I really enjoyed the book it felt like real life and the characters were just like the average Joe you would probably come across on a daily basis. The story itself was funny but still kept that realistic edge whilst still giving that bit of action to keep the book flowing. The smaller size of the chapters were perfectly sized meaning you can easily blast through the book. Personally I feel you should definitely pick this book up. I give Paths Not Yet Taken an excellent full marks score of 5. It’s realistic, rawness, comedy, action and storyline perfectly blends genres. I would definitely like to see this adapted for screen at some point.

@davechatsgames

Blog 18/9/24

I was interested in this novel after reading the very amusing synopsis and it did not disappoint - it’s a very entertaining read! There’s so much going on in this book! Lots of chaos! It’s full of action, but also very thought-provoking. The Prime Minister causes a national crisis and then disappears. The author’s writing style is clever and witty and I felt as though I flew through this book; it’s a real page turner. There are lots of twists and turns too that really kept me wondering.

@mum_of_boys_northeast

Blog 17/9/24

Not sure what I was expecting, but I'm glad I decided to read it. Simon Pope is a warehouse worker, but not just any warehouse worker, he was also known as Esteban Canafanta to his online brethren on @TheTrth, the dark web platform and to the intelligence service. When the Prime Minister goes missing on a visit to the Midlands food distribution centre where Simon works, a search is launch. How and why is Simon at the front of things?   I enjoyed the storyline with it's short, quick chapters and great believable characters. There are plenty of twists and turns, along the way with multiple threads.

mamof9.blogspot.com

Blog, Amazon 16/9/24

The writing was a good mixture of lightness, emotion and description, which added depth and realism to the story. There were some thought provoking moments, which made the reader more invested in the characters and curious as to how the story would end. I enjoyed the suspense and jeopardy that hung around the main characters throughout. The chapters were short and gave the story a good pace. With the level of detail at different points this was needed to keep the reader on track. It was well balanced and cleverly done. There was an interesting flow to the book. There were a few different viewpoints, set out in their own short chapters. The length allowed the reader to bounce around and gradually build up the story. Despite the different viewpoints, it was always easy to tell who you reading about and it added something extra to the overall storyline. Again this was a clever tactic to get you moving through the story, yet at the same time still giving you lots of detail to keep the story feeling real. The characters were excellent. I really felt for the two main characters despite the two very different lives that they had lead. It was interesting to see people from such different walks of life come together and help one another out. There was a sense of loyalty (however misguided) throughout the book between different groups of characters, which gave the reader something to think about. The emotional turmoil that the main characters were in was interesting to read about and to see how it had affected their lives. I enjoyed following the two main characters on their journey and seeing how they grew into different versions of themselves. There were a lot of clever connections between the groups of characters which made the story feel more cohesive and interesting to read. You were never sure what was going to happen next! Lastly the settings. I enjoyed being in two different parts of the UK. The places were only lightly described as it was more of a character focused story, but what was there allowed the characters' actions to be described and highlighted more without making it overbearing on the reader. Overall an enjoyable, entertaining read.

Emily Pankhurst librarybookmum_budgettalesblog

Blog, Goodreads 13/9/24

I must admit that this is not my usual type of book but I thought I would give it a try and I am extremely glad that I did as I really enjoyed it!!! If this isn't the sort of book you would pick up then don't let that out you off. Expand your literature genres!!! I will also admit that I was not at all sure what to expect either, but the synopsis did sound quite amusing hence why I gave it a go and I am pleased to say that it was even more entertaining that I hoped going by the description!! With a storyline filled with politics, humour, wit, drama and entertainment, this is an easy to read and amusing book that I would highly recommend to anyone. I enjoyed the wry and dark humour as well as the twists and turns throughout the storyline. The book is only actually set over five days, but in those five days Philip fills the hours with action, crisis, dogs, emotional drama, banter and more, while addressing subjects such as mental health and the impact of war on the soldiers. He does a fantastic job of telling the storyline through multiple protagonist perspectives and weaves their chapters together perfectly, bringing the characters and storyline to life in front of the readers' eyes. I devoured this book in two sittings and found myself laughing, gobsmacked, unnerved, shocked and more, while also finding it a thought provoking, one of a kind and intriguing storyline. Again, it will not be everyone's cup of tea but, personally, I enjoyed the raw storyline, the flawed and unique characters, the fascinating descriptions and the dark humour! It truly is one of those fantastically thought provoking books that will keep you completely engaged throughout and thinking about it long after you have closed the pages!! Overall a unique, thought provoking, dark, funny, gripping and unique read.

@bookwormwhitlock86

Blog, Goodreads 12/9/24

What an interesting and unique book, with a very tongue in cheek take on life with politicians who seem to not have it all together. Seem familiar? This sounded so interesting with the blurb and I was more than happy to take a leap at reading it because I liked the idea of a little political satire and it was welcome, with the way politics have gone over the last several years.  I found the premise of it very interesting, especially as we are thrown in the deep end, with the prime minister vanishing. Then we start to get to know Pope and just who they are, or who they seem to be. I chuckled readily and thoroughly enjoyed the journey we were taken on, as we found just where this led and just how deep some revelations would go.  Overall, this was a great book and the pages definitely leave you having enjoyed the entirety. It is much needed in the climate and will have you laughing and thinking.

@Pause_the_Frame

Blog 11/9/24

I must say, this is not the kind of story that would usually get my attention (there's more than enough about politics on the news, on social media, down the pub etc) but something about 'Paths Not Yet Taken' intrigued me so I went with it - and I'm rather glad I did. The start had the feeling of an old 70s/80s style British sit-com but as the story developed it became much more than that. The author wrong footed me several times and I always rather enjoy that. Shortish chapters kept the flow going and all in all I found this a quite satisfying read. I rather enjoyed it!

Andy Angel @andyangel44

Blog, Goodreads 10/9/24

I haven't read many satirical novels and I'm not hugely into political discussions, but this was so good! Reminded me a lot of Spitting Image back in it's heyday. I was laughing out loud straight away and was just the kind of light-hearted read I needed lately! It's very accessible, so don't worry if you feel it may be 'too political'. It's extremely easy to read. Highly recommend.

Curling Up With A Coffee And A Kindle @CurlingUpWithaC

Blog, X, Goodreads 9/9/24

I decided to read this book which is not my normal genre but thought I’d give it a go and totally loved it. I got caught up with the characters and the humour had me laughing out loud. I loved the idea that the prime minister had done a runner and he was found in someone’s garage. Very clever and the ensuing turmoil was really gripping. I hope to read more from this author. Highly recommend this book.

Sue Allen

Goodreads 2/9/24

I enjoyed this book so much! It addresses what would happen if a high-ranking government official (the Prime Minister (PM) in this case) decided they had enough and wanted to quit. I am sure many of us could relate to this situation, and we aren't running a country. Not only does it address mental health issues, but it also examines what happens in war and the impact that has on soldiers. The story is told from the perspectives of multiple characters. There are some tense moments, and you wonder if there will be a government coverup. No matter what side a person belongs to in politics, I think that they will see a little bit of their own politics in this book. I thought the interplay between the characters was done well. We see a bit of their past, along with the current events. While the story only takes place over five days, it is five days filled with banter, memories, and two sweet dogs - Fred and Ginger. We give this book 5 paws up!

StoreyBook Reviews

Goodreads / www.storeybookreviews.com 17/8/24

What a great book. From the first chapter you just want to keep going. A few twists and turns on the way leaves you wanting more. Hopefully there will be another.

Caroline Newberry

Goodreads 11/4/24

Full of characters you can relate to, laugh out loud opening to the plot that develops into thought provoking conclusion. Cleverly developed twists and turns keep you engaged throughout.

John Stokes

Amazon / Goodreads 22/7/24

Not my normal diet of political autobiographies/biographies but a delightful parody with all the twists and turns imbedded in the "Westminster Bubble"; an entertaining allegory of out times. The story races along but never gets ahead of itself leaving the reader wanting more, a real page turner. The characters deserve another outing, I look forward to the sequel.

E. F.

Amazon 12/7/24

Great read from start to finish. As a reader it takes you through all the emotions. Funny, witty, sad - takes the reader through an adventure that, although fiction, puts you on a great adventure. Cannot wait for the next book by this author.

David Johnson

Goodreads 8/7/24

Paths Not Yet Taken, by Philip Rennett, is an exhilarating and witty novel that captivates readers from the first page to the last. Set over five tumultuous days in late summer, the story masterfully intertwines crises, action, and emotional drama with a dry, observational wit that makes for an incredibly enjoyable read. The narrative centres on Simon Pope, a middle-aged Midlands warehouse worker who discovers someone very unexpected in his garage. During a press visit to the warehouse where Pope works, the Prime Minister suddenly vanishes, throwing the entire UK into chaos. As the security services and police launch a frantic search for the missing PM, the government scrambles to maintain its composure and manage the situation. Simon Pope harbors a secret life, spending his evenings on the dark web platform @TheTrth, where he voices his disdain for the political establishment, particularly the now-missing Prime Minister. Paths Not Yet Taken is a thoroughly entertaining read. Rennett skillfully makes both the Prime Minister, who confides in Pope his desire to return to a normal life, and Pope, who has a surprisingly dark past, immensely likable characters. The author reserves his critique for the bureaucrats running the government, extracting comedy gold from their antics. This is especially evident when these bureaucrats attempt to scapegoat Pope, adding a realistic and humorous twist to the story. The novel is a true page-turner with tight pacing, witty writing, and a perfect balance of action and drama. It is genuinely funny without being mean-spirited, offering a refreshing change of pace in today’s often cynical political landscape. Paths Not Yet Taken has real heart and comes highly recommended for anyone looking for a smart, engaging, and humorous read.

Literary Titan

31/5/24

I throughly enjoyed reading this book by author Philip RENNETT. I got into it easily and found it an easy read, and thinking I know where this is going! Wrong, wrong, wrong, time and time again!! I am someone who irritates my wife and children by knowing where the story is going when watching TV and film dramas not known to me. I liked the short chapters, enabling me to keep up with the various characters and sub plots in the story; and therefore not forgetting what had happened previously. In my opinion, because the story is so different, and nothing that I’ve read or seen before. This should be made into a TV drama. I hope this author will continue writing, and look forward to his next book.

Loyala Overlunde

Amazon 27/5/24

What a great fun read. The story line races between the multiple threads and convincing characters, getting ever closer together for the big climax to the story. The short chapters help to move the story along quickly as it jumped from one thread to another resulting in an absolute page turner. I just hope that the author will continue the stories of Simmo, Mindy et al. They surely have so much more to reveal.....new adventures.

smsburn

Amazon 22/5/24

Not my usual kind of book I go for, however great plot that kept me entertained from start to finish whilst on holiday. Highly recommend this book.

A.E.

Amazon 5/5/24

I didn't know what to expect from this book but I hoped it would be as amusing as the description made it seem. What an understatement!! Clever, heavily laced throughout with wry - sometimes dark - humour and wit, with such believable characters and shenanigans that the reader could be forgiven for imagining that the author has had somewhat more than a mere passing nod of acquaintance with the workings and machinations of inner government and its peoples. From the first page I was hooked and didn't want to put the book down - there are twists, turns - oh, and dogs! - and an unexpected, serious string to the storyline, all coming nicely together to make this a cracking good read!! Highly recommend!!

Carol P

Amazon 29/4/24

One of those books that makes you want to read the next chapter. All the characters fit into the storyline really well as the plot moves along at a pace. A most enjoyable read.

Pete H

Amazon 17/4/24

It’s one of those books you don’t want to put down. Drama, pathos, humour and just plain readability. It’s got the lot!! A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Steve Barton

Amazon 16/4/24

Not my usual choice of book to read but I really enjoyed it! An easy page-turning read that is entertaining and has good dry humour too. Just imagine if this did happen…

R.P.

Amazon 15/4/24

I enjoyed this book. It starts off at a fast pace and is a real page-turner. Some very interesting characters are described with wit and humour as this entertaining story unfolds and mayhem ensues. Would make a great holiday read.

R.J.

Amazon 14/4/24

Really enjoyed reading this book, took to it from the first few pages and it got me hooked, can't say that about many books, sometimes it takes me a while to get into a book, then enjoy it. Looking forward to the next one.

T.H.

Amazon 13/4/24