Critique [Kindle Edition]

Daniel I. Russell (Author)

Book Description

Sandy Devanche considers himself to be a five star gentleman, although he never gives more than three.

As the harshest food critic in the business, he is feared and respected by the top chefs of the city. On a standard assignment, Sandy visits the experimental restaurant The House of Jacob, run by chef extraordinaire, Jacob Enfer.

What Sandy will experience is a journey beyond flavour and texture, a meal that will change his very existence. The worst thing about the food here is the person eating it.

Critique. It's here to make your life better… or much, much worse.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Daniel I. Russell has been featured publications such as The Zombie Feed from Apex, Pseudopod and Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine #43. He was nominated for two Tin Duck Awards in 2011 for best novel (Samhane, from Stygian Publications) and best short story. Author of Come Into Darkness, Critique and The Collector, Daniel is also the current vice-president of the Australian Horror Writers' Association and special guest editor of Midnight Echo.

Product Details

• File Size: 222 KB
• Print Length: 122 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0615680453
• Publisher: Dark Continents Publishing (January 1, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B006SBRAYO
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #625,689 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 stars for Critique January 22, 2012

By A. Christian

Format:Kindle Edition

This is my first introduction to Daniel Russell's work, and I've been pleasantly surprised by the multi-layered, riveting novella that is "Critique." The story of a selfish, egotistical food critic forced to confront himself through the efforts of an intimidating, otherworldy Chef is reminiscent of a Clive Barker novel, most notably The Hellbound Heart. Fast paced, fun, disturbing. The idea of using food as a medium is a compelling one, and I look forward to reading more from Mr. Russell soon.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Imagery overload... March 3, 2012

By HodgePodgeGalore

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Sane, cocky, and meticulous personality traits turn into insane, groveling, and obsessive-compulsive behavior within a few pheromone-laced mouthfuls at the House of Jacob. The novella was very well written with twisted meals that at some points made me shut my eyes to get the visual imagery to stop. The descriptive wording even pushed my olfactory sense into overdrive while reading. Though my senses were on high alert while reading CRITIQUE, I still felt a lacking sense of character connection. As if being inside a bubble and watching a horror film unfold around me, I could not fully connect with any of the characters emotionally...as if there was a continuous shield between us.

Daniel Russell did thoroughly impress me with his play on words throughout the novella, especially with "House of Jacob." In the religious context, it refers to the toil, struggle, and effort in the servitude of God. I won't say anymore because I don't want to spoil the main course. Again, CRITIQUE was very well-written, but it left me with a growling, empty stomach.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read! March 14, 2012

By AnnBoozeandBooksBlogspot

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Critique by Daniel I. Russel is the latest book I have read from Dark Continents Publishing. I have come to expect good things from that small press, and Critique doesn't disappoint. It is a story of redemption, although perhaps not the kind that most people would want. It starts out with a man, recently released from prison, who is continuing down the wrong path in life. He makes a stop at a diner and is treated to a rather interesting story from another character that will make most readers reconsider having dinner.
This is the first thing I have read by Russel, but it won't be the last. He has an enjoyable writing style that drew me right into the story from the beginning. It is a book that took me down a path that I wasn't quite expecting based on the beginning. Good read on an empty stomach and recommended for horror lovers.

More About the Author

Australian Shadows Award finalist Daniel I. Russell has been featured publications such as The Zombie Feed from Apex, Pseudopod and Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine #43. Author of Samhane, Come Into Darkness, Critique and The Collector, Daniel is also the current vice-president of the Australian Horror Writers' Association and was a special guest editor of Midnight Echo.