Review of Susan, You’re The Chosen One by S.J. Hignett
When I first stumbled upon Susan, You’re The Chosen One, the title alone hooked me. It suggested a delightful twist on the familiar urban fantasy trope, all while promising a touch of humor and complexity. By the time I started diving into S.J. Hignett’s whimsical world, I found myself both chuckling and reflecting on life’s curveballs. As part of the SPFBOX team for Fantasy Book Critic, I was eager to see how this tale of midlife magic would unfold. Spoiler alert: it didn’t just unfold; it exploded with joy, absurdity, and heart.
The book introduces us to Susan Moore, an unlikely heroine who, after surviving a fall from grace marked by mental health struggles, finds herself declaring, “Why not?” when handsome Fae models come knocking at her door to declare her the Chosen One. Honestly, how does it get any better than that? Seeing the world through Susan’s eyes is like a renewed look at life itself, layered with reckless boldness—as she navigates enchanted realms while questioning if she’s losing her grip on sanity or if she’s just been truly sane all along.
What struck me immediately was Hignett’s sharp wit and humorous narrative voice, which is both engaging and refreshingly relatable. I devoured this book in a single day, and let me tell you, the pacing is just right—fast enough to leave you breathless yet intuitive enough to draw you in with both laughter and poignant reflection. The world-building is impressively rich for a relatively short novel, filled with quirky characters including a sassy duocorn named Cecil, whose antics are sure to leave you grinning.
While I did find moments where the focus on the characters’ physical appearances and the over-the-top rivalry among women felt a tad exaggerated, I came to appreciate that this might just be Hignett’s clever jab at the clichés permeating the genre. The humor, at times ridiculous, left me snorting into my afternoon tea, a much-needed release amid the underlying themes of anxiety, toxic relationships, and midlife transformation.
Of course, what really stood out was how Hignett addresses heavier topics—mental illness, infertility, and female rage—with sensitivity. The balance of laughing and reflecting was surprisingly moving. I found myself contemplating not just Susan’s adventure, but my own experiences and those of the women around me. It’s that kind of depth hidden beneath layers of fun that sets this book apart.
While Susan shines vibrantly as the protagonist, I hope future installments delve deeper into the supporting cast, as they felt a bit one-dimensional compared to her vivacity. With this first installment ending on an intriguing note, I’m more than ready to follow Susan’s rollercoaster ride into the next book.
In conclusion, Susan, You’re The Chosen One is perfect for those who appreciate a good laugh interspersed with emotional depth. If you’re seeking a quick, magical escape that leaves you feeling lighter yet more contemplative, I highly recommend jumping into Susan’s world. It’s a delightful testament to embracing the chaos of life, and trust me, you’ll want to see more of Cecil—what an icon! I left this adventure feeling thoroughly entertained, reflecting on the absurdities of life while eagerly anticipating what hilarity may ensue next.
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