Hughes, Scott, Holding Fire: Short Stories of Self-Destruction. pgs. 288. CreateSpace, 2015. $12.99.
Source: Bought.
When one sets out on a self-destructive path, it isn’t
always obvious that you’re doing so. It could be guilt in the case of Maggie
Stancu’s “Running with Guilt” or a sense of justice in the case of Isobel
Sheene’s “Vindictive” and J.B. Rice’s “Burden of a Soldier.” The self-destructive
person may justify their actions, get around the obstacles in their path, or
resort to murder. All of them, however, have one thing in common. Such chosen
paths result in one’s self-destruction. In Holding
Fire: Short Stories of Self-Destruction, ten short stories attempt to
answer the question: what causes one’s self-destruction?
Each story is strong in character development/growth and
plot development. There is a mix of different genres including, but not limited
to, fantasy, realistic fiction, and mystery. Each author expertly deals with
delicate issues such as grief, love, abuse, revenge, bullying, and guilt
without losing the reader.
The characters seem like believable characters that fall
victim to life and bad choice. The woman spurned by a romantic interest, the
boy who never got past being bullied, the soldier forced to watch a friend get
murdered, and the person who got wrapped
up in corporate espionage are a few such examples. The fact that readers will
be able to relate to the different characters’ personalities and choices makes
this collection even more eerie and compelling. The overall engaging feel of
the book makes the reader stop and give pause, to think and reevaluate their
own choices and lives.
Writing styles are hard to judge since each is written by a different
author, but each smoothly transitions between scenes and doesn’t have a jarring
effect on the reader. Layouts are well done, but there are still a few spelling
and grammar mistakes that distract the reader from the heart of the stories.
At first glance, this book may give readers the impression
of having stereotypical characters and themes. This, however, is not the case. Each
story is not only unique and well developed, but easily paint for the reader
the ultimate anti-hero picture.
Overall I’d give this book 4 out of 5 stars (or 3 out of 4 stars). The stories were interesting
to read. The themes of grief, self-destruction, guilt, and revenge are well
handled and draw the reader into each story. There are, however, some spelling and
grammar mistakes that might throw the average reader off as they’re reading
along. Readers who enjoy short stories, books dealing with revenge and death,
or who enjoy a wide variety of genres will like reading this book.
