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Feed
This is a short story. Saved by the hunger of a child, Ian is changing ... transforming into something not human. Something Old and undead. He struggles between two lives -- the side that still breathes, and the side that must feed on the living to exist. The real horror is being a man.
Words: 6825 (approximate)
Words: 6825 (approximate)
ebook
First published October 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 5, 2012
A deliciously chilling tale from the mind of Jerry McKinney, this book will force you to keep reading even as you squirm and lock your door!
McKinney has mastered the art of projecting a mental image into our heads so we see his words come to life whether we wish it or no. Quite a skill! We are sharing each moment Ian experiences - smelling what he smells, seeing what he sees, hearing what he hears. Be prepared to read this story in its entirety before you begin because those mental images are guaranteed to haunt you until you finish!
Jerry is one of the rare authors who comes along once in a lifetime and manages to breathe new life and new twists into a worn out and overdone genre. Vampire horror (lately become less horror and more romance) will never be the same. The unanswered questions, rather than detract from the tale, give it more flare and drama.
We've all encountered self-published authors who made us resent devoting our time (much less money) to their work. However, I can promise this is one story you could never regret taking a chance on! "Feed" is a great addition to any collection/library in that it's a book you'll want to read multiple times as well as share with friends.
McKinney has mastered the art of projecting a mental image into our heads so we see his words come to life whether we wish it or no. Quite a skill! We are sharing each moment Ian experiences - smelling what he smells, seeing what he sees, hearing what he hears. Be prepared to read this story in its entirety before you begin because those mental images are guaranteed to haunt you until you finish!
Jerry is one of the rare authors who comes along once in a lifetime and manages to breathe new life and new twists into a worn out and overdone genre. Vampire horror (lately become less horror and more romance) will never be the same. The unanswered questions, rather than detract from the tale, give it more flare and drama.
We've all encountered self-published authors who made us resent devoting our time (much less money) to their work. However, I can promise this is one story you could never regret taking a chance on! "Feed" is a great addition to any collection/library in that it's a book you'll want to read multiple times as well as share with friends.
June 13, 2012
This was my first Jerry McKinney book and I LOVED it!! It is a short read, but it is well written and it captivated me from the first word to the last. I thought the characters where well developed and the story moved without feeling rushed. I cant wait to read more from Jerry!
October 25, 2011
Are you famished for a deftly written tale of terror? Then feast your eyes upon "Feed"!
There are some fates worse than death. Most people might wish for superhuman abilities such as those possessed by vampires. But is the sacrifice of your humanity worth becoming more than a mere mortal? That question is beautifully addressed in this unusual and eloquent short story by Jerry McKinney. From the start I found "Feed" to be both poignant and magnetic, masterfully word-painted by a true artist of Horror. By the end I discovered myself forever touched through the depth of emotion portrayed. Throughout, I was drawn into the plight of a protagonist who must suddenly hide on the fringes of society as he strives to hang on to his human emotions while slowly and horrifically transformed into something else . . . a mutant; a self-described monster.
The author has crafted a very special portrait of a vampire, one that stands out from the mass of fanged Dracula wannabes. This is a character who seems to breathe, even as his human life ebbs. In a cruel twist of fate, he encountered something to live for at the same time that his doom was sealed. That is one of the most heart-wrenching aspects of his misfortune. Another is that Ian becomes more human, more compassionate and caring, a better person just before he will lose the life that too many of us take for granted. Does he eventually embrace a future filled with bloodshed, forced to sorrowfully hunt and kill to feed his growing appetite? Read his story and learn what happens to a man you will not be able to forget. A man who now dreads that rumble of hunger inside, which compels him like all of us to "Feed" . . .
There are some fates worse than death. Most people might wish for superhuman abilities such as those possessed by vampires. But is the sacrifice of your humanity worth becoming more than a mere mortal? That question is beautifully addressed in this unusual and eloquent short story by Jerry McKinney. From the start I found "Feed" to be both poignant and magnetic, masterfully word-painted by a true artist of Horror. By the end I discovered myself forever touched through the depth of emotion portrayed. Throughout, I was drawn into the plight of a protagonist who must suddenly hide on the fringes of society as he strives to hang on to his human emotions while slowly and horrifically transformed into something else . . . a mutant; a self-described monster.
The author has crafted a very special portrait of a vampire, one that stands out from the mass of fanged Dracula wannabes. This is a character who seems to breathe, even as his human life ebbs. In a cruel twist of fate, he encountered something to live for at the same time that his doom was sealed. That is one of the most heart-wrenching aspects of his misfortune. Another is that Ian becomes more human, more compassionate and caring, a better person just before he will lose the life that too many of us take for granted. Does he eventually embrace a future filled with bloodshed, forced to sorrowfully hunt and kill to feed his growing appetite? Read his story and learn what happens to a man you will not be able to forget. A man who now dreads that rumble of hunger inside, which compels him like all of us to "Feed" . . .
January 2, 2012
How long should a person have to suffer for a bad first-date? This short read by Mr. McKinney was off and running on the first page and had me turning my Nook pages faster than I thought possible. Ian was only looking for a good time and throughout this story he had a good time, but that depends on whose definition you are using. I liked the adrenalin rush that I felt when I read this book and the emotions where all over the board with the characters. The ending was quite surprising and poor Ian, but again....he got what he wanted. I read this book at night which I realize was a mistake as I had dreams/nightmares of Ian and his affairs- great job for a short story!
"You can always die if you choose it. ....in the same way others chose by living mundane lives...never dreaming...never reaching..never feeding their hunger."
"You can always die if you choose it. ....in the same way others chose by living mundane lives...never dreaming...never reaching..never feeding their hunger."
January 21, 2012
Feed is my introduction to Jerry W. McKinney. It is well met.
This short story is an enjoyable vampire tale that weaves a bit of its own mythology. The central character is not a shape-shifting supernatural being, rather, he is a man who is unwittingly turned and must fend for himself and his new condition.
The story reads fast, perhaps an hour at most. The editing is fairly clean and only a few hiccups cause the ride to shimmy before returning to the rail. My only "complaint" was the brief monologue about how "we" (normal folks) can waste our lives on pointless endeavors. Let the symbolism of the story carry the message, no need to hit the reader with the underlying story theme.
I enjoyed Feed, and will certainly be reading more of Mr. McKinney.
This short story is an enjoyable vampire tale that weaves a bit of its own mythology. The central character is not a shape-shifting supernatural being, rather, he is a man who is unwittingly turned and must fend for himself and his new condition.
The story reads fast, perhaps an hour at most. The editing is fairly clean and only a few hiccups cause the ride to shimmy before returning to the rail. My only "complaint" was the brief monologue about how "we" (normal folks) can waste our lives on pointless endeavors. Let the symbolism of the story carry the message, no need to hit the reader with the underlying story theme.
I enjoyed Feed, and will certainly be reading more of Mr. McKinney.
June 18, 2012
This is the story of Ian. He picks up Penny one night and goes back to her place. Due to her child walking in on them, she turns him into a vampire, and things go from bad to worse for him from then on.
This was an interesting story. The story of a vampire with a conscience. A nice, reasonably cosy story you might think? Don't be daft! This is Jerry McKinney, cosy is not in his vocabulary. He takes you down one path and then wallops you on the back of the head before leading you round another bend. The ending to this one was so unexpected I was sitting on my bed open mouthed for a good 5 minutes! Read it and enjoy.
This was an interesting story. The story of a vampire with a conscience. A nice, reasonably cosy story you might think? Don't be daft! This is Jerry McKinney, cosy is not in his vocabulary. He takes you down one path and then wallops you on the back of the head before leading you round another bend. The ending to this one was so unexpected I was sitting on my bed open mouthed for a good 5 minutes! Read it and enjoy.
April 14, 2015
I don't think it lives up the the description "the real horror is being a man." It was touched on but not explored, but this was still a decent short read with a freaking creepy ending.
Note: I'm so tired of vampires feeding on homeless people and prostitutes--because they aren't really people. We don't want those vampires with a conscience to feel bad about killing real people. FYI: homelessness or prostitution doesn't negate your humanity.
Note: I'm so tired of vampires feeding on homeless people and prostitutes--because they aren't really people. We don't want those vampires with a conscience to feel bad about killing real people. FYI: homelessness or prostitution doesn't negate your humanity.
January 31, 2013
This is a truly amazing and passionate vampire story. For me this book touched emotions that I never thought I would have for vampires. From the beging you can feel the pain that the characters feel for what they have to do to survive and the hate that they feel for what they are.
I really enjoyed the way this story was written and the way you are able to get to know the characters in the book.
I really enjoyed the way this story was written and the way you are able to get to know the characters in the book.
January 17, 2013
Ahh...this is one of those out of the ordinary vampire short stories. Follow Ian as he is transformed and has to learn the ropes on his own. Very well written with a surprise ending you'll love as much as I did.
Recommend short story.
Recommend short story.
January 22, 2012
Very nice, mild vampire story until it rips your throat out with it's imagery. You do not want to miss this one, believe me. Jerry McKinney has created a masterpiece with Feed, an original take on the ever popular vampire mythos. Very, very nice Jerry.
March 11, 2016
What an awesome twist on your average vampire story. Well written without a bit of editing needed. Great ending!
April 12, 2013
Bone chilling with a lot of twists and turns. Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews