Rebel Town Reviews [OPEN]

Smoke 'Em Up (Full) - @IanRCooper

Smoke 'Em Up (Full) by IanRCooper      

Reviewed by AmyMarieZ 

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Overview: "Smoke 'Em Up" is a noir short story. At only five chapters in length, it's definitely worth a read for anyone that likes their stories dark and gritty. The action is thrilling, and the characters—although not particularly likeable—are interesting and make a fun, thought-provoking but grim story.

Structure/Soundtrack: "Smoke 'Em Up" is a short story in an anthology of noir short stories of a similar style. The short story is broken up into five short parts which makes it easy to read on Wattpad. Additionally, the separation of parts allows the author to establish different atmospheres in each part through the use of songs in the headers.

I really enjoyed the soundtrack to this story. It seemed like a lot of thought went into the song selection, because each song fit with the individual part it was included in very well, but all of the songs also have a similar feel that make them seem like they are parts of a whole rather than completely separate pieces. Here are my thoughts on each of the song selections:

1. Dirty Laundry ("Paradise Circus" by Massive Attack)

At first, the atmosphere and mood of this song was what stood out to me. It seemed gloomy and bleak, a lot like the atmosphere the descriptions in the chapter developed. It also gave me a sort of on-edge/mysterious feel like something bad was about to happen. The end of the chapter left off this way with an open ended question about how much trouble could possibly happen on a cigarette run.

After I read the chapter, I listened to the lyrics of the song, and I felt like they could be interpreted in a way that fits with the theme of the chapter as well. The chapter shows how Carl and Lisa's love has gone wrong and become poisonous to both of them because they just keep going the way that they are rather than addressing their problems and trying to make things better.

2. Bar Room Mirrors ("Starboy" by The Weeknd)

For me, this song fit well with the chapter in a fairly literal way. The song seems to embody Jase's lifestyle and what Carl is about to become. Although, the song gives me a feeling of more depth than Jase's superficial life.

3. PIN Codes ("Technically Missing" by Trent Reznir / Atticus Ross)

This song had no lyrics, and I thought it fit well as background music for the beginning of the chapter. It felt sinister, dark and mysterious. It puts you on edge and makes a great track for a character disposing a body.

4. F*** Kierkegaard ("6 Underground" by Sneaker Pimps)

This song fit perfectly with the chapter. I could really imagine it playing in the strip club where Carl is talking with Keely, and listening to it while reading added even more atmosphere to the chapter.

5. Fully Assumed ("Roads" by Portishead)

I got a feeling of uncertainty listening to this song that I thought fit well with the ending of the story. It seems like Carl's life has become a huge uncertainty because of the decision he has made. He doesn't seem to know if he is making the right decision for himself and his own pursuit of happiness (although I feel like deep down he knows he's done things that are morally wrong, and the guilt will get to him.) The song makes me think about a life that is missing something, like Carl's life is missing happiness.

Grammar: I didn't notice any recurring issues with grammar in this story. The author has a strong grasp on the rules of grammar. There were one or two typos which I think I pointed out inline as Iread, but other than that the grammar is polished and clean.