This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Who Drew the Short Straw? by Sam Sumac is a darkly comedic science fiction novel that combines absurd humor with a satirical exploration of human flaws. The story follows an eclectic group of characters including psychic mediums, an insecure insurance salesman, a wealthy businessman, and a feuding band of aliens, as they converge on Vincennes, Indiana, to find an ancient dagger and potentially bring about the apocalypse. Sumac uses this bizarre scenario to explore themes like greed, vanity, and human nature, delivering a sharp and irreverent narrative meant for mature audiences.
Author Sam Sumac’s ability to blend the ridiculous with the profound in his dark comedic style is impressive, and I loved every moment of this unpredictable and exciting apocalyptic story. The absurdity of the characters is evident from the moment they burst onto the page in bold description, and their diverse backgrounds come together with a beautiful clash to cause the apocalypse and keep readers entertained with bold dynamics and sharp, witty dialogue. Sumac clearly excels in satirizing human nature, cleverly illustrating how the seven deadly sins manifest across vastly different personalities and the fact that we all fall under this umbrella of popular vices in some way, shape, or form. His portrayal of flawed, often self-absorbed characters forces readers to reflect on universal human tendencies, seeing themselves in the way they flounder and respond to the many interesting twists of the plot. The descriptive language and gorgeous, vibrant prose take readers out of reality and into the absurd a little more as the motley crew of characters is vividly imagined in distinct caricatures of human life, each contributing to the chaotic and humorous tone more. Overall, Who Drew the Short Straw? is a must-read for those wanting to explore an offbeat universe where the bizarre feels oddly natural. I highly recommend it.
