Hydrangeas on Fire

by A.C. Ahn

Judge, 23rd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards
Entry Category: Genre Fiction

Books are evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 meaning “needs improvement” and 5 meaning “outstanding”.

Structure, Organization, and Pacing: 5
Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar: 5
Production Quality and Cover Design: 5
Plot and Story Appeal: 5
Character Appeal and Development: 5
Voice and Writing Style: 5

Judge’s Commentary:

HYDRANGEAS ON FIRE, a novel by A.C. Ahn, is an intriguing work of literary fiction sure to challenge and reward the thoughtful reader.
The cover art, with the word HYD-RAN-GEAS divided in such a way as to make the title challenging to read suggests that this won’t be a light form of entertainment, but that is part of the beauty of the cover. I enjoyed the creative artwork. The back cover copy is well done.

The story itself drew me in quickly. The characters’ voices were all different, making for an interesting read. The author’s voice is sensitive, showing that he really cares about his characters, and hence his readers. This author has something to say, and I like his voice and style. I think he will find a loyal readership as he continues to write thoughtful prose.

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Noel Ashman grows up in a troubled household; after his mother abandons him, his abusive father perishes in a mysterious fire. Despite his bitter childhood, he gathers strength from his friends and moves on, working his way into the ranks of NYPD's finest. But as he dons his badge and uniform, his past creeps closer than ever through a series of jewel heists—with each diamond stolen shining light on the secrets he hides from those closest to him.

Hydrangeas on Fire is a work of fiction set primarily in present-day New York City, and follows the life of a disturbed but good-natured young man named Noel Ashman. Only the most memorable events from Noel’s life are disclosed in each chapter, as readers are invited to explore how themes from genres (such as crime, coming of age, new adult, and Asian American) tie the story together from beginning to end.

Genres: Crime, Fiction, Detective, Mystery

292 pages, Paperback

First published January 20, 2015

About the author

A. C. Ahn wrote Hydrangeas on Fire, his first novel, while pondering what the moment before death is like. He writes short stories for both enjoyment and publication. His work, “The Dragon and the Snake,” won First Place in the Crime Category for the Writer’s Digest Popular Fiction Awards. He splits his life between the San Francisco Bay Area and Seoul, Korea.

Reviews

[Ming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was looking for a non-mainstream crime fiction and stumbled onto Hydrangeas on Fire.

The book turns its readers into detectives themselves, having them piece together the main character's life.

[Mike R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had fun reading Hydrangeas on Fire. It's a well written crime story that goes deeper into showing the back stories of the characters than most other detective novels do. I say good job for a first novel.

[Sasha Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

slow at first, but definitely gains momentum as you go on. I am a bit confused by the ending. Hoping as more reviews get posted, I will find some clarity. It was good, and I had NO inkling of the twist, and, as mentioned, the ending was lost on me. I have a guess, but I may have to read it again more carefully.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads Giveaway book. Not exactly the sort of detective story I was expecting, but interesting none-the-less. The reason it received a 3 rather than a 4 was due to the slow start and some sluggish areas later on. However, the characters were interesting, and the ending was a surprise.

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Starts a bit slow, but stick with it and it picks up quickly, especially towards the end. Liked how it didn't worry too much on the nitty-gritty of police work, but instead focused more on other life aspects.

[Kayla Mullins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book had a very slow beginning. About midway it really picked up in the storyline. Most books don't completely throw me off guard, but this book completely threw me. Very great ending.

[Leigh Korpal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kind of have no idea what to think so need someone else to read it. Part of me feels like 'What!?'

Slow at times but built towards the end.

Also ... several edits need to be made. For example: Pan instead of Pam, kill instead of kills ..... so many typos that it drove me nuts.

[Amanda Gallitto · Rating 3 out of 5]

So confused by this. I'm sad and disappointed that I did not enjoy this as others... I didn't understand the ending. In my opinion, the book was slow, then rushed into the ending. I'm not sure I processed everything that happened. I did enjoy the backstory however.