Waiting on Wednesdays is the brainchild of Jill at Breaking the Spine, and because Jill isn’t hosting it any more, I’m now linking up with Can’t Wait Wednesday at Wishful Endings. Stop over there and link up your “Can’t Wait” book of the week!
Several years ago, I read and loved Alma Katsu’s The Taker trilogy. It was a dark fantasy series, beautifully written, and I’ve been looking forward to Alma’s next book since then. Well, it’s finally here!
The Hunger is a tense and gripping reimagining of one of America’s most fascinating historical moments: the Donner Party with a supernatural twist.
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?”
Effortlessly combining the supernatural and the historical, The Hunger is an eerie, thrilling look at the volatility of human nature, pushed to its breaking point.
The Hunger by Alma Katsu. Releases in March 2018 from G.P. Putnam’s Sons. OK, maybe reading about the Donner Party isn’t my first choice for reading material, but I know in Katsu’s hands it’s going to be good! I can’t wait to get my hands on this!
The name “Donner Party” was something I remembered hearing but had no clear recollection of, so I went to Wikipedia for more information: the original story is indeed frightening enough, but the added supernatural elements of this novel make it an intriguing – if totally scary – proposition.
Something I will need to read while I’m surrounded by a LOT of people – just because… 😀
Thanks for sharing!
Maddalena@spaceandsorcery recently posted…Short Story Review: THE DEBT OF THE INNOCENT, by Rachel Swirsky
Ha ha, agreed! The Donner party by itself is terrifying, but add in some supernatural aspects and I’m sure this will be pretty disturbing, I hope!
I’ve not read anything by this author but man, this sounds awesome. I really want to find out more about these added supernatural elements. This one is going on the wishlist for sure!
Barb (boxermommyreads) recently posted…Can’t Wait Wednesday (119)
This sounds like your kind of book, Barb! And it sounds REALLY different from her first trilogy. I always love it when authors change directions:-)
Wow – sounds great ~ hope you enjoy it!
Renee ~ My Wow
I haven’t seen this one, but wow does it sound like a fantastic read. Great pick!
Jenea’s Book Obsession’s Can’t-Wait Wednesday
Jenea’s Book Obsession recently posted…Can’t Wait Wednesday #4 A Conspiracy in Belgravia (Lady Sherlock #2) by Sherry Thomas
Thanks for visiting, Jenea:-)
“The Donner Party with a supernatural twist” has my attention. I spent many summers in the Donner Pass area when I was a child and know the history well. Add to that the mention of a possible witch… I’m definitely curious about this one! Thank you for sharing!
Oh cool! I have never been to that part of the country, but I imagine it’s a bit on the creepy side, just knowing what happened there.
WHERE do you find all these cool books?? This one looks awesome…
sjhigbee recently posted…While the Morning Stars Sing
Alma is an author I follow and I’ll read anything she writes, from my experience reading her first trilogy. I hope this new book brings her more fans!
Got to add this one to my list! I read another book featuring the Donner Party and the supernatural element was a Wendigo. That superb cover and blurb drew me right in.
Laura Thomas recently posted…Handbook For Mortals by Lani Sarem ~ Blitz and Giveaway
Yes, I love this cover too! It’s very subtle but creepy.
That does sound pretty good. A supernatural element apparently stalking a wagon train… definitely a cool premise.
Greg recently posted…Dog Days of Summer: Dog Tag
I love when authors insert the supernatural into history, it always works for me:-)
I don’t know what the Donner Party is, but that cover is eerie! And creepy and goodness, it makes me feel small.
At first I was surprised at how many bloggers don’t know what the Donner Party is, but I just realized that it’s a dark part of American history, so if you don’t live in the US there is no reason why you would know about it! I’ll just tell you: cannibalism:-D
Goodness, after that answer I had to Google — and god, that’s awful! but give a lot more perspective to your pick too!
Ahhhh, I feel stupid. I had no idea what the Donner Party was. D: I remember this author’s name, but I don’t think I’ve read anything by her. I hope enjoy this book when you get the chance to read it, Tammy!
Have a lovely day. =)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
Alyssa Susanna (The Eater of Books!) recently posted…Review: Thirteen Rising by Romina Russell
I also read and loved The Taker trilogy! Great news that more Alma Katsu books are in the offing.
Thanks for sharing.
Lynn 😀