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Deadly Delicious
Twelve-year-old Josephine DeLune can’t take the heat this sweltering summer of 1955, and she was out of the kitchen long ago.
An awful cook, she ruins recipes left and right, and she certainly can’t compete with her family’s reputation for extraordinary food. Her daddy’s parents ran one of the best restaurants in all of Paris, but Josephine lives in Paris, Missouri. On her mama’s side, she’s up against a long tradition of sinfully delicious soul food. Rumor has it, her Creole ancestors cooked up some voodoo to make tasty even tastier. Josephine knows the secret ingredient: she comes from a long line of conjure witches with spellbinding culinary skills.
Disenchanted, Josephine works as a carhop at Carl and Earl’s Drive-In. Just plain old hamburgers, hot dogs, and curly fries, nothing magical about them. She’s got bigger fish to fry, though, when a grease fire erupts into a devilish creature who hisses her name with desire. Turns out he’s the Ravenous One, the granddaddy of all voodoo spirits, and he’s hungry for her soul. Josephine thinks he’s got the wrong girl-she’s no witch-but a gorgeous, dangerous night-skinned lady named Shaula sets her straight. Josephine is one of the most powerful witches alive, so overflowing with conjure that her out-of-control cooking simply catches fire.
Josephine would love to laugh this off, but Shaula warns her that she must learn to master her magic before the Ravenous One devours her soul. Spurred into action, Josephine breaks out her grandma’s old conjure cookbook and starts cooking. Nothing grand, just the usual recipes for undying friendship and revenge. But soon Josephine can’t escape the consequences of her conjure. When the people of Paris start turning into zombies with a strange fondness for cake, Josephine looks pretty responsible for their undead reawakening…
An awful cook, she ruins recipes left and right, and she certainly can’t compete with her family’s reputation for extraordinary food. Her daddy’s parents ran one of the best restaurants in all of Paris, but Josephine lives in Paris, Missouri. On her mama’s side, she’s up against a long tradition of sinfully delicious soul food. Rumor has it, her Creole ancestors cooked up some voodoo to make tasty even tastier. Josephine knows the secret ingredient: she comes from a long line of conjure witches with spellbinding culinary skills.
Disenchanted, Josephine works as a carhop at Carl and Earl’s Drive-In. Just plain old hamburgers, hot dogs, and curly fries, nothing magical about them. She’s got bigger fish to fry, though, when a grease fire erupts into a devilish creature who hisses her name with desire. Turns out he’s the Ravenous One, the granddaddy of all voodoo spirits, and he’s hungry for her soul. Josephine thinks he’s got the wrong girl-she’s no witch-but a gorgeous, dangerous night-skinned lady named Shaula sets her straight. Josephine is one of the most powerful witches alive, so overflowing with conjure that her out-of-control cooking simply catches fire.
Josephine would love to laugh this off, but Shaula warns her that she must learn to master her magic before the Ravenous One devours her soul. Spurred into action, Josephine breaks out her grandma’s old conjure cookbook and starts cooking. Nothing grand, just the usual recipes for undying friendship and revenge. But soon Josephine can’t escape the consequences of her conjure. When the people of Paris start turning into zombies with a strange fondness for cake, Josephine looks pretty responsible for their undead reawakening…
Paperback
First published April 3, 2014
About the author
K.L. Kincy
2 books8 followersK. L. Kincy (Duvall, Washington) loves zombies, though she hopes to meet only the cake-eating kind. Deadly Delicious is her first book for children. She has a BA in Linguistics and Literature from The Evergreen State College.
K. L. Kincy also writes for teens and adults as Karen Kincy.
Find her online at:
www.facebook.com/deadlydelicious
K. L. Kincy also writes for teens and adults as Karen Kincy.
Find her online at:
www.facebook.com/deadlydelicious
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 20, 2015
Josephine is 12 and lives with her parents, whose family’s reputation is cooking. Her dad’s family is famous in Paris for cooking and her mom is a culinary witch, whose cooking is exceptionally delicious. But, Josephine is a terrible cook, some ending even in disasters. During one such disaster, the grease fire turns into a monster and calls her by her name. Shortly after, a ghost of a witch, Shaula, appears to her and tells her that The Ravenous One is after her soul. Josephine has to get her voodoo under control to fight against The Ravenous One.
Very cute upper middle grade novel. Josephine is a character, who is bold and charming. Her transition from a confused to a confident girl is really slow, but one that is worth waiting. She thinks of her as useless, but then when she knows she can conjure, her confidence makes her do things (both good and bad) she wouldn’t dare do, otherwise. K.L. Kincy has made every character in the book totally relatable and adorable.
The magic and romance part of the story is very different. While the romance is very minimal and the right amount of the middle graders to read, the magic is strictly restricted to foods. I found that as something unique in the world that the author has built.
It would be very rude of me to end this review without telling you about cakes. Seriously, it’s mouth-watering, just reading about all those cakes, Josephine and her mom bakes. And I am not that much into cakes. If the author can make ME think like that, I don’t know what the majority of the population will do, while reading this book. Keep some food in store, just in case! :)
This book is perfect and recommended for middle graders. Definitely Delicious!
Very cute upper middle grade novel. Josephine is a character, who is bold and charming. Her transition from a confused to a confident girl is really slow, but one that is worth waiting. She thinks of her as useless, but then when she knows she can conjure, her confidence makes her do things (both good and bad) she wouldn’t dare do, otherwise. K.L. Kincy has made every character in the book totally relatable and adorable.
The magic and romance part of the story is very different. While the romance is very minimal and the right amount of the middle graders to read, the magic is strictly restricted to foods. I found that as something unique in the world that the author has built.
It would be very rude of me to end this review without telling you about cakes. Seriously, it’s mouth-watering, just reading about all those cakes, Josephine and her mom bakes. And I am not that much into cakes. If the author can make ME think like that, I don’t know what the majority of the population will do, while reading this book. Keep some food in store, just in case! :)
This book is perfect and recommended for middle graders. Definitely Delicious!
June 12, 2014
Deadly Delicious is an upper middle grade historical paranormal fantasy. Yep, it’s a good mix! Josephine lives in the 1950′s and the women in her family can conjure (they have magic). Very creative, right?
Josephine is a great character. She’s realistic in that she makes mistakes, but she’s clearly good at heart and tries to do the best for everyone. She is suddenly realizing she can conjure and has more magic than she thought. There’s suddenly a lot going on around her as there’s an evil about and she has to figure it out. She also has some friendship troubles and boy troubles too!
The secondary characters personalities came through really well, I was very impressed with them. I liked that there was a touch of romance, without it becoming center stage. It was enough that older MG girls will like it.
The stakes are a bit higher than you might find in the younger MG books, but most things are lightened up a bit. Like the zombies are cake eating zombies, they just want cake instead of brains. There’s more serious things later in the book and I thought it was handled well by the author.
The book is fast paced and easy to cruise through. I read it in two sittings and never felt bored with it. I liked that it was set in the 1950′s and while it felt authentic it wasn’t so loaded with 1950′s lingo and whatnot that children of today wouldn’t understand it. There was enough that adults can appreciate it.
This was a fun book that I would recommend for the upper middle grade readers (maybe 5th grade up) and YA and adult readers who enjoy this genre.
You can find this review, and others like it, on my blog at http://www.candacesbookblog.com
Josephine is a great character. She’s realistic in that she makes mistakes, but she’s clearly good at heart and tries to do the best for everyone. She is suddenly realizing she can conjure and has more magic than she thought. There’s suddenly a lot going on around her as there’s an evil about and she has to figure it out. She also has some friendship troubles and boy troubles too!
The secondary characters personalities came through really well, I was very impressed with them. I liked that there was a touch of romance, without it becoming center stage. It was enough that older MG girls will like it.
The stakes are a bit higher than you might find in the younger MG books, but most things are lightened up a bit. Like the zombies are cake eating zombies, they just want cake instead of brains. There’s more serious things later in the book and I thought it was handled well by the author.
The book is fast paced and easy to cruise through. I read it in two sittings and never felt bored with it. I liked that it was set in the 1950′s and while it felt authentic it wasn’t so loaded with 1950′s lingo and whatnot that children of today wouldn’t understand it. There was enough that adults can appreciate it.
This was a fun book that I would recommend for the upper middle grade readers (maybe 5th grade up) and YA and adult readers who enjoy this genre.
You can find this review, and others like it, on my blog at http://www.candacesbookblog.com
April 8, 2014
This is a fun book set in 1950s Missouri. I loved Josephine. She has a great voice and gets into plenty of trouble with forbidden cooking magic and cake-eating zombies!
July 24, 2014
One spunky heroine. A dash of romance. A sprinkle of magic. And one horde of cake-craving zombies. Those are the winning ingredients to K.L. Kincy’s charming and delightful new middle grade novel, Deadly Delicious.
I was charmed right away by Kincy’s voice in Deadly Delicious – with a slow drawl inside my head as I read the narrative of young Josephine. I was transported to the South — hearing the cadence and rhythm of people’s speech, feeling the clammy heat, and soaking up the atmosphere. Every time I picked up this book to continue reading, I found myself happily whisked away to Josephine’s world.
The whimsical storyline is also equally enchanting, and it’s fun to see how Kincy has crafted this particular brand of magic — using recipes to conjure spells. A colorful cast of supporting characters add to the magic of Deadly Delicious, and really bring Josephine’s story to life.
At first, I wasn’t 100% sure the romance was necessary to the story — and it certainly takes a backseat to the main plot, and Josephine’s growth as a character. But the blossoms of first love, as Kincy has so lovingly captured them here, add a nice finishing touch — like the frosting to the cake that is the rest of the story. And while younger readers may not connect to this aspect of the story, there’s nothing that will stop them from enjoying Deadly Delicious on the whole.
I was charmed right away by Kincy’s voice in Deadly Delicious – with a slow drawl inside my head as I read the narrative of young Josephine. I was transported to the South — hearing the cadence and rhythm of people’s speech, feeling the clammy heat, and soaking up the atmosphere. Every time I picked up this book to continue reading, I found myself happily whisked away to Josephine’s world.
The whimsical storyline is also equally enchanting, and it’s fun to see how Kincy has crafted this particular brand of magic — using recipes to conjure spells. A colorful cast of supporting characters add to the magic of Deadly Delicious, and really bring Josephine’s story to life.
At first, I wasn’t 100% sure the romance was necessary to the story — and it certainly takes a backseat to the main plot, and Josephine’s growth as a character. But the blossoms of first love, as Kincy has so lovingly captured them here, add a nice finishing touch — like the frosting to the cake that is the rest of the story. And while younger readers may not connect to this aspect of the story, there’s nothing that will stop them from enjoying Deadly Delicious on the whole.
October 30, 2015
Jospehine DeLune is 12 years old and comes from a long family of powerful magical women, each of which baked their might conjure into their creations
Except for Josephine who has no magic and cannot cook… but she has to learn as she has drawn the attention of both a sinister figure, Shaula and, even worse, the dangerous gaze of the Ravenous One.
She now has to learn if she wants to avoid being devoured
I like this book it was fun and had a very fun concept – I love the idea of magic, and conjure, being so mixed with cooking. The whole way they use magic is excellently well written – putting together recipes with magical components and mundane baking. I do love the world building of it, it’s fun, and while it’s not entirely original it is certainly one of the best examples I’ve seen depicted. Just the mix of flour and sugar and Full Moon butter and any of the other mundane and strange ingredients added to make everything from curses to love potions all through food – from pickles to pies to cakes, the food is full of magic
And that even leads to zombies that crave cake – and it works with the story
With such a setting it would be very easy to make a story that was, perhaps, a little silly or too childish especially with a 12 year old protagonist. But it not only worked as a story but there were some nice deeper elements addressed as well – there’s some definite reflections on race (especially since this book is set in 1955) though some of them are confused with prejudice against her magical family, including Authelia a friend who drops Josephine when she wants to be popular and realises she can’t be while being friends with a Black girl. Or Quentin’s parents who are leery of him getting too close
It has to be noted that these prejudices are often conflated or linked to the hostility towards her as a witch. And, if anything, her difficulties seem under-presented considering this book is set in 1950s Missouri
In turn we also have some nice examinations of class and work – Josephine and her mother, Clara are concerned because they do not make much money and her magical bakery is threatened by corporate competition – especially when it comes with the money and power to demonise home baking in the press. Even aside from work, we see a number of people regard Clara with contempt and even pity because she works in the family business and because her parents aren’t wealthy – yet at the same time these people are happy to avail themselves of Clara‘s magical baking. Even her own coven, seemingly largely white women without a large amount of magical talent, are quick to take advantage of Clara‘s labour to present it as their own.
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Except for Josephine who has no magic and cannot cook… but she has to learn as she has drawn the attention of both a sinister figure, Shaula and, even worse, the dangerous gaze of the Ravenous One.
She now has to learn if she wants to avoid being devoured
I like this book it was fun and had a very fun concept – I love the idea of magic, and conjure, being so mixed with cooking. The whole way they use magic is excellently well written – putting together recipes with magical components and mundane baking. I do love the world building of it, it’s fun, and while it’s not entirely original it is certainly one of the best examples I’ve seen depicted. Just the mix of flour and sugar and Full Moon butter and any of the other mundane and strange ingredients added to make everything from curses to love potions all through food – from pickles to pies to cakes, the food is full of magic
And that even leads to zombies that crave cake – and it works with the story
With such a setting it would be very easy to make a story that was, perhaps, a little silly or too childish especially with a 12 year old protagonist. But it not only worked as a story but there were some nice deeper elements addressed as well – there’s some definite reflections on race (especially since this book is set in 1955) though some of them are confused with prejudice against her magical family, including Authelia a friend who drops Josephine when she wants to be popular and realises she can’t be while being friends with a Black girl. Or Quentin’s parents who are leery of him getting too close
It has to be noted that these prejudices are often conflated or linked to the hostility towards her as a witch. And, if anything, her difficulties seem under-presented considering this book is set in 1950s Missouri
In turn we also have some nice examinations of class and work – Josephine and her mother, Clara are concerned because they do not make much money and her magical bakery is threatened by corporate competition – especially when it comes with the money and power to demonise home baking in the press. Even aside from work, we see a number of people regard Clara with contempt and even pity because she works in the family business and because her parents aren’t wealthy – yet at the same time these people are happy to avail themselves of Clara‘s magical baking. Even her own coven, seemingly largely white women without a large amount of magical talent, are quick to take advantage of Clara‘s labour to present it as their own.
Read More
July 8, 2015
Josephine DeLune is one very interesting girl, from a line of interesting women. She can’t cook worth a darn despite the heritage of culinary skills on both sides of her family. Creole and Parisian cooking, to boot!
Josephine does, however, stay out of the kitchen with her mama. She would do just about anything to get out of that chore! Instead, she volunteers at her father’s restaurant, Carl and Earl’s, being a carhop in training.
Josephine avoids it at all costs because her Creole heritage is full of conjure witches, and her mother can bake up conjure better than anyone else.
One day, she sets off this terrible grease fire. Except it’s not really her fault. There’s something in the fire. And it wants her!
Through another mysterious visit from a dangerous lady named Shaula, Josephine learns this creature is the Ravenous One. He hungers for Josephine’s soul. Except, just like her cooking skills, Josephine has no conjuring skills either! He’s got the wrong witch girl!
As the novel progresses, Shaula shows and teaches Josephine some very important things she needs to know about the Ravenous One, conjure and a few other tricks.
As if that’s not enough, Josephine is embroiled in an ongoing battle with her enemy, Authelia, who used to be her friend, and is now trying to steal away Josephine’s best friend for her own boyfriend. One thing snowballs into another, and it is one miserable summer for Josephine.
With a hot mess on her hands with Authelia chasing after Quentin, and being chased and corned by the Ravenous One herself, and Authelia’s family horning in on her mama’s livelihood, Josephine takes action. At the insistence of Shaula, Josephine cooks up her own conjure to keep what she treasures and later, for revenge. But, as Josephine even insisted to the Ravenous One, she’s no witch…at least not yet.
Josephine’s also stumbled upon some sneakyness Authelia and her family have brewing at McArthur Mills. Some other interesting things crop up around town, including a mess of zombies that are just dying for something delicious.
The one thing I kept noticing over and over again throughout the entire book was how Kincy described everything through Josephine’s eyes. I found so many examples that were excellent uses of imagery and humor, vivid descriptions that I felt I was in Paris, Missouri with Josephine.
I fell in love with Josephine’s character. She was unique and fresh. Perhaps that’s just the effects of a middle grades novel, but I enjoyed every moment I spent with Josephine, the DeLunes and their town. I hope there’s more on the way!
Josephine does, however, stay out of the kitchen with her mama. She would do just about anything to get out of that chore! Instead, she volunteers at her father’s restaurant, Carl and Earl’s, being a carhop in training.
Josephine avoids it at all costs because her Creole heritage is full of conjure witches, and her mother can bake up conjure better than anyone else.
One day, she sets off this terrible grease fire. Except it’s not really her fault. There’s something in the fire. And it wants her!
Through another mysterious visit from a dangerous lady named Shaula, Josephine learns this creature is the Ravenous One. He hungers for Josephine’s soul. Except, just like her cooking skills, Josephine has no conjuring skills either! He’s got the wrong witch girl!
As the novel progresses, Shaula shows and teaches Josephine some very important things she needs to know about the Ravenous One, conjure and a few other tricks.
As if that’s not enough, Josephine is embroiled in an ongoing battle with her enemy, Authelia, who used to be her friend, and is now trying to steal away Josephine’s best friend for her own boyfriend. One thing snowballs into another, and it is one miserable summer for Josephine.
With a hot mess on her hands with Authelia chasing after Quentin, and being chased and corned by the Ravenous One herself, and Authelia’s family horning in on her mama’s livelihood, Josephine takes action. At the insistence of Shaula, Josephine cooks up her own conjure to keep what she treasures and later, for revenge. But, as Josephine even insisted to the Ravenous One, she’s no witch…at least not yet.
Josephine’s also stumbled upon some sneakyness Authelia and her family have brewing at McArthur Mills. Some other interesting things crop up around town, including a mess of zombies that are just dying for something delicious.
The one thing I kept noticing over and over again throughout the entire book was how Kincy described everything through Josephine’s eyes. I found so many examples that were excellent uses of imagery and humor, vivid descriptions that I felt I was in Paris, Missouri with Josephine.
I fell in love with Josephine’s character. She was unique and fresh. Perhaps that’s just the effects of a middle grades novel, but I enjoyed every moment I spent with Josephine, the DeLunes and their town. I hope there’s more on the way!
August 24, 2015
Deadly Delicious by K.L. Kincy is a children’s or tween novel. Josephine Elle DeLune is twelve years old and she thinks she is a useless witch. The females in her family have the ability to conjure through cooking and baking. In 1951 Josephine is eight years old. Her grandmother tries to get her to rescue their ancestor’s spell book from a swamp in Louisiana. Josephine, who has the power, is unable to get the book (she really does not try hard enough). Four years later they are living in Paris, Missouri and Josephine is learning to be a car hop at her father’s diner, Carl and Earl’s Diner. Josephine feels she is a failure at conjuring because all of her recipes fail. That day she is minding the grill for a couple of minutes when a monster appears in the fire. He states he is coming to get her.
Josephine has no idea why anyone would be after her. She does not think she has any powers. Then Josephine sees Shaula, the night skinned lady. She is actually an ancestor (it is her book in the swamp). Shaula states she can help Josephine defeat the Ravenous One who is after her. Turns out Josephine has too much power which is why her conjuring does not work properly (of course, she has never learned how to use her power properly either). Shaula tells Josephine that she just needs the right recipe. Josephine is going to have to learn how to use her powers quickly (and find a spell book of her own) if she wants to stay alive and defeat the Ravenous One (also known as Papa Nom who is the spirit of hunger itself). Josephine will need help from her Grandmother Lula and her mother, Clara to stay alive.
Deadly Delicious is a type of novel I probably would have read when I was eight years old (I was an advanced reader). It is cute, but not wonderful. There is a romantic element (for a twelve year old) that I did not enjoy. I felt that twelve is a little young for romance and kissing (and we do not need to give children any ideas. They get enough from television). I give Deadly Delicious 3 out of 5 stars. I like the idea for the book and the characters, but I just felt the book needed a little work. I wish the conjuring had been explained a little better (it is a little ambiguous).
I received a complimentary copy of Deadly Delicious from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
Josephine has no idea why anyone would be after her. She does not think she has any powers. Then Josephine sees Shaula, the night skinned lady. She is actually an ancestor (it is her book in the swamp). Shaula states she can help Josephine defeat the Ravenous One who is after her. Turns out Josephine has too much power which is why her conjuring does not work properly (of course, she has never learned how to use her power properly either). Shaula tells Josephine that she just needs the right recipe. Josephine is going to have to learn how to use her powers quickly (and find a spell book of her own) if she wants to stay alive and defeat the Ravenous One (also known as Papa Nom who is the spirit of hunger itself). Josephine will need help from her Grandmother Lula and her mother, Clara to stay alive.
Deadly Delicious is a type of novel I probably would have read when I was eight years old (I was an advanced reader). It is cute, but not wonderful. There is a romantic element (for a twelve year old) that I did not enjoy. I felt that twelve is a little young for romance and kissing (and we do not need to give children any ideas. They get enough from television). I give Deadly Delicious 3 out of 5 stars. I like the idea for the book and the characters, but I just felt the book needed a little work. I wish the conjuring had been explained a little better (it is a little ambiguous).
I received a complimentary copy of Deadly Delicious from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
September 21, 2015
(I received a free copy of this book in exchangge for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
I thought the plot of this book was a really intriguing one. I liked the fact that Josephine’s family clearly had a reputation for cooking with ‘conjuring’… though I was a bit confused about how much Josephine’s dad was actually aware of.
I liked the first part of the book. I felt it drew me in really easily and that I was able to follow the storyline fairly easily. It was interesting to see Shaula throughout the book. I was left unsure about her motivations and alignment for most of the book. I would have liked some more details about her and how she was connected with Josephine.
It was interesting to see how the legends varied and that there seemed to be a whole culture related to the witchcraft. It would have been good to see more of other witch families, since I can’t imagine Josephine’s is the only family who can do that kind of magic..
I thought the atmosphere of the book came across particularly well, even though the attitudes of some of the other characters towards Josephine were really awful. I did like Quentin, even though I had a lot of dislike for Authelia. Despite some of the things she comes out with, I didn’t really have a lot of sympathy for her.
I thought it was cool to see the different forms of ingredients that went into the recipes. I thought it was interesting to see that the zombies were desperate for cake and the reasons why made a lot of sense.
I liked seeing Josephine’s interactions with her family and it was also good to see the detrimental effect on them from the news articles. I also thought it was cool to see the effects the pie had on Quentin’s dog. It made me smile to read about that.
I thought this book was easy to read and very entertaining. In the future, I would be interested in reading more books by this author… and a sequel to this book, hopefully. It would be good to see more of Josephine… and hopefully learn more about her family history.
(This review may contain spoilers).
I thought the plot of this book was a really intriguing one. I liked the fact that Josephine’s family clearly had a reputation for cooking with ‘conjuring’… though I was a bit confused about how much Josephine’s dad was actually aware of.
I liked the first part of the book. I felt it drew me in really easily and that I was able to follow the storyline fairly easily. It was interesting to see Shaula throughout the book. I was left unsure about her motivations and alignment for most of the book. I would have liked some more details about her and how she was connected with Josephine.
It was interesting to see how the legends varied and that there seemed to be a whole culture related to the witchcraft. It would have been good to see more of other witch families, since I can’t imagine Josephine’s is the only family who can do that kind of magic..
I thought the atmosphere of the book came across particularly well, even though the attitudes of some of the other characters towards Josephine were really awful. I did like Quentin, even though I had a lot of dislike for Authelia. Despite some of the things she comes out with, I didn’t really have a lot of sympathy for her.
I thought it was cool to see the different forms of ingredients that went into the recipes. I thought it was interesting to see that the zombies were desperate for cake and the reasons why made a lot of sense.
I liked seeing Josephine’s interactions with her family and it was also good to see the detrimental effect on them from the news articles. I also thought it was cool to see the effects the pie had on Quentin’s dog. It made me smile to read about that.
I thought this book was easy to read and very entertaining. In the future, I would be interested in reading more books by this author… and a sequel to this book, hopefully. It would be good to see more of Josephine… and hopefully learn more about her family history.
June 11, 2014
Deadly Delicious by K.L. Kincy is a delightful mix of fun, action, and magic. The intended audience is upper middle grade but anyone can fall in love with the characters and setting of Deadly Delicious.
Age Level: 9 – 12 | Grade Level: 3 – 6
Setting: 1950′s Paris, Missouri with a side trip to the swamps of Louisiana
Main Character: Josephine is twelve years old and feels she is a disappointment to her lineage. All the women in Josephine’s family have amazing culinary skills with a little something extra added in. Josephine deals with self doubt, friendship issues, a budding romance, and coming into her on; all while trying to control cake eating zombies and battling the big daddy voodoo spirit of the Ravenous One.
Three words that come to mind for Deadly Delicious: Light-hearted Fun Fantasy
I loved the setting. You get a peak into the 1950′s with it’s carhops, onion rings, poodle skirts, and “Rock Around the Clock”. I also enjoyed the light hearted way that the cake eating zombies are dealt with and the introduction to the good and bad side of the Ravenous One. I think the way the author showed the extremes of Papa Nom, the spirit of hunger was brilliant. It was great seeing Josephine come into her own and accept the support and help from her friends, mother, grandmother, and ancestors. Within the pages of Deadly Delicious are several lessons worth remembering. I hope you get a chance to discover them for yourself.
Book Source: Purchased
Age Level: 9 – 12 | Grade Level: 3 – 6
Setting: 1950′s Paris, Missouri with a side trip to the swamps of Louisiana
Main Character: Josephine is twelve years old and feels she is a disappointment to her lineage. All the women in Josephine’s family have amazing culinary skills with a little something extra added in. Josephine deals with self doubt, friendship issues, a budding romance, and coming into her on; all while trying to control cake eating zombies and battling the big daddy voodoo spirit of the Ravenous One.
Three words that come to mind for Deadly Delicious: Light-hearted Fun Fantasy
I loved the setting. You get a peak into the 1950′s with it’s carhops, onion rings, poodle skirts, and “Rock Around the Clock”. I also enjoyed the light hearted way that the cake eating zombies are dealt with and the introduction to the good and bad side of the Ravenous One. I think the way the author showed the extremes of Papa Nom, the spirit of hunger was brilliant. It was great seeing Josephine come into her own and accept the support and help from her friends, mother, grandmother, and ancestors. Within the pages of Deadly Delicious are several lessons worth remembering. I hope you get a chance to discover them for yourself.
Book Source: Purchased
April 18, 2014
I received this book as a promotional give-away, but upon starting to read it, I liked it so much I immediately went online to purchase another copy so the author would have my money.
First off, despite the fact that this is a children’s book, it is on the older end of middle grade, and super intelligent, with a wee bit of innocent romance; enough for a persnickety adult like to me to enjoy it very much. And, as zombie books go, it’s very different from most of what’s out there. It’s lighthearted enough to set itself dramatically apart from the world of darkly apocalyptic zombie fiction, but it’s got some good some high-stakes conflict, and definitely holds your attention to the end. A family of mother-daughter voodoo conjure bakers? Cake-eating zombies? See? I totally had you at cake-eating zombies.
Also great about this book is the fact that the protagonist is an African-American girl. Best part, I could even imagine this as a movie. Disney, you need to get on this, NOW.
First off, despite the fact that this is a children’s book, it is on the older end of middle grade, and super intelligent, with a wee bit of innocent romance; enough for a persnickety adult like to me to enjoy it very much. And, as zombie books go, it’s very different from most of what’s out there. It’s lighthearted enough to set itself dramatically apart from the world of darkly apocalyptic zombie fiction, but it’s got some good some high-stakes conflict, and definitely holds your attention to the end. A family of mother-daughter voodoo conjure bakers? Cake-eating zombies? See? I totally had you at cake-eating zombies.
Also great about this book is the fact that the protagonist is an African-American girl. Best part, I could even imagine this as a movie. Disney, you need to get on this, NOW.
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November 29, 2015REVIEW: DEADLY DELICIOUS by K. L. Linux
Magic--conjure and hoodoo--suffused this delectable cozy, as a young girl is caught between a fire demon and its evil female adversary . Josephine Elle DeLune is the child of a Parisian chef and a renowned soul food chef. Living in little Paris, Missouri, is far from haute cuisine, but still Josephine is a danger in the kitchen. She really must come to terms with her magic...before it overcomes her permanently.
Magic--conjure and hoodoo--suffused this delectable cozy, as a young girl is caught between a fire demon and its evil female adversary . Josephine Elle DeLune is the child of a Parisian chef and a renowned soul food chef. Living in little Paris, Missouri, is far from haute cuisine, but still Josephine is a danger in the kitchen. She really must come to terms with her magic...before it overcomes her permanently.
February 2, 2017
I couldn't put this book down! I loved everything about it: the cover that invites me into the swamp with Josephine, along with its artfully hand-piped icing typefont; the fully developed and completely believable characters; and the quick pace that kept me turning the pages.
I recommend this book to all fans of supernatural who are looking for a magical read that isn't too dark.
I recommend this book to all fans of supernatural who are looking for a magical read that isn't too dark.
June 22, 2017
Conjure and cakes
I loved reading this book. It was great. I really enjoyed the story, the magic realism and the characters. I recommend this book for anyone and everyone who likes to devour delightful tales mixed with magic.
I loved reading this book. It was great. I really enjoyed the story, the magic realism and the characters. I recommend this book for anyone and everyone who likes to devour delightful tales mixed with magic.
September 19, 2015
Five out of five flashlights
Full review here, https://protagonistspub.wordpress.com...
Full review here, https://protagonistspub.wordpress.com...
November 22, 2016
Terrific Read
Engaging from start to finish. I'm buying the next book and following the author as soon as I finish this sentence.
Engaging from start to finish. I'm buying the next book and following the author as soon as I finish this sentence.
April 22, 2017
Good read
Enjoy reading this book very quick read easy to pick up and put down. Children enjoyed it too. Fun read.
Enjoy reading this book very quick read easy to pick up and put down. Children enjoyed it too. Fun read.
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