Got another one in for the #24in24 challenge! I did start this on the roadtrip I did with my brother through the desert, but didn’t manage to get a photo of it until after I got home. The snow hasn’t stopped since Sunday night, so might as well include it in photos until it’s gone.
THE HUNGER – Alma Katsu (Released March 6th, 2018)
For those history buffs that like the Donner Party stories of the Pioneers and their travels, this will be the book for you!
Book Description:
Evil is invisible, and it is everywhere.
Tamsen Donner must be a witch. That is the only way to explain the series of misfortunes that have plagued the wagon train known as the Donner Party. Depleted rations, bitter quarrels, and the mysterious death of a little boy have driven the pioneers to the brink of madness. They cannot escape the feeling that someone–or something–is stalking them. Whether it was a curse from the beautiful Tamsen, the choice to follow a disastrous experimental route West, or just plain bad luck–the 90 men, women, and children of the Donner Party are at the brink of one of the deadliest and most disastrous western adventures in American history.
While the ill-fated group struggles to survive in the treacherous mountain conditions–searing heat that turns the sand into bubbling stew; snows that freeze the oxen where they stand–evil begins to grow around them, and within them. As members of the party begin to disappear, they must ask themselves “What if there is something waiting in the mountains? Something disturbing and diseased…and very hungry?”
My Thoughts: 4/5 stars
I had to give myself a refresher on the Donner Party, and I’m glad I did because I had a massive appreciation for how well Alma Katsu captured their story. For those of you who don’t know, the Donner Party was a group of American pioneers that migrated from the Midwest to California. They ended up getting snowbound, and when rations ran out… I think you can guess where this is heading.
“Evil is invisible, and it is everywhere.” This is a slower burn historical fiction meets creeping horror and paranormal entities. Taking place in 1846 as the Donner Party begins their journey to California. I will say it does take a little time for the horror and anxiety to set in. Mostly because it builds as the supplies run low, rations dwindle, and the inevitable growing tensions between the travelers. Things get intense when a boy disappears one night at camp. They later discover his body mutilated beyond what any human or animal could do, so the question is, what could have killed him?
The atmosphere swallows you whole and transports you there with the travelers. Is something following them? Are they going mad from their isolation? Would you be able to survive? I’m a sucker for historical fiction, and it’s just a bonus that it’s also horror. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m mad it took me so long to pick this one up!
Jessicamap Reviews 