View source for My Name is Sam by Wes Stuart

{{infobox1
|title=My Name is Sam
|author=Wes Stuart
|reviewer= Luke Marlowe
|genre=Science Fiction
|summary= A compellingly written science fiction tale that blends themes of innocence and growth with some well depicted moments of horror. Wes Stuart popped into Bookbag Towers to [[The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Wes Stuart|chat to us]].
|rating=4
|buy=Yes
|borrow=Yes
|pages=310
|publisher=CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
|date=November 2016
|isbn=978-1540504500
|website=https://www.wesstuart.com/
|cover=Stuart_Name
|aznuk=1540504506
|aznus=1540504506
}}

Who is the real enemy? This is the question which confronts Sam, the champion of the Sereia in their cosmos-spanning war with the Gibbus, and the main character in this story. Sam is an unimposing boy who has no past and no memory of who he is, yet he possesses extraordinary abilities. He is also Earth's last hope for salvation from the Gibbus who, in seven days, will destroy the planet and everyone on it. This is not his choice however: that is the decision of the alien Sereia, his mentors and guides, as he is forced to confront this hazardous task. They have their own reasons for wanting Earth to be saved, but are too weak to challenge the Gibbus themselves. In their search for a human champion they find the unlikely and ill-prepared young boy, Sam – but this child is not quite as he appears…

Wes Stuart is a writer based in London. He's worked as a lecturer and an employee trainer, as well as a disability activist. All those years working with people from all walks of life have filled his mind with stories and characters - and he's unleashed them onto the page in ''My Name is Sam''

Sam is a fascinating character - immensely powerful yet innocent, and destined for things far greater than he can imagine. His journey is compelling and he's written well by author Stuart, capturing a young and distinctive voice. He's an innocent in a dark world - it's one filled with alien beings, powerful creatures, and extremely unpleasant happenings. These events are described with skill - they're visceral and at times rather hard to read. Narratively it's a strong move, providing a vivid contrast from the wide eyed innocence of Sam, and allowing the author to blend his science fiction themes with some strong moments of horror.

Adding to the moving and thrilling plot are exceptionally strong descriptive elements - the author has a real knack for conjuring up the intriguing world that he's created here, and whilst the plot brings things to a satisfying close, both the world and the characters are things I'd like to see explored in further detail in the future.

If this book appeals then you might also enjoy [[The Space Between The Stars by Anne Corlett]].

You can read more about Wes Stuart [[:Category:Wes Stuart|here]].

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[[Category:Thrillers]]