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Head Grenade
Manny never asked to be different, to have a power that could bring the dead back to life. But when he resurrected his dead goldfish as a child, he knew he was cursed with an inexplicable power.
Now, decades later, he’s working in a Brisbane hospital, surrounded by a cast of oddball characters who make his ordinary life feel anything but. His doomsday-prepping aunt, his unravelling housemate, and his new animal-activist girlfriend who’s immune to pain quickly complicate his life. But things take a sinister turn when a nefarious individual starts hunting him down, determined to uncover his secrets.
In Head Grenade, Troy Henderson delivers a raw and twisted journey, full of dark humour, offbeat characters, and a healthy dose of the surreal. A vivid and explosive tale of one man’s journey to find meaning and redemption in a world that seems determined to break him. Buckle up readers, this is one ride that will leave you laughing and reeling long after you turn the last page.
Now, decades later, he’s working in a Brisbane hospital, surrounded by a cast of oddball characters who make his ordinary life feel anything but. His doomsday-prepping aunt, his unravelling housemate, and his new animal-activist girlfriend who’s immune to pain quickly complicate his life. But things take a sinister turn when a nefarious individual starts hunting him down, determined to uncover his secrets.
In Head Grenade, Troy Henderson delivers a raw and twisted journey, full of dark humour, offbeat characters, and a healthy dose of the surreal. A vivid and explosive tale of one man’s journey to find meaning and redemption in a world that seems determined to break him. Buckle up readers, this is one ride that will leave you laughing and reeling long after you turn the last page.
260 pages, Paperback
Published October 28, 2023
63 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Troy Henderson
1 book35 followersTroy Henderson is a fiction writer from Brisbane, Australia, where he has lived his whole life aside from a two-year stint in London.
Troy’s twenties and early thirties were spent avoiding adult responsibilities, playing in bands and immersing himself in music. He turned to novel writing seriously in his mid-thirties.
His first book, Head Grenade, was shortlisted in the Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize and the Queensland Writers Centre’s Adaptable and Publishable Programs, respectively.
His short stories have longlisted in the Australian Writers’ Centre Furious Fiction competition, and placed in the Genrecon Short Story competition, and FLEUR Flash Fiction Contest.
Head Grenade is the first novel of a Brisbane trilogy, featuring different characters and situations but all set in the same city and fictional universe. The second book is a dark humour crime novel, River City, and third book is a suburban drama, Rocket Surgery.
He will continue his lifelong journey of record and book collecting.
Troy’s twenties and early thirties were spent avoiding adult responsibilities, playing in bands and immersing himself in music. He turned to novel writing seriously in his mid-thirties.
His first book, Head Grenade, was shortlisted in the Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize and the Queensland Writers Centre’s Adaptable and Publishable Programs, respectively.
His short stories have longlisted in the Australian Writers’ Centre Furious Fiction competition, and placed in the Genrecon Short Story competition, and FLEUR Flash Fiction Contest.
Head Grenade is the first novel of a Brisbane trilogy, featuring different characters and situations but all set in the same city and fictional universe. The second book is a dark humour crime novel, River City, and third book is a suburban drama, Rocket Surgery.
He will continue his lifelong journey of record and book collecting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 11, 2024
It's strange that I can write a review for my own book, but thought I'd get the ball rolling. I think I'll just leave some reviews here instead of reviewing myself, if it's all the same to you.
“Head Grenade is a hilarious, relatable, intriguing jump into the mind of a young adult trying to just live a life in Brisbane. The narration takes everything on the chin, from increasingly niche restaurants to mysterious backstories to the general stresses of life, roommates, and The Valley, all with a quirky deadpan, a host of interesting characters, and a growing thriller aspect that keeps an edge of tension to the mundane.”
Nita Delgado, Editor
“Dare I say it – this could be Australia’s next big author. So much raw talent for a debut. This book is surprising and funny. I highly recommend.”
Cate Sawyer, Author.
“Everyone could do with a near-death experience.” From the corner of Edward and Adelaide in Brisbane, Troy Henderson’s debut novel, Head Grenade, is a genre-bending thriller peppered with comedy, street philosophy, science fiction, and romance right here on our own turf. Love in all its forms alights in darkness and memory—and not even the doomsday preppers are ready for this!”
L. E. Daniels, author of Serpent’s Wake: A Tale for the Bitten
“This fascinating yet relatable novel is packed with colourful characters and a thrilling plot. Henderson’s evocative, often satirical, writing style brings this coming of age tale to life with a thick coating of dark humour.”
Seanna Burnett – Editor & Writer
‘With a plot reminiscent of classic dystopian stories, Head Grenade is overflowing with relatable characters, well-placed quips and gritty depictions of Brisbane. The characters’ pasts will draw you in, but you’ll stay for their ever-more intriguing present.’
Meesha Whittam, Reviewer
‘Manny’s sense of humour runs through the whole book. Head Grenade is an authentically Australian book set in Brisbane. As a man in my twenties, I found it very relatable, especially the humour. I loved it.’
Rory Hawkins, Editor & Reviewer
“Head Grenade is a hilarious, relatable, intriguing jump into the mind of a young adult trying to just live a life in Brisbane. The narration takes everything on the chin, from increasingly niche restaurants to mysterious backstories to the general stresses of life, roommates, and The Valley, all with a quirky deadpan, a host of interesting characters, and a growing thriller aspect that keeps an edge of tension to the mundane.”
Nita Delgado, Editor
“Dare I say it – this could be Australia’s next big author. So much raw talent for a debut. This book is surprising and funny. I highly recommend.”
Cate Sawyer, Author.
“Everyone could do with a near-death experience.” From the corner of Edward and Adelaide in Brisbane, Troy Henderson’s debut novel, Head Grenade, is a genre-bending thriller peppered with comedy, street philosophy, science fiction, and romance right here on our own turf. Love in all its forms alights in darkness and memory—and not even the doomsday preppers are ready for this!”
L. E. Daniels, author of Serpent’s Wake: A Tale for the Bitten
“This fascinating yet relatable novel is packed with colourful characters and a thrilling plot. Henderson’s evocative, often satirical, writing style brings this coming of age tale to life with a thick coating of dark humour.”
Seanna Burnett – Editor & Writer
‘With a plot reminiscent of classic dystopian stories, Head Grenade is overflowing with relatable characters, well-placed quips and gritty depictions of Brisbane. The characters’ pasts will draw you in, but you’ll stay for their ever-more intriguing present.’
Meesha Whittam, Reviewer
‘Manny’s sense of humour runs through the whole book. Head Grenade is an authentically Australian book set in Brisbane. As a man in my twenties, I found it very relatable, especially the humour. I loved it.’
Rory Hawkins, Editor & Reviewer
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2024
It was exciting to receive my copy of Troy Henderson’s debut and it did not disappoint. I was a little jealous of the protagonist, Manny who has the power not only to heal but to bring the dead back to life. It is a superpower I have long coveted, but Henderson has cured me of that secret dream.
This rollicking tale is set in in the seamier side of Brisbane and is sprinkled with unforgettable characters many of whom do not have Manny’s best interests at heart. This coming-of-age novel is full of dark humour and satire, plunging the reader deep into a tale of how to survive when you are cursed with superpowers that you don’t want.
Manny is an easy to love and relatable main character who turns the superhero trope on its head, reminding us that extraordinary powers are not all they are cracked up to be.
This rollicking tale is set in in the seamier side of Brisbane and is sprinkled with unforgettable characters many of whom do not have Manny’s best interests at heart. This coming-of-age novel is full of dark humour and satire, plunging the reader deep into a tale of how to survive when you are cursed with superpowers that you don’t want.
Manny is an easy to love and relatable main character who turns the superhero trope on its head, reminding us that extraordinary powers are not all they are cracked up to be.
December 1, 2023
Head Grenade is a gritty, genre-bending work of art for older YA readers who are facing adulting reluctantly. The story transcends traditional contemporary fiction and Sci Fi boundaries, creating a refreshing spin on the everyday Gen Z grind.
The protagonist, Manny, seems unimpressed with his life, but unwilling to make change happen. But Manny isn’t lazy. He’s struggling to survive an ordinary world with an extraordinary power. He can resurrect the dead. Or at least, he used to be able to, before he lost his power. This is particularly challenging when Manny works in a hospital – he can see what needs fixing but can’t do anything about it.
Then Manny is stalked by a scientist determined to unveil his secret. The timing is unfortunate as his oddball friends and family are self-destructing around him. His doomsday-prepping aunt is buying explosives, his housemate is swallowing too many party drugs, and his animal-activist girlfriend is immune to pain and predictable relationship signposts.
It’s hard to believe that this is Henderson’s debut novel – Manny’s hilariously dry commentary and rational acceptance of his impossible position creates entertaining irony, softening the brutal reality of death. With plenty of pop-culture tributes and Brisbane landmarks, the story pays homage to a ‘what-if’ question that may have been explored before, but has never featured a crawl home from Fortitude Valley.
The protagonist, Manny, seems unimpressed with his life, but unwilling to make change happen. But Manny isn’t lazy. He’s struggling to survive an ordinary world with an extraordinary power. He can resurrect the dead. Or at least, he used to be able to, before he lost his power. This is particularly challenging when Manny works in a hospital – he can see what needs fixing but can’t do anything about it.
Then Manny is stalked by a scientist determined to unveil his secret. The timing is unfortunate as his oddball friends and family are self-destructing around him. His doomsday-prepping aunt is buying explosives, his housemate is swallowing too many party drugs, and his animal-activist girlfriend is immune to pain and predictable relationship signposts.
It’s hard to believe that this is Henderson’s debut novel – Manny’s hilariously dry commentary and rational acceptance of his impossible position creates entertaining irony, softening the brutal reality of death. With plenty of pop-culture tributes and Brisbane landmarks, the story pays homage to a ‘what-if’ question that may have been explored before, but has never featured a crawl home from Fortitude Valley.
October 19, 2023
A wild ride whose far-reaching concepts are balanced by authentic characters who show up in wry, real-world ways.
HEAD GRENADE reads as though the characters came first. Manny, our hero, his best friend, Elvis, and new love, Mila are each so real — vivid, flawed, funny and true. This alone would be enough to sustain any narrative. But Troy Henderson, being Troy Henderson, threw in some batshit mad-scientist experimentation, a whole swag of mystery, a murder of hired goons (that is the collective noun for hired goons, right?) and a big ol' evil network that is just this side of plausible.
What happens to Manny and his friends is totally fantastical and highly alarming but — and here's the genius — they react as you or I would which makes the whole shebang feel real. There is still dragging yourself to work each day, sniggering at hipster culture, seeing the irony in, well, everything and the in-jokes that come from familiarity in long friendships.
Troy's authorial voice is candid, colloquial and streetwise and he is, quite simply, the master of original analogy.
If you liked Trent Dalton's BOY SWALLOWS UNIVERSE or the 1999 films GO or HUMAN TRAFFIC, you need to roll up your sleeves, hold your breath and dive into HEAD GRENADE.
HEAD GRENADE reads as though the characters came first. Manny, our hero, his best friend, Elvis, and new love, Mila are each so real — vivid, flawed, funny and true. This alone would be enough to sustain any narrative. But Troy Henderson, being Troy Henderson, threw in some batshit mad-scientist experimentation, a whole swag of mystery, a murder of hired goons (that is the collective noun for hired goons, right?) and a big ol' evil network that is just this side of plausible.
What happens to Manny and his friends is totally fantastical and highly alarming but — and here's the genius — they react as you or I would which makes the whole shebang feel real. There is still dragging yourself to work each day, sniggering at hipster culture, seeing the irony in, well, everything and the in-jokes that come from familiarity in long friendships.
Troy's authorial voice is candid, colloquial and streetwise and he is, quite simply, the master of original analogy.
If you liked Trent Dalton's BOY SWALLOWS UNIVERSE or the 1999 films GO or HUMAN TRAFFIC, you need to roll up your sleeves, hold your breath and dive into HEAD GRENADE.
November 14, 2023
This is the definition of "a real page turner"! I could not put this book down... Set in Brisbane, I was captivated by all of the references to places I've lived and visited. The characters are so relatable, and I caught myself thinking, "I know these characters, they are the friends I grew up with in my 20s". Such clever characterisations through dialog, and the first person setting.
Every sentence has been thoughtfully manicured to flow seamlessly from page to page, and I felt myself on the edge of my seat for the entire second half of the book.
For a debut novel, I am absolutely blown away by this book. If you don't READ IT, you're missing out!
Head Grenade
Troy Henderson
Every sentence has been thoughtfully manicured to flow seamlessly from page to page, and I felt myself on the edge of my seat for the entire second half of the book.
For a debut novel, I am absolutely blown away by this book. If you don't READ IT, you're missing out!
Head Grenade
Troy Henderson
December 6, 2023
An extraordinary achievement by an exciting new talent. Head Grenade blends cynical humour, a twisted sci-fi/thriller premise and a dash of haunted romance into a strange and delectable literary cocktail that goes down smooth, but finishes with a kick.
I thoroughly enjoyed the sardonic and at times philosophical prose, and the way the story combined the supernatural with insightful observations about my home city, Brisbane.
Throw in some great characters with a range of questionable motives and entertaining monikers and you've got yourself an absolute must-read.
I thoroughly enjoyed the sardonic and at times philosophical prose, and the way the story combined the supernatural with insightful observations about my home city, Brisbane.
Throw in some great characters with a range of questionable motives and entertaining monikers and you've got yourself an absolute must-read.
October 28, 2024
This book was beautifully written. A real genre bender. Troy has an amazing way of keeping the pace moving at the best speed. His metaphors and analogies are clever. The setting was easily recognisable as a Brisbane reader. The plot keeps you engaged with just enough science fiction combined with crime and mystery. A great read.
December 5, 2023
A fun read! The writing creates colourful, immersive visuals. The characters are interesting and draw you right in to the story. The twists and turns keep you on your toes. It’s a wacky adventure that I’d love to see on the screen some day!
April 1, 2024
HEAD GRENADE Troy Henderson
2023 Hawkeye Publishing
Cover design by Alex Jay McDonald
Debut novel by Brisbane author, Troy Henderson.
A mixed genre tale starring our unlikely hero grappling an unwieldy and transient power, growing up through early adulthood and stumbling at times along the fine line between reality and otherwise.
At 265 pages, it’s a readily digestible work. The allegretto pace is perfect, accelerating and pulling back when it needs to. Even better, the good bits start at the start - no dragging one’s a*s* through chapter after chapter of scene setting; that is done deftly and consistently throughout the book.
The protagonist is deadpan on the outside, explosives on the inside. His narration is insightful and expertly written. So is the dialogue of various weird and wonderous characters making life complicated.
Nonsense is hard to write, but Troy does it well. Madness lurks in most of us, after all; as does a vivid imagination. The result is relatable hilarity woven into an intriguing plot.
Something else done well is sensory articulation - I could hear, see, smell, taste and feel the story. For example, the description of how sand feels – just WOW. I knew the smell of Manny’s car, and saw it speed down Coro. drive. Then I drank a cup of lukewarm Nescafe blend 43 with him. (Like, actual.) Not beer or whiskey, though. Fresh air - yes.
And I couldn’t not hear the ticking time-bomb...sort of like a manic metronome in my brain (complete with bar marking 'dings'). Furthermore, the numerous music references form an apt soundtrack to the narrative. (Again, literally - just add vinyl.)
Skillfully presented dichotomies abound - supernatural phenomenon and everyday order somehow become concomitant. Humorous landings jaggedly cushion heart-stabbing thrills; be prepared to bounce from horrified to heart-warmed to hooting with laughter in a matter of pages.
Let's not forget a heady subplot featuring star-crossed lovers in the night, accommodating those hopeless romantics among us.
Yup, there’s a trip for everyone in this one. It’s a Head Grenade. Read it and be mind-blown.
Oh, and remember... ‘Death and life pass like ships in the night.’ When the world is calmer.
2023 Hawkeye Publishing
Cover design by Alex Jay McDonald
Debut novel by Brisbane author, Troy Henderson.
A mixed genre tale starring our unlikely hero grappling an unwieldy and transient power, growing up through early adulthood and stumbling at times along the fine line between reality and otherwise.
At 265 pages, it’s a readily digestible work. The allegretto pace is perfect, accelerating and pulling back when it needs to. Even better, the good bits start at the start - no dragging one’s a*s* through chapter after chapter of scene setting; that is done deftly and consistently throughout the book.
The protagonist is deadpan on the outside, explosives on the inside. His narration is insightful and expertly written. So is the dialogue of various weird and wonderous characters making life complicated.
Nonsense is hard to write, but Troy does it well. Madness lurks in most of us, after all; as does a vivid imagination. The result is relatable hilarity woven into an intriguing plot.
Something else done well is sensory articulation - I could hear, see, smell, taste and feel the story. For example, the description of how sand feels – just WOW. I knew the smell of Manny’s car, and saw it speed down Coro. drive. Then I drank a cup of lukewarm Nescafe blend 43 with him. (Like, actual.) Not beer or whiskey, though. Fresh air - yes.
And I couldn’t not hear the ticking time-bomb...sort of like a manic metronome in my brain (complete with bar marking 'dings'). Furthermore, the numerous music references form an apt soundtrack to the narrative. (Again, literally - just add vinyl.)
Skillfully presented dichotomies abound - supernatural phenomenon and everyday order somehow become concomitant. Humorous landings jaggedly cushion heart-stabbing thrills; be prepared to bounce from horrified to heart-warmed to hooting with laughter in a matter of pages.
Let's not forget a heady subplot featuring star-crossed lovers in the night, accommodating those hopeless romantics among us.
Yup, there’s a trip for everyone in this one. It’s a Head Grenade. Read it and be mind-blown.
Oh, and remember... ‘Death and life pass like ships in the night.’ When the world is calmer.
January 14, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this genre-twisting book. Despite targeting YA readers, Manny is a relatable character for older audiences who can empathise with the transition into adulthood.
It is packed with sarcasm, wit and colourful characters that culminate into a twist-turning plot, a philosophical journey that punches you in the face at the end. This book is clever in its duality, where entertainment meets 'making you think', long after you have turned the last page.
With Trent Daltons' novel now a Netflix series, the eyes of the world are now open and ready for books that include Brisbane landscapes, places, settings and culture.
It is packed with sarcasm, wit and colourful characters that culminate into a twist-turning plot, a philosophical journey that punches you in the face at the end. This book is clever in its duality, where entertainment meets 'making you think', long after you have turned the last page.
With Trent Daltons' novel now a Netflix series, the eyes of the world are now open and ready for books that include Brisbane landscapes, places, settings and culture.
February 28, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- new Australian author to keep an eye on. Great plot and very well written. Manny is a great character and you can feel the vibe of the city he lives (or just exists 🤷♂️) in.
October 25, 2024
4.5 stars
February 22, 2024
This book was a really quirky and engaging mash between a dystopian, make-believe storyline and a painfully believable (and relatable) twenty-something Australian main character.
I loved reading about preternatural healing abilities and scientific testing and also about Ric's Bar and the Gray-Nich's suitability as a weapon - I don't think I'll find that combination in another book.
My soft spot for Australian authors and novels loved this one. Can't wait to see what else Troy comes up with.
I loved reading about preternatural healing abilities and scientific testing and also about Ric's Bar and the Gray-Nich's suitability as a weapon - I don't think I'll find that combination in another book.
My soft spot for Australian authors and novels loved this one. Can't wait to see what else Troy comes up with.
December 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — A wild, clever, unsettling ride
Head Grenade is unlike anything I’ve ever read. I honestly have no idea where the author even found the seed of this story, but the result is something raw, original, and strangely compelling. One of the things I enjoyed most was the strength of the characters. They’re vivid, flawed, and so well-drawn that you feel everything they go through — and in Manny’s case, that isn’t easy. This kid’s life is horrific at times. Some scenes genuinely made me wince because they’re written with such honesty that you can’t help but absorb the impact of what he’s lived through.
It’s also set in Brisbane, which, being from the Gold Coast, I found really refreshing. I don’t often read books based around places I actually know, and recognising certain areas added an unexpected layer of connection to the story.
When I finished it, I sat there thinking: What was the point? What did I learn? What did I just experience? And I don’t mean that in a negative way at all. It’s just such a different kind of book — one that sticks with you because it doesn’t follow the usual patterns. There’s a real cleverness in Troy Henderson’s writing, and even when the story goes to dark and uncomfortable places, it always feels intentional.
It’s a tough read emotionally, but an interesting and memorable one. I’m genuinely curious to see where his next books take us.
Head Grenade is unlike anything I’ve ever read. I honestly have no idea where the author even found the seed of this story, but the result is something raw, original, and strangely compelling. One of the things I enjoyed most was the strength of the characters. They’re vivid, flawed, and so well-drawn that you feel everything they go through — and in Manny’s case, that isn’t easy. This kid’s life is horrific at times. Some scenes genuinely made me wince because they’re written with such honesty that you can’t help but absorb the impact of what he’s lived through.
It’s also set in Brisbane, which, being from the Gold Coast, I found really refreshing. I don’t often read books based around places I actually know, and recognising certain areas added an unexpected layer of connection to the story.
When I finished it, I sat there thinking: What was the point? What did I learn? What did I just experience? And I don’t mean that in a negative way at all. It’s just such a different kind of book — one that sticks with you because it doesn’t follow the usual patterns. There’s a real cleverness in Troy Henderson’s writing, and even when the story goes to dark and uncomfortable places, it always feels intentional.
It’s a tough read emotionally, but an interesting and memorable one. I’m genuinely curious to see where his next books take us.
November 1, 2023
Sue is interesting especially how the writer describes her decline into alcohol consumption cause of how the death of her relatives affected her. I love how she gets involved at the mental unit.
Thank you for the chance to review this novel.
Thank you for the chance to review this novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2025
Familiar settings and references spliced with a fantastical premise, Head Grenade takes you on a fast-paced journey through the eyes of Manny, a man in the process of reawakening his faded abilities and zest for life. A great ride and well written, deeply character-focused story. Look forward to seeing how this story unravels in the next ones.
March 8, 2024
Dark and delicious humor. Weird, loveable and flawed characters. And a romp of a story that is so very human at its heart. If you're a fan of Matt Haig and Trent Dalton then you'll love Head Grenade! Everything I love about speculative fiction is in this book.
September 20, 2024
Slice of life Brisbane mixed with genre trappings, hell yeah Troy
August 31, 2024
Really enjoyed it. Unexpected and surprising.
July 1, 2024
Head Grenade is a wonderful tale reminiscent of Nick Earls and John Birmingham. I loved the pace, the protagonist and the banter between the characters. I was excited to read that Troy Henderson is working on his second and third books. I’m keen to read more.
January 16, 2024
What a unique story. Henderson takes you into the world of an orderly with special gifts beyond his control. Highly recommend for readers of YA. Well written, loved the quirky characters.
January 18, 2024
Head Grenade stands as a literary triumph for a first time author, seamlessly blending influences from Easton-Ellis, and Palahniuk, while introducing a captivating sci-fi element. In this engaging narrative, Manny, burdened with the power to resurrect the dead, navigates a Brisbane hospital with a life that intertwines pop culture references, Bukowski-esque authenticity, and the allure of unexplored sci-fi territories.
In the spirit of Ellis, the narrative unfolds with timeless relevance, capturing the essence of contemporary life and excess. Manny's narration, akin to Bukowski's self-deprecation, is packed with hilarious one-liners and observations, all the while exploring the grittier aspects of existence. Henderson offers moments of laughter amid weighty family, loss, and friendship themes with real emotional depth
What sets Head Grenade apart is its intricate fusion of genres, introducing a gripping mystery and expansive sci-fi elements. Henderson expertly keeps readers on the edge of their seats, balancing humor, suspense, and the awe of the unexpected. The narrative propels readers through Manny's quest for meaning and redemption, unfolding within the realms of both reality and speculative fiction.
Amid the chaos, the novel weaves an endearing love story, adding a layer of poignancy to the multifaceted narrative. The exploration of family dynamics and enduring bonds of friendship enriches the story, offering readers a profound and emotionally resonant experience.
Head Grenade is a captivating must-read for those seeking a genre-defying adventure filled with laughter, wit, and an edge-of-your-seat mystery.
In the spirit of Ellis, the narrative unfolds with timeless relevance, capturing the essence of contemporary life and excess. Manny's narration, akin to Bukowski's self-deprecation, is packed with hilarious one-liners and observations, all the while exploring the grittier aspects of existence. Henderson offers moments of laughter amid weighty family, loss, and friendship themes with real emotional depth
What sets Head Grenade apart is its intricate fusion of genres, introducing a gripping mystery and expansive sci-fi elements. Henderson expertly keeps readers on the edge of their seats, balancing humor, suspense, and the awe of the unexpected. The narrative propels readers through Manny's quest for meaning and redemption, unfolding within the realms of both reality and speculative fiction.
Amid the chaos, the novel weaves an endearing love story, adding a layer of poignancy to the multifaceted narrative. The exploration of family dynamics and enduring bonds of friendship enriches the story, offering readers a profound and emotionally resonant experience.
Head Grenade is a captivating must-read for those seeking a genre-defying adventure filled with laughter, wit, and an edge-of-your-seat mystery.
November 2, 2023
✍️ Manny was born different and with a power to heal and bring the dead back to life after resurrecting his goldfish as a child. As an adult and working in a Brisbane hospital surrounded by a mix of distinct people around him, things start to take a turn for the worse when someone is after him and his secrets.
This was a Stunning Debut with a Stunning Cover Design to Match. I couldn't put it down.
I was completely blown away by the thought-provoking and beautiful Storytelling that was presented and expressed in a very unembellished and thoughtful manner throughout.
The past and present narratives were insightful and compelling as well as the intriguing and well developed characters and atmospheric detailing that were brought to life.
The Hospital setting along with the bizarre and unusual characters were thoroughly suited to the story that was presented.
Highly recommend picking up a copy being released October 28.
This was a Stunning Debut with a Stunning Cover Design to Match. I couldn't put it down.
I was completely blown away by the thought-provoking and beautiful Storytelling that was presented and expressed in a very unembellished and thoughtful manner throughout.
The past and present narratives were insightful and compelling as well as the intriguing and well developed characters and atmospheric detailing that were brought to life.
The Hospital setting along with the bizarre and unusual characters were thoroughly suited to the story that was presented.
Highly recommend picking up a copy being released October 28.
December 2, 2024
This book kept me reading until the last page. It is a thought-provoking story about a futuristic dystopic world where scientists experiment on animals and people to find the person who can cure all.
As you might guess, the results are a disaster for the guinea pigs literally, and the people experimented on.
Elvis is a surviving experiment subject whose fabulous powers have been taken away. He's ordinary and conflicted about how he feels about that. Added to his worries, he slowly realises the scientist behind the experiments is closer than he imagined. He needs to sort out his feelings about himself and others and what he should and could do about the scientist.
Recommended for young adult and adult readers.
As you might guess, the results are a disaster for the guinea pigs literally, and the people experimented on.
Elvis is a surviving experiment subject whose fabulous powers have been taken away. He's ordinary and conflicted about how he feels about that. Added to his worries, he slowly realises the scientist behind the experiments is closer than he imagined. He needs to sort out his feelings about himself and others and what he should and could do about the scientist.
Recommended for young adult and adult readers.
December 20, 2023
A few years ago I attended a lecture by a Nobel prize winning physicist. He'd won the Nobel 20 years prior, so it was interesting to learn about his continued work decades later in a field where he'd already achieved the top accolade.
While Head Grenade's protagonist Manny is not a Nobel laureate, he did have a super power. We meet Manny decades after he has lost that super power and is having an entertaining, although less than fulfilling existence. Manny remains extremely likeable - in fact all Henderson's characters are very well written and I found myself really hoping they'd succeed (and the antagonists would get their just desserts).
Highly recommended.
While Head Grenade's protagonist Manny is not a Nobel laureate, he did have a super power. We meet Manny decades after he has lost that super power and is having an entertaining, although less than fulfilling existence. Manny remains extremely likeable - in fact all Henderson's characters are very well written and I found myself really hoping they'd succeed (and the antagonists would get their just desserts).
Highly recommended.
February 21, 2025
It's difficult to believe this is Troy's debut novel. The setting, the characters and the story line will have you roped in from page 1.
Manny, exceptional powers aside, is a totally relatable young man trying to live his life day to day. His drug fueled flatmate, Elvis, his new love interest, Mila who cannot feel pain, and his doomsday prepping Aunt Sue add heart and humour to this story in unexpected ways. Throw in a nefarious scientist hell bent on harnessing Manny's powers and you have the balance of characters that make this book difficult to put down.
If you like a bit of dark humour in your thrillers, with a side of romance and science fiction then this book is for you.
Manny, exceptional powers aside, is a totally relatable young man trying to live his life day to day. His drug fueled flatmate, Elvis, his new love interest, Mila who cannot feel pain, and his doomsday prepping Aunt Sue add heart and humour to this story in unexpected ways. Throw in a nefarious scientist hell bent on harnessing Manny's powers and you have the balance of characters that make this book difficult to put down.
If you like a bit of dark humour in your thrillers, with a side of romance and science fiction then this book is for you.
January 17, 2024
A fresh, pacy delight of a novel!
Manny has healing powers. At least he did. Now he is a in a race to understand the gift he was born with and get it back.
Head Grenade delivers a cracking story through sharp, witty prose, a fantastic sense of place (discover Brisbane, Australia with a genre-bending filter on), and a rocking cast of characters to fall for.
This book pulled me in with a magnetic force and didn't let go until the final page.
Manny has healing powers. At least he did. Now he is a in a race to understand the gift he was born with and get it back.
Head Grenade delivers a cracking story through sharp, witty prose, a fantastic sense of place (discover Brisbane, Australia with a genre-bending filter on), and a rocking cast of characters to fall for.
This book pulled me in with a magnetic force and didn't let go until the final page.
December 30, 2023
I got into reading this book for the love of all of the Brisbane references. The characters quickly grew on me and I found much enjoyment in the many quick witted, quirky and funny one lines. I liked the slow pace mystery that built up to a crescendo drawing me in, unable to put the book down. Thoroughly loved this!
January 9, 2024
Henderson has burst out of the blocks as a fully formed writer with a voice of his own - quite a feat for a first time novelist. This is a page turner that I only put down to go make another coffee before picking it up again. The characters feel like friends, the city setting feels like home, and the plot's twists and turns keep this action packed, pulp fiction absolutely riveting. Buy this book!
November 9, 2023
Enjoyed this story even if set in a very depressing parallel version of my home city. Just finished the book last night and already want there to be a sequel. Hope to see a lot more from this author!
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