A review by gloomyrivers
The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester by Maya MacGregor

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This book, while not the best thing I've ever read, is incredibly special to me. 

I loved Sam as our main character so much, there were so many aspects of their life and personality that I found myself relating to and it made the book that much more enjoyable. All of the characters who join their little friend group were all sweet and interesting and there were parts of all their lives that I felt I could relate to as well and it just made me care for these characters so much. 

I liked the balance between the cute moments we got with Sam and their friends and family and also the focus on this murder that occurred 30 years prior. I will say that I was left with some unanswered questions and I wish it had leaned more into the mystery.

Also that the big bad at the end didn't turn out to be Shep's dad who I didn't really care about. I kind of wanted it to be someone who was more involved in the story.

 

Other than that, very fun read. It was heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once.