I received this book from the library sale to read and or release, I don't know which yet!

Released into the I Hate Sci-Fi Bookbox round #2, I hope it finds a new reader!

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I've chosen this from the I Hate SF bookbox. I enjoyed Angels in Hell, another collection with this theme, so I was pleased to find this one in the box.

The stories deal with various combinations of individuals who've found themselves in hell - demons, naturally, and many historical figures. There's some romance - the first story opens with Asmodeus bemoaning the fact that he fell in love with Mata Hari - but of course it doesn't go very well; in fact, he's tormented by another demon using her features, as he's forced to choose among a number of alternatives, each of which proves to be a "be careful what you ask for" situation.

Another tale introduces Lawrence of Arabia, just reaching hell after his fatal motorcycle accident, with some lyrical passages recalling his final moments - and some not-so-lyrical memories of the more savage scenes he'd participated in. Interestingly, some of the other patrons - all of them warriors from throughout history - take issue with his decisions, and eventually - well, there's a nice twist to this one.

Gilgamesh makes an appearance, still searching for Enkidu, among other things; even in hell he's gained and lost kingdoms. There's a story featuring Celtic characters, with the horrors of battles where death doesn't end the torment. Another story stars Roald Amundsen (!), who's been tapped to help Nobile construct a new dirigible (flammable gas, in hell???), as part of the ongoing strife; nice notes about the back stories of each character, though I admit I wasn't expecting to find them here!

And, for a change of pace, there's "Giving Hell a Shot," in which an actor named Warren Hell (really!) talks about his lackluster life and mediocre career, leading him to join in some war games in the desert. At least, he thought they were just games...

Another story features the Roman legions, and all of the emperors, scheming and conniving and assassinating. And the final tale features a modern-day soldier, who finds that he too has a place in hell.

Interesting takes on the theme, often very thought-provoking...

I plan to leave this and a few other books at the Little Free Library in Framingham at around 1 or so. Hope the finder enjoys the book!

*** Released as part of the 2012 Chills & Spills release challenge. The theme for September includes spirits and demons, and as this is set entirely in the afterlife it should count! ***