*shudder* This book is creepy, gave me nightmares, and is sooo good. I’m a huge fan of horror and have arachnophobia. I knew going it what it was about and had to read it. A demon spider and a little girl trapped. The writing is superb. The characters are written to give the write amount of creepiness. I haven’t been this creeped out since Cujo or Night Shift. Well done, author. This is a must read for horror lovers. New author to me and now a new fan.
Missy. Missy insists to everyone that Fred is real. No one believes her until Fred starts doing horrible things.
Missy seems like any other 5-year-old except that she believes that she sees spiders that no one else can. Her parents are only mildly worried because every 5-year-old has a big imagination. But bad things start happening wherever Missy goes. People start dying.
Come along for this paranormal, creature horror, and you just might end up more afraid of spiders after you finish reading.
Tirzah M.M. Hawkins is an author of all things dark including horror, fantasy, and snippets of sci-fi. She began writing stories when she was ten years old. Some of her favorites at that age were The Hobbit and The Chronicles of Narnia.
After watching too many horror movies at a young age, she has only recently been able to start sleeping with her feet uncovered at night.
She lives with her husband and their many fur (and feathered) babies including at any given time dogs, cats, horses, goats, pigs (that have happy lives until they are eaten), and chickens (who are only around for eggs).
Her favorite hobbies are reading, writing, researching, school (she currently is board certified as a holistic health practitioner and is enrolled in a doctorate of natural medicine program), singing, and listening to music.
I am not the type to typically read a horror type story but in the spirit of Halloween and trying something different, I gave this story a try. This quick read was a great way of getting used to the detailing of the horrors of the living to becoming part of the nonliving. Also thrown into the mix the joys of dating in this living/nonliving type world. The anticipating feelings of loneliness, lack of trust, and boredom are things that many of us have experienced throughout our lifetime. What do you think you would do with those feelings in this kind of scenario? Glad I was able to connect to a story such as this and be able to connect to it. Of course, I have not lived in this type of world but with the author’s detailed verbal illustrations, one can only imagine. DeBlassie does a great job of feeling as though the reader can gain understanding of the main character’s situation. Great Halloween/Horror read for those genre lovers and not!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Ramoshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Ramos2022-10-14 13:37:012023-08-05 14:18:24Hungry Business: A Gothic Story About the Horrors of Dating. Review by Jennifer Ramos
How hard is it to find a date with a beating heart? That is just one of the many things our herione questions in this short story. Hungry Business is a very fast read as it’s less than 20 pages. I really enjoyed how despite the dark world around her the main character still held onto her hopeless romantic beliefs and continued to go out on dates trying to make a connection. The funny quips that can be translated to any dating world like, (he only wants me for my body) we’re also very entertaining. I’d love it if this was the start of a series, because I think dating in a world filled with hungries (Zombies) is a very intriguing idea. I hope Maria DeBlassie continues to write about this world and all its possibilities as she definitely has a unique storyline started here in this well written short story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2022-10-13 19:06:282022-10-17 09:41:46Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Donya Pedigo
This is one of the best short stories I’ve ever read. In the short amount of time you spend in this world, it’s a vivid nightmare of living and fighting the hungry as well as the isolation it brings. It’s dark, twisted, full of gore, and still left you wanting more. I wish we knew what happened after the ending with the man across the way! This author does a phenomenal job; I look forward to reading her other materials soon.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Cooper Hammontreehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Cooper Hammontree2022-10-13 18:43:562022-10-17 09:41:35Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Ashley Cooper Hammontree
If you are looking for a short spooky story to get your Halloween mood started look no further. This is a short story. It does start slightly confusing but brings you up to speed quite quickly. It seems we are in a slightly post-apocalyptic world where “Hungries” and humans live slightly together even though then “Hungries” would just have you for dinner rather than over for dinner. Our main character who remains nameless is now truly feeling alone during this, but she makes you understand this is for the best. Don’t debate with this one, it is a good quick read. Review by @michellerenee6590
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Marlowhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Marlow2022-10-13 18:27:042022-10-17 09:41:30Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Michelle Marlow
Short but riveting story There is so much within these pages that it didn’t feel like a short story. With a quirkiness that one comes to expect from this author the story delves into the pitfalls of dating in a post apocalyptic world. The imagery and storyline are very well done and had me totally hooked. It’s written in an amusing and unique way. Recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2022-10-13 07:11:272022-10-17 09:37:53Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Rayne East
Very interesting story. This is not the first book I have ready by Maria DeBlassie, but it is the first short story. It flowed rather smoothly. It was easy to understand how the main character felt. I got to the end and flipped back and forth looking for more! It honestly was great! Go ahead and give this quick read a chance.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jamie Truexhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJamie Truex2022-10-11 12:47:252022-10-17 09:24:14Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Jamie Truex
Great short story, perfect to read in October for spooky season. Very easy to read, very short, great ending. It has a lovely character arc with a hopeful turn by the ending. It was a very relatable book, commenting on the woes of dating and putting your heart out there. If you like the walking dead, you will probably like this book. This is the first book/story I have read by this author, but it will not be the last.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Vanessa Estradahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngVanessa Estrada2022-10-10 23:11:012022-10-11 12:41:57Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Vanessa Estrada
Hungry Business is a short story that takes place in a dystopian future, where humans are slowly becoming endangered due to the “hungries”. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about a young woman who is still hopeful to find love despite the circumstances around her. It was easy to put myself in her shoes, as I’m a hopeless romantic who constantly seeks the good in the world even when it seems to be a distant thing of the past. Just as I was getting into the story it was over, but the ending was satisfying and I’m hoping to read more by Maria DeBlassie soon.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Deborah Whitehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDeborah White2022-10-10 20:32:242022-10-11 12:39:52Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Deborah White
This book was so creative and smart! A story of single life and dating. How hard is it to find love? Exceptionally hard in a city of heartless souls. It makes you feel like “all he wanted you for was your body.” De Blassie is a genius, and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.
Hungry Business, A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating, Maria DeBlassie, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Gothic, Horror
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Codi Parhamhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCodi Parham2022-10-08 21:15:442022-10-11 12:29:23Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Codi Parham
This short story is a quick and engaging read. A fun story about trying to date after a virus has hit the world. The main character is searching for a connection and hopefully with someone who is more alive than dead. We get to see the struggles they face and the hope that they have. As quick as this story is it gives readers a well-rounded story. You are pulled into the world that the author has created and I for one would love to see more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Gabrielle Leehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngGabrielle Lee2022-10-08 14:23:082022-10-11 12:31:48Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Gabrielle
Interesting short story! Zombies and dating. This story depicts the difficulty of dating and companionship even during a zombie apocalypse. A girl who has hopes for the best but seems to receive mediocre.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laurenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLauren2022-10-07 23:04:262022-10-11 12:28:36Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Lauren West
Hungry Business is a novel of short stories relating to a rambunctious, honest, and gory hunt for love. The author truly portrayed a vivid, short, and descriptive Zombie Outbreak. The active pursuit of companionship is apparent throughout the whole piece. The details in this short piece will enthrall you and encourage you to not put it down!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Trishahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTrisha2022-10-04 10:10:132022-10-05 07:41:24Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Trisha Cargile
You always hear anything after the first isn’t as good as the original. Honestly that isn’t the case here. Entering into year two it just feels like the story is picking up where it left off. The way that Makayla has grown up makes you feel like you are actively in her life to witness it. I cannot wait for the next book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heatherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather2022-10-04 06:58:032022-10-05 07:31:54Grave Digger Academy II (Grave Digger Academy Book 2) by C.A. King – Review by Heather Hoke
The story was pretty good. I read it in one sitting. The zombies in this story are exactly how I picture them in my head. Although the story was short, it was complete. It tugged at my heart strings and I could relate to the main character. At the end of the day all that matters is protecting and taking care of my family. How far would you go and what would you do to take care of you kid?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amber Howardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmber Howard2022-10-03 21:42:232022-10-05 07:26:57Necrosis by C.L. Schneider – Review by Amber Howard
This was an excellent horror read! My only wish was that it was longer! I’ve read this author before and enjoyed their books but I loved their writing style with this genre. I really like the plot of the story and that not everything goes as you would expect. You could really visualize what Amy and Lila were seeing and experiencing. I didn’t expect the ending that came but it definitely was how it needed to end to make the story that much better. I really hope this author writes more horror style books! I will be reading more of their books regardless because I love the writing style!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarla2022-10-03 20:36:482022-10-05 07:37:25Necrosis by C. L. Schneider – Review by Carla Clemmons
Necrosis is a book that drew me in just from the cover art. I don’t normally read this kind of book, or watch zombie movies or shows. However, the book was brilliant. The author is amazing with graphic writing. The way she described the decaying bodies had me cringing. The book was short but was not lacking at all. The characters are wonderfully written and the imagery is off the charts. There was moment of suspense and a twisted happy ending, for some anyway. The love of a mother knows no boundaries, and I loved it. I did not see that coming! Highly recommend, and look forward to more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2022-10-03 19:44:472022-10-05 07:36:11Necrosis by C.L. Schneider – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
All was well in the Amy’s world, albeit life wasn’t easy, she had her daughter and that was what mattered, the fleeting relationships with men, drugs, sadness and a slow spiral into the darkness were just that, fleeting, she still had her mothers love and support, until one day it all changed and the virus took hold. At first it was contained and there were only a few infected to start with, but as soon as it took hold, people started changing, they called it Necrosis and suddenly it was everywhere and it terrified Amy.
She knew it was a bad idea to try and get to her mother as soon as she entered the city, but she had pushed and now she was looking at her necrotic mother and freezing, just like every other time she was faced with violence, but this time, she had something to defend, this time, she had to protect her daughter and that was all that mattered. So muttering an apology, she put her mother out of her misery and escaped her childhood home before more of the infected could get to them, now they just needed to get back to the truck and get the hell out of there, but nothing is as easy as first thought.
They managed to get back to the truck, but there was also a need for supplies, so while it was quiet and infected free, Amy decides to see if there is anything to scavenge, but unfortunately, she is betrayed and this leads to confrontation and risk, especially when the infected breach the shop next to the truck and her daughter is in danger again. This time Amy is prepared to do anything to get to her and devises a plan to distract the infected so that she can get to the truck, but can she get there before the other parade of the infected get to her? Can Amy keep them both alive and escape the city before it is too late? This is a dystopian apocalyptic tale which plumbs the depths of a mothers love in ensuring the survival of her child in a world filled with danger around every corner, it pulls you in and keeps you on edge throughout, as you follow along this story which is perfect for the horror lovers out there.
Emotional roller coaster Lost for words. This book is an amazing quick read. Raw, real and riveting this book will have you going through all the emotions. Amy is a formidable character, aware of her flaws but strong regardless. The setting is an apocalyptic zombie world and had me on the edge of my seat. This is a short story but packs so much between the pages. The sacrifices were plentiful. A must read! “I’m not crying, you are!”
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2022-10-03 06:47:092022-10-05 07:25:07Necrosis by C.L. Schneider – Review by Rayne East
Necrosis is a fast read that starts interesting and never slacks off. Amy, the main character, is easy to identify with and relate to. Going through a zombie apocalypse with her 9 year old daughter, Lila, brings out several life changing decisions. Sometimes she has to make choices that may cost her direly, or hurt someone else to save themselves. This seemed like a very realistic (given the circumstances) approach, and the choices were always real-life like scenarios. Friendships and her old life falls away, and basic survival instincts kick in. This is the 1st book I have read from this author, and I loved the writing style, world building, and character arcs. I absolutely recommend this to everyone, it was not too much horror or gore, and was very easy to follow!
This is a quick read, but it doesn’t disappoint. It starts off with action and keeps up a steady pace throughout the story. Intense, but then again, it wouldn’t be a good zombie-type story if it wasn’t. The main character, Amy, was easy to connect with right away. I can’t say too much more without spoiling it. If you like quick, intense reads, this is a great late-night story – unless you spook easily, then maybe read it during the day, lol.
I like how it’s not written how you’d think it should be but worth the read. I don’t usually take to short stories but this one was worth the read. I like how it was different another time. Also, zombies aren’t usually my thing but I tolerated them for this short read, LOL. The way the author wrote this was cute and intriguing so kudos, I liked!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Faith Jacksonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFaith Jackson2022-10-01 07:06:202022-10-02 13:06:19Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Faith Jackson
To put in the simplest terms, Action Packed, Page Turner. Schneider doesn’t skip a beat, you jump right into the action, no room for leading story lines, your are transformed into an apocalyptic world first sentence. This was a very fast paced read, truly a page turner, certainly one that could be read in one sitting. And despite all the action happening, Schneider still manages to build on character growth. This is certainly a 5 out of 5 and honestly that says a lot since Zombie Apocalypse is not something I typically enjoy reading.
I was between books and decided to find something to fill my time before I decided which book to read next. Little did I know I’d end up reading it in one sitting instead of a couple days like I planned. I’m glad I’m no longer in the dating game now, as I feel like even without the illness, dating can be hard and even harder when you are trying to find someone who won’t try to eat you. Fun little read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amy Deanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmy Dean2022-09-28 15:49:062022-10-01 08:26:06Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Amy Dean
Another fantastic read by the author. Schneider knows how to keep readers entertained. Necrosis was a great read. If you like horror then you’ll love this book.
Amy is a single mother and everyone is being infected. This disease turns you into pretty much a zombie. Her daughter had to watch her grandmother kill someone. Can Amy get her daughter to safety before it’s too late? The quote I chose for Amy is: “I suppose. But not all kids are my kid. You’ve learned how to take care of yourself in ways I never had to at your age. You know how to make a fire and a shelter. How to bandage a wound and find food. You know when to run and when to hide. And you learned how to listen. Sometimes. Most importantly, you’ve learned how to think on your feet. It’s an instinct that will help you survive. You know that’s what’s most important to me, right? Your survival. No matter what it takes.”
Necrosis is a fast-paced thriller about a mother and daughter, Amy and Lila, who are trying to survive this new world riddled with a deadly virus that is turning people into flesh-eating undead. Amy is trying to do everything she can to keep her daughter safe from harm. Just as they think they may have found the closest thing to real safety; the rug is pulled out from under them, and hard decisions have to be made. How far is Amy going to have to go to keep Lila safe?
I could not put this one down once I started reading. Though not a long story, the author did not skimp on action and detail. It definitely brought forth many emotions as I imagined myself in Amy’s position- being a mother of a child who is the center of your universe and you just aren’t sure you can fully protect them from the world outside, but you’ll do whatever it takes to give them their best chance. Definitely recommend! Phenomenal author. I will be keeping an eye out for C.L. Schneider in the future.
Read this if you: *Enjoy a quick read over your lunch break *Like tales involving humans and hungries *Believe love can exists in a dark world
Meet the Author: Maria DeBlassie is a native New Mexican blogger, award winning writer, and aware winning educator. When she is not practicing her own brand of brujeria, she’s reading, teaching, and writing about bodice rippers and things that go bump in the night. She is forever looking for magic in her life and somehow always finding more than she thought was there.
Reader’s Thoughts: “What does it take to find another beating heart in this city? All you want is one. But hearts are a hot commodity these days, and you have to be careful who you share them with.” This action-packed short story had so many meaningful concepts expressed in less than 20 pages. The fingernail scene made me cringe with its extensive detail. Just a tad bit of gore, just the way I like it! And the odd relationship with the tabby cat had me hooked. This would make an awesome prologue to the beginning of something much more. I would love to see this turned into a full novel. I look forward to seeing what else DeBlassie has up her sleeve.
Favorite Quote: “That’s the way of this world: be a hungry or be food.”
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Mertzhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Mertz2022-09-25 11:55:082022-09-27 12:16:43Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Ashley Mertz
The first page brings me to the world of TWD. Excellent backstory and character development! Vanished fragments of humanity, committing necessary evil, desperation, and trying to keep your child alive in an apocalypse is excellent story telling. I was drawn in and couldn’t put the book down! A definite must read!
This was a fantastic read! As always, this author never disappoints and this is absolutely no exception. This shorter novel was very well written, very descriptive, scare in its almost realistic horror, and very immersive. I felt like I was right there. I was very easily and quickly drawn into this story and I could hardly leave. I highly recommend this story, especially if you are a fan of horror and zombies.
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Spidersight by Tirzah M.M. Hawkins
