Title: HIDING HIM
Author: Adam Hattan
Published by: The Hattan Company Ltd
Published Date: July 2, 2024
Purchase: www.adamhattan.com
Language : English
Hardcover : 270 pages
ISBN-10 : 1916089747
Reviewer: Rob Manser (@Robs_Wild_World)
Although this book is marketed as a young adult read, the story will resonate with older audiences too, who, until releases like this and Heartstopper, did not have a significant representation in the world that shone a positive, real-world experience onto the queer culture.
Hiding Him is a standout in the swathe of releases that are currently targeting YA queer readers, as this is a genuine, solid, heartfelt read that will leave you wanting more. It is a nice change to the pain and rejection of the past and is helping to usher in a new era of hope and positivity.
A solid character-driven piece that infuses romance, comedy and a new look on the queer coming out story, you’ll be in for a gay old time with Cam and his love interest Finn. A will they won’t they ride that makes this book one of those “I can’t put it down” binges.
As this piece is set in the UK, it may contain elements that the US reader may not find comfortable or even understand. Still, I find that refreshing because the world does not revolve around the USA (I will rant about that another time).
The book begs for a follow-up or even a series, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Cam as he navigates other parts of life as a young queer person through Adam’s lens.
Adam Hattan was not known for fiction writing before, but his biography includes factual guides covering destinations and experiences from Disney. It’s then that you realise that the impact of “wishes do come true” naturally crosses genres to craft a story and a reading experience that leaves you full of hope and wonder for the characters in Hiding Him.
Interestingly, the book was shopped around to various publishers and eventually self-published by the author, which, in all seriousness, is a loss for those publishers. Now, they will have to pay a pretty penny for any future works, considering the chart success it has had purely out of Adams’s presence on YouTube and a devoted fan base. And like all good YouTubers, you can actually watch an entire series of Adam’s journey to publishing this title on his channel.
It’s solid, romantic, funny, and sometimes oh so wrong, but in the right way, a fabulous debut novel from someone who will have a bright future as a fiction author.
I highly recommend this book, ebook, or audiobook – all the formats are available.
5/5
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