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Hungry Business: A Short Story
by
From the multi-award-winning author of Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings comes a cozy Gothic short story about searching for soul, meaning, love in a world that's forgotten the power of everyday conjuring.
Looking for love can be deadly…
You know how it goes. You go out, hoping to meet someone. You wade through your fair share of brainles ...more
Looking for love can be deadly…
You know how it goes. You go out, hoping to meet someone. You wade through your fair share of brainles ...more
ebook, 17 pages
Published
October 12th 2020
by Kitchen Witch Press
(first published May 15th 2020)
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I was granted review access to Hungry Business through two avenues, publisher Kitchen Witch Press on NetGalley and blog tour organizer Goddess Fish Promotions, and I would like to thank both and author Maria DeBlassie for this opportunity. My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.
I will do my best to tighten up my normally lengthy review style in an attempt to keep this review shorter than the source material. In just 17 pages, Maria DeBlassie paints a vivid picture of life in the afterma ...more
I will do my best to tighten up my normally lengthy review style in an attempt to keep this review shorter than the source material. In just 17 pages, Maria DeBlassie paints a vivid picture of life in the afterma ...more
I found this book quite bizarre and toe curling. It reminded me of a gory version of Covid-19 - if the virus were a person this is how it would be perceived. It certainly takes an active imagination to come up with such a stomach twisting short story.
Just in time for Valentine’s day we have a short story about a woman dating after zombies have become a part of existence. The writing style in this book was a little difficult for me to get into at first, but I did find the story unique. I hate to say it, but the struggle of dating is a real thing, even if you aren’t trying to date zombies, lol, so this book is also relatable in that way. The tale leaves off in a way that leaves room for it to go on if the author chooses to continue it at a lat
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Hungry Business: A Short Story by Maria DeBlassie is a horror story. It is a short story but as we know Maria has the knack for writing quirky, original and unusual stories. It is easy to become completely immersed in it making it feel like you have run a marathon in post-apocalyptic dating world. It is a little silly, a little creepy, a little strange but fun looking for love in a new world of zombies. Like the Walking Dead? You will love this book.
A short story very clever, very unexpected, very poignant. I must refrain from spoiling, so I can’t reveal much. This is definitely a story for 2020, but its lessons are also very apropos to any of us at any time. Read for the plot, digest the themes.
This was an intriguing little story to squeeze in. Both tragic and hopeful, it can be interpreted in different ways - literally losing your life in an increasingly cold and uncaring environment, or keeping alive despite being in a world full of bodies. I liked that the outcome is left to the reader's imagination, as it can turn out either way, though the cat makes me feel like it must be a good one.
(thanks to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of the book, all opinions are my ow ...more
(thanks to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of the book, all opinions are my ow ...more
What a fantastic short story! Hungry Business takes a spin on the zombie theme and focuses on a young woman trying to find a companion after the contagion spread. This is both a philosophical journey and a life journey. Definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to spend an hour lost in a story.
Thank you NetGalley and Kitchen Witch Press for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.
Thank you NetGalley and Kitchen Witch Press for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.
At just 17 pages, Hungry Business is a poignant tale of one woman's search to find love in a dead world. Our protagonist is lonely. Why else would she continue to date when those dates make her feel cold. Vowing to never date again and swearing it's not worth the risk but loneliness and desperation drive her back out again nights later. Through it all, she wonders about the cat in the apartment across the way and the person who is still human enough to own it, as all the cats left the dead parts
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I loved this short story. It's a lyrical, reflective piece on dating, metaphorical and Gothicised, fantastical but relateable. It's easy to get attached to the MC and her struggles to stay human - the battle with loneliness and the dangers of the dating pool are so well written that it is hard not to.
I loved the way tension was built through the story and how the MC does not get an easy or unscathed HEA but does get the hint of one - although this is only about 17 pages on Kindle it packs a LOT ...more
I loved the way tension was built through the story and how the MC does not get an easy or unscathed HEA but does get the hint of one - although this is only about 17 pages on Kindle it packs a LOT ...more
If you are looking for a creepy, fun, macabre short story, then this is for you. Maria DeBlassie quickly places the reader in the story. Gifted in the way there is no info dump, and nothing takes away from the flow. You are suddenly a struggling to be alive person dating the walking dead.
Immediately I thought this was more like a Bradbury work then it really took on a King like feel. Upon completion, I honestly feel this story would have played perfectly in a film like Creepshow. Simple yet deta ...more
Immediately I thought this was more like a Bradbury work then it really took on a King like feel. Upon completion, I honestly feel this story would have played perfectly in a film like Creepshow. Simple yet deta ...more
4 Stars
Hungry Business: A Short Story by Maria DeBlassie . This is a very short story- but with Ms. DeBlassie’s clever touches, it feels like a much longer novel- in the best possible way. The story is original, interesting, and a little quirky. I felt this was a little bit of a tongue in cheek look at loneliness and the lengths people will go to find ‘the one’- even in the aftermath of a Zombie pandemic. But, on a side note- I personally don’t think that people have to be ‘Zombies’ to display t ...more
Hungry Business: A Short Story by Maria DeBlassie . This is a very short story- but with Ms. DeBlassie’s clever touches, it feels like a much longer novel- in the best possible way. The story is original, interesting, and a little quirky. I felt this was a little bit of a tongue in cheek look at loneliness and the lengths people will go to find ‘the one’- even in the aftermath of a Zombie pandemic. But, on a side note- I personally don’t think that people have to be ‘Zombies’ to display t ...more
Hungry Business: A Short Story by Maria DeBlassie
3 Stars
Well I was kind of lost through much of this short snippet of a read. I'm thinking there was a deeper meaning to everything and maybe if I read it again I would figure it out. This was my first time reading a whole story told from an inner monologue and I never even knew the main character's name. This is not something I enjoyed. A little here and there is fine but I just couldn't connect.
I sat for a few minutes trying to figure out what I ...more
3 Stars
Well I was kind of lost through much of this short snippet of a read. I'm thinking there was a deeper meaning to everything and maybe if I read it again I would figure it out. This was my first time reading a whole story told from an inner monologue and I never even knew the main character's name. This is not something I enjoyed. A little here and there is fine but I just couldn't connect.
I sat for a few minutes trying to figure out what I ...more
I had no idea what Hungry Business was about when I started reading it. I just knew I enjoyed the last story I read by Maria DeBlassie, and the cover totally pulled me in. I really enjoyed this book. It is written with so much imagery, and is perfectly written as a short story. I didn't have the feeling of lacking, or sudden endings, like with many short stories. It shocked me to see that it was only 17 pages. Highly recommend for a quick read. Hungry Business tells the story of a woman's strugg
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This is a short story and it’s about zombies. Ideally that would mean it had two strikes against it with me. However, I promised to read it and I did so with what I worked very hard to be...open-minded.
I don’t like short stories because very rarely do they seem to have enough substance to me. I always still feel rather empty reading them. As if you had the appetizer and no entrée :) But this mere 20+ pages seemed to contain a whole story from beginning to end.
Now, about the zombies...here’s wha ...more
I don’t like short stories because very rarely do they seem to have enough substance to me. I always still feel rather empty reading them. As if you had the appetizer and no entrée :) But this mere 20+ pages seemed to contain a whole story from beginning to end.
Now, about the zombies...here’s wha ...more
This is a short story and, so, a very quick read at only 20+ pages. The nameless main character is living in the middle of a zombie apocalypse and trying to find love and companionship, something that is getting harder and harder to find as more people are infected with the virus.
In a way, her reflections are almost a reflection of life in general as people reach out to find others to relate to. I remember the dating scene and am so glad not to be a part of that any more! I would describe the bo ...more
In a way, her reflections are almost a reflection of life in general as people reach out to find others to relate to. I remember the dating scene and am so glad not to be a part of that any more! I would describe the bo ...more
Hungry Business: A Short Story by Maria DeBlassie. This is such a short story but held so much information. Its the story of an unnamed main character who is living thru the aftermath of a zombie virus outbreak. Kind of right for the times huh. Anyway this character has a strong desire for human contact just as we all do and it never ends well. Its reflective of our dating days and I'm so glad to no longer be involved in that mess. Our main character is strong willed and very private which helps
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This is the second book by Maria DeBlassie that I have read. The first one was ok, not really something I read but I’ll try anything at least once. So, I decided to give DeBlassie another try with this short story, Hungry Business. I really had no idea what I was getting into. This short story has a very interesting twist on looking for love.
The narrator is clearly looking for love but has faced so many negatives on her search that she is becoming bitter and cold. But she doesn’t give up hope a ...more
The narrator is clearly looking for love but has faced so many negatives on her search that she is becoming bitter and cold. But she doesn’t give up hope a ...more
Hungry Business: A Short Story by Maria DeBlassie is a well written and detailed story that left me intrigued from start to finish. I loved the lighthearted, conversational tone that the book has - almost like it is is someone recounting their dating experiences in general instead of the twist that is in there. I actually thought it was an amusing read, I was chucking along with some of the descriptions the author used and it is that which drew me in initially.
I enjoyed how open the ending was w ...more
I enjoyed how open the ending was w ...more
Maria DeBlassie paints a vivid picture of life in the aftermath of a Zombie virus outbreak. This novella is about of an introvert with a strong will to survive. This short story answers enough questions to leave the reader willing to accept that this is where the story ends. However, would make a great beginning to a new series that revolves around this new world. This novella is great for those that enjoy reading horror, suspense, dark humor, apocalyptic science fiction, or zombie stories in ge
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I received a free review copy in exchange for an honest review
This is a comfy and creepy little short story. Set in a world full of hungries, we watch the protagonist navigate the world of zombie-dating, trying to hold off the encroaching cold that seems set to turn her into a shambling member of the undead. It's a story which gradually fills you with warmth as the protagonist finds other answers to the dilemmas facing her.
The tale was short and sweet and I'd have loved to see a little more at ...more
This is a comfy and creepy little short story. Set in a world full of hungries, we watch the protagonist navigate the world of zombie-dating, trying to hold off the encroaching cold that seems set to turn her into a shambling member of the undead. It's a story which gradually fills you with warmth as the protagonist finds other answers to the dilemmas facing her.
The tale was short and sweet and I'd have loved to see a little more at ...more
Hungry Business
A Short Story
By Maria DeBlassie
☆☆☆☆☆
This is a very short story, with a lot to say. While it is a horror story, it is not the scarry type. I love the dating aspect. I have had these dates, we all have. Which makes this story fun over a cup of coffee. Just the right size to occupy your time while waiting. I hope you find the humor I found.
Maria DeBlassie is a new author for me. But what a great find. This is a well written fast read with an ending. Love the many aspects of finding ...more
A Short Story
By Maria DeBlassie
☆☆☆☆☆
This is a very short story, with a lot to say. While it is a horror story, it is not the scarry type. I love the dating aspect. I have had these dates, we all have. Which makes this story fun over a cup of coffee. Just the right size to occupy your time while waiting. I hope you find the humor I found.
Maria DeBlassie is a new author for me. But what a great find. This is a well written fast read with an ending. Love the many aspects of finding ...more
Hungry Business: A Short Story by Maria DeBlassie. I’ll be honest I wasn’t sure what I’d think of this short story but I mean come on that cover was definitely intriguing and even though it’s short this author still brought the A game. This was a great in between book to spend a little time with. Characters had no problem drawing me in no matter how short this story was. It’s a great read and I think it’s definitely worth a read by all who love reading. Well written and paced nicely which may se
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4 stars!
What a fun and weird read! The sweet woman that is the main character, is living in a time with a virus outbreak. There are now humans and the hungries. Our female main character seems to be a hungry but still has most of her humanity left, she wants to date, she wants to be warm. The main joy she gets is from seeing the orange tabby cat that comes near her apartment. I am quite sad the book had to end, I was looking forward to see if anything came of her meeting the human man who owns ...more
What a fun and weird read! The sweet woman that is the main character, is living in a time with a virus outbreak. There are now humans and the hungries. Our female main character seems to be a hungry but still has most of her humanity left, she wants to date, she wants to be warm. The main joy she gets is from seeing the orange tabby cat that comes near her apartment. I am quite sad the book had to end, I was looking forward to see if anything came of her meeting the human man who owns ...more
Hungry Business
Maria Deblassie
4 out of 5 stars
I don't generally like zombies or the apocalyptic theme but having read the author's writing in the past and knowing this story was less than 20 pages I figured there was nothing to lose. Honestly, I am lost for words. I have so much to say about this short story, yet no way to articulate how it made me feel. The imagery was fantastic. The characters were eery but symbolic of dating in the age of social media. I could write a hundred words but neve ...more
Maria Deblassie
4 out of 5 stars
I don't generally like zombies or the apocalyptic theme but having read the author's writing in the past and knowing this story was less than 20 pages I figured there was nothing to lose. Honestly, I am lost for words. I have so much to say about this short story, yet no way to articulate how it made me feel. The imagery was fantastic. The characters were eery but symbolic of dating in the age of social media. I could write a hundred words but neve ...more
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this read but it was the season of love and a short story at only 17 pages so I figured why not! This book did not disappoint and packed a punch for the shortness of it. What a world that Maria DeBlassie formed so quickly. We get a unique spin on a love story that takes place after a zombie breakout changes the world and the dating landscape. I enjoyed how this flowed fast and well but also left room for more if the author wanted in the future to make more. I th
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Hungry Business: A Short Story by Maria DeBlassie
This was a very interesting and cringe worthy 4 star read. I read it in less than an hour.
We have a young woman who is lonely and dating, trying to find another human to connect with. We went on several dates with her that were very interesting. Will she find the one?
Overall this was a story that had me cringing and slightly grossed out. The author does a great job of pulling you quickly into this short story with her writing. If you're looking fo ...more
This was a very interesting and cringe worthy 4 star read. I read it in less than an hour.
We have a young woman who is lonely and dating, trying to find another human to connect with. We went on several dates with her that were very interesting. Will she find the one?
Overall this was a story that had me cringing and slightly grossed out. The author does a great job of pulling you quickly into this short story with her writing. If you're looking fo ...more
Hungry Business: A Short Story by Maria DeBlassie is a lot packed into just a few pages. What would dating look like during a world taken over by zombies? A young woman is trying to find that someone special but will they be warm or cold when she finds them is the question broached by this short story. The horrors of the dating world and the horrors of being a human in a zombie-infested world make a new twist on the traditional first date story. This is a very quick read with a bit of horror and
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Hungry Business
By Maria DeBlassie
4 stars
This is definitely one of those books that after you’ve finished you think – what did I just read? And how did the author manage to get all that into 17 pages? I think it’s safe to say this is definitely not one of the genres I read but I have read the author previous book so thought I would give it a go. The writing is excellent, the pace and flow is excellent and whilst the content was a little too gory for me I cannot fault the authors work at all. Love ...more
By Maria DeBlassie
4 stars
This is definitely one of those books that after you’ve finished you think – what did I just read? And how did the author manage to get all that into 17 pages? I think it’s safe to say this is definitely not one of the genres I read but I have read the author previous book so thought I would give it a go. The writing is excellent, the pace and flow is excellent and whilst the content was a little too gory for me I cannot fault the authors work at all. Love ...more
I was very inquisitive as to what the author could write in so few pages. I wasn't entirely sure what the story was trying to convey most of the time. Once I got the gist of the story, it wasn't too bad. I can honestly say I have not read a book quite like this. The author did not mince words and her attention to detail was first class. While this is not a genre I particularly enjoy, I did appreciate how the author played on words and delivered the story. A different and enjoyable read. 4 stars.
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Hungry Business: A Short Story by Maria DeBlassie
Four Stars
Hungry Business is a very short book (only 17 pages) by Maria DeBlassie. I read this book while I was waiting for a doctors appointment. At first I didn’t understand what was going on, but after a couple pages I caught on, but I thought to myself…. probably reading this book while at a hospital in the time of coronavirus was creeping me out about the undead. The overall experience was a really well written book about looking for love in ...more
Four Stars
Hungry Business is a very short book (only 17 pages) by Maria DeBlassie. I read this book while I was waiting for a doctors appointment. At first I didn’t understand what was going on, but after a couple pages I caught on, but I thought to myself…. probably reading this book while at a hospital in the time of coronavirus was creeping me out about the undead. The overall experience was a really well written book about looking for love in ...more
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Maria DeBlassie, Ph.D. is a native New Mexican mestiza blogger, award-winning writer, and award-winning educator living in the Land of Enchantment. Her first book, Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings (Moon Books 2018), and her ongoing blog, Enchantment Learning & Living are about everyday magic, ordinary gothic, and the life of a kitchen witch. When she is not pract
...more
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