The Curse of the Wendigo

“In the absolute dark of the wilderness, a fell voice calls your name, the voice of damnation’s desire, from the desolation that destroys…”

Monstrumologist Dr. Pellinore Warthrop and his young apprentice Will Henry have barely recovered from their last monster hunt, but the doctor’s unique talents are once again in demand.  He must rescue his friend and colleague John Chanler from the Canadian wilderness, where locals fear he has become the victim of the Outiko, or Wendigo, a beast who gorges on human flesh but can never satisfy its appetite.

Warthrop and Will Henry’s journey will take them from the desolate wilds of Canada to the slums of New York City, where the stench of death and the sight of unimaginable cruelty mock them at every turn, as they attempt to save Chanler, whom they fear has given in to the Wendigo’s curse.

My Review: Compared to the first book in the series, The Monstrumologist, there aren’t as many gory monster attacks, but the ones we see are graphic, so bring a strong stomach.  This is a killer without mercy or conscience, possessing a gruesomely creative way of displaying his kills.

Despite that, this book is more focused on the monstrumologists than the monsters.  Everything winds back to Warthrop and Chanler’s past, and Warthrop sharply feels the burden of responsibility for what’s happened to his old friend.   

Thank goodness he has the ever-loyal Will Henry.  Warthrop is as tortured and complex as ever, but his dark moods are not only tolerated, but understood, by Will Henry.  The doctor’s coldness and caring for Will Henry are still strangely intertwined; they’re two of the most fascinating characters I’ve come across in a long time.

The Curse of the Wendigo is horrifying, sad and mysterious.  I recommend for fans of horror, readers who want complex, intriguing characters, and definitely for fans of The Monstrumologist.  Pick up The Curse of the Wendigo by Rick Yancey at the library.

Katie