Status Updates From Mise en Place (Food, #4)

Status Update failed to upload. Tonight's reading chronicled the stressful journey endured by the endangered married couple from California who purchased only a mirage with their gold and put their lives in the hands of sadistic sociopaths in the service of the monarchy.

Tonight I read the story of the journey across country taken by our couple from embattled California who were frightened enough and emboldened to pay human smugglers to safely transport them to a safe haven with the monarchy of Pacifica. The story is rendered in a bleak tone punctuated by bittersweet moments of love and human connection between Dann'ell and his wife. The two deranged escorts added a sadistic touch.

I am ready to excitedly declare as I approach the halfway mark that this fascinating and fatalistically bleak horror epic has found its stride. Immersive and gripping as this chilling futuristic hellscape has been, it is now a book that has outstanding and memorable written in every page. Rich characterization, claustrophobic culinary setting of the Royal Kitchen with chilling tension, intrigue, intensity,and levity.

I have read nearly a third of (Food, #4) and I am leaning in the direction that this part (Mise en Place) may be my favorite in the series so far. It reads itself. Riveting is not too strong a word. I found out today that the novel does not end with #5 and I am really looking forward to reading the conclusion in 2026.

It is difficult to believe that I have only read to the 14% mark and I already feel entangled by the horror and cannibalism of a brutal future for mankind that Caston ingeniously imagines. This is an outstanding piece of extreme horror served cold as the ice in a megalomaniac's veins.

A futuristic West coast American dream…or is that nightmare?

Time for some supper.

Fantastic stuff, if you have a healthy appetite and a strong stomach that is. 👍