Sam Holloway is a socially awkward, geeky young man. He loves comic heroes and dresses up at night as "the Phantasm" to help solve minor crimes in his locale. His life changes, however, when he meets a girl. This is a quirky and light hearted read. It is a feel good book and while not my normal type of read, I did enjoy it as a quick and fun book. If you liked Don Tillman in The Rosie Project or Eleanor Oliphant then you will love Sam Holloway.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Mr Thomas for the opportunity to read an advance copy for review.

I found this hard going at 1st, as it was a bit of a so what story, then I got sucked in and started to see the point. Quite a satisfying ending and it did all make sense

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.

This is light, easy to read, fun, funny and quirky. Sam is a geeky chap who’s a little lonely, a little weird and a lot likeable. He patrols the streets being a superhero a few nights a week and that helps him feel good about himself. Kindness comes in unexpected ways for Sam and it transforms his life. To read it is to love it!

Loved this book and loved Sam Holloway.
Read in one sitting

Enjoyable read - something quirky and different.

Sam is a bit of a loner. He lives in a neat and tidy house and has a sensible job, but in his spare time he dresses up as a superhero and tried to save people. Then he meets a girl and everything is changes.

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.

What a cracking read. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it and empathised with all the characters. I would say it’s an easy, comfortable read, perfect with a pot of tea and favourite tin of biscuits. Loved it.

Sorry really struggling with this at moment will try again another time