Bright Futures

by Alex McGlothlin

David Hall has graduated college and decided to pursue a non-traditional route. Instead of going to business school he'll spend the summer at his girlfriend's lake house in Appalachia with an aim to write a best selling novel and, someday, the Great American Novel. When the words don't flow as easily as David had hoped, and his girlfriend, without a great explanation, begins spending increasing time away, David's world goes into a tailspin.

287 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2025

About the author

Alex was born and raised in Grundy, Virginia. He's a graduate of the University of Virginia, West Virginia University, and the Georgetown University Law Center. Alex currently lives in Richmond, Virginia, with his wife and two children where he writes and practices law.

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Arc:
Even though the writing was good and the concept was as interesting and could be relatable to many people, I just couldn't get into it.

MMC is David and he wants to write a best seller novel, so he moves in with his girlfriend Kelly for the summer. He struggling with the plot and storyline, it does have good advice and information on how to get started if you want to write a book, which is one of my pros about this book. He goes out with her friends and gains some experience, that does impact how his book ends up being like.

Their relationship lacked chemistry and I feel like the all characters personality was bland and boring. It being more character based you would hope you'll get attached and it be funny at times but I didn't feel it.

[Jacklyn B · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is part coming-of-age, part psychological fiction, and part story within a story. It’s a quick read and I thought it had a an interesting premise.

I thought the descriptions of the landscape in Appalachia were very well done and there are some funny moments too, but overall the story fell flat for me.

The writing itself was good and it was interesting to see David’s writing process…but I found him to be unlikable and immature (yes this has coming of age vibes and he was bound to make immature decisions...but his character just didn’t land for me.) Romance wise his relationship with his girlfriend was a struggle - I don’t know if they even liked each other that much.

There is a twist at the end that did surprise me…but it was a little disjointed from the story and felt rushed. The addition of pages of his book did not work for me either (but I am not a huge horror fan so that is probably a “me” thing.)

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Hall has graduated college and instead of going to business school like he originally thought, he has decided to become a writer. So he and his girlfriend Kelly go to her lake house where they plan to spend time together and he plans to spend time writing. However, a plot and the words don’t come easily to him. Kelly starts spending time away from him as well and he becomes suspicious.

I thought this book was going to go in one direction and it went in a different direction. When David needed some inspiration for the book, he turned to some guys that he met through Kelly. He spent time with them instead of spending time with Kelly and rightfully so, she gets a little upset. Then they decide to change locations and he once again focuses on his writing. Then he meets another one of her friends and spends time with that friend. His novel then goes in a different direction.

While I got that he struggled with is writing, I felt like I read more about his partying than I did his struggles. And with that partying, I felt like he wasn’t as serious as I wanted him to be about his writing. He said he wanted to write the next great American novel – but really, did he? We do get an opportunity to read what he did come up with and it just wasn’t for me.

I think I wanted more about David’s struggles and then the process. I also wanted more about the relationship between David and Kelly. I also didn’t care for the ending, I was left wanting a little more of a conclusion/closure.

That being said, the bones of the book are excellent. The author writes well. It’s easy to read this in one sitting; the writing flows well. I would absolutely give this author another chance.

[Calum Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I definitely wanted to love this book more than I actually did in the end. I really enjoyed the idea/concept: someone leaving college and not quite knowing what to do, so they start writing as a way to combat that unknown, with the wider dreams of becoming a writer.

However, I just thought the MMC, David, and some of the secondary male characters were unbearable! Constantly partying and doing copious amounts of drugs and then wondering why his girlfriend was being distant all the time. We find out there is a reason for this distance, but the initial annoyance by David is so frustrating.

And I understand the need to write some of the story David's writing within the book, but I think a lot got lost on me!

Ultimately, I just didn't think there was a lot to the story itself in terms of plot, and it didn't quite grip me, unfortunately.

I thoroughly enjoyed the setting and landscape the author wrote, describing the Appalachian Mountains and Virginia with great quality. It was just the story that I couldn't get into, so I do apologise!

Rating: 4/10

[Debby Commander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved getting an insight of a writers struggles, the story told through the beautiful Appalachia made me want to visit. I enjoyed reading Bright Futures and hoping there is a second book coming

[Amanda Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real page turner. I couldn’t put it down. Anyone interested in or already familiar with the beauty of Appalachia and its trappings will enjoy this one. Grab a copy for some lovely and addictive summer time reads!

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. Very clever plot. I am a die-hard fan of J. D. Salinger, I also like Stephen King, and this book has a great combination of both vibes.

David, a graduate student, decides to move in with his new girlfriend (Kelly, a very wealthy first-year university student), and he wants to write the next great American novel in the summer. He has no clue of the theme or the plot of the story yet but hopes to be inspired by the Appalachian Riviera area and life. Those who connect with him are all business-focused and know exactly what they want from life, but not David. The only certainty he has is that he is a disappointment to his parents. We get an insight into Kelly's personality too on the side (good and bad).

Fast-paced, the daily routine summer life of the wealthy who do what they want, parties, casinos, drugs, money... procrastination, the MC spirals a lot... and he is a morally grey character.

My favorite thing about this novel is that we get a lot of writing (awesome) tips from the author as the main character is struggling to get words to paper. Everyone around him influences him to procrastinate, to have ideas, and to change the plot.

What we start to realize is hard to put in a review without spoilers, but it's so relatable and awesome. I leave a hint. He could be inspired by many things happening around him right then, but his unconscious runs away from specific genres.
Who hasn't wasted a great chance or opportunity (in the eyes of others) to do something great just because it's not "our thing"? So we didn't even notice it? So, the author doesn't pursue some plot lines on purpose because that's not what David wants to write about.

Very clever novel, written with care showing a complex puzzle and human nature, and I don't mind the end at all. Made me curious to look at more works from this author.

[lacy white · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Bright Futures
Author: Alex McGlothlin
Genre: Fiction
Format: paperback arc
Series: NA
Star Rating: 4 stars

A special thank you goes to Bituminous and Book Publicity Services for providing me with a copy of this book. Please know that this does not influence my rating or thoughts on the book itself.

tw: drug use, theft, bullying, alcohol, kidnapping, murder, gun violence, death, stalking

I’m just going to come out and say it, this was a good book. I read it in one sitting before I had to leave for work. I just had to finish it, I was so hooked. I got very slight Alan Wake vibes, which was fun. I always enjoy reading about a writer. There's just something about reading about a writer that is so fun to me. It’s like breaking the fourth wall almost.

Normally, I get so annoyed reading about other people’s very solvable problems, but in this book, I wasn’t annoyed at all. Everything just worked. I felt like David was a relatable main character. He reminds me a lot of my youth and my classmates. Most of them didn’t know what they wanted to do after graduation. David mentioned that graduation is about the death of your innocence, and boy, he wasn’t wrong about that. But anyway, David was just a great main character. I truly enjoyed being in his head and watching him try to solve how to be an adult.

One of my favorite things about this book was the story David was working on. We got bits and pieces of it, and it was so well done! It was intriguing, and I wanted more of it. I hope the author releases David’s story because it was so good, and I wanted more.

Overall, everything about this book worked, and I couldn’t be happier about that. It was easy to read. It had a very straightforward plot. It was exactly the kind of book I needed. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I highly recommend it, especially if you enjoy reading books about writers and young adults trying to find their way.

[Bailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to start off by saying a thank you to the publicist and author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I like trying different books that are also not as well-known. So I gave this book a try.

I wasn't too sure what to expect. I was told that it was a coming-of-age, psychological thriller with elements of crime, thriller, and romance. And I felt that was a pretty accurate description. This read kind of like a middle grade book in terms of the style of writing, which isn't a bad thing. It made it a fast-paced read. I got through this rather quickly so I liked that part.

However, I couldn't really get into the book. As someone who's sober and a huge advocate for sobriety, I don't particularly like reading books with partying or addiction. All the characters wanted to do was party. So I wasn't a huge fan of that.

I also felt like the book kind of lacked structure and any kind of character development. I didn't care much for the excerpts of David's book, it wasn't really pertinent to the book in my opinion.

I'm very grateful to be given the chance to read this and give my honest review.

[Joel McClellan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex McGlothlin's "Bright Futures" is a well-written novel set against the backdrop of southwest Virginia's stunning landscape. McGlothlin masterfully weaves the region's natural beauty into the narrative, making the setting feel like a character in itself and inspiring readers to explore this corner of Appalachia. The plot moves at a brisk pace, with each chapter building momentum toward an unexpected and satisfying conclusion that defies conventional expectations. The author's skilled storytelling keeps readers invested throughout, making it difficult to put the book down (I read it in 3 days). While the story stands strongly on its own, the rich world McGlothlin has created leaves readers hoping for a sequel.

[Alysia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 ⭐
Format: 📖 (physical)

I can honestly say that I have never read a book quite like Bright Futures. It is a unique blend of classic American '90s teen comedy (think American Pie) meets Ocean’s Eleven heist, with a dash of Appalachian horror. I know - it sounds like a wild ride, and it is. But it’s also a super quick, easy read that I finished in under 24 hours.

Our main character, David, is a recent college grad that sets out to write the next "great American novel" - whatever that means - with his girlfriend Kelly by his side. The Appalachian setting, the rich landscape, and the quirky group of friends he picks up along the way all create compelling distractions from his original summer goal.

In the end, David veers far off course from his lofty goal of writing the next "great American novel" and ends up writing an Appalachian horror novel, with excerpts woven into Bright Futures. As a fan of literary horror, I found this concept fresh and engaging. I especially enjoyed reading about David’s writing process, told from the perspective of a new writer still figuring out his voice, writing process and routine.

If you're looking for something offbeat, genre-bending, and surprisingly reflective, Bright Futures is worth the read.

Thank you to Book Publicity, Alex McGlothlin and Bituminous for the complimentary ARC of Bright Futures in an exchange for an honest review!

[Caroline | dogtailsandcrimetales · Rating 2 out of 5]

★★.5

David Hall has just graduated from college and chooses not to follow the traditional path of finding a job in his field of study. Instead, he spends the summer at his girlfriend’s family's lake house, determined to write his great American novel.

I may be a bit of an outlier here… Writing a book within a book is an ambitious endeavor, and few writers truly master it. The challenge lies in intertwining the narratives, balancing the pacing, and keeping the reader engaged throughout. Unfortunately, the first few chapters of this book nearly caused me to put it down. David comes across as immature and, at times, unlikable. His superficiality is heightened by a lack of character development, making it difficult to connect with him. It often feels as though everything (and everyone) exists to orbit around David.

What does Kelly see in him? Why does she tolerate his carelessness? What draws The Boys to him? And what about his family? Why is he so resistant to growing up? Where are the parents—anyone’s parents?

As for the novel within the novel, David works through several drafts, and the final version is quite compelling. It adds depth and ultimately redeems the book to some extent. However, the same issues that troubled me in the main story appear here as well. While the character of Timothy is more developed, the conversations between his parents often felt jarring and disconnected. This is similar to the scene involving the mask; it takes nearly 40 pages to discover that the missing item is, in fact, a mask. It leaves the impression that something may have been cut during the editing process, creating a sense of disconnect or missing context. Lastly, the crime committed by The Woodsy Freak seems too significant to go unnoticed by parents, teachers, or local authorities (yet it does).

There is real potential in this story, and I appreciate the risks the author took. But in the end, I felt the execution did not quite live up to the promise.

Thank you Book Publicity Services and AlexMcGlothlin for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Michelle Madrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel kicks off with an intriguing premise—David, freshly out of college, skips business school to spend the summer writing his novel at a lake house in Appalachia. The story offers an interesting lens on how people define what the “right” next step looks like after graduation, and I really appreciated the quiet, reflective look at David’s creative process and personal uncertainty.

The writing itself was solid—well-crafted and easy to read, with a flow that made it easy to stay engaged.

That said, the ending felt rushed and wrapped up rather quickly. The relationship between David and Kelly didn’t feel emotionally grounded, and their dynamic lacked depth. Oddly enough, David’s relationships with the other guys he met felt more fleshed out and genuine—those connections brought more weight to the story than the central romance.

Thoughtful read even if the execution didn’t fully deliver in the end.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel within a novel. David Hall and his girlfriend Kelly, have their whole summer ahead of them before the real adult world begins. David not wanting to go to college decides he is going to write the greatest novel this summer. And with his girlfriend to help with inspiration, he should have it done in no time. But as summer days fly by, David is starting to realize this isn’t just a simple task anyone can do. You need a storyline, characters, a plot, how’s it going to end? What’s the premise behind this story and why is he writing it? This novel is a read about young love and the immaturity that comes with being a teenager thinking you can take on the world, that adulthood means freedom and that things will just happen because you say they will. Thank you to the author and Book Publicity Services for the complementary novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Deb · Rating 1 out of 5]

David just graduated college. The next step, business school? Nah, he’s running in the opposite direction. Instead, he’s setting out to write the next Great American Novel. He heads out of town with his uber wealthy girlfriend, Kelly.

This trip was supposed to be about spending quality time with Kelly, & hankering down to write. Instead, David engages in reckless behavior with his new country club type buddies, hoping to find some inspiration for a story. Instead of finding something to write about, he’s partying, hemorrhaging cash, and risking his relationship.

Is he willing to lose everything for the plot?

Yeah.

David comes across as a lost, mediocre man, willing to destroy everything to prove himself, not thinking about the consequences.

There was no Great American Novel. David is just a mysogynistic psychopath in search of a big break because he’s too much of an ass to find himself on any meaningful level. He’s shitty to his girlfriend, he’s obsessive, and he writes an awful, graphic story that is feels incredibly out of place shoved in the middle of the book.

The story started out like it was going to have some sort of great storyline, and then took a sharp turn and the plot plummeted into the abyss. The plot was very disjointed, random, and rushed at the end.

I truly regret finishing this book.

[Alyssa Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Book Publicity Services, the author and the publisher for my gifted copy!

I am absolutely on board for anything Appalachia. I love that sinister creepiness, the folklore, the things that go bump in the night. So when I was approached about reading this book, I was immediately in. Yes! 100% yes. The premise was astounding.

That said, I think this book was a “not right now” book. It had all the elements of a five star book for me, but it just didn’t hit right now. I couldn’t completely immerse myself in it, and I really feel like that is a me problem, because the writing was spectacular. I am definitely willing to try it again at another time.

[Amanda P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bright Futures

I can guarantee you haven’t read anything like this (and I read a lot of books!). This one went by in a blink, or within 2 days to be exact. Once I finished I continue thinking about it!

This chronicles the challenges of leaving university and navigating life’s expectations alongside a new relationship.

David decides to move in with his new girlfriend in the mountains. He went to school for business, but knows he’s meant to be a writer.

What made this book different is you actually get to read his work! I’ve never seen a book where we get to see the characters work in progress.

This is a slow pace, so readers start this in a calm space and be along for the ride! The writing is well done and the imagery is great.

Thank you Alex McGlothlin and Book Publicity for the #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Aly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished this one in a single afternoon. It’s a reflective read that captures the uncertainty and emotional messiness of life right after college. The story follows David, a recent graduate who decides to skip the traditional route and spend the summer with his girlfriend chasing the dream of writing a novel. Between balancing friendships, navigating a shifting relationship, and trying to find inspiration, David’s summer takes some unexpected turns.

I enjoyed the “story within the story” as David worked through his novel, those parts added a unique layer in a creative way. The writing was really descriptive, and the atmosphere came through clearly. The ending did feel a bit abrupt, but overall it was a quick, engaging read about growth, purpose, and figuring out what comes next.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was provided an ARC in exchange for a review.

This writing in this book is simplistic and makes for a quick read.

David is a boring character, a lousy boyfriend, who only cared about himself and the book he was writing.

I found the plot to be a little slow. The first 3/4 focuses so heavily on David writing his book, that the last quarter (and the most interesting part of the story) is rushed and the ending is abrupt.

The writing, characters and overall plot was quite dull and boring.

[AmandaO · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for a review.

Honestly, I almost DNF'd this one. The writing was disjointed and dull. The characters were flat and all seemed to be tropes of what the author thinks all college kids are like. The first ¾ of the book dragged on and on about David trying to figure out what to write about and how to get started and getting high and drunk and then the actual action of the book took place over the last 10-20 pages.

[Krystal Kraft · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in 16 hours. It’s been a while since I could fly through a book like this one. I was an easy read and I really did enjoy it! Didn’t find myself getting bored! The descriptive scenery. The characters were relatable in their struggles. And- I thought it was cool that it was about someone who whole heartedly knew he was meant to write a book…Letting inspiration come from his current surroundings and insecurities steer him. It felt realistic. We don’t always know what we want to do in life, but if we stick to what is close to our heart, it will lead us the right way!

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for a free copy in exchange for my honest review. This book started at well but went downhill quickly. All of the characters were unlikable and very immature. I could not get into the narrative at all.

[Deborah Fontaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bright Futures by Alex McGlothlin is a well-crafted coming-of-age story that mixes psychological drama, crime, thriller, and romance. From the first page, I was hooked by a story about human strength and the endless hopes for the future. The writing is smooth and meaningful, combining touching storytelling with smart insights into modern life. It makes you think and lifts your spirits at the same time.

McGlothlin has a talent for showing the natural beauty of Appalachia as if it’s a part of the story itself. The plot moves quickly, with each chapter leading to a surprising and satisfying ending. The way the story is told keeps you interested and makes it hard to put the book down. I really want a sequel because this story stays with you long after you finish.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an ARC from the author and Book Publicity Services.

Bright Futures follows David Hall, a recent college grad trying to write his Great American Novel while spending the summer in southwest Virginia with his girlfriend’s family. Sounds simple, right? Yeah—no. What starts off as dreamy lakeside isolation slowly spirals into something much messier. And I mean that in the best way.

The writing? Great. McGlothlin paints the Appalachian setting in a way that feels almost haunting—like the place is watching the characters right alongside us. The tension simmers throughout, especially as David starts to unravel. I could feel his frustration, his confusion, and his growing sense of disconnect not just from the people around him, but from himself. He’s not exactly the most likable guy at times, but he’s real, which I appreciated.

What really stood out to me was the way this story sort of plays with itself—like we’re watching someone try to be a writer while they’re falling apart. There’s even a novel within the novel, and while it didn’t completely land for me, I respect the risk. Some parts dragged, and I definitely wanted more from a couple of the characters (especially the girlfriend, who felt kind of distant), but overall I stayed locked in.

Is this a thriller? A character study? A romance gone wrong? Honestly… a little bit of everything. If you like your summer reads with some moral ambiguity, introspective spiral vibes, and a heavy dose of "what the hell is happening here?"—add this to your list.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

TLDR; This will be relatable for a lot of people who just graduated high school/college wondering what their next step will be.

This book felt like three different stories in one. The first story is a coming of age story for our main character who just graduated college and trying to figure out if he can become a writer or if he will be forced to go to graduate school.

The second story is part mystery, almost like Oceans 11. Honestly, while this part of the story threw me off a little it truly did help the pacing of end of the novel.

The third and last story is a story within a story. We got to really see what kind of story our main character, David, was writing and how it ended.

There were many times I was reading this book and watching our main character go through his daily life where he just felt completely selfish. It was hard to feel sorry or have any empathy as he would go through the events of the novel. Many times I found myself thinking "Well, that is what you get." or "What did you think was going to happen?".

The Oceans 11 style story line honestly through me for a complete loop. I truly feel like this came out of left field. While it made sense and added some suspense to the story I was almost more interested in this story line than anything else in the novel. I really feel like the author could have expanded this story line to take place over the whole novel vs the first 20 pages and last little bit of the story.

What was fun and slightly different is us, as readers, got to see the process of what some authors go through to develop and write a story. I would not be surprised if the author took from his own life and gave us insight into his process. There was also an element of fun as we got to the actually read the story our main character wrote.

Which honestly, the story that was written by our main character was super interesting and one that I could see easily turned into a book. *WINK WINK* **NUDGE NUDGE**

Out of the three different stories that this novel felt like it was really the back half of this novel that gave me the most entertainment. While for me this was not my typical type of story the book did have an overall good pacing and it did leave me entertained.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a fan of books dealing with struggling writers and their inner thoughts, especially when you get a peek at their work. That’s what you’ll find in 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬.

A recent college graduate, David sets off to spend the summer with his girlfriend on a picturesque lake in Appalachia. He's convinced his destiny is to pen his first great novel, but the words won’t flow. To make matters worse, his friends constantly pull him away, who always seem to be up for a good time.

We're treated to a significant excerpt of David's story when inspiration finally strikes. It’s a creepy thriller, a twist that seems to come out of nowhere in the context of the rest of the narrative. Or does it? David’s character always exudes a sense of unease, as if he's slightly on edge or disconnected.

At first, I thought the writing was a little sparse, stilted, and disjointed, but the more I thought about the overall premise and let things soak in, the more I realized—maybe that is how the inner workings of David’s mind sound.

The ending left me wanting more, eager to know what comes next. Could there be a sequel in the works, continuing David’s journey as a writer?

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up

Thank you @bookpublicityservices for this gifted book.

[Asher McGlothlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex McGlothlin’s Bright Futures is a masterful and captivating journey into the world of human resilience, hope, and the boundless possibilities of tomorrow. From the very first page, McGlothlin grabs your attention with prose that’s as elegant as it is profound. The book effortlessly blends poignant storytelling with a razor-sharp insight into the complexities of modern life, creating a work that’s as thought-provoking as it is inspiring.

The writing itself is both lyrical and clear, striking a perfect balance between emotional resonance and intellectual depth. McGlothlin’s use of imagery is particularly impressive, painting vivid pictures that stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. The pacing is spot-on, with the narrative unfolding in a way that feels natural and compelling.

Ultimately, Bright Futures is a triumph of storytelling. It’s a book that will resonate with readers long after they’ve finished it, inspiring them to look toward the future with renewed optimism. Alex McGlothlin has truly outdone himself with this brilliant work, offering a reminder that no matter how dark the present may seem, the future is always full of possibilities.

[☾ ashlee ༉‧₊˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

the premise was really interesting and i was initially hooked, but the ending fell pretty flat for me. the writing was really good and i will admit it was a fast read with a fine pacing, but nothing too extraordinary.

i really loved reading about David’s struggles as a writer and he’s a likable enough MC. his friendship with the guys was okay and kinda wholesome at times. however, his relationship with his girlfriend was such a slog and i felt like there was zero chemistry between them. They just didn’t seem like they genuinely like each other.

the ending was also pretty abrupt and left alotta question marks in my head. that was it? it felt like there was no definitive conclusion. the book could afford to have a couple more chapters to wrap things up imo.

on a fun note, the excerpts we see of the story David was in the middle of writing were pretty entertaining, albeit the plot was kinda ridiculous. i think this is a nice book to read when you want to pass time, but definitely not one i would re-read.

big thanks to NetGalley, Alex McGlothin, and MountainLion Press for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

[Sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

David has graduated college and has decided to spend the summer with his girlfriend at her lakeside cottage, attempting to become a career writer by penning the next great novel. 

The story started off strong. The author does a good job of developing the main character, David, but didn't dive into any of the other characters which I felt was a missed opportunity for depth. I also felt the inserted story showing what David is working on, was too long. We didn't need that much detail into it and it felt like filler.

My final issue was the pacing. The author spent a lot of time showing the struggle to focus and issues that arose, keeping David from accomplishing his goals only to sum up the ending so abruptly. The filler story should have been removed and instead I would have loved a more finished feeling ending. It's really too bad because it made the novel feel unfinished. 

The writing was really good itself, and I would give a different book by this author a go.

Thank you to book publicity services and the author for a gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Demi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a whirlwind of a novel. With fantastic, precisely written prose and the most seamlessly constructed jumps in POV, making reading the most simple action one could do.

McGlothlin is a wiz when describing landscapes and the characters’ surroundings, making it feel as if the reader accompanied the MC on his escapades through the forest and his adrenaline-rush on the river.

Plus, McGlothlin effortlessly taps into the intricacies of human relationships and the struggles that accompany being a young person, with the contemplation of one’s future and the insecurities of a first partnership.
Additionally, he tends to not shy away from including more “negatively viewed” behavioural patterns, thus providing a better, more accurate array of many walks of life. In return for his candour, he creates a comfortable atmosphere and an itching to continue reading.

Now...what would it take to get a copy of David's book? 🤔

is it weird that days after finishing the book, I get random thoughts of "what if my stuffed animal starts speaking to me?"... asking for a friend

Many thanks to MountainLion Press LLC & NetGalley for a copy. All above opinions are uniquely my own.