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Consumption
Librarian's note: See alternate cover edition of ASIN B00NXHUUIY here.
You Are
Reclusive chef Heinrich Schauer has invited six guests to a blind twelve-course tasting menu.
What You Eat
While snow blankets the isolated Swiss valley surrounding his estate, the guests feast eagerly, challenging one another to guess at the secret tastes plated before them.
Meat Is Murder
As they eat, each guest is overtaken by carnal appetites, unaware of their host’s savage plans...or of the creature lurking below.
One thing is clear: There is more on the menu than any of them have bargained for.
Consumption is a 12,000 word (approx.) short story. It contains graphic depictions of sex and violence, and is intended for mature audiences.
You Are
Reclusive chef Heinrich Schauer has invited six guests to a blind twelve-course tasting menu.
What You Eat
While snow blankets the isolated Swiss valley surrounding his estate, the guests feast eagerly, challenging one another to guess at the secret tastes plated before them.
Meat Is Murder
As they eat, each guest is overtaken by carnal appetites, unaware of their host’s savage plans...or of the creature lurking below.
One thing is clear: There is more on the menu than any of them have bargained for.
Consumption is a 12,000 word (approx.) short story. It contains graphic depictions of sex and violence, and is intended for mature audiences.
70 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2014
3 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Michael Patrick Hicks
38 books509 followersMichael Patrick Hicks is the author of several horror books, including the Salem Hawley series and Friday Night Massacre. His debut novel, Convergence, was an Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Finalist in science fiction, and his short stories have appeared in more than a dozen anthologies.
You can find Michael’s books on Amazon in print, ebook, and audiobook at http://viewauthor.at/MichaelPatrickHicks.
Connect with Michael at:
Website: http://michaelpatrickhicks.com
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelpatri...
You can find Michael’s books on Amazon in print, ebook, and audiobook at http://viewauthor.at/MichaelPatrickHicks.
Connect with Michael at:
Website: http://michaelpatrickhicks.com
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelpatri...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 18, 2015
Consumption is one of the most horrifically intriguing novellas that I've read for quite some time and it may just make you think twice about that special dinner invitation.
Each of the six guests received their invitations through the post, a twelve course tasting meal courtesy of the renowned chef Heinrich Schauer. Through the winding roads of the Gotthard Pass, over the Devil’s Bridge to reach a remote lakeside Swiss manor in the Leventina Valley.
In keeping with the evening’s dinner theme, each guest had been issued a unique demon’s masquerade mask. They were discouraged from talking about themselves, the evening was purely about the wonders cooked up by the chef.
We spend time with Heinrich Schauer as he prepares his dishes, stripping meat from the body strapped to the kitchen table and we see the effect the dishes have on the guests. An almost hidden undercurrent of rage that the food helped to fuel, feeding their inner demons.
'The monster was feverishly hot, no doubt a side effect of Schauer’s grueling excavations. He was sure that the beast would be howling if Schauer had not had the foresight to sever its vocal cords. No shared language existed between them, of course, save for the excruciating roars of pain and misery that were common to all.'
Consumption is a quite different tale of horror that resonates feelings of dread and shock, very well written, some great ideas and some darkness around the invention of various culinary delights. This was my first read from Michael Patrick Hicks and definitely won't be my last.
A 4.5* rating.
Also posted at http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
Each of the six guests received their invitations through the post, a twelve course tasting meal courtesy of the renowned chef Heinrich Schauer. Through the winding roads of the Gotthard Pass, over the Devil’s Bridge to reach a remote lakeside Swiss manor in the Leventina Valley.
In keeping with the evening’s dinner theme, each guest had been issued a unique demon’s masquerade mask. They were discouraged from talking about themselves, the evening was purely about the wonders cooked up by the chef.
We spend time with Heinrich Schauer as he prepares his dishes, stripping meat from the body strapped to the kitchen table and we see the effect the dishes have on the guests. An almost hidden undercurrent of rage that the food helped to fuel, feeding their inner demons.
'The monster was feverishly hot, no doubt a side effect of Schauer’s grueling excavations. He was sure that the beast would be howling if Schauer had not had the foresight to sever its vocal cords. No shared language existed between them, of course, save for the excruciating roars of pain and misery that were common to all.'
Consumption is a quite different tale of horror that resonates feelings of dread and shock, very well written, some great ideas and some darkness around the invention of various culinary delights. This was my first read from Michael Patrick Hicks and definitely won't be my last.
A 4.5* rating.
Also posted at http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
August 12, 2016
I can’t remember the last time I read an author’s work back to back. Even shorter works. Not because I don’t want to, necessarily, but because my crazy mount tbr is threatening to topple down and crush me underneath its pages. (It could happen...really.) But after Revolver, I felt compelled to get to the next in the queue for me from Mr. Hicks. Damn glad I did, too.
Chef Heinrich Schauer. Dinner for six. A Twelve-Course Tasting Meal. Invitation only. And this evening, a meal unlike anything ever known in the history of human consumption.
Well, that is quite an understatement. This dinner party goes to hell in a hand basket quicker than Thanksgiving dinner at my house after Uncle John slams his 6th scotch on the rocks. Another crazy good one from MPH.
Chef Heinrich Schauer. Dinner for six. A Twelve-Course Tasting Meal. Invitation only. And this evening, a meal unlike anything ever known in the history of human consumption.
Well, that is quite an understatement. This dinner party goes to hell in a hand basket quicker than Thanksgiving dinner at my house after Uncle John slams his 6th scotch on the rocks. Another crazy good one from MPH.
November 17, 2015
I'm hungry.
This is a good book. However, I felt it lacked something.
Maybe a little salt or even a dash of mustard.
The 'horror' elements are good. The writing solid.
Maybe I'm thinking too much, it's only a novella...
Maybe I'm not thinking at all and just too thick to 'get it'.
Like I said, I'm hungry.
Go read these reviews, they are much better than mine.
Bill
Paul
This is a good book. However, I felt it lacked something.
Maybe a little salt or even a dash of mustard.
The 'horror' elements are good. The writing solid.
Maybe I'm thinking too much, it's only a novella...
Maybe I'm not thinking at all and just too thick to 'get it'.
Like I said, I'm hungry.
Go read these reviews, they are much better than mine.
Bill
Paul
October 21, 2018
Wonderfully imaginative and delightfully deeeeeeeeee-sgusting. Definitely not for the weak of stomach or those with very limited palates. A fun, quick listen on Audible.
February 22, 2018
My original Consumption audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
This short horror story (76 minutes of listening) is about a small group of wealthy individuals who gather to eat the rarest delicacies money can buy. Their host, Chef Heinrich Schauer has more in mind than just a sumptuous feast. After dedicating his life to finding and preparing the most unusual and delectable meals for an appreciative audience, he delivers what he is sure to be a life-changing meal.
The only rule is that the guests must keep on their masks and are required to stay anonymous to each other, though they have some clue as to each other’s identity as it is thinly populated at the top of society. At first, they spend their time in small talk and discussion of the savory, yet strange meal. Things begin to heat up as more than just hungry appetites are satisfied.
It is difficult to say more about this short story without ruining the plot. Suffice it is to say, it is a horror story of carnal desire and food. More than a little bloody. Definitely for adult listeners and those not easily offended or squeamish.
Joe Hempel performs this quick listen with his familiar and capable voice. He is no stranger to horror and delivers a good performance with his steady delivery. The characters are well differentiated and easily discernible with no complaints. The production quality is top notch as you would expect from a consummate pro. He gets out of the way, so to speak, to let the action progress appropriately.
Perhaps not groundbreaking material, it should be entertaining for horror and horror-Sci Fi fans. There isn’t really that much suspense, just a steady rise to a most gruesome conclusion. It is a quick, horrifying listen for a round-trip commute, perhaps giving you food for thought for those pesky co-workers who annoy you most.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
This short horror story (76 minutes of listening) is about a small group of wealthy individuals who gather to eat the rarest delicacies money can buy. Their host, Chef Heinrich Schauer has more in mind than just a sumptuous feast. After dedicating his life to finding and preparing the most unusual and delectable meals for an appreciative audience, he delivers what he is sure to be a life-changing meal.
The only rule is that the guests must keep on their masks and are required to stay anonymous to each other, though they have some clue as to each other’s identity as it is thinly populated at the top of society. At first, they spend their time in small talk and discussion of the savory, yet strange meal. Things begin to heat up as more than just hungry appetites are satisfied.
It is difficult to say more about this short story without ruining the plot. Suffice it is to say, it is a horror story of carnal desire and food. More than a little bloody. Definitely for adult listeners and those not easily offended or squeamish.
Joe Hempel performs this quick listen with his familiar and capable voice. He is no stranger to horror and delivers a good performance with his steady delivery. The characters are well differentiated and easily discernible with no complaints. The production quality is top notch as you would expect from a consummate pro. He gets out of the way, so to speak, to let the action progress appropriately.
Perhaps not groundbreaking material, it should be entertaining for horror and horror-Sci Fi fans. There isn’t really that much suspense, just a steady rise to a most gruesome conclusion. It is a quick, horrifying listen for a round-trip commute, perhaps giving you food for thought for those pesky co-workers who annoy you most.
Audiobook was provided for review by the author.
October 1, 2017
As seen on
The Ghastly Grimoire.
Consumption is the second work I’ve read by Michael Patrick Hicks (whose first work I reviewed yesterday), and I really dig his style. Despite this tale being a few years old, Hicks proves once more to be a master of gore – sating my most primal needs for horror. In this short story, he adds to that an element of Lovecraftian horror, thus crafting the perfect entree for a quick, fun read.
Chef Heinrich Schauer is a twisted man, one that has succeeded in blinding himself into believing that he is granting his guests a boon in the form of a tasting event for his food. I can’t help but admit that here, Hicks both repulsed me and tempted my taste buds in the same breath. His ability to describe food, no matter what it actually is, is delectable.
Consumption gives readers just enough of a background to its cast to make them seem real, and for that I’m grateful. It’s not too much exposition, nor is it too little. Instead, readers are able to easily recognize each character’s personality and thus feel at least some emotion in regards to the events that transpire.
Once again, I’m delighted by Hicks’s style of writing and after these two reads, I definitely look forward to even more. This short story was included as a bonus in Mass Hysteria, so I decided to review it of my own free will. This is an unbiased review.
Consumption is the second work I’ve read by Michael Patrick Hicks (whose first work I reviewed yesterday), and I really dig his style. Despite this tale being a few years old, Hicks proves once more to be a master of gore – sating my most primal needs for horror. In this short story, he adds to that an element of Lovecraftian horror, thus crafting the perfect entree for a quick, fun read.
Chef Heinrich Schauer is a twisted man, one that has succeeded in blinding himself into believing that he is granting his guests a boon in the form of a tasting event for his food. I can’t help but admit that here, Hicks both repulsed me and tempted my taste buds in the same breath. His ability to describe food, no matter what it actually is, is delectable.
Consumption gives readers just enough of a background to its cast to make them seem real, and for that I’m grateful. It’s not too much exposition, nor is it too little. Instead, readers are able to easily recognize each character’s personality and thus feel at least some emotion in regards to the events that transpire.
Once again, I’m delighted by Hicks’s style of writing and after these two reads, I definitely look forward to even more. This short story was included as a bonus in Mass Hysteria, so I decided to review it of my own free will. This is an unbiased review.
December 2, 2015
An interesting novelette from a first time author for me that is richly detailed and intriguing in premise, Consumption seats the reader at the head of the table to watch on in growing horror as a set of diners at an exclusive meal are adversely affected by the mysterious dishes which are being set before them.
Hicks has a real way with words, wielding them with the precision of a master chef carving into his signature dish with the sharpest of skillet knives. His inventiveness is also on full display in this short read which most definitely does not outstay its welcome.
However I found the six diners to be largely interchangeable until there was only a couple left, and as such, I had difficulty discerning one from another - especially once things began to spiral out of control. This likely would have been less of an issue had life not intervened and prevented me from reading this straight through in one setting.
Recommended to those with reasonably strong stomachs.
3.5 (3 here; 4 on Amazon) Smoky Textures Overlaid with a Hint of Death for Consumption
Hicks has a real way with words, wielding them with the precision of a master chef carving into his signature dish with the sharpest of skillet knives. His inventiveness is also on full display in this short read which most definitely does not outstay its welcome.
However I found the six diners to be largely interchangeable until there was only a couple left, and as such, I had difficulty discerning one from another - especially once things began to spiral out of control. This likely would have been less of an issue had life not intervened and prevented me from reading this straight through in one setting.
Recommended to those with reasonably strong stomachs.
3.5 (3 here; 4 on Amazon) Smoky Textures Overlaid with a Hint of Death for Consumption
April 29, 2019
A terrific short novella, deliciously vile.
Six folks have been invited to attend a dinner party hosted by an eccentric chef. Anonymity is chief, and the masked guests must not discuss their personal lives. As the courses come one by one, and the group tries to decipher what they're eating, lusts and passions rise, as well as something else within them as they devour what turns out to be finely prepared dishes of demon.
This was a crazy story, but told in such a way that it never quite feels over the top and I found myself believing the plot to be perfectly reasonable. I suppose the highest praise I could give something like this is to say it reminded me of a Clive Barker story, extreme and totally out of the box, but with a prose that manages to deliver everything packaged just right so as not to come across as silly.
There's not much more to say about such a short tale that wouldn't give it all away, so I'll leave you here, saying, check this one out. It's gnarly fun, and definitely satiates the weird appetites in us all.
Six folks have been invited to attend a dinner party hosted by an eccentric chef. Anonymity is chief, and the masked guests must not discuss their personal lives. As the courses come one by one, and the group tries to decipher what they're eating, lusts and passions rise, as well as something else within them as they devour what turns out to be finely prepared dishes of demon.
This was a crazy story, but told in such a way that it never quite feels over the top and I found myself believing the plot to be perfectly reasonable. I suppose the highest praise I could give something like this is to say it reminded me of a Clive Barker story, extreme and totally out of the box, but with a prose that manages to deliver everything packaged just right so as not to come across as silly.
There's not much more to say about such a short tale that wouldn't give it all away, so I'll leave you here, saying, check this one out. It's gnarly fun, and definitely satiates the weird appetites in us all.
May 30, 2019
3.5 Stars
Full review to come
Full review to come
August 20, 2020
Wow, that was a story. A screwed up story. Really fun to ingest on many levels for me. I was not surprised by how the story progressed, but I was a bit taken aback by the descriptive vigor in which it was presented. I may never eat at anyone's house again. I am good here. Isolated and in one piece. Side note, I was cooking dinner for my family while I was listening to this book. So appropriate.
September 6, 2017
A Foodies Guide To Horror (or a horror book for foodies)
You are invited to a meal to die for. A meal that you will never forget. A meal that is worth giving into your urges for.
I put this audiobook on during a short flight and I ended up starting and finishing it on the flight. I'm glad I did. Consumption was a crazy ride from beginning to end.
I can tell that Hicks is a bit of a foodie himself (or knows some) because the way that each course was described was perfect and a little eccentric. I didn't read much of the description before starting this small plate novella because, a lot of times with shorter stories, their descriptions are impossible to write without giving away most of the story.
Consumption left me feeling both hungry and disturbed. Hicks has a way of writing that keeps me interested while simultaneously grossing me out and I love it. I'm not always a fan of gory horror, but I've been a fan of every book Hicks has written like that (including Mass Hysteria that I just finished). I believe that this short story is even included in that audiobook at the end.
Consumption is not for the weak stomached and probably should not be read while you are hungry... or full. But it is a book that I will recommend because it was awesome. The book itself reminded me of the opening scene of Clue (people didn't know each other, they were given names on their appearances, and they weren't sure exactly what they were eating). But the story itself took a major turn from Clue after that. Hicks was able to write both an amazingly thought out and incredibly gory book and made it enjoyable as hell to read.
You are invited to a meal to die for. A meal that you will never forget. A meal that is worth giving into your urges for.
I put this audiobook on during a short flight and I ended up starting and finishing it on the flight. I'm glad I did. Consumption was a crazy ride from beginning to end.
I can tell that Hicks is a bit of a foodie himself (or knows some) because the way that each course was described was perfect and a little eccentric. I didn't read much of the description before starting this small plate novella because, a lot of times with shorter stories, their descriptions are impossible to write without giving away most of the story.
Consumption left me feeling both hungry and disturbed. Hicks has a way of writing that keeps me interested while simultaneously grossing me out and I love it. I'm not always a fan of gory horror, but I've been a fan of every book Hicks has written like that (including Mass Hysteria that I just finished). I believe that this short story is even included in that audiobook at the end.
Consumption is not for the weak stomached and probably should not be read while you are hungry... or full. But it is a book that I will recommend because it was awesome. The book itself reminded me of the opening scene of Clue (people didn't know each other, they were given names on their appearances, and they weren't sure exactly what they were eating). But the story itself took a major turn from Clue after that. Hicks was able to write both an amazingly thought out and incredibly gory book and made it enjoyable as hell to read.
October 8, 2014
When I began reading Consumption, I knew the author had to be somewhat of a 'foodie' but, I guarantee you, some of these ingredients you'll never see on the TV show, Chopped. This dark short story isn't for those with weak stomachs.
What begins as an exclusive invitation to experience a decadent twelve course gourmet tasting menu prepared by a famous, reclusive chef quickly spirals into an evening of horror beyond anything the guests could have imagined. The aftereffects of these courses were both repulsive and fascinating and made the food challenges on Survivor look like children eating ice cream on a sunny afternoon in the park. From the book description, it was pretty obvious something like this would happen, but I had no idea where the story would lead me after that and it was an intriguing concept.
Hicks takes the reader to some twisted, nightmarish places and if you're a horror fan with a strong constitution, add Consumption to your reading list - you won't regret it.
This review is based on a digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
What begins as an exclusive invitation to experience a decadent twelve course gourmet tasting menu prepared by a famous, reclusive chef quickly spirals into an evening of horror beyond anything the guests could have imagined. The aftereffects of these courses were both repulsive and fascinating and made the food challenges on Survivor look like children eating ice cream on a sunny afternoon in the park. From the book description, it was pretty obvious something like this would happen, but I had no idea where the story would lead me after that and it was an intriguing concept.
Hicks takes the reader to some twisted, nightmarish places and if you're a horror fan with a strong constitution, add Consumption to your reading list - you won't regret it.
This review is based on a digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2020
I received a free audio copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second horror story called Consumption that I've listened to in the space of a month. I'm sure that makes a bold statement about me, but I'm not quite sure what it is.
Anyway, you know that old TV show where a bunch of strangers went to each others house for dinner, and they were all so uniformly awful, you wanted bad things to happen to them? Well, this story is kind of like that, except your deepest, darkest desires are fulfilled. It's a good read/listen, watching these people trying to figure out what's going on as their numbers gradually reduce. Bear in mind though, the author is known for his attention to detail, so if you are squeamish, you might not want to read this, well, during dinner.
This is the second horror story called Consumption that I've listened to in the space of a month. I'm sure that makes a bold statement about me, but I'm not quite sure what it is.
Anyway, you know that old TV show where a bunch of strangers went to each others house for dinner, and they were all so uniformly awful, you wanted bad things to happen to them? Well, this story is kind of like that, except your deepest, darkest desires are fulfilled. It's a good read/listen, watching these people trying to figure out what's going on as their numbers gradually reduce. Bear in mind though, the author is known for his attention to detail, so if you are squeamish, you might not want to read this, well, during dinner.
January 16, 2016
Cooking and horror - my two favorite hobbies. Who knew I would find them in one novella? Oh, and let's not forget sex. ;) A chef invites several guests to his manor a la 10 Little Indians, but Dame Agatha was never like this! As the meal progresses and the guests try to guess what they are being served the evening heats up...and the dying begins.
My only complaint was this wasn't long enough to describe the demons fully. I would have liked to know much more about them and where they came from. For that reason only I deducted a star.
Recommended for lovers of food and horror!
My only complaint was this wasn't long enough to describe the demons fully. I would have liked to know much more about them and where they came from. For that reason only I deducted a star.
Recommended for lovers of food and horror!
June 1, 2020
Excellent novella. My nipples still hide in fear.
December 3, 2024
I listened to this audio, and I loved it! Gross, in a delicious way.
October 14, 2014
This short story felt like a novelette to me, so I won’t give away any spoilers for those who want to (and should!) read it. To start, this story is wonderfully macabre with a lot of gore, in different forms. It starts off like the movie Clue where you are introduced to the guests at the dinner party. None of them know each other, and for the first half of the story, you are getting to know each of them in turn. Some wear masks, some don’t, but they are all sworn to secrecy. This is a dinner that is exclusively for them – and the reason for this is shocking.
The chef is famed Heinrich Schauer, and I was immediately reminded of our culture’s fascination with food preparation. Schauer felt like a high-class version of any number of celebrity cooks on The Food Network. Except, he’s not as approachable. In fact, Schauer remains hidden from his guests while he prepares their thirteen or so dish course of mysterious food. The food may be a mystery to the guests as they sample the “ashy” tasting soups and sautés, but the reader is given more than a few hints at what the food is made of, and it all comes from one animal source. And it’s unlike any animal that you’ve ever seen.
The cover of the book gives you an artistic glimpse of the creature that is being served to the guests, and I would say that the illustration doesn’t do the creature justice. Schauer keeps the animal alive while he prepares the dishes, and as the story continues to its conclusion, you come to know the monster completely – inside and out. This creature is no doubt inspired by the many Lovecraftian monsters that roam the dark mountainous ranges, and I felt horrified and sympathetic for the poor beast as it is turned into the different courses. And as with most Lovecraft tales, this one continues downwards until it becomes terrifically dark and twisted.
Consumption is wonderfully paced and a real treat for horror fans. I found myself rewarded with information ahead of the dinner guests, and this foreknowledge kept me turning the pages to see what happened next. There is plenty of blood and guts within this novelette and fans of gross-out horror will find a lot to savor here (as Schauer would want you to). Hicks has a strong ability to sear images in the reader’s mind, and this ability was at full-strength with this horror story. I was grossed out at parts, but also gleefully fascinated at others as the characters consumed their fate. As with a lot of great horror, this story commented on our society, specifically our fascination with fame and food. I can’t say I would have turned down an invitation to such an exclusive dinner party, but the lack of cell phone service or internet would have been a red flag were I to attend! Horror story common sense 101! But, who am I kidding? The fun of this creepy story is waiting for the characters to meet their fates!
If you are a fan of horror stories, you need to pick this one up and give it a read. I read it with the lights off and my Kindle screen turned up, and it was a totally immersive and satisfying experience. I hope that this is not the last time that Hicks dabbles in horror because he is so good at it.
The chef is famed Heinrich Schauer, and I was immediately reminded of our culture’s fascination with food preparation. Schauer felt like a high-class version of any number of celebrity cooks on The Food Network. Except, he’s not as approachable. In fact, Schauer remains hidden from his guests while he prepares their thirteen or so dish course of mysterious food. The food may be a mystery to the guests as they sample the “ashy” tasting soups and sautés, but the reader is given more than a few hints at what the food is made of, and it all comes from one animal source. And it’s unlike any animal that you’ve ever seen.
The cover of the book gives you an artistic glimpse of the creature that is being served to the guests, and I would say that the illustration doesn’t do the creature justice. Schauer keeps the animal alive while he prepares the dishes, and as the story continues to its conclusion, you come to know the monster completely – inside and out. This creature is no doubt inspired by the many Lovecraftian monsters that roam the dark mountainous ranges, and I felt horrified and sympathetic for the poor beast as it is turned into the different courses. And as with most Lovecraft tales, this one continues downwards until it becomes terrifically dark and twisted.
Consumption is wonderfully paced and a real treat for horror fans. I found myself rewarded with information ahead of the dinner guests, and this foreknowledge kept me turning the pages to see what happened next. There is plenty of blood and guts within this novelette and fans of gross-out horror will find a lot to savor here (as Schauer would want you to). Hicks has a strong ability to sear images in the reader’s mind, and this ability was at full-strength with this horror story. I was grossed out at parts, but also gleefully fascinated at others as the characters consumed their fate. As with a lot of great horror, this story commented on our society, specifically our fascination with fame and food. I can’t say I would have turned down an invitation to such an exclusive dinner party, but the lack of cell phone service or internet would have been a red flag were I to attend! Horror story common sense 101! But, who am I kidding? The fun of this creepy story is waiting for the characters to meet their fates!
If you are a fan of horror stories, you need to pick this one up and give it a read. I read it with the lights off and my Kindle screen turned up, and it was a totally immersive and satisfying experience. I hope that this is not the last time that Hicks dabbles in horror because he is so good at it.
October 11, 2014
I first came across Michael when he reviewed my first novel, Irradiated. It was a really great review, simultaneously enthusiastic and considered. Since then, I’ve followed Michael’s blog, where he frequently reviews novels. I’ve also had the pleasure of getting to know him a bit on Goodreads and Kboards.
In late 2013, Michael released his debut novel, Convergence. This was a fast paced science-fiction thriller. In my mind, it combines the gritty high-tech of the cyberpunk sub-genre with the thoughtful near future what ifs present in much of Philip K. Dick’s best work–with a bit of Jason Bourne thrown in for good measure. In short: it was a barnstorming rush, and a fantastic debut. It was also a quarter-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards.
So, when I found out Michael’s follow up was a novelette titled Consumption, I assumed it would be in a similar vein. Boy was I wrong.
The first thing you need to know about Consumption is this: It is well and truly a horror story. Your stomach will turn, your throat will restrict, and jaw will clench tighter than a bull’s arsehole in fly season.
And the second thing you need to know? Consumption is an ode to food. Your mouth will water, your tummy will grumble, and you’ll unconsciously start licking your lips.
Confused? Don’t be. Michael expertly pairs these contrasting experiences to truly put you at ill ease. I love fiction that can draw strong emotional reactions. With horror, I love to feel uncomfortable–be that scared, anxious, or repulsed. By making you feel simultaneously stimulated and disgusted, Consumption is able to make you feel truly dirty. You want to wash your hands and scrub your mouth.
If that’s not enough, Michael is also a superb writer. His culinary descriptions are written with delightful flair and attention to detail. Elsewhere, he demonstrates an impressive vocabulary, without ever sounding verbose. As someone who loves crisp, rhythmic prose I adored the literary sensibilities Michael brought to this story. This is intelligent horror, in the vein Lovecraft. At the same time, it’s also immensely readable. It flows well, and has a great plot and interesting characters.
As a writer who often pushes the boundaries, I love seeing fellow authors take risks. Consumption holds nothing back–there are explicit moments of sex and violence–but it all acts to serve the story, and to amplify the emotions and sensations it will make you feel. I really enjoyed Consumption, and would recommend it to anybody with a strong stomach and adventurous taste-buds.
The author provided me with a advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.
In late 2013, Michael released his debut novel, Convergence. This was a fast paced science-fiction thriller. In my mind, it combines the gritty high-tech of the cyberpunk sub-genre with the thoughtful near future what ifs present in much of Philip K. Dick’s best work–with a bit of Jason Bourne thrown in for good measure. In short: it was a barnstorming rush, and a fantastic debut. It was also a quarter-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards.
So, when I found out Michael’s follow up was a novelette titled Consumption, I assumed it would be in a similar vein. Boy was I wrong.
The first thing you need to know about Consumption is this: It is well and truly a horror story. Your stomach will turn, your throat will restrict, and jaw will clench tighter than a bull’s arsehole in fly season.
And the second thing you need to know? Consumption is an ode to food. Your mouth will water, your tummy will grumble, and you’ll unconsciously start licking your lips.
Confused? Don’t be. Michael expertly pairs these contrasting experiences to truly put you at ill ease. I love fiction that can draw strong emotional reactions. With horror, I love to feel uncomfortable–be that scared, anxious, or repulsed. By making you feel simultaneously stimulated and disgusted, Consumption is able to make you feel truly dirty. You want to wash your hands and scrub your mouth.
If that’s not enough, Michael is also a superb writer. His culinary descriptions are written with delightful flair and attention to detail. Elsewhere, he demonstrates an impressive vocabulary, without ever sounding verbose. As someone who loves crisp, rhythmic prose I adored the literary sensibilities Michael brought to this story. This is intelligent horror, in the vein Lovecraft. At the same time, it’s also immensely readable. It flows well, and has a great plot and interesting characters.
As a writer who often pushes the boundaries, I love seeing fellow authors take risks. Consumption holds nothing back–there are explicit moments of sex and violence–but it all acts to serve the story, and to amplify the emotions and sensations it will make you feel. I really enjoyed Consumption, and would recommend it to anybody with a strong stomach and adventurous taste-buds.
The author provided me with a advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.
September 30, 2014
This short story is most wonderfully macabre! Oh yes, I loved where Hicks took me on this short dark journey.
A dinner party to die for. Seated and wearing hideous masks provided by the host, the guests are only known to each other by their knowledge of attending these secret dinner parties where food, cooked exquisitely, has no limits. Twelve courses of something they cannot guess at even though that is the only topic of conversation allowed.
Meanwhile the host is cooking and watching his guests as they consume; and are consumed by the courses, and without its vocal chords the main ingredient screams silently as it is carefully cut up and cooked.
You may imagine the outcome as you read on but you cannot guess the complexities as they unfold and are finally revealed.
Cleverly thought out, I was both disgusted and excited by this tale. Hicks has such a dark imagination and certainly does not play it safe in his writing.
Apart from the cover of this ebook which makes it look a wee bit like a children's book (and its not - trust me!!) there is nothing I dislike about this book.
This a MUST read for horror fans.
Note to myself……now I need to read Divergence
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Many thanks to the author for an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review.
A dinner party to die for. Seated and wearing hideous masks provided by the host, the guests are only known to each other by their knowledge of attending these secret dinner parties where food, cooked exquisitely, has no limits. Twelve courses of something they cannot guess at even though that is the only topic of conversation allowed.
Meanwhile the host is cooking and watching his guests as they consume; and are consumed by the courses, and without its vocal chords the main ingredient screams silently as it is carefully cut up and cooked.
You may imagine the outcome as you read on but you cannot guess the complexities as they unfold and are finally revealed.
Cleverly thought out, I was both disgusted and excited by this tale. Hicks has such a dark imagination and certainly does not play it safe in his writing.
Apart from the cover of this ebook which makes it look a wee bit like a children's book (and its not - trust me!!) there is nothing I dislike about this book.
This a MUST read for horror fans.
Note to myself……now I need to read Divergence
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Many thanks to the author for an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review.
September 25, 2017
Picture Andrew Zimmer and one of those special dinner parties where the chef has a secret ingredient and only invites certain people to his party (the A list). Those people don't know each other but they are all trying to guess what the gross, trendy, expensive ingredient is. Yep this is sort of like that but with a very surprising twist.
Author Michael Patrick Hicks loves his twist and we love him for his twists and surprises, that is why we read/listen to his books, and this one does not disappoint. I don't want to give to much away so I will leave it there but if you can you really need to get the audio version narrated by Joe Hempel oh my gosh he literally takes you there and makes you a bystander in this wonderful show of all shows. Awesome coordination between author and narrator it make it so great.
Author Michael Patrick Hicks loves his twist and we love him for his twists and surprises, that is why we read/listen to his books, and this one does not disappoint. I don't want to give to much away so I will leave it there but if you can you really need to get the audio version narrated by Joe Hempel oh my gosh he literally takes you there and makes you a bystander in this wonderful show of all shows. Awesome coordination between author and narrator it make it so great.
October 29, 2014
Very Dark, very gory and of course very very twisted. The author of this book truly knows how to not only freak his readers out but also make them want to throw up their lunch. This short read takes you into a twisted and dark mind of chef that feeds a group strange and exotic meals allowing their taste buds to decide what main ingredient is used. No you won’t be able to guess until you get into the book and realize how twisted the chef really is. I would not recommend this book to anyone that dislike gore fests nor would I recommend it to the light hearted or light stomachs. I would recommend this book to those who love true horror over the age of 16. A must read for gore and horror fans.
November 4, 2014
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from librarything.com in exchange for an honest review.
Consumption is a short story which grips you attention from the get go. You know that something just isn't right as the Chef Schauer prepares his exotic multi-course meal for his guests. As the guests are treated to this 'delicacy' they begin to realise that they are getting more than they bargained for.
This fast paced short story will keep your eyes glued to the pages in order to see just what Chef Schauer has in store for his guests. Excellent quick read!
Consumption is a short story which grips you attention from the get go. You know that something just isn't right as the Chef Schauer prepares his exotic multi-course meal for his guests. As the guests are treated to this 'delicacy' they begin to realise that they are getting more than they bargained for.
This fast paced short story will keep your eyes glued to the pages in order to see just what Chef Schauer has in store for his guests. Excellent quick read!
March 16, 2015
A great short, start to finish.
For me this was pure entertainment as Hicks takes the reader through a 12 course meal from hell. Don't expect to receive a deeper understanding of the human psyche or to be able to extract some moral lesson out of Consumption. It's, simply put, deliciously grotesque and fun, and well worth your time.
For me this was pure entertainment as Hicks takes the reader through a 12 course meal from hell. Don't expect to receive a deeper understanding of the human psyche or to be able to extract some moral lesson out of Consumption. It's, simply put, deliciously grotesque and fun, and well worth your time.
October 23, 2014
A very unexpected ending. The story is gripping and weird at the same time
March 8, 2015
Great little culinary horror story that definitely reminds you to watch what you eat. I devoured this creative story in one sitting!
October 28, 2019
Stomach churning, gory goodness! This story was bizarre, savage and really well-written. I enjoyed it immensely!
October 11, 2020
( Format : Audiobook )
"Fatty, but well muscled."
Internationally revered chef, Heinrich Shaumer, sends six invitations to individuals unknown to each other but who have individually previously attended his multi course blind tastings. All of the passionate folder invitees attend and, as the courses progress, try to determine the ingredients whist, at the same time, other passions rise inside them
A Lovecraftian type horror, visual, visceral and relatively revolting. Further consideration of the reasoning behind the meal would have benefited this short story, but for general gore there's enough to go around. Not this reader's preferred genre but with Joe Hempel as narrator, unmissable.
I was fortunate in being able to freely download a complimentary copy from FABC: my thanks to the rights holder for making it available to anyone requesting a copy. If horror and gore with a brief session of brutal bloodied sex is your preferred reading, get this book now.
"Fatty, but well muscled."
Internationally revered chef, Heinrich Shaumer, sends six invitations to individuals unknown to each other but who have individually previously attended his multi course blind tastings. All of the passionate folder invitees attend and, as the courses progress, try to determine the ingredients whist, at the same time, other passions rise inside them
A Lovecraftian type horror, visual, visceral and relatively revolting. Further consideration of the reasoning behind the meal would have benefited this short story, but for general gore there's enough to go around. Not this reader's preferred genre but with Joe Hempel as narrator, unmissable.
I was fortunate in being able to freely download a complimentary copy from FABC: my thanks to the rights holder for making it available to anyone requesting a copy. If horror and gore with a brief session of brutal bloodied sex is your preferred reading, get this book now.
February 24, 2018
3.5 stars Well that was interesting... This gastronomic story is probably best enjoyed when not eating. Who knew dinner could turn on you like that?
I sometimes find it difficult to rate short stories. This one certainly kept me reading but I wish I'd known a bit more about the characters. I've only read one other story by this author, Let Go, and I preferred it to this one. If you like gory descriptions though, this story fits the bill.
I sometimes find it difficult to rate short stories. This one certainly kept me reading but I wish I'd known a bit more about the characters. I've only read one other story by this author, Let Go, and I preferred it to this one. If you like gory descriptions though, this story fits the bill.
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