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A review by oknazareth
Deerstalker by Nicole M. Zaunbrecher
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A haunting and hopeful tale
Set in a village cursed by death, this story reads like a slow-burning nightmare. Every new moon, a man becomes a beast, killing without mercy. The villagers tried everything to break the curse, but ended up resigning themselves to live with the horrors—if you can call that living.
Wendell has carried the curse from birth, knowing he will become a killer once a month. Feared and shunned, his life has been marked by cruelty.
Set in a village cursed by death, this story reads like a slow-burning nightmare. Every new moon, a man becomes a beast, killing without mercy. The villagers tried everything to break the curse, but ended up resigning themselves to live with the horrors—if you can call that living.
Wendell has carried the curse from birth, knowing he will become a killer once a month. Feared and shunned, his life has been marked by cruelty.
“When I was young, I learned how to run away from the rocks other children threw at me.”
This is a story about unflinching kindness and fear—about what happens when people turn against what they don’t understand.
The book isn’t the most polished in terms of writing, but it does a good job of exploring human nature. It filled me with sadness, yet there’s a point in Wendell’s journey where he’s no longer alone, where he dares to hope. And that hope, however fragile, is powerful.
I expected more horror, and I’m actually glad it wasn’t terrifying. Dark? Absolutely. But more than that, it’s about love, survival, and what truly makes a monster.
The book isn’t the most polished in terms of writing, but it does a good job of exploring human nature. It filled me with sadness, yet there’s a point in Wendell’s journey where he’s no longer alone, where he dares to hope. And that hope, however fragile, is powerful.
I expected more horror, and I’m actually glad it wasn’t terrifying. Dark? Absolutely. But more than that, it’s about love, survival, and what truly makes a monster.
“A parent who cannot love their child is more a monster than someone like us.”
I loved Wendell’s resilience, Jacques’s bravery, and the Grandfather’s unwavering love. While I’d love to read more about their journey, the ending left me satisfied. A beautifully haunting read.
Thank you NetGalley and Indigo River Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. The book will be available on April 15th, 2025.