When I chose to read and review an early reader copy of this book I was hoping to explore other cultures’ versions of heaven and the afterlife. Unfortunately the author immediately stated that he was not going to touch what he saw as the domain of ‘well-versed religious scholars.’ Instead, he has invented a series of ‘resorts’ for the ‘Ascended’.

These resorts are a random selection of quirky places that might appeal to some people with various likes and hobbies. They range from ‘Candy World’ to ‘Mirror Maze’ and ‘Pups of the Past’ – niche, sentimental or strange workings of the author’s fancy. There is no story or theme. 100 disconnected imaginings, all presented in the same style swiftly grew old for this reader. This might be a coffee table or ‘smallest room’ book, for guests to dip in, but none of the ‘resorts’ appeals to me and the book feels too long and self-indulgent. ( )