What do you think?
Rate this book
Food #2
Food
Jesse just wishes he could enjoy the foods that his ancestors of the Puget Sound region enjoyed.
That wish doesn't work out well for most people, including Jesse.
Warning: This is an extreme horror short story. It contains graphic violence, dark dystopian content, and taboo subject matter.
That wish doesn't work out well for most people, including Jesse.
Warning: This is an extreme horror short story. It contains graphic violence, dark dystopian content, and taboo subject matter.
14 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2020
2 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey Caston
11 books199 followersJeffrey Caston is a Pacific Northwest native who currently makes his home in the Puget Sound region. Inspired by reading at a young age, he took up writing by the age of 11. One of his most cherished gifts is a manual typewriter he received for his birthday while still in the fifth grade.
Once he got older, he discovered other genres, including horror. He became an instant fan of Anne Rice and Stephen King.
He is embarking on a new phase in life with indie writing. His writing will have a marked horror bent, but will include elements of thrillers, science fiction, and fantasy. His debut novel, Immunity, marks the start of his "Horrific Northwest" setting and multiverse.
His stories will provide you with a richly detailed world with characters you can meet again and again.
He can be reached at jeffreycastonbooks@outlook.com.
Once he got older, he discovered other genres, including horror. He became an instant fan of Anne Rice and Stephen King.
He is embarking on a new phase in life with indie writing. His writing will have a marked horror bent, but will include elements of thrillers, science fiction, and fantasy. His debut novel, Immunity, marks the start of his "Horrific Northwest" setting and multiverse.
His stories will provide you with a richly detailed world with characters you can meet again and again.
He can be reached at jeffreycastonbooks@outlook.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 29, 2020
Really good and creepy short story. I felt bad for the main character Jesse! Disturbing and captivating.
August 13, 2020
Super twisted and anxiety-inducing for such a short story! Love it!
August 23, 2020
Well, this story was pretty polished for such a short one, which made it an absolute joy to read.
If the author reads this review, you need to expand this story into something more, my friend, there is huge potential in this.
If the author reads this review, you need to expand this story into something more, my friend, there is huge potential in this.
August 29, 2020
This was a crazy good short horror story. It’s pretty gruesome and graphic, yet I couldn’t stop reading. I really felt for lead character Jesse. Interesting and original with a very grim look into the future.
May 2, 2024
Gore Suit Extreme!
Second time reading this book was just as great as the first time! Also I am only giving thoughts instead of a backstory as this book is so short it is just best to give my thoughts out on it.
Thoughts:
This short story packs a powerful punch as right away the story starts out with some emotion from the main character, Jesse and as the story takes off the author does a slow build up of the story then when you think everything is "hunky dory" he lowers the boom and sweeps you away into a blood infested gore romp!!
There is a whole new meaning to the words "food chain" within this book!
I have crossed the lines of the extreme genre plenty of times with other authors in that field of writing and I can say that author, Jeffrey Caston is right up there with the best of them showing the raw emotion within the story along with taking the reader deep into extreme territory leaving them wanting more! Keeping this book at five "Blood Infested" stars!
Second time reading this book was just as great as the first time! Also I am only giving thoughts instead of a backstory as this book is so short it is just best to give my thoughts out on it.
Thoughts:
This short story packs a powerful punch as right away the story starts out with some emotion from the main character, Jesse and as the story takes off the author does a slow build up of the story then when you think everything is "hunky dory" he lowers the boom and sweeps you away into a blood infested gore romp!!
There is a whole new meaning to the words "food chain" within this book!
I have crossed the lines of the extreme genre plenty of times with other authors in that field of writing and I can say that author, Jeffrey Caston is right up there with the best of them showing the raw emotion within the story along with taking the reader deep into extreme territory leaving them wanting more! Keeping this book at five "Blood Infested" stars!
February 6, 2021
A beautifully written dystopian/horror short story...so disturbing and macabre. In fact, this might be one of the best shorts I've ever read. The writing was so succinct and on point. Having said that, be prepared going into this one--mentally and emotionally. It was a doozy!
Updated: Months after reading this, it has stayed with me...so I've opted to change my rating from 4 stars to 5. Well done, Jeffrey Caston!
Updated: Months after reading this, it has stayed with me...so I've opted to change my rating from 4 stars to 5. Well done, Jeffrey Caston!
July 2, 2021
That was unexpected !🍽 I liked it!
Jeffrey Caston , has written a great, extreme horror, short story, about our future as a species , if humans continue massive production and consumption.
In this story royalty and their privileges are back. And unfortunately, this new world is horrific for commoners.
If you can stomach extreme horror, I highly recommend this short story to you.
PS: I would love to know more, about this new society.
Jeffrey Caston , has written a great, extreme horror, short story, about our future as a species , if humans continue massive production and consumption.
In this story royalty and their privileges are back. And unfortunately, this new world is horrific for commoners.
If you can stomach extreme horror, I highly recommend this short story to you.
PS: I would love to know more, about this new society.
August 22, 2020
Yikes! Sick, disgusting, gross short story. Well done. Available from Kindle Unlimited at Amazon.
May 1, 2024
"Royal Scandal! Pig Farm 2.0 Shocks Neighbors! "Well, I just turn up my TV every night to drown out the noises!" - Fred Gerg from Chamber #42 - The Pacifica Bugle
A darkly humorous and somewhat gory tale.
Recommended: 5 'What's on the Menu,' stars.
Reread with the fine folk over at Castle Terror at https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
A darkly humorous and somewhat gory tale.
Recommended: 5 'What's on the Menu,' stars.
Reread with the fine folk over at Castle Terror at https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
October 15, 2020
The scariest part of this extreme short story is that its cruel measures could be real one day. A toe-curling and memorable slice of life.
September 19, 2020
This short “story” is disgusting. I’m not sure what the point of it is, and it’s actually too short for me to care.
January 31, 2021
“Your King thanks you for your bountiful contribution, Jesse,” Dark Suit said, almost appreciatively.
We graciously accept your personal sacrifice for the kingdom, random citizen.
We graciously accept your personal sacrifice for the kingdom, random citizen.
February 9, 2021
I like it! I hope there's a full version in the works.
August 19, 2020
Here's an excellent horror short story, set in a future I hope never happens! It quickly gets to the point and gives you a new outlook on fine dining.
August 21, 2020
This was just plain yucky. If i could have given it minus one star I would have🤢🤮
September 1, 2020
FOOD ~ A short story set in the far future of the horrific northwest is a real life horror for Jesse when the white and dark coats arrive....again....and demand fresh meat. His majesty requested ham for dinner.
Ewwww.....A disgustingly macabre read!
GR reviewer John wrote: "Just north of Soylent Green." Yep! My first thoughts were of the movie.
Well written, but can't say I enjoyed this one.
August 12, 2020
Visceral Short Horror Story
A vision of a future I hope none of us ever has to experience! The despair is real. I look forward to more offerings by this author in the future.
A vision of a future I hope none of us ever has to experience! The despair is real. I look forward to more offerings by this author in the future.
June 26, 2020
Oh wow! This is brilliant ! I was completely in that story and engaged when the twist hit me. It’s a good one and you want it to go on and at the same time you want it to end. It’s very well written and I felt as if I were in the same place as the man.
Awesome story that I wouldn’t read whilst eating. 😁 it’s a little gross. Gag. But worth it.
Recommended for short story horror enthusiasts who just love those twist endings and kinda twilight zone stuff.
It’s kind of dystopian with some body horror and Taboo implications.
Write some more, Jeffrey!!!
Awesome story that I wouldn’t read whilst eating. 😁 it’s a little gross. Gag. But worth it.
Recommended for short story horror enthusiasts who just love those twist endings and kinda twilight zone stuff.
It’s kind of dystopian with some body horror and Taboo implications.
Write some more, Jeffrey!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2020
In the distant future, food—particularly meat—is scarce. Jesse is watching an old 21st century television show when two men enter his home. Suddenly, enjoyment turns to panic. Jesse knows why they are there. Over his desperate pleas and protests, they proceed to take what they came for. After all, the king must eat....
For such a short story, Food truly delivers a powerful blow. It is highly immersive and entertaining. You can’t help but sympathize with poor Jesse. Caston’s rich and descriptive writing places you in the story and enables you to experience what Jesse is going through. As the tension mounts you feel his fear, his stress, his pain. You want to intervene and help him somehow, to save him from his grim fate, but you are just a silent observer. It’s enough to cause indigestion!
This is a great cautionary tale that will surely give readers some food for thought!
For such a short story, Food truly delivers a powerful blow. It is highly immersive and entertaining. You can’t help but sympathize with poor Jesse. Caston’s rich and descriptive writing places you in the story and enables you to experience what Jesse is going through. As the tension mounts you feel his fear, his stress, his pain. You want to intervene and help him somehow, to save him from his grim fate, but you are just a silent observer. It’s enough to cause indigestion!
This is a great cautionary tale that will surely give readers some food for thought!
August 21, 2020
Oath of allegiance: “For King and Country!!”
March 12, 2021
Such a short story. What can I say that is shorter than the actual book? A dystopian future, an unlucky man. I found this terrifyingly realistic. My only complaint is that it was far too short.
July 20, 2021
Nauseatingly brutal.
Very well-written.
Free on the Kindle Store.
Give it a go, maybe not while you're eating though.
Very well-written.
Free on the Kindle Store.
Give it a go, maybe not while you're eating though.
July 27, 2021
What's eating you?
A gripping short story that will give you a better appreciation of vegetarians. Just wish it was a bit longer.
A gripping short story that will give you a better appreciation of vegetarians. Just wish it was a bit longer.
February 19, 2023
I just read Winner, Winner, Chicken_ _ _ _ this evening, and I wanted to continue the series in this strange, yet believable near future United States, where the world's population has become increased to such an extent that the world's resources for food and other basic necessities have collapsed. Into this strange dystopia emerges Jesse, our protagonist who spends his days couch surfing by watching cooking shows of days-gone-by, until he's paid an unwanted visit by the men in suits.
I enjoyed this story, although it was a little too short for my taste. Here's to hoping that the author will serve up a larger portion for the next installment!
I enjoyed this story, although it was a little too short for my taste. Here's to hoping that the author will serve up a larger portion for the next installment!
July 1, 2020
I am so glad that this story was super short because I was warned that it would be far outside my comfort level. Well, that was as large an understatement as one can muster. Although well-written and viscerally descriptive, I almost had to stop reading. To my complete relief it ended where I could take no more. The squirm factor it evoked raced beyond infinity for me. And now comes the “However” part…
The concept of an austere regime rising in the Pacific Northwest which demands complete surrender of its subjects was quite provocative given the state of current events. That construct was almost as mind-blowing as the demand itself. The author clearly thought outside the box on this one.
Good writers can make you FEEL emotions and THINK about subjects that are viscerally palpable. Here is where Jeffrey nailed it. I gave it four stars because it’s not my favorite genre but I can appreciate the storyline creativity and the writing skill involved. And now I’m off to spit-shine my second amendment rights…
The concept of an austere regime rising in the Pacific Northwest which demands complete surrender of its subjects was quite provocative given the state of current events. That construct was almost as mind-blowing as the demand itself. The author clearly thought outside the box on this one.
Good writers can make you FEEL emotions and THINK about subjects that are viscerally palpable. Here is where Jeffrey nailed it. I gave it four stars because it’s not my favorite genre but I can appreciate the storyline creativity and the writing skill involved. And now I’m off to spit-shine my second amendment rights…
August 22, 2020
I liked this one. My kind of story.
October 28, 2021
Yuk! But at the same time I couldn't stop reading it...!!
December 4, 2021
Jesse’s story shares the harsh reality that is Pacifica. Food is still a struggle for so many unless you’re the King. He has found a new way to enjoy a food source.
The darkness and depravity are strong in this story. I felt bad for Jesse and couldn’t even imagine living in this world. What a horribly inhumane existence. Caston does an excellent job portraying the poverty and break down in this community.
Another gripping and vicious story in this series. For a short it was heavy. What I have read so far in this series it would be amazing to see the author expand out on this. I can’t wait to check out the next one.
The darkness and depravity are strong in this story. I felt bad for Jesse and couldn’t even imagine living in this world. What a horribly inhumane existence. Caston does an excellent job portraying the poverty and break down in this community.
Another gripping and vicious story in this series. For a short it was heavy. What I have read so far in this series it would be amazing to see the author expand out on this. I can’t wait to check out the next one.
August 13, 2020
It's interesting, horrifying and bloody, but this would not work in real life- I mean the ecosystem situation not the cannibalism part. I think the story is really well written, but I can't stop thinking about the unrealistic situation it shows.
January 24, 2025
That was not a twist I was expecting. Jeffrey's writing always keeps me guessing what he will pull out of the darkness next.
Just the right amount of emotion to bring you into his world and start to feel for this poor POOR man before you are left gawking at the pages wonder what kind of world Jeffrey is cooking up.(pun intended)
Great quick read. I will be reading the others soon.
Just the right amount of emotion to bring you into his world and start to feel for this poor POOR man before you are left gawking at the pages wonder what kind of world Jeffrey is cooking up.(pun intended)
Great quick read. I will be reading the others soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews