REVIEW: The Hunger by Alma Katsu

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher:  G.P. Putnam’s Sons

ISBN: 0735212511 

Format: Hardback, Paperback, E-Book

Release Date: 6th March 2018



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Rating: 9/10



Synopsis:

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?"

Review:



**Thanks to Penguin Random House for sending me a free copy in return for my honest review**

I was really excited to receive  The Hunger in the mail and I'm happy to say it didn't disappoint.

The story takes place during the 1800's when settlers travelled West across the plains towards California. Our story focuses on one major family in particular: The Donner Party. Anyone who learned about the American West knows exactly who The Donner Party were and the tragedy that took place during the winter months.

The story starts off a little slow but quickly picks up. I loved reading about all the different struggles they faced on their journey like wolves, Native Americans and food shortages. I felt as though I was part of the wagon party; travelling with them as they hit all the obstacles. 

The points of view switch between the various members in the party- letting you get to know them and I felt a deeper connection to all the characters because of this. I especially liked Mary and Tamsen. 

All the characters were extremely well written. With so many characters you are left with countless opportunities and Katsu uses it to her advantage, adding scandals, secrets and tension within the group.

The majority of the novel is historically accurate but Alma Katsu did add some of her own elements to the story. I loved the hints of something following them throughout their journey. Alma Katsu added a supernatural feel to it and it almost reminded me of the Wendigo legends. In fact, you don't truly learn who they real monsters are until the end of the novel, when everything hits it's climax.

As soon as they find the mutilated body of a missing boy is found at the start of the book I was hooked. Graphic descriptions and scenes of violence are used to create horror though I found that the most nerve-wracking aspects came from what we don’t get to see and from what’s implied.

If you love historical fiction and the American West, this is a perfect book for you.