The Curse of the Wendigo (The Monstrumologist, #2)

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The Curse of the Wendigo (The Monstrumologist #2)

4.19 of 5 stars 4.19 · rating details · 1,728 ratings · 316 reviews

While attempting to disprove that Homo vampiris, the vampire, could exist, Dr. Warthrop is asked by his former fiancé to rescue her husband from the Wendigo, a creature that starves even as it gorges itself on human flesh, and which has snatched him in the Canadian wilderness. Although Warthrop also considers the Wendigo to be fictitious, he relents and rescues her husband...more

Hardcover, 444 pages

Published October 12th 2010 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

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Mar 24, 2011 Stephen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks, historical-horror, supernatural-spies-and-slayers, house-like, horror

5.0 stars. After reading the first two books of the Monstrumologist series, it has quickly become one of my favorites. I am at the point where I will purchase the next one immediately upon publication.

This book belongs to a new sub-category of horror/fantasy/SF that I am calling “House” Stories (after the main character of the TV show played by Hugh Laurie). I came up with this because I am finding a similar type of character emerge recently in speculative ficiton that reminds be, on the surfac...more 5.0 stars. After reading the first two books of the Monstrumologist series, it has quickly become one of my favorites. I am at the point where I will purchase the next one immediately upon publication.

This book belongs to a new sub-category of horror/fantasy/SF that I am calling “House” Stories (after the main character of the TV show played by Hugh Laurie). I came up with this because I am finding a similar type of character emerge recently in speculative ficiton that reminds be, on the surface, of House (i.e., a brilliant, but callous man, utterly devoted to his work and seemingly uncaring for the feelings of those around them yet endearing to the audience because of the hidden compassion we are given glimpses of during the story). Into this category, I would place Johannes Cabal (of Johannes Cabal the Necromancer and Johannes Cabal the Detective and the main character is this story, Pellimore Warthrop, the Monstrumologist.

The world of the Monstrumologist (19th century America) is incredibly well done and approaches the bizarre subject matter with as much realism as possible. Monstrumology is referred to by the practitioners as the Philosophy of Aberrant Natural History. As the name implies, the science is centered around the study of bizarre natural creatures while debunking creatures of “supernatural” origin like vampires, werewolves and ghosts. Thus, the monstrumologists locate, study and often destroy such creatures as the Anthropophagi (the main creatures from The Monstrumologist) and the Mongolian Death Worm. While the creatures are just as bizarre as the traditional monsters, their origins are given a natural basis.

This brings us to the plot of this story. All of Warthrop’s beliefs are called into question when reports surface that the titular character of the story, the Wendigo, is loose and killing people. The Wendigo is a "supernatural" creature that feeds on humans and can only be killed by silver (bullets or knives) through the heart. Despite mounting evidence of a “supernatural” creature, Warthrop refuses to believe that the Wendigo is real as it flies in the face of his life’s work. The plotting is superb, the story is compelling and the characters are amazing.

One of the things that I really liked about the story is the way the author interweaves real life characters and gives the impression that the events of this story “inspired” the creation of other classic works of fiction. For example, Algernon Blackwood appears as himself (his story “the Wendigo” is one of his most famous and put the creature on the map so to speak). In addition, Bram Stocker appears as himself and the character of the Wendigo (undead creature who feeds on people) is implied as the basis for Dracula. Warthrop’s brilliant mentor and fellow Monstrumologist (and friend of Stokers) is named Abram von Helrung (no need to mention what famous character he inspired). All of these references were a lot of fun and made the story even more interesting.

Bottom-line, I thought this was a superb story and look forward to the next installment. HIGHEST POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATION!!!
(less)

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Sep 25, 2012 Jo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, 2012, creepycreepy, good-grief, gorgeous-prose, history-smishtory, just-been-cutting-onions, my-favourites, of-epic-proportions, ya

Things I Have Learnt From YA Books #678019 : When the Monstrumologist gets scared… you should too.

Honestly, I didn’t think that Mr Yancey could top The Monstrumologist but he did… and then some.

The plotting is immaculate. The characters are absolutely superb. The setting is one of my favourites. It is both terrifying and heart breaking. Stomach churning and butterfly-inducing. Thought-provoking and all the superlatives I can think of.
“Let us go then, you and I, like Alice down the rabbit hole, t...more

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Nov 22, 2011 Tina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, best-2011, horror, ya

Original post at One More Page

I only really read The Monstrumologist last month because I got into this agreement with Aaron and Tricia that I will read the second book with them. What is it with me scaring myself silly all of a sudden, yes? I don't know, either. If it were up to me, I would probably wait another year to read the next book in this series to give me (more than) enough recovery time. But because I can be such a pushover sometimes, I gave in and read The Curse of the Wendigo soon a...more

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Dec 31, 2010 William Thomas rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: horror, ya-literature, pitch-perfect, believe-the-hype

So I have to give Mr. Yancey a very firm handshake or a big damn hug if I ever meet him. I'll tell you why: books that change the mythos of a legend that dates back hundreds or even thousands of years irritate me. From Anne Rice to Stephenie Meyer, the warping of an ancient legend seems to be the fashion. And I can understand the point that you are writing fiction and you have poetic license over your story. Agreed. But this still irritates me because your poetry can be contained to the story su...more

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Apr 16, 2011 Cole rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: independent-study, gory-horror

Elements and Style: The author again imbeds a really clear picture of the scene before elaborating. Every time you change settings, he explains in great detail what is in the main character’s surrounds. He also never stops the plot, because everything is tied to something else. The protangonist is still Will Henry, but the antagonist is actually John Chanler. The mood is suspenseful, because the monster’s hunger grows each time it attempts to eat, and its prey are human. Will Henry narrates this...more

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Nov 10, 2010 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: horror, teen-books, historical-fiction

I'm not a person who likes violence and gore, so despite the brilliance of The Monstrumologist, I almost didn't read this. The first one made me physically sick, but I had to keep reading to find out what happened. But Greg and Patricia said this one was less gorey and more character-driven, so I decided to give it a try. However, they lied! This was absolutely as gorey as the first one, but it was just so good that I didn't notice as much. The writing was top notch, the story was well-paced and...more

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Jan 07, 2013 Anette rated it 4 of 5 stars

Die Qualität der amerikanischen Ausgabe kommt bei weitem nicht an die der deutschen heran. Papier minderwertig und auch die wenigen Illustrationen können nicht überzeugen. Ich kann jedem, der ein gut gemachtes Buch in den Händen halten möchte, nur wärmstens die deutsche Ausgabe empfehlen.
Zum Inhalt: Da ich selbst einen Roman über den Wendigo (ein Legendenwesen der nordamerikanischen Indianer) verfasst habe, kann ich sagen, dass die Fakten zum Wendigo vom Autor gut recherchiert und umgesetzt word...more

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Jul 17, 2012 Eva rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, e-book

Petualangan Will Henry dan mentornya yang sardonik, Dr. Pellinore Warthop, dimulai ketika seorang wanita bernama Muriel Chanley muncul di kediaman sang dokter. Bahkan Will yang masih kecil sekalipun bisa merasakan bahwa antara Muriel dan Pellinore memiliki masa lalu yang sangat amat rumit.
Muriel meminta Dr. Warthop untuk mencari suaminya, Dr. John Chanley, yang sudah raib selama tiga bulan di pedalaman Kanada. Dr. Chanley ternyata adalah sahabat baik Dr. Warthop sewaktu mereka berdua masih menja...more

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May 12, 2012 Brian rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

The second book in the "Monstumologist" series is every bit as good and gruesome as the first. Nominally a "Young Adult" book, this book comes off a little bit more of "Silence of the Lambs" meets the frozen North then you might expect in a non-adult book. Violence, gore, some sexual situations abound. This is a great series, and I would love to see it go beyond a trilogy. Yancey takes the Canadian Indian legend of the wenidgo and essetially turns it very neatly into a North American vampire tal...more

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Mar 18, 2012 Brittany Bennington rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone.

Shelves: absolute-favorites-of-alltime

The first book was seriously amazing. I borrowed it from my school library and kept it until I finally found the time to go to the bookstore to buy it myself. I found myself strangely addicted to this book. I read my favorite portions each day. It was a wierd obsession. I really like science and I found this book had a level of intelligence to it. When I read the first one I found the characters to be quite fascinating, this book made you think. I was in a way horrifying while at the same time i...more

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Mar 04, 2012 Karen Yingling rated it 3 of 5 stars

In this sequel to the fabulous Monstrumologist, Will Henry and Dr. Warthrop are back. This time, they travel into the Canadian wilderness to find Warthrop's friend and colleague, John Chanler, another Monstrumologist who has gone to study the wendigo and is reported missing by his wife, who is a former love of Warthrop's. Chanler is found, but he is very ill, and bringing him back is fraught with travail. Still ailing, the entire group goes off to a conference in New York City, where Chanler doe...more

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Aug 31, 2011 Ryan Schwager rated it 4 of 5 stars

I liked this book, really I did. But I didn’t like the something about it that I can’t get my head around. Will Henry is awesome but the monstermologist (sp) was a jerk. Which he was supposed to be and which means the author did a great job of writing the characters. But the whole book felt like it was without hope and without joy. Which again was probably what the author was trying to do so it fulfilled his requirement. But sometimes it is hard to read a book that is without hope or joy. But it...more

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Aug 17, 2011 Kurt rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, thriller, young-adult

Richard Yancey’s second installment of his Monstrumologist series is ambitious book in a different vein from the first. Whereas that book had to set up the framing device (in 2007 an author by the name of Richard Yancey comes into possession of many journals apparently penned by a recently deceased man who claims to have born in 1876; he publishes them), the narrative device (the authorial voice is an eleven-year old, but written from an adult perspective) and the stylized form, the second book...more Richard Yancey’s second installment of his Monstrumologist series is ambitious book in a different vein from the first. Whereas that book had to set up the framing device (in 2007 an author by the name of Richard Yancey comes into possession of many journals apparently penned by a recently deceased man who claims to have born in 1876; he publishes them), the narrative device (the authorial voice is an eleven-year old, but written from an adult perspective) and the stylized form, the second book allows him to play with the world he has so painstakingly created.

The Monstrumologist is a 19th century procedural crime drama of the fantastic – what CSI: New England would be if there were monsters. In Yancey’s history, monsters aren’t just fairy tales – the anthropophagi, the malevolent natural beasties of that book are quite real. But as he makes clear in The Curse of the Wendigo, superstition is still superstition. In other words, there is no such thing as vampires. That first novel compacts its horrific events into a mere week at most. This one, a year later, draws out over weeks. No more the investigative procedural with necropsies, this time Yancey delivers us a full-blown 19th century X-Files (in a good way, not in one of the lousy-monster-of-the-week-episode ways).

Dr. Pellinore Warthrop, the monstrumologist of the title, Scully’s his own Mulder, so to speak. In the first installment, he is the believer, forcing his outlandish (yet accurate and true!) theories on the local villagers. In this one, he is the skeptical scientist, refuting with every breath and intellectually inclined synapse against the evidence with which he is presented – just like poor Special Agent Dana Scully.

These books are mostly not about character arcs. You will not see a change wrought in Warthrop, nor in our ever-faithful narrator, Will Henry. Instead, Yancey adds to his Warthrop’s complexity by introducing his best friend and rival, the girl-who-almost-was-the-love-of-his-life, and his old teacher. He becomes a more and more nuanced individual, while the long-suffering Will Henry largely remains… long-suffering. But as the narrator trying to make sense of his father-figure-mentor, this makes a certain kind of sense. Will Henry is the emotional core of the book, and Pellinore Warthrop is his emotional goal.

Much as with the first book, I take a few issues with Yancey’s plot. On the plus side, Warthrop’s manic-depression (merely a character trait in the first book) nearly becomes a plot device in the first section of Wendigo. On the minus, for all that Will Henry is “indispensable,” he receives no education from his master, and is apparently expected to apprentice his way to master monstrumologist via osmosis. For someone who’s always talking about brains and education, this seems a remarkable oversight for Warthrop. Lastly – and without revealing the plot – no necropsy? None? Seems like a lot of questions should have been answered at the end of this book with a proper necropsy. At least there should have been a verbal explanation as to why none was forthcoming.

Mostly, though, I really, really like the writing. The characters make their decisions for simple, emotional, understandable reasons. Sometimes, as a result of that, someone dies (in an awful, yucky way, by and large). It’s a relief not to read a book where the fate of the world is at stake and only ONE MAN (or teen of either gender) CAN SAVE US NOW. It’s a delight to read a book so carefully crafted. Yancey’s world-building is on a slow boil, growing from book to book. I’m looking forward to Isle of Blood in September – the last of his Simon & Schuster published Monstrumologist books. Because they’ve decided they’ve “spent too much on these books already. We’re not prepared to spend any more.”

Jack-asses.(less)

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Jul 25, 2011 Mindy McGinnis rated it 5 of 5 stars

CURSE OF THE WENDIGO is an absolutely stellar sequel. I devoured this book in about four hours. Dr. Warthrop's old mentor (Von Helrung) has more or less "jumped on the vampire wagon," (and I got a chuckle out of that, let me tell you) and is insisting that the creatures are real, after having been hired by a writer (he thinks his name was Stroker) to prove that the creatures exist.

The brand of vampire being hunted here is the Canadian backwoods variant - a Wendigo, who feeds only on human flesh...more

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Jul 04, 2011 Freder rated it 3 of 5 stars

Although being marketed as a YA / Middle Reader title, this is pure Victorian Gothic Horror, as visceral as it comes, and, like its predecessor THE MONTRUMOLOGIST, probably too rough for some of the kids it is being marketed to.

That said, Yancey knows his stuff, makes clever reference to what has come before his time, and is especially to be credited for not just churning out a carbon-copy of the first book in the series. This one goes a good deal deeper in its themes of love and devotion and al...more

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May 04, 2011 Tommy rated it 5 of 5 stars

"The Monstrumologist" is my new favorite series. I read very little YA lit, even though I work in a JH and HS library. I read the first book in this series and totally loved it. This sequel just gets bigger and better, developing more of the complex themes and compounding the tragedy and poignancy. The writing is so poetic at times, subtle and artful. Weirdly enough, it's also some of the most gruesome and shockingly brutal horror I've read in a long time. "The Curse of the Wendigo" is about the...more

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Mar 27, 2011 Courtney rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: action-adventure, alternative-history, monsters, series, teen-fiction

While I'm really glad to be not reading the vivid descriptions of the Anthropophagi and their collateral damage, I was easily just as grossed out by the Wendigo. In, you know, a good way. Will Henry has managed to live to work another day by the side of the Monstrumologist, Pellinore Walthrop. Word arrives that his old mentor has gone missing in pursuit of the mythological Wendigo in the wilds of Northern Canada. Walthrop is convinced that the Wendigo is just that: mythological, and is convinced...more

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Jan 18, 2011 Jan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: horror-fiction, teenbooks

Yancey has perhaps surpassed his first book, The Monstrumologist, which was a Printz Honor book for 2009 with this sequel, Curse of the Wendigo.

Will Henry and Dr. Warthrop are called upon once again to investigate the existence of a vampiric creature called the Wendigo. Dr Warthop is pulled into the investigation when he is asked by his former fiancé to rescue her husband, John Chandler, who has gone in search of the Wendigo in the Canadian wilderness. During their rescue of Chandler, whom they...more Yancey has perhaps surpassed his first book, The Monstrumologist, which was a Printz Honor book for 2009 with this sequel, Curse of the Wendigo.

Will Henry and Dr. Warthrop are called upon once again to investigate the existence of a vampiric creature called the Wendigo. Dr Warthop is pulled into the investigation when he is asked by his former fiancé to rescue her husband, John Chandler, who has gone in search of the Wendigo in the Canadian wilderness. During their rescue of Chandler, whom they find barely alive, they are attacked by a mysterious creature that mutilates its victims. Warthrop is not convinced the attacker is indeed the Wendigo and returns to New York City with Chandler, intent upon proving it at a meeting of the Monstrumologist Society. But Chandler’s condition continues to deterioriate and he begins to rave about his belief that he has been possessed by the Wendigo. After Chandler escapes, bodies begin piling up and Warthrop fears that the woman he loves, Chandler’s wife Muriel, will be the next victim.
What I found most remarkable about this novel is the brilliant use of language—Yancey creates the scene with vivid and ornate Victorian era language that evokes mood and the turn of the century period. The prose is rich in visceral detail—and there’s no shortage of viscera in this historical horror story! If I have one minor quibble, it would be that the dripping gore is applied very lavishly and less might have been a bit more, but that is a minor caveat.

I was also so impressed with how Yancey evoked the turn of the century New York City setting. He calls upon all the senses as he describes the scene…you can smell the horse manure on the street and see the yellow glow of the gas streetlamps. The Canadian wilderness setting at the beginning of the story is also lovingly detailed.

The plot is fantastical, and wildly compelling. You almost have to make yourself slow down while reading the story, so you can appreciate the lavish detail and gorgeous language.

You might expect this to be a plot driven novel, but Yancey does not neglect characterization. We see Will struggle with his fear and love for Warthrop, not quite sure which is the predominant emotion. He is loyal, but what truly motivates his loyalty? The emotion of love is fully explored in the novel, as we see Warthrop’s passion for his former love explode from years of repression and as Will struggles with his confusing feelings for Lillian, a slightly older and quite bold young lady who challenges him at every opportunity. There is a Dickensian array of vividly realized characters, from the determined scholar and Wendigo seeker, Dr. Von Helrung (a riff on the Van Helsing character) to the viciously brutal Detective O’Brien.

What makes this novel stand out is how brilliantly Yancey pulls together and balances all the literary elements to create this memorable story. (less)

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Dec 24, 2010 Darren Hartwell rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: horror

This time last year I reviewed Rick Yancey's The Monstrumologist, a dark and twisted gore-fest of a book for older teens, perfect for horror-loving readers weaned on books by the likes of Darren Shan. It took me a little while to get into that book, as it was unlike many of the teen horror stories I had read previously: the book is narrated as if it is the journal of a recently deceased elderly man and as such the voice and language is far more mature than you would find in many books for reader...more This time last year I reviewed Rick Yancey's The Monstrumologist, a dark and twisted gore-fest of a book for older teens, perfect for horror-loving readers weaned on books by the likes of Darren Shan. It took me a little while to get into that book, as it was unlike many of the teen horror stories I had read previously: the book is narrated as if it is the journal of a recently deceased elderly man and as such the voice and language is far more mature than you would find in many books for readers of this age. It was most definitely a book worth persevering with though as it now definitely ranks amongst some of my favourite horror books, and I have been waiting impatiently ever since for the sequel.

The Curse of the Wendigo finds young Will Henry still living with the moody and unpredictable Dr Warthrop. Warthrop's world is thrown into disarray very early on in the story when he discovers that Abram von Helrung, one of the world's most eminent monstrumologists, intends drop something of a bomb-shell in an address he plans to make to the gathered experts at the Annual Congress. Despite being a monster hunter, Warthrop does not believe in the likes of vampires and werewolves, creatures he firmly believes a nothing more than myths, and a statement of belief by von Helrung would undoubtedly threaten the legitimacy of the profession. Shortly after receiving news of this he is visited by his ex-fiance, Muriel Chanler, who informs him that her husband, one of Warthrops oldest friends, has taken himself off to Canada in search of the Wendigo, one of these so-called mythical beasts that von Helrung claims dies exist. The wendigo, or lepto lurconis, is believed by some to be a spirit that can possess humans and create in them an insatiable cannibalistic appetite, made all the worse by the way that the more it eats the more is starves.

Despite his estrangement from his long-term friend Warthrop is compelled to make the journey with Will, deep into the Canadian wilderness, and what they eventually find there is not a pretty sight at all. It is not creating a spoiler to say that they find the missing John Chanler, but his physical and mental condition nothing short of terrifying. The journey back to civilization is a long and harrowing one, fraught with danger, and the monstrumologist and his assistant barely make it back alive. However, a safe arrival home is not the end of the story, as when Chanler is taken to New York to recuperate, conveniently at the same time as the Annual Congress of Monstrumologists, the horrors really begin.

This is a very different story from its predecessor: the pace is much more exciting for a start. In the first book in this series there were many scenes where the plot tended to drag a little, even though these scenes helped build the tension that later explodes towards the latter third of the book. Many less confident readers would not get this far though, as I am sure they would not have had the patience that I did. The Curse of the Wendigo however gives a much greater adrenalin rush throughout, as the action scenes are more frequent. This is not at the cost of the build-up of tension though, as the story still has you sitting on the edge of your seat, fearing for the characters and what may happen to them net, especially as it seems that no-one can be considered safe in one of these stories.

Another welcome 'improvement' on The Monstrumologist is in the character-building. We saw a great deal of Will and Warthrop's characters in that first book, but we now see them develop even further. We are also treated to a greater entourage of characters than we saw previously, especially when the story reaches New York and we get to 'meet' a host of colourful creations in the form of the various monstrumologists who have gathered in that great city. Mr Yancey displays great skill in showing the tensions and/or respect that exists between this group of men, many of whom are both friends and rivals. The author uses the characters, their dialogue and their surroundings to create a wonderful sense of place - as a reader I found it very easy to picture in my mind the New York of November 1888.

The Monstrumologist was a particularly gory book, and this book is no different in this respect, although this time the horror hit me on a much deeper level than before. Again, I feel that less confident readers will definitely struggle with this book, book more mature horror lovers with strong stomachs will absolutely love it.(less)

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Aug 29, 2011 Kelsey Jacobs rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was truly amazing. The previous novel, the Monstrumologist, suffered from being the first novel in a series. I really felt that the first half lagged a bit, but by the end, there were so many memorable characters and so much action that it really came together. However, the first half earned it a 4-rating.

This time around, Rick Yancey seems to have figured out what he wants to say. The characters are already established, and he takes very little time to re-establish them. With just a f...more

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Nov 17, 2012 Hannah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Dang, Yancey really knows how to bring a story to a climax. I think it was even more intense than in The Monstrumologist, which is saying something.

Again, Will Henry's relationship with the doctor is the most intriguing part of this novel. The secondary characters had a lot more to them this time around, which I did like, but Will Henry and the Monstrumologist shone again, and I can't even explain how glad I am that their relationship was still fresh and brilliant and confusing and sometimes hor...more

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Dec 01, 2011 Erin Forson rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Curse of the Wendigo
By Rick Yancey
The reader will learn more about Dr. Warthrop through the eyes of Will Henry than they ever expected in book two of the Monstrumologist series. Why is Dr. Warthrop short-tempered? Why does he have trouble showing affection, and why does he only love the gruesome world of monsters? The answers become clear as Dr. Warthrop and Will Henry travel into the frigid Canadian wilderness to find a lost fellow monstrumologist who is also Dr. Warthrop’s best friend. Th...more

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Jan 25, 2011 Cecilia Solis-sublette rated it 4 of 5 stars

The second in the Monstromologist (series?), _The Curse of the Wendigo is better than the first, in my opinion. Here, we encounter a metaphorical monster that is far scarier than its physical presence - though that is pretty scary too. We see the surrogate father/son duo develop together and separately; we venture into two desolate settings - one physically desolate, the other socioeconomically so. Classical allusions are made; philosophical/theological questions raised. Parts of it reminded me...more

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Dec 04, 2012 Rain Misoa rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Horror fans and people who think Yancey is amazing!!!

Recommended to Rain by: Library

Shelves: must-own

I cannot rave about this book enough! I basically fangirled over the first in the series and this one is no exception. Yancey is quickly becoming my favorite author of horror. He does such a magnificent job grabbing the reader's attention from the beginning. Everything in this book was so good. From the plot, characters, setting, and lore; my heart is just aching to find out what happens next, considering its ending. (Why would you do that to me, Yancey?) The writing, as in the first book, is de...more

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Sep 05, 2012 Crystal rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: cover-love

Another adventure between Dr. Warthrop and Will Henry is complete! But how did it compare to the first book?

Well, like many sequels, it fell a bit short for me but it was still an enjoyable read. Let's break this down into categories.

1. GORE
This sequel had significantly less gore than the first book, and it felt like most of it was concentrated near the end in a final scene. I was expecting an equal amount of gore as in the first book with it being about as evenly spaced.

2. THE MONSTER
One of th...more

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Apr 20, 2011 Jenny Wood rated it 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved The Monstrumologist and the next book in the series The Curse of the Wendigo was even better than the first. I liked it better because not only was it full of horror and gore and terror, but I learned even more about Dr. Warthrop. I got to know these two characters (Will Henry and Dr. Warthrop) even more. The more I learn about them, the more I like them, even though they are in a really crazy business.

In this second volume, Will and the monstrumologist go out into the wild to...more

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Dec 20, 2010 Michael Wing rated it 4 of 5 stars

Neat book, lots of mystery, sort of Sherlock Holmes stuff but more violent. The young boy who apprentices the Monstrumologist ie excellent. I will finish this tonight and start the earlier book, "Monstrumologist." I would recommend this to students with an interest in animal science and mystery and adventure. I am presently reading "Monstruomolgist" and recommmend someone read it before "The Curse." Will Henry is 12-13 year old apprentice whose parents once served his present master but died in...more

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Jul 22, 2011 Mike (the Paladin) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, ya-fantasy

This is listed as YA fantasy so, okay... but as noted when I reviewed the first in this series, be sure your "youth" is mature enough or ready for these.

Steven King in Danse Macabre mentioned that when writing he always wanted to go for pure terror, if he couldn't achieve that he'd settle for horror, but failing that he (in his words) wasn't proud, he'd go for the "gross-out". These books come very close to being wall to wall gross out. Just be aware of that. Where the fist book book gave us bod...more This is listed as YA fantasy so, okay... but as noted when I reviewed the first in this series, be sure your "youth" is mature enough or ready for these.

Steven King in Danse Macabre mentioned that when writing he always wanted to go for pure terror, if he couldn't achieve that he'd settle for horror, but failing that he (in his words) wasn't proud, he'd go for the "gross-out". These books come very close to being wall to wall gross out. Just be aware of that. Where the fist book book gave us body parts, Putrification, dismemberment, casks of blood, and barrels of puss this volume gives us all that and adds to it buckets and chamberpots full of, well...feces, mostly human and often liberally splashed, poured, dumped upon and immersing our protagonists. Oh, and they quite often don't use the word "feces" but a more, mundane earthy idiom that I have been trying to eradicate from my own vocabulary for some time. Unfortunately it still tends to come forth when I'm a bit angry or frustrated...

Well, anyway, you get the point. The books definitely go for the "gross-out".

This is the second book in the story of Pellinore Warthrop told through the eyes of Will Henry (at least that's the name we have. Rick Yancy writes as someone who has discovered old journals under the bed of an old, old man (why he got so old is related in The Monstrumologist which is vol.1). Assuming the journals to be either ravings or possibly unpublished works of fiction by the "old man" (what else could these fantastic stories be?) he is reading them in hopes of discovering something that may lead him to someone who knows or is related to the writer who, as noted before identifies himself in the first person narratives as, Will Henry.

The story(s) Henry tells revolve around Pellinore Warthrop a doctor of monsterumology. We met him and learned much about his profession in the first book. Here he is concerned because the president of the society of Monsterumologists and Warthrop's mentor Dr. Abraham Von Helrung wants to include "mythological" creatures such as werewolves, vampires and of course the Wendigo in the Monsterumoligist's lexicon beside "real" creatures such as the Anthropophagi, Blemmye etc. He makes up his mind to go to New York and stand against Von Helrung.

BUT, before he can go someone special appeals to him to go into the North Woods in Canada to track down an old friend who's lost, and probably dead. You see he went to find proof of the Wendigo so Von Helrung would have proof...of course Will Henry must go along as he's "indispensable" to the Doctor...so "Snap to Will Henry!"

The story unfolds in several directions and the plot is improved by the inclusion of actual people from the era.. It seems (for example) that Dr. Abraham Von Helrung's willingness to accept "mythological" creatures into the lexicon of monsters may have been influenced by a new acquaintance from (of all places) the world of the theater a certain Abraham Stoker.

There are others and the plot is interesting. Watching the Monsterumonlogist's own attitudes and his interactions with the other characters, following Will Henry it's all well done and absorbing.

I will say I liked the book the only negative is what I've called the "gross-out factor". If that isn't a deal breaker for you you might like this one... just be aware. (less)

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Apr 16, 2011 Newengland rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: finished-in-2011, ya

Book classifications get silly sometimes, especially when they are used for books like Rick Yancey's THE MONSTRUMOLOGIST and this fine sequel, THE CURSE OF THE WENDIGO. Any adult fan of the supernatural could pick this up and read it start to finish without guessing it is written for teenagers because, well, it's only partly so. Yancey's muses are Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley, Robert Louis Stevenson, and, to a lesser extent, Justin Cronin of THE PASSAGE fame.

Once again we're in the hands of young n...more Book classifications get silly sometimes, especially when they are used for books like Rick Yancey's THE MONSTRUMOLOGIST and this fine sequel, THE CURSE OF THE WENDIGO. Any adult fan of the supernatural could pick this up and read it start to finish without guessing it is written for teenagers because, well, it's only partly so. Yancey's muses are Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley, Robert Louis Stevenson, and, to a lesser extent, Justin Cronin of THE PASSAGE fame.

Once again we're in the hands of young narrator, Will Henry, able and often over-his-head assistant to the fearless monstrumologist Dr. Pellinore Warthrop. In this book, they leave their house slash laboratory in Massachusetts for the wilds of Canada where an old friend and competitor for the hand of one Muriel Chanler has disappeared. Although Dr. Warthrop refuses to concede the point, this old friend has been victimized by a vampirish-type creature known as a wendigo. Its curse? It eats -- humans, of course -- but is never sated. In fact, it's like most of us while watching TV on a Friday night: one snack just increases its appetite for the next.

Dr. Warthrop and young Will wind up running a gauntlet of sorts trying to get this man out of the wilderness while being chased, but when they reach the safety of the man's hometown of New York City, they realize (though Dr. Warthrop continues to deny) that the line between man and monster is blurring quickly, much to New York City's dismay.

Here all hell breaks loose as the Big Apple is rocked to its core by night after night of gruesome carnage. The wendigo, it appears, has been reading Cronin's THE PASSAGE because, like the virals of that potboiler, this guy has a perverse knack for turning humans inside out like so many very red socks. In a word: Eew. Worse still, the wendigo can think and has a list with both Muriel and Will on it. These two, being so close to Dr. Warthrop, are a means to the end of the doctor himself.

It isn't pretty, but it IS compelling. Woven in this mess is a love story gone wrong. In fact, this thread is part of what drives the monster (Beauty and the Beast, anyone?). The book, like its predecessor, is rich in vocabulary and allusion, making it a treat for the literary reader to read. I recommend it highly to young, middle-aged, and old adults alike. If blood sets you on edge, go back to Jane Austen. Other than that, treat yourself to what Stephen King SHOULD be writing these days....(less)

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Jan 29, 2011 Jacki rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: teen-fiction, horror

Summary: "An old man, I am a boy again. And dead, the monstrumologist lives." The adventures of Will Henry and the monstrumologist continue in a harrowing new tale that takes them from the Canadian wilderness, to the monstrumology convention, and even into the immigrant slums of the city, with plenty of horrifying side stops along the way. When Dr. Warthrop's first love comes to him for help locating her missing husband, the doctor springs into action, especially since said husband was once his...more Summary: "An old man, I am a boy again. And dead, the monstrumologist lives." The adventures of Will Henry and the monstrumologist continue in a harrowing new tale that takes them from the Canadian wilderness, to the monstrumology convention, and even into the immigrant slums of the city, with plenty of horrifying side stops along the way. When Dr. Warthrop's first love comes to him for help locating her missing husband, the doctor springs into action, especially since said husband was once his best friend. Will Henry gets dragged along into a journey that will take him through madness and out the other side, reveal secrets about his master's younger self, test the awkward bond between him and the monstrumologist, and ultimately show him the darkness in his own heart. And at the heart of all of it loom the questions: What is the true nature of the Wendigo? And who will it devour next?

Yay!: While it is a completely different animal from The Monstrumologist in many ways, this sequel blows high expectations out of the water. The cheap gore of the original is scaled back, the constant action traded for emotional depth and plot sophistication. Where the first one hit you in the gut, the second will also add a strike at your heart. That's not to say the gore isn't present. It doesn't come as fast or often as it did with the anthropophagi, but this book has plenty of sickening moments. However, the bloody bits are used to greater effect here, moving the plot and heightening the emotion rather than acting gratuitously.

The writing keeps that ornate Gothic style of the first, occasionally achieving moments of surprising beauty even when describing horrors.

Relationships and characters are deeply explored. The monstrumologist becomes more human with every passing chapter while somehow remaining a cold, larger-than-life bastard. Yancey shows Warthrop's true inner scientist by placing him on the other side of the equation this time: No matter what happens, he refuses to believe in the Wendigo, because to do so would be to give up all hope of saving his best friend. Meanwhile, Will Henry is growing up. His actions at the end will raise the question of how he will grow up. Will he turn out to be just like his detached master? But how detached is his master, anyway? What's this about the love of his life...?

Nay!: If you don't like gore, just don't open this book. Walk away calmly. Fans of the nonstop entrails in the first book may find the action slow to start here. Also, a young lady is introduced into the cast of characters, presumably to be a love interest for Will Henry at some point. She very much wants to be a monstrumologist and has the bloodthirsty nature Will Henry lacks. I predict she will be a character readers either find refreshing and feminist or spoiled and really annoying.

Bonus: The Monstrumarium! (less)

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About Rick Yancey

aka Richard Yancey

Rick is a native Floridian and a graduate of Roosevelt University in Chicago. He earned a B.A. in English which he put to use as a field officer for the Internal Revenue Service. Inspired and encouraged by his wife, he decided his degree might also be useful in writing books and in 2004 he began writing full-time.

Since then he has launched two critically acclaimed series: The Ext...more

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Books by Rick Yancey

The Monstrumologist (The Monstrumologist, #1)

The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp (Alfred Kropp, #1)

The Isle of Blood (The Monstrumologist, #3)

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“As long as you draw breath anywhere -here or ten thousands miles from here- I will love you. I can't help loving you, so I choose to hate you...to make my love bearable.” — 60 people liked it

“A word of advice, Will Henry. When a person of the female gender says she wants to show you something, run the other way. The odds are it is not something you wish to see.” — 17 people liked it

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