Reviews

The Hunger by Alma Katsu

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nelemon's review against another edition

2.0

I really did not enjoy this. I’m just really glad it’s over and I finally finished reading this because it was such a slog. I was interested in the premise, but pretty much everything else in the novel didn’t work for me. The pacing was too slow, the characters too bland (this was probably my biggest problem: I didn’t care about anyone here), there were too many stupid love interests and not one but TWO incest situations, and the background of the horror that was happening did not work for me either. The atmosphere and sense of isolation and despair did not really come across for me either. The “big event” was glossed over and a lot happened “off the page”, so the ending was a big letdown for me too.

I still think it’s a cool idea for a story and an interesting twist on the real historical event of the Donner Party disaster, which is why this is two stars for me and not one I guess.

Very disappointed, especially because I was looking forward to reading this - I was sure I would like this. I will read the author’s The Fervor because I already have it on my shelf and it sounds interesting, but I will readjust my expectations for that one a lot.

taelerk's review against another edition

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1.0

The prologue was my favorite part. It was all downhill from there for me.

There are so many weird subplots within this book that just do not push the main story forward. I think in the case of multiple POVs in a story you have to choose a tight ensemble. This story bounced so much from character to character, it wasn't always for the best of the story pacing. This book went in all sorts of directions and ultimately I struggled to stay with it.

holyflpncows's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

rwabbit's review against another edition

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adventurous dark sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Content Warnings

kaitlynsmith's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

exorcismemily's review against another edition

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2.0

"He told her of a hunger that lodged not in his stomach, but his blood, an excavating hunger that festered like an unclean wound." (148)

2.5⭐

The story of The Hunger is a fascinating concept, and I have been so excited for this book for months. As you can tell from my rating, this book was pretty hyped, and I ended up disappointed.

The Hunger is a slow-burn story, but the sense of dread that carries out from the beginning is so well done. I was expectantly waiting for it all to come together in the end, but the book became more and more disjointed and confusing. There were too many characters, and it was hard to keep track of everyone. I think I would have had a better time with the book if there would have been more focus on fewer characters, and everyone else was left to the background. The chronology also got complicated - more flashbacks started popping up as the book went on, and it all became sort of convoluted. In the end, I was left with many more questions than answers.

The sense of unsettling anticipation began to fade for me during the second half or the book when I realized the focus was being removed from potential creepiness and put onto other things - mainly romance. Characters started falling in love, and I was just ready for them to eat each other.

I think Alma Katsu had a lot of good ideas, but it just wasn't a very cohesive story in the end. I was happy to hear in her afterword that she took the time to get a sensitivity reader, and that shows that she cares about her projects & the people who will be reading them.

The Hunger will be great for the right reader - if you like historical fiction with a bit of spookiness, or paranormal westerns, this book will probably be for you. I enjoyed Alma Katsu's creativity, and despite my low rating for this book, I would love to see what else she comes up with.

Thank you so much to Glasstown Entertainment & Alma Katsu for sending early copies to the Night Worms!