The Curse of the Wendigo

Starred review from October 4, 2010
The chilling sequel to Yancey's Printz Honor book, The Monstrumologist, is as fast-paced, elegant, and, yes, gruesome as its predecessor. Dr. Pellinore Warthrop and his apprentice, Will Henry, travel from the bleak Canadian wilderness to the streets of New York City while attempting to determine what—man, myth, or monster—is responsible for a string of murders. The deaths are unfailingly horrific and graphic (with much flaying of skin, plucking of eyes, and removing of faces), and Will and his mentor suffer physically and emotionally throughout, grappling as much with the belief systems at the core of their beings as they do with the alleged wendigo (a North American equivalent to a vampire, neither of which Warthrop believes exists) that is thought to be responsible. The development of the relationship between hapless Will and the demanding monstrumologist is the most rewarding aspect of the story; as Warthrop clings to his scientific bedrock as loved ones die and his very profession is threatened, Will also clings—to a diminishing sense of his own humanity. Ages 14–up.

Shortly after the events that took place in THE MONSTRUMOLOGIST, Yancey takes listeners on another gruesome adventure in Will Henry's extraordinary life as assistant to a monster-hunting scientist. Steven Boyer's eloquent diction and a matter-of-fact tone compel listeners through the horrific events that occur as Will and his master hunt a colleague who is under the spell of a cannibalistic Wendigo. When Will's master brings his friend back from the Canadian wilds, New York City soon becomes the ravenous murderer's hunting grounds. Steven Boyer's even pacing tempers a story that could become too graphic, creating a flawless listening experience, though definitely not for the faint of heart. True horror fans will appreciate not only the monsters and mayhem but also the snarky humor and varied character accents Boyer infuses into this production. J.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine