Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula by Elise Stokes

Additionally, the action can be confusing at time. The few flashbacks that are offered give a glimpse of the protagonist’s long life, and I wouldn’t have balked at seeing these fleshed out a bit more. The only critiques I would offer are that I would have loved to have seen a longer story here. However, this is all more than doable, because for all of its intensity, Endless Hunger is a short read, clocking in at less than 50 pages. Having gone through it twice now myself, I also find this is one of those works where you’ll find something new in each read through. In truth, I feel this is one of those stories which you may have to read through more than once to get a sense of things. Navarre doesn’t paint everything with a crystal clear brush, preferring instead (at least in my opinion) to let the reader draw their own conclusions regarding many of the events. Those seeking such a novel may wish to look elsewhere.

This is not a typical ‘beginning - primary conflict - ending’ type book.

I will caution that the wonder of this book might also be its potential downfall for some readers. Fans of Anne Rice and other similar brooding vampires will most certainly enjoy the tour de force through the unsettled mind of this undead creature. Nestled deep within their cerebral cortex, you are forced to experience every bit of anguish, confusion, and despair that he does. Normally one feels like they’re sitting right behind the main character’s eyes. While first person POV isn’t uncommon, it is rare to find a story that delves so deep into it. The story unfolds quite literally through the eyes, ears, and other senses of the main undead antagonist. Told in first person narrative, this story paints a picture of vivid imagery coupled with heavy metaphor. If you’re a fan of Francis Ford Coppola’s movie rendition of Bram Stoker’s Dracula then Endless Hunger will be very appealing to you. While I normally refrain from diving into a new work while I’m in the middle of writing one of my own, the concept of the book intrigued me. Knowing that I have a slight penchant for things vampiric, Narcisse Navarre (say that three times fast, I dare you :) asked if I might be interested in taking a look at her brand new novella, Endless Hunger. What this says about me, well I’ll let future psychoanalysts debate that. It is a comfort, much like a cold slice of apple pie (yes, I said cold.

That doesn’t mean I don’t read other genres, but horror always feels like coming home to me.

Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula by Elise Stokes