Assessment:

Plot/Idea: Shirley Estar is known for being the most ruthless and accomplished killers in the galaxy and usually goes on her missions solo. As she lived alone on Earth, Shirley did all she could to survive, and now faces a reckoning. Rowntree creates a story that is always moving forward, tinged with absurdity, and that revolves around a strong and intriguingly flawed protagonist.

Prose: Rowntree strikes a unique tone and uses a vernacular that sets the futuristic and fantastical world apart. The prose has an arresting lyricism and is infused with a surprising degree of emotion.

Originality: With a strong hook and a well-realized futuristic society, Shirley Estar Goes to Heaven offers suspense, twists, unexpected reveals, and deceit. Shirley's character drives the originality of the story and makes it one that is memorable and captivating.

Character/Execution: Rowntree succeeds in creating a morally gray yet deeply relatable heroine whose past as an intergalactic criminal shapes her sense of self. The narrative offers profound insights on the trappings of our identities and examines whether any of us are truly capable of change.

Date Submitted: April 30, 2024