[Review] - Hold for Release Until the End of the World
Hold for Release Until the End of the World
C.V. Hunt
I’ve not actually read any bizarro fiction before, none that I can remember anyway, but according to Goodreads, Hold for Release Until the End of the World fits into that subgenre.
In this story, we are introduced to Daxton, a place full of strange people, where some form of visible mark is required if you want a driving licence, where going grocery shopping is a risky venture, and where the rich pay to degrade workers at ‘Financial Shaming Inc’.
It's a strange, intriguing tale, with a strong narration and voice for the main character, emphasised really well by the narrator in the audiobook version. Through this story, Hunt creates an odd world completely governed by self-interest, a good breeding ground for a critique on current society, on the differences between rich and poor, the risks of poverty, and what women must put up with just to have a place to live.
The elements of social commentary here are weaved in so well, the themes and ideas threaded in naturally, and the constant threat looming over the horizon is almost ignored until it’s too late, which adds to the growing sense of unease. With every scene, Daxton gains new layers, and overall it’s really effective.
If this is bizarro, sign me up for more. Who knows, maybe Hold for Release Until the End of the World will serve as the gateway drug I needed.
Grade: A
Review by Elle Turpitt
@elleturpitt
I received this book for free via Audible.