The Wendigo is a creature of Native American folklore, originating from the Algonquian tribes living in the northern parts of the United States and Canada. It is often described as a supernatural being, a cannibalistic spirit that possesses individuals and drives them to commit acts of extreme violence and cannibalism. According to legend, the Wendigo is born out of desperate times, such as during long, harsh winters when food is scarce and survival becomes a challenge. The spirit of the Wendigo preys upon those who are consumed by greed or driven to the brink of starvation, transforming them into monstrous predators. The curse of the Wendigo is said to be contagious, spreading from one individual to another through the act of cannibalism. Those who consume human flesh are believed to become possessed by the spirit of the Wendigo, forever doomed to wander the wilderness in search of more victims.
A Mexican American boy takes on heavy responsibilities when his family is torn apart.
The narrative, flecked with the same surgical illustrations as the first installment, flows evenly through 19th-century turns of phrases and events, resulting in a page-turner of an historical horror that will simultaneously thrill readers and make them sick to their stomachs. The adults around Mateo offer support to him and his 7-year-old sister, Sophie, however, he knows he is now responsible for caring for her and the bodega as well as trying to survive junior year that is, if he wants to fulfill his dream to enter the drama program at the Tisch School of the Arts and become an actor.
Those who consume human flesh are believed to become possessed by the spirit of the Wendigo, forever doomed to wander the wilderness in search of more victims. The curse of the Wendigo brings about a range of physical and psychological changes in its victims. Physically, those afflicted by the curse may become emaciated, their bodies twisted and deformed to resemble the terrifying appearance of the Wendigo itself.
CURSE OF THE WENDIGO
Book two of Yancey’s excitingly complex Monstrumologist series follows the inquisitively uncertain 12-year-old hero Will Henry and his Monstrumologist caregiver as they pursue the Wendigo, an elusive, yellow-eyed monster that slices and eats the skin of its human prey before violently devouring the internal organs. Their journey takes them on a perilous hike through Canadian wilderness to New York City, where the Wendigo now makes lunchmeat out of Lower East Side tenement inhabitants. Basing his creature on Native-American lore, the Printz Honor winner slam dunks the blend of horror with science and legend, creating a horrifically believable tale. Visceral gore runs amuck, and tensions between the Monstrumologist and his entourage mount alongside the body count. The narrative, flecked with the same surgical illustrations as the first installment, flows evenly through 19th-century turns of phrases and events, resulting in a page-turner of an historical horror that will simultaneously thrill readers and make them sick to their stomachs. (Horror. 12 & up)
Pub Date: Oct. 19, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4169-8450-4
Page Count: 448
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Aug. 27, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2010
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They may develop insatiable hunger, no longer satisfied by conventional food and driven to consume human flesh. Psychologically, the curse causes intense feelings of guilt, remorse, and a constant craving for more victims. Those under the influence of the curse lose their human morality and become relentless hunters, driven solely by their insatiable hunger and the desire to pass on the curse to others. The curse of the Wendigo serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of greed, gluttony, and excessive consumption. It reflects the fear and paranoia surrounding cannibalism, a taboo and unthinkable act in most societies. Although the curse of the Wendigo is rooted in folklore and mythology, its influence can still be felt in contemporary culture. It has served as inspiration for numerous works of fiction, including novels, movies, and video games, further perpetuating the legend and perpetuating the fear it instills in people. In conclusion, the curse of the Wendigo is a chilling tale that serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked greed and the consequences of indulging in primal instincts. It warns of the destructive power of consuming human flesh and the ways in which it can transform individuals into monstrous beings. The legend of the Wendigo continues to captivate and terrify audiences, reminding us of the dark side that lies within us all..
Reviews for "The Wendigo Epidemic: Modern Cases of Wendigo Possession"
1. Samantha Johnson - 2/5
"The Curse of the Wendigo is a disappointing read overall. The plot is unoriginal and predictable, lacking any real depth or suspense. The characters are shallow and lack development, making it hard to empathize or connect with them. The writing style is also quite basic and repetitive, failing to engage the reader. Overall, I found this book to be quite underwhelming and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling horror read."
2. Robert Thompson - 1/5
"I am quite baffled by the positive reviews this book has received. The Curse of the Wendigo is a complete mess of a novel. The storyline is convoluted and poorly executed, jumping from one random event to another without any coherence. The character development is non-existent, and the dialogue is stilted and unnatural. Additionally, the author's attempts to generate fear and suspense fall flat, as the horror elements are clichéd and lack originality. Save yourself the disappointment and skip this one."
3. Jessica Wilson - 2/5
"I had high hopes for The Curse of the Wendigo, but it ultimately left me unsatisfied. The plot had potential, but it was poorly executed. The pacing was incredibly slow, with long stretches of nothing happening, and then sudden bursts of action that felt rushed. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any depth or complexity, making it hard to invest in their fates. The writing style was also lackluster, with excessive use of clichés and a lack of descriptive detail. Unfortunately, this book didn't live up to my expectations."
4. Michael Anderson - 2.5/5
"The Curse of the Wendigo was an okay read, but it didn't captivate me like I had hoped. The story had potential, but the execution fell flat. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on unnecessarily while others were rushed. The characters were forgettable and lacked any real depth, making it hard to care about their outcomes. The horror elements were decent, but I've read better in the genre. Overall, this book was just average, and I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it."