapes that are quite comical and made me laugh out loud. The scene with the Polish lorry driver seriously cracked me up! 😁
Others characters we are then introduced to, are his two friends who are quite geeky and encourage him to be out a bit more (trips to the pub and laser quest for example). This is how, after an initial encounter, he gets to know Sarah.
I found the initial stages of their friendship so heart-warming and very cute. I loved his thoughts about how beautiful she is, coupled with his surprise at her actually wanting to spend time with him and get to know him.
There is a point where we come to the Christmas season in the book which I loved. The big house they were all in, the woods surrounding it and the food. It was all so atmospheric and the tension building between Sam and Sarah was amazing.
At the start of the book I could never had imagined the direction the storyline would end up taking and that is a real gift in the author’s writing. There are plenty of twists and turns and some quite dramatic events that you wouldn’t necessarily see coming.
The love story between Sam and Sarah was beautiful, at points quite heartbreaking and really well written. He has to decide to be vulnerable with her and let her in, something he’s avoided doing for so long. The relationship is not at all plain sailing and Sarah has some past secrets of her own. The pain that came across in one particular low point in their relationship was reflected in Sam words “I love you, but I know I can be happier without you.”
Sam’s journey throughout this book is filled with drama, epiphanies, some quite weird moments (including a spontaneous trip to Japan!) but most of all love. It’s not just about romantic love. The people in his life care about him and get him through his hurt and grief. They persist, they show him how much they care and he realises that life is worth living.
This book took me by surprise. It had a wonderful and sometimes surprising storyline, a fantastic cast of characters and a very loveable hero in Sam. He has his moment of glory culminating in a heart-rending and satisfying conclusion.
I whole-heartedly recommend this book. I loved every page of it and I didn’t want it to end.
August 9, 2018
When one of the lines in the book you are reading is ‘Tonight was handkerchief-ironing night.’, you know you are not reading about an ordinary man, and the titular character in The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway is very far from ordinary. Even when he was a child, Sam was not ordinary. He was one of the socially awkward, uninspiring, wallpaper kids at school – too unattractive and uncool to be popular, but not different enough to be a stand-out in that way either. He always had few friends and was lonely and the passing of years and the occurrence of The Event have only exacerbated the problem.
Sam is an incredibly lonely, lost and unhappy person and it has been a long time since I have felt so acutely the simple pain of living from day to day for any character in a novel. The author does an amazing job of painting Sam and his desperate attempts to manage his life in the face of the gaping voids in his existence in such a way that the small slights and disappointments of his every day existence slice through you in exactly the same way as they do through him. He tries so hard to be a good person in a world where nobody cares, he is so unimportant, and it is excruciating to read.
Sam has managed to find a way to get through every day by way of an extremely ordered and routine life and he is unprepared for anything the upsets this routine. He mostly hides away in his house with his comics and movies, only venturing out occasionally with his very few friends who are as much misfits as he is, the only reason he believes they became friends. And on three nights a week, Sam dons a costume and mask and goes out onto the dark streets of his home town to fight crimes as The Phantasm. Then a girl comes into his life and threatens to turn everything upside down.
The plot sounds outlandish but the book is written in such a way that it is completely understandable as to why Sam is doing what he does and my heart broke for him all the way through because his pain and loneliness and feelings of impotence leapt off the page and made me totally sympathise with his actions. Any one who has ever struggled with any kind of anxiety or depression will recognise the need to try and impose some kind of control over their world, and also find means of escape. This passage particularly resonated with me – “He’d never read them all, but it didn’t matter. Just the sheer volume of stories made him feel safe.” He is talking about his collection of comic books but I feel exactly the same way about my huge library and my compulsive book buying. A lot of people will recognise elements of themselves in Sam if they really think about it.
All the way through the book I was willing things to work out for Sam but truly feeling that they wouldn’t, mostly because he isn’t even sure he wants them to, he is so afraid of stepping out of the comfortable cocoon he has hid himself in and he has a huge capacity for self-sabotage. There are even times where I disliked him slightly, because he acts in a way that is cruel, but it is all done through self-protection and fear. He is a really complex character and I was totally invested in the story from beginning to end, despite how uncomfortable I found parts of it to read.
I really enjoyed the chapters which were written as The Phantasm and the author does it very cleverly in a comic book style, it was easy to follow when he was in character and when he wasn’t.
This book is entertaining, heart-breakingly sad but ultimately uplifting and is one of then most worthwhile books I have read this year. They have described it as hilarious, I didn’t find it so, although it was amusing in places, but what it I did find it to be was a beautiful, moving and very truthful portrayal of loss, loneliness, awkwardness, second chances and the redeeming power of love, friendship and the kindness of people who refuse to give up on you, no matter what. It will stay with me for a long while.
Sam is an incredibly lonely, lost and unhappy person and it has been a long time since I have felt so acutely the simple pain of living from day to day for any character in a novel. The author does an amazing job of painting Sam and his desperate attempts to manage his life in the face of the gaping voids in his existence in such a way that the small slights and disappointments of his every day existence slice through you in exactly the same way as they do through him. He tries so hard to be a good person in a world where nobody cares, he is so unimportant, and it is excruciating to read.
Sam has managed to find a way to get through every day by way of an extremely ordered and routine life and he is unprepared for anything the upsets this routine. He mostly hides away in his house with his comics and movies, only venturing out occasionally with his very few friends who are as much misfits as he is, the only reason he believes they became friends. And on three nights a week, Sam dons a costume and mask and goes out onto the dark streets of his home town to fight crimes as The Phantasm. Then a girl comes into his life and threatens to turn everything upside down.
The plot sounds outlandish but the book is written in such a way that it is completely understandable as to why Sam is doing what he does and my heart broke for him all the way through because his pain and loneliness and feelings of impotence leapt off the page and made me totally sympathise with his actions. Any one who has ever struggled with any kind of anxiety or depression will recognise the need to try and impose some kind of control over their world, and also find means of escape. This passage particularly resonated with me – “He’d never read them all, but it didn’t matter. Just the sheer volume of stories made him feel safe.” He is talking about his collection of comic books but I feel exactly the same way about my huge library and my compulsive book buying. A lot of people will recognise elements of themselves in Sam if they really think about it.
All the way through the book I was willing things to work out for Sam but truly feeling that they wouldn’t, mostly because he isn’t even sure he wants them to, he is so afraid of stepping out of the comfortable cocoon he has hid himself in and he has a huge capacity for self-sabotage. There are even times where I disliked him slightly, because he acts in a way that is cruel, but it is all done through self-protection and fear. He is a really complex character and I was totally invested in the story from beginning to end, despite how uncomfortable I found parts of it to read.
I really enjoyed the chapters which were written as The Phantasm and the author does it very cleverly in a comic book style, it was easy to follow when he was in character and when he wasn’t.
This book is entertaining, heart-breakingly sad but ultimately uplifting and is one of then most worthwhile books I have read this year. They have described it as hilarious, I didn’t find it so, although it was amusing in places, but what it I did find it to be was a beautiful, moving and very truthful portrayal of loss, loneliness, awkwardness, second chances and the redeeming power of love, friendship and the kindness of people who refuse to give up on you, no matter what. It will stay with me for a long while.
August 14, 2018
*I received a free ARC of this book with thanks to Headline Publishing and Anne Cater of Random Things Blog Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
This book broke me.
For approximately the last third (and for about ten further minutes after putting it down) I sat gripping it tightly with tears streaming down my face. I’m still suffering from the emotional hangover hours later!
Truly The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway is a brilliantly crafted and terribly raw story; perfectly capturing the awkward clumsiness of real life in comparison to the heroic narratives we devour and imagine ourselves part of.
We read comics and picture Batman (or your hero of choice) slipping silently through the shadows then BAM POW taking out the bad guys with expert precision. Sam’s Phantasm brings that to painful, funny-but-achingly-sad life with his utility belt full of smoke bombs and Cherry Coke, rape alarm and chocolate bars.
I can see why this book has been compared to Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. There are definite similarities in both plotline and characterisation, as both novels feature a protagonist who has dealt with great personal tragedy by withdrawing from the outside world into a tightly-controlled isolation of routine and comfort. It is also human contact, via friendship and/or romance, that sparks the fuse that begins both Sam and Eleanor’s journeys towards a happier life.
Still, I was more concerned for Sam. The most concerned for him that I think I have ever been whilst reading, and I am a Robin Hobb fan! The whole experience of watching his carefully-constructed life detonate in slow motion is heartbreakingly tense, especially as the reader sees each brick fall long before Sam ‘Denial’ Holloway acknowledges the impact!
I can’t recommend this book enough. Book groups, fans of superhero narratives, those who like humour and/or pathos, romance, action, emotion. Buy it, read it and come talk to me about it!
For Sam the magic of stories went far deeper than mere entertainment – they wove an alternate reality in which he could feel less alone. When Harry and his friends went to Diagon Alley for sweets or wands or broomsticks, he was right there with them. He loved the world the author built, felt himself sliding off his bed and into the pages of the book, into another universe. This transporting experience, where he could be with other people, was immensely powerful, and it was in books he found his first real friends.
– Rhys Thomas, The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
This book broke me.
For approximately the last third (and for about ten further minutes after putting it down) I sat gripping it tightly with tears streaming down my face. I’m still suffering from the emotional hangover hours later!
Truly The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway is a brilliantly crafted and terribly raw story; perfectly capturing the awkward clumsiness of real life in comparison to the heroic narratives we devour and imagine ourselves part of.
We read comics and picture Batman (or your hero of choice) slipping silently through the shadows then BAM POW taking out the bad guys with expert precision. Sam’s Phantasm brings that to painful, funny-but-achingly-sad life with his utility belt full of smoke bombs and Cherry Coke, rape alarm and chocolate bars.
I can see why this book has been compared to Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. There are definite similarities in both plotline and characterisation, as both novels feature a protagonist who has dealt with great personal tragedy by withdrawing from the outside world into a tightly-controlled isolation of routine and comfort. It is also human contact, via friendship and/or romance, that sparks the fuse that begins both Sam and Eleanor’s journeys towards a happier life.
Still, I was more concerned for Sam. The most concerned for him that I think I have ever been whilst reading, and I am a Robin Hobb fan! The whole experience of watching his carefully-constructed life detonate in slow motion is heartbreakingly tense, especially as the reader sees each brick fall long before Sam ‘Denial’ Holloway acknowledges the impact!
I can’t recommend this book enough. Book groups, fans of superhero narratives, those who like humour and/or pathos, romance, action, emotion. Buy it, read it and come talk to me about it!
For Sam the magic of stories went far deeper than mere entertainment – they wove an alternate reality in which he could feel less alone. When Harry and his friends went to Diagon Alley for sweets or wands or broomsticks, he was right there with them. He loved the world the author built, felt himself sliding off his bed and into the pages of the book, into another universe. This transporting experience, where he could be with other people, was immensely powerful, and it was in books he found his first real friends.
– Rhys Thomas, The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
August 8, 2018
This is my first introduction to the work of Rhys Thomas and I was totally entranced by this story and I think The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway may be going on my top reads for 2018 list. I fell in love with Sam's story; I wept for him, I consoled him, I championed him, I cheered for him, I adored him.
Sam Holloway is a young man that has suffered greatly in his life. As a child he was shy, quiet, studious and didn't fit in with the 'in crowd' but he kept true to his personality and didn't change himself just to fit in. Sam found his own place of solitude and happiness and all was well with his life till a very traumatic event, an event that would change his perspective in life, an event that would put obstacles in his mind for his future plan. When I read about this traumatic, life-changing event it totally moved me emotionally and I felt like my own heart had been split in two.
Sam was to deal with the repercussions from this event in his own unique way that involved a fairly strict routine. Another way of dealing with his loneliness and emotions was to change into a different persona; Sam had become a modern day superhero/vigilante and would don a costume and patrol the dark streets at night helping those in need and watching out for citizens breaking the law. However, one day he meets a girl that has her own quirks just like Sam and he can't get Sarah out of his mind. But how would a shy, quiet young man like Sam who coped with daily life with it's routines be able to approach and talk to Sarah? This was bringing all types of confused emotions to Sam.
Sarah had just recently moved to the area, escaping her own demons from her past. What she sees in Sam is a sort of kindred spirit and she is charmed by his shyness and his quirky ways. She finds a strength in Sam that is helping her to move on but due to Sam's shyness he doesn't realise how much he is helping Sarah with her own past.
When the past catches up with Sarah, Sam and his alter ego take matters in their own hands bringing with it a danger that Sam hasn't faced before.
As Sam's personal life is in turmoil it starts tumbling into his professional life and Sam's usual calmness in the office soon turns to disarray.
The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway was such a charming, quirky, poignant but ultimately happy story. I loved the character Sam, there are so many people in the world that are happy within themselves and he didn't need the 'popular cliques' to keep him happy. I also enjoyed the sub-characters in this story especially Sam's best friends Blotchy and Tango; another two quirky, geeky young men that struggled with their emotions but when a friend is in trouble they became like their own stronger version of themselves. Sam's boss, Mr Okamatsu, was another brilliant sub-character and I appreciated his wise words.
A story that will make you smile amongst the tears and will leave you with a sense of hope and belief.
Sam Holloway is a young man that has suffered greatly in his life. As a child he was shy, quiet, studious and didn't fit in with the 'in crowd' but he kept true to his personality and didn't change himself just to fit in. Sam found his own place of solitude and happiness and all was well with his life till a very traumatic event, an event that would change his perspective in life, an event that would put obstacles in his mind for his future plan. When I read about this traumatic, life-changing event it totally moved me emotionally and I felt like my own heart had been split in two.
Sam was to deal with the repercussions from this event in his own unique way that involved a fairly strict routine. Another way of dealing with his loneliness and emotions was to change into a different persona; Sam had become a modern day superhero/vigilante and would don a costume and patrol the dark streets at night helping those in need and watching out for citizens breaking the law. However, one day he meets a girl that has her own quirks just like Sam and he can't get Sarah out of his mind. But how would a shy, quiet young man like Sam who coped with daily life with it's routines be able to approach and talk to Sarah? This was bringing all types of confused emotions to Sam.
Sarah had just recently moved to the area, escaping her own demons from her past. What she sees in Sam is a sort of kindred spirit and she is charmed by his shyness and his quirky ways. She finds a strength in Sam that is helping her to move on but due to Sam's shyness he doesn't realise how much he is helping Sarah with her own past.
When the past catches up with Sarah, Sam and his alter ego take matters in their own hands bringing with it a danger that Sam hasn't faced before.
As Sam's personal life is in turmoil it starts tumbling into his professional life and Sam's usual calmness in the office soon turns to disarray.
The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway was such a charming, quirky, poignant but ultimately happy story. I loved the character Sam, there are so many people in the world that are happy within themselves and he didn't need the 'popular cliques' to keep him happy. I also enjoyed the sub-characters in this story especially Sam's best friends Blotchy and Tango; another two quirky, geeky young men that struggled with their emotions but when a friend is in trouble they became like their own stronger version of themselves. Sam's boss, Mr Okamatsu, was another brilliant sub-character and I appreciated his wise words.
A story that will make you smile amongst the tears and will leave you with a sense of hope and belief.
April 27, 2018
Sam Holloway is an extraordinary young man, marked by a horrible tragedy, his favorite means of coping is inspired by the comic books he loved as a child, and still does as a man, Donning a home made suit of protective gear and a mask, he protects the people of his town, though he leaves the cape at home as it's a health and safety hazard. Sam's vigilante antics usually involve nothing more sinister than a food fight with a teen, or a bike chase to get back a stolen laptop, but they make him feel better. Sam is pretty set in his routine, he has his work, his mates and his superhero patrols, but when he falls for a girl, everything seems to start to fall apart. Can letting her in break down the walls he has built around himself in his grief, or will she bring every one of his safety nets down ?
Sweet, funny, sad and ultimately uplifting, this is a really charming and enjoyable read, with a great character in Sam. It's impossible not to keep rooting for him, even as you groan as he does something you know will end in disaster. His activities as the Phantasm, often had me in stitches, reminiscent of old school superhero stories, if the hero happened to be slightly inept., but there was at least one example where they also choked me up a little. As for Sam's own story, it is so well told, and beautifully written , and is the true heart of the book.
An extremely enjoyable, charming and heartwarming read.
I read an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
Sweet, funny, sad and ultimately uplifting, this is a really charming and enjoyable read, with a great character in Sam. It's impossible not to keep rooting for him, even as you groan as he does something you know will end in disaster. His activities as the Phantasm, often had me in stitches, reminiscent of old school superhero stories, if the hero happened to be slightly inept., but there was at least one example where they also choked me up a little. As for Sam's own story, it is so well told, and beautifully written , and is the true heart of the book.
An extremely enjoyable, charming and heartwarming read.
I read an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
August 15, 2018
I'm sure that, if we look deep enough, there's a little bit of the super hero in all of us and as Sam Holloway proves sometimes you just have to get out there and defend those who can't always defend themselves. Sam's unlikely heroics are the stuff of dreams and as each of his Phantasm adventures gets underway I found that I was smiling, not just because he arms himself with a restorative cherry coke and a toffee crisp, incidentally, in my opinion, one of the best ever chocolate bars to be invented, but that he also succeeds against all odds. That his personal life is rather quiet and mundane only adds to his considerable charm and so when he meets the girl with red hair, you just hope that his life takes an altogether different turn.
I loved this book from start to finish. It's warm, it's witty and it's wise beyond measure but more importantly, it made me remember just how good a feel-good story can make you feel. However, don't be fooled into thinking that this is a quiet little story, it's not, as life has not always been plain sailing for Sam, he's had his share of bumps and knocks and yet, he keeps going, keeps on doing his best, showing a little kindness and standing up for those who can't stand up for themselves, and in the end that's what we should all be doing.
The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway is suffused with gentle humour, it will make you smile, laugh out loud and even shed a little tear now and again, but throughout it all Sam's inherent goodness shines through like a beacon of hope.
I knew I was going to love Sam from page 5 when I read that he was a great believer in not rushing beans and observes that there is an art to everything in life, even beans. How true
I loved this book from start to finish. It's warm, it's witty and it's wise beyond measure but more importantly, it made me remember just how good a feel-good story can make you feel. However, don't be fooled into thinking that this is a quiet little story, it's not, as life has not always been plain sailing for Sam, he's had his share of bumps and knocks and yet, he keeps going, keeps on doing his best, showing a little kindness and standing up for those who can't stand up for themselves, and in the end that's what we should all be doing.
The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway is suffused with gentle humour, it will make you smile, laugh out loud and even shed a little tear now and again, but throughout it all Sam's inherent goodness shines through like a beacon of hope.
I knew I was going to love Sam from page 5 when I read that he was a great believer in not rushing beans and observes that there is an art to everything in life, even beans. How true
August 6, 2018
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
I totally didn't choose this book to read because of the surname namesake....
Okay, I did, and because the cover is rather intriguing.
Oh, and I do like a good superhero....obviously.
Whilst Sam Holloway may not be a typical Iron Man or Thor, he isn't afraid to become a superhero in his own right. I mean, everyone would love their shopping being carried home, right? Due to Sam's past, the wall he has built is taller than the beanstalk from 'Jack and the Beanstalk', with his confidence and self-assurance lower than lower. So, to help himself, he helps other people. Makes sense, right? Actually, yes. Yes it does. Sometimes trying to help ourselves is an incredibly difficult task to complete, yet if we were to help another person out with something minor or even similar to something we need help with ourselves, our subconscious deliver because we aren't afraid to help others. We are afraid to help ourselves. Just like Sam.
This book is such a thought-provoking and poignant read, with so many messages incorporated into the story which readers will be able to take away with them without even realising they're doing it. I thought the overall premise of the story was very cleverly crafted and written from the heart. I also thought that the authors take on the subject matter, including the path he put his main character on, incredibly unique and one of a kind.
I really did enjoy how different the story was, and I thought the way that Sam Holloway was portrayed, was very heartfelt. There were times where I just wanted to give him a hug, don my Catwoman costume, and help him just like he had been helping others.
'The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway' just goes to show that kindness should never, ever be underestimated, and it doesn't matter whether you choose to dress up as a superhero, dress up as yourself, or even be anonymous, to embark on being kind. You just need to do it.
A warm-hearted, spirited read which made me think, as well as melt a few of the icicles around my heart while it was at it. A pleasure to read. Everyone should have a hero like Sam Holloway.
I totally didn't choose this book to read because of the surname namesake....
Okay, I did, and because the cover is rather intriguing.
Oh, and I do like a good superhero....obviously.
Whilst Sam Holloway may not be a typical Iron Man or Thor, he isn't afraid to become a superhero in his own right. I mean, everyone would love their shopping being carried home, right? Due to Sam's past, the wall he has built is taller than the beanstalk from 'Jack and the Beanstalk', with his confidence and self-assurance lower than lower. So, to help himself, he helps other people. Makes sense, right? Actually, yes. Yes it does. Sometimes trying to help ourselves is an incredibly difficult task to complete, yet if we were to help another person out with something minor or even similar to something we need help with ourselves, our subconscious deliver because we aren't afraid to help others. We are afraid to help ourselves. Just like Sam.
This book is such a thought-provoking and poignant read, with so many messages incorporated into the story which readers will be able to take away with them without even realising they're doing it. I thought the overall premise of the story was very cleverly crafted and written from the heart. I also thought that the authors take on the subject matter, including the path he put his main character on, incredibly unique and one of a kind.
I really did enjoy how different the story was, and I thought the way that Sam Holloway was portrayed, was very heartfelt. There were times where I just wanted to give him a hug, don my Catwoman costume, and help him just like he had been helping others.
'The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway' just goes to show that kindness should never, ever be underestimated, and it doesn't matter whether you choose to dress up as a superhero, dress up as yourself, or even be anonymous, to embark on being kind. You just need to do it.
A warm-hearted, spirited read which made me think, as well as melt a few of the icicles around my heart while it was at it. A pleasure to read. Everyone should have a hero like Sam Holloway.
March 21, 2018
In his 20s and stuck in a life of routine, Sam sometimes seems old beyond his years. However he hides a superhero alter-ego, and a whole separate existence which allows him to escape his tragic past and his humdrum life. Can Sam resolve the conflicts he faces and can he allow himself to build relationships? An easy to read story, fantastic in its premise but at its heart examining the impact of circumstances on character, and letting us all wish for our own superhero.
March 21, 2018
Great book. Really enjoyed it.
March 21, 2018
Brilliant book, well written and gripping from page one. Well worth reading it - you will not be disappointed.
June 10, 2018
The Unlikely Heroics of Sam Holloway, aside from its auspicious title, is a heart warming, sensitive and “good feel” read. This book is well written and draws the reader in such a captivating way. Kindness.....caring for one another......, lives being dealt a bad hand but the ability to plod on are all resounding themes. “Every past was once a future,” “ Let the past inform your future, but not define it.” Think about that!
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