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The Fervor
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Horror (2022)A psychological and supernatural twist on the horrors of the Japanese American internment camps in World War II.
1944: As World War II rages on, the threat has come to the home front. In a remote corner of Idaho, Meiko Briggs and her daughter, Aiko, are desperate to return home. Following Meiko's husband's enlistment as an air force pilot in the Pacific months prior, Meiko and Aiko were taken from their home in Seattle and sent to one of the internment camps in the West. It didn’t matter that Aiko was American-born: They were Japanese, and therefore considered a threat by the American government.
Mother and daughter attempt to hold on to elements of their old life in the camp when a mysterious disease begins to spread among those interned. What starts as a minor cold quickly becomes spontaneous fits of violence and aggression, even death. And when a disconcerting team of doctors arrive, nearly more threatening than the illness itself, Meiko and her daughter team up with a newspaper reporter and widowed missionary to investigate, and it becomes clear to them that something more sinister is afoot, a demon from the stories of Meiko’s childhood, hell-bent on infiltrating their already strange world.
Inspired by the Japanese yokai and the jorogumo spider demon, The Fervor explores a supernatural threat beyond what anyone saw coming; the danger of demonization, a mysterious contagion, and the search to stop its spread before it’s too late.
1944: As World War II rages on, the threat has come to the home front. In a remote corner of Idaho, Meiko Briggs and her daughter, Aiko, are desperate to return home. Following Meiko's husband's enlistment as an air force pilot in the Pacific months prior, Meiko and Aiko were taken from their home in Seattle and sent to one of the internment camps in the West. It didn’t matter that Aiko was American-born: They were Japanese, and therefore considered a threat by the American government.
Mother and daughter attempt to hold on to elements of their old life in the camp when a mysterious disease begins to spread among those interned. What starts as a minor cold quickly becomes spontaneous fits of violence and aggression, even death. And when a disconcerting team of doctors arrive, nearly more threatening than the illness itself, Meiko and her daughter team up with a newspaper reporter and widowed missionary to investigate, and it becomes clear to them that something more sinister is afoot, a demon from the stories of Meiko’s childhood, hell-bent on infiltrating their already strange world.
Inspired by the Japanese yokai and the jorogumo spider demon, The Fervor explores a supernatural threat beyond what anyone saw coming; the danger of demonization, a mysterious contagion, and the search to stop its spread before it’s too late.
309 pages, Hardcover
First published April 26, 2022
About the author
Alma Katsu
32 books3,145 followers"Hard to put down. Not recommended reading after dark." -- Stephen King
"Makes the supernatural seem possible" -- Publishers Weekly
THE HUNGER: NPR 100 Favorite Horror Stories
THE HUNGER: Nominated for the Stoker and Locus awards
Author of THE DEEP, a reimagining of the sinking of the Titanic, and THE HUNGER, a reimagining of the Donner Party's tragic journey (Putnam);
THE TAKER, THE RECKONING and THE DESCENT (Gallery Books). The Taker was selected by ALA/Booklist as one of the top ten debut novels of 2011.
"Makes the supernatural seem possible" -- Publishers Weekly
THE HUNGER: NPR 100 Favorite Horror Stories
THE HUNGER: Nominated for the Stoker and Locus awards
Author of THE DEEP, a reimagining of the sinking of the Titanic, and THE HUNGER, a reimagining of the Donner Party's tragic journey (Putnam);
THE TAKER, THE RECKONING and THE DESCENT (Gallery Books). The Taker was selected by ALA/Booklist as one of the top ten debut novels of 2011.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 825 reviews
April 28, 2022
Another breathing, scary, strikingly mind blowing, epic story comes from Alma Katsu to give us more sleepless, insomniac long nights!
Ugly face of WW2’s internment camps, impressive criticism of xenophobia and patriotism are told with an efficient blend of historical fiction based on real events, Eastern mythology, Japanese monsters called yokai and jorogumo spider demon and horror genre with paranormal elements!
This book started a lot slow and I struggled to get into that story at the beginning but I loved Katsu’s previous works which pushed me dig more and enjoy the plot line.
I have to admit, this is too dark and depressing journey for my taste. The apocalyptic vibes of the mysterious contagious disease affect the entire internees at the camp during Second World War and the slow burn high tension make you anxious to know what’s coming up next!
Meiko and her daughter Aiko were taken from their home located in Seattle to be transferred to internment camp in Midwest when Meiko’s husband was enlisted to fight in Pacific.
Mother and daughter try to survive against the earth shattering disease starts as a minor cold, evolving into spontaneous fits of violence and aggression which is caused by mysterious balloon type objects with Japanese scripts inserted surrounding areas.
The doctors who were sent to the area act suspiciously which push Meiko to team up a reporter and missionary to understand the true and more ominous nature of the disease which connected with Japanese monsters Meiko has been told when she was a little kid. It seems like those nightmarish bedtime stories are not fictional!
This book is totally worth your effort if you’re patient enough to see what will come after a little bumpy ride.
Alma Katsu is definitely intelligent, observant, meticulous storyteller who can easily scare the living daylights out of you!
I’m rounding up 3.5 stars to 4 shocking, horrific, exciting, bleak, unique, original, history meets mythology stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM/ G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Ugly face of WW2’s internment camps, impressive criticism of xenophobia and patriotism are told with an efficient blend of historical fiction based on real events, Eastern mythology, Japanese monsters called yokai and jorogumo spider demon and horror genre with paranormal elements!
This book started a lot slow and I struggled to get into that story at the beginning but I loved Katsu’s previous works which pushed me dig more and enjoy the plot line.
I have to admit, this is too dark and depressing journey for my taste. The apocalyptic vibes of the mysterious contagious disease affect the entire internees at the camp during Second World War and the slow burn high tension make you anxious to know what’s coming up next!
Meiko and her daughter Aiko were taken from their home located in Seattle to be transferred to internment camp in Midwest when Meiko’s husband was enlisted to fight in Pacific.
Mother and daughter try to survive against the earth shattering disease starts as a minor cold, evolving into spontaneous fits of violence and aggression which is caused by mysterious balloon type objects with Japanese scripts inserted surrounding areas.
The doctors who were sent to the area act suspiciously which push Meiko to team up a reporter and missionary to understand the true and more ominous nature of the disease which connected with Japanese monsters Meiko has been told when she was a little kid. It seems like those nightmarish bedtime stories are not fictional!
This book is totally worth your effort if you’re patient enough to see what will come after a little bumpy ride.
Alma Katsu is definitely intelligent, observant, meticulous storyteller who can easily scare the living daylights out of you!
I’m rounding up 3.5 stars to 4 shocking, horrific, exciting, bleak, unique, original, history meets mythology stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM/ G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
February 14, 2022
Alma Katsu’s novel,
THE FERVOR
, is dark, intense, and disturbing, but contains important themes that are just as applicable today as they were in 1944. While this is fiction, internment camps during World War II and many instances of violence against those of Asian (and other) ancestry in America are a harsh reality. That is one of the reasons this is such a difficult review to write and do justice to the book. The story can be categorized in many ways. It is historical fiction, a medical suspense, and a historical horror with a bit of folklore and supernatural suspense.
The story follows four main characters living in different states and switches points of view between them. Archie Mitchell is a minister in Bly, Oregon, Meiko Briggs and her daughter, Aiko, have been taken to an internment camp, Camp Minidora in Idaho, and Fran Gurstwold is a reporter in Ogallala, Nebraska. Archie wants to do the right thing, but he is somewhat weak and easily led by others. Meiko was born in Japan and brought up traditionally, but fell in love and married an American who is currently a pilot in the war. Aiko is intelligent, sees monsters and spirits, and was born in the United States. Fran is looking for a big story that will get her out of the women’s section of the newspaper. When a mysterious disease spreads among those interned as well those not in camps, the paranoia and the suspense rise. Strange doctors arrive at the camps and there are news blackouts. What unfolds is a mix of investigation, atrocities, folklore, threats, and violence.
This well-written novel is thought-provoking. Katsu does a great job of intertwining history, mythology, and horror into a bleak, shocking, moving, and original story. It isn’t sententious but rather pulls readers in with compelling characters, different points of view, and individual motivations. My biggest quibble is that the story was somewhat slow in the beginning, but as it unfolds, the suspense built as did my frustration and anger that such a thing as internment camps could happen in the United States. Most of those sent to the camps were born in the US and were citizens, but they were considered a potential threat by the government without cause. While I have read about this before, it certainly was not taught in any of my history classes in school. Themes include racism, xenophobia, suppression of the press, medical experiments, honor, violence against those who are different than oneself, and much more.
Overall, this was suspenseful, thought-provoking, and intriguing with fascinating characters and a situation that made me angry at the atrocities that still occur today. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons and Alma Katsu provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for April 26, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------
My review will be posted 3-4 days after it is published in Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
The story follows four main characters living in different states and switches points of view between them. Archie Mitchell is a minister in Bly, Oregon, Meiko Briggs and her daughter, Aiko, have been taken to an internment camp, Camp Minidora in Idaho, and Fran Gurstwold is a reporter in Ogallala, Nebraska. Archie wants to do the right thing, but he is somewhat weak and easily led by others. Meiko was born in Japan and brought up traditionally, but fell in love and married an American who is currently a pilot in the war. Aiko is intelligent, sees monsters and spirits, and was born in the United States. Fran is looking for a big story that will get her out of the women’s section of the newspaper. When a mysterious disease spreads among those interned as well those not in camps, the paranoia and the suspense rise. Strange doctors arrive at the camps and there are news blackouts. What unfolds is a mix of investigation, atrocities, folklore, threats, and violence.
This well-written novel is thought-provoking. Katsu does a great job of intertwining history, mythology, and horror into a bleak, shocking, moving, and original story. It isn’t sententious but rather pulls readers in with compelling characters, different points of view, and individual motivations. My biggest quibble is that the story was somewhat slow in the beginning, but as it unfolds, the suspense built as did my frustration and anger that such a thing as internment camps could happen in the United States. Most of those sent to the camps were born in the US and were citizens, but they were considered a potential threat by the government without cause. While I have read about this before, it certainly was not taught in any of my history classes in school. Themes include racism, xenophobia, suppression of the press, medical experiments, honor, violence against those who are different than oneself, and much more.
Overall, this was suspenseful, thought-provoking, and intriguing with fascinating characters and a situation that made me angry at the atrocities that still occur today. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons and Alma Katsu provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for April 26, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------
My review will be posted 3-4 days after it is published in Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
May 8, 2024
**3.5-stars rounded up**
A minister takes his wife and some local kids for a picnic in the mountains. Mayhem ensues. A newspaper man and woman share a romantic interlude at cabin in the woods. An evil is unleashed.
There's something out there and anyone who goes near it is putting themselves, and anyone they come into contact with after, at risk.
Spiders, spiders everywhere, in the trees and in my hair...
It's the 1940s and as WWII rages on, hostility towards individuals of Japanese descent in the United States is on the rise. Internment camps have been opened with some public support.
While her husband, a military pilot, is off fighting overseas, Meiko Briggs and her daughter, Aiko, get sent from their home in Seattle to such a camp in rural Idaho. With no other family to help them, Meiko and Aiko are on their own.
They keep their heads down, hoping for a day when they can be reunited with Mr. Briggs and return home. They want their old life back.
We follow Meiko and Aiko during their time at camp. There's an illness spreading there and Meiko suspects there is more to it than meets the eye. It starts out with cold-like symptoms, but quickly escalates making the infected anxious and violent; like things weren't bad enough already.
We also follow the minister, Archie, as he deals with the aftermath of his ill-fated picnic on the mountain, as well as the newspaper reporter, Fran. Through these multiple perspectives the whole truth of the fervor is revealed.
Katsu's signature style is on full display throughout this tale; melding historic events with Horror and supernatural elements.
While the human-side of this story is horrifying enough, the supernatural elements involve yokai, entities from Japanese folklore, specifically the Jorogumo, a spider demon. These aspects were absolutely fascinating.
The content of this novel provides a great opportunity for exploration of topics pertinent today, such as xenophobia and aggressive nationalism.
Also, the whole idea of the illness and it's spread, the fear related to that; obviously, that's quite topical as well and left me with plenty to think about. I think those aspects will make this a great pick for book clubs, or just to discuss with friends. It's nuanced. We love that.
I would describe this as a slow burn, however there are plenty of creepy elements and intrigue sprinkled throughout. This kept me compelled enough to keep going. I needed to find out what was going to happen.
My slight critiques would be that I wished the Jorogumo would have played an even larger, or maybe more overt role, and the switching amongst the multple-POVs sometimes made it feel a bit disjointed. I did enjoy how it all came together eventually though.
This novel absolutely solidified my belief that man is the most dangerous monster of all. I picked up on that same message in Katsu's earlier release, The Hunger, as well.
Seriously, the things people are willing to do to one another when they're afraid...
Overall, this was a strong novel. It's smart and explores a lot of really interesting and important topics. I continue to be impressed with Katsu's imaginative take on Historical Horror. It's so unique and refreshing. Well done!
Thank you so much to the publisher, P.G. Putnam's Sons, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I have been highly anticipating this one and it did not disappoint.
A minister takes his wife and some local kids for a picnic in the mountains. Mayhem ensues. A newspaper man and woman share a romantic interlude at cabin in the woods. An evil is unleashed.
There's something out there and anyone who goes near it is putting themselves, and anyone they come into contact with after, at risk.
Spiders, spiders everywhere, in the trees and in my hair...
It's the 1940s and as WWII rages on, hostility towards individuals of Japanese descent in the United States is on the rise. Internment camps have been opened with some public support.
While her husband, a military pilot, is off fighting overseas, Meiko Briggs and her daughter, Aiko, get sent from their home in Seattle to such a camp in rural Idaho. With no other family to help them, Meiko and Aiko are on their own.
They keep their heads down, hoping for a day when they can be reunited with Mr. Briggs and return home. They want their old life back.
We follow Meiko and Aiko during their time at camp. There's an illness spreading there and Meiko suspects there is more to it than meets the eye. It starts out with cold-like symptoms, but quickly escalates making the infected anxious and violent; like things weren't bad enough already.
We also follow the minister, Archie, as he deals with the aftermath of his ill-fated picnic on the mountain, as well as the newspaper reporter, Fran. Through these multiple perspectives the whole truth of the fervor is revealed.
Katsu's signature style is on full display throughout this tale; melding historic events with Horror and supernatural elements.
While the human-side of this story is horrifying enough, the supernatural elements involve yokai, entities from Japanese folklore, specifically the Jorogumo, a spider demon. These aspects were absolutely fascinating.
The content of this novel provides a great opportunity for exploration of topics pertinent today, such as xenophobia and aggressive nationalism.
Also, the whole idea of the illness and it's spread, the fear related to that; obviously, that's quite topical as well and left me with plenty to think about. I think those aspects will make this a great pick for book clubs, or just to discuss with friends. It's nuanced. We love that.
I would describe this as a slow burn, however there are plenty of creepy elements and intrigue sprinkled throughout. This kept me compelled enough to keep going. I needed to find out what was going to happen.
My slight critiques would be that I wished the Jorogumo would have played an even larger, or maybe more overt role, and the switching amongst the multple-POVs sometimes made it feel a bit disjointed. I did enjoy how it all came together eventually though.
This novel absolutely solidified my belief that man is the most dangerous monster of all. I picked up on that same message in Katsu's earlier release, The Hunger, as well.
Seriously, the things people are willing to do to one another when they're afraid...
Overall, this was a strong novel. It's smart and explores a lot of really interesting and important topics. I continue to be impressed with Katsu's imaginative take on Historical Horror. It's so unique and refreshing. Well done!
Thank you so much to the publisher, P.G. Putnam's Sons, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I have been highly anticipating this one and it did not disappoint.
May 28, 2022
I really was looking forward to this book. So to have to give it such a low rating is disappointing. The first half was great and kept me engrossed in the story. In the second part it started losing steam, sadly. The storyline fell flat and I got bored. A lot of people seemed to have liked this one, so take my opinion as you will.
April 17, 2022
This historical/horror story takes place during world war II when our Japanese/American people were gathered up like cattle and placed in internment camps with all their freedom taken away supposedly for their own safety while being continuously monitored to make sure they weren't spies. Meiko, daughter of a famous scientist and her young daughter Aiko are struggling to survive in one these camps even though Meiko's husband is an American pilot off fighting and risking his life in this war. In some of the camps a horrible illness is rapidly spreading without a cure while death will only be the end result for all of the Japanese/Americans who live in these camps while the disease is also spreading in small towns and affecting caucasian people who don't have any connections to the camp and also in the meantime the army and the FBI are secretly investigating certain strange events that are occurring simultaneously when people have come in contact with an unknown object or substance that has been unidentifiable to any of the innocent parties that have had the unfortunate experience of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The horror elements of the book involve the Jorogumo (a spider demon) and the costly effects when a person sees this demon although the demon takes the form of a beautiful Japanese woman in a bright red kimono holding her swaddled infant in her arms begging the person to help her baby. This is just a lead-in to other horror events that may take place within the story. Meiko had been brought up with all the Japanese folklore but never believed the stories passed down by her parents. Little Aiko has the gift or curse of being able to see the supernatural all her life so she has an understanding of many things the adults don't believe in. When Meiko finally comes down with the sickness it will lead to another discovery and more human injustice that holds much worse horror and fear than the supernatural could ever bring to any people of any race.
First, I want to say what a talented writer Alma Katsu is and this was was an intriguing and thrilling storyline. The idea of a spider-demon mixed with historical fiction sounded too good to miss out on. I was so excited to read this book since I just loved this author's book "The Shuddering" which was a fantastic horror story. Normally spiders are one of my true nightmares so I was prepared for sheer terror The xenophobia and historical sections of the book were very well-done although I wish the supernatural elements would have played out more within the story. I felt the book started out very eerie and creepy while it didn't seem to follow through enough with the wonderful enticing folklore that I was so looking forward to. The true horror of this book was mankind which realistically speaking was much more terrifying than the supernatural could ever be. All in all the book was very intelligent and intriguing and I will continue to look forward to reading all of this author's books.
I want to thank the publisher "Penguin Group Putnam" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific story and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I highly recommend this unusual and creepy book and have given a rating of 3 1/2 FRIGHTENING AND SINISTER 🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!
Title: The Fervor
Author: Alma Katsu
Publisher: Penguin Group Putnam
Publication Date: April 26, 2022
The horror elements of the book involve the Jorogumo (a spider demon) and the costly effects when a person sees this demon although the demon takes the form of a beautiful Japanese woman in a bright red kimono holding her swaddled infant in her arms begging the person to help her baby. This is just a lead-in to other horror events that may take place within the story. Meiko had been brought up with all the Japanese folklore but never believed the stories passed down by her parents. Little Aiko has the gift or curse of being able to see the supernatural all her life so she has an understanding of many things the adults don't believe in. When Meiko finally comes down with the sickness it will lead to another discovery and more human injustice that holds much worse horror and fear than the supernatural could ever bring to any people of any race.
First, I want to say what a talented writer Alma Katsu is and this was was an intriguing and thrilling storyline. The idea of a spider-demon mixed with historical fiction sounded too good to miss out on. I was so excited to read this book since I just loved this author's book "The Shuddering" which was a fantastic horror story. Normally spiders are one of my true nightmares so I was prepared for sheer terror The xenophobia and historical sections of the book were very well-done although I wish the supernatural elements would have played out more within the story. I felt the book started out very eerie and creepy while it didn't seem to follow through enough with the wonderful enticing folklore that I was so looking forward to. The true horror of this book was mankind which realistically speaking was much more terrifying than the supernatural could ever be. All in all the book was very intelligent and intriguing and I will continue to look forward to reading all of this author's books.
I want to thank the publisher "Penguin Group Putnam" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific story and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I highly recommend this unusual and creepy book and have given a rating of 3 1/2 FRIGHTENING AND SINISTER 🌟🌟🌟🌠 STARS!!
Title: The Fervor
Author: Alma Katsu
Publisher: Penguin Group Putnam
Publication Date: April 26, 2022
May 28, 2022
Honestly I was expecting so much more from this. There are not many books (that I know of) that are set in Japanese internment camps. I wanted to read this right when I heard about it because of that. That part of history is so close to my heart. I liked how the author incorporated so many layers in the book. Racism, issues with biracial racism, cultural differences, toxic cultural conditioning, folklore, effects of war, history, etc etc. There really is so much between these pages. I know it must have taken time to weave all that in. I had a hard time keeping up with the multiple time lines, multiple locations, and multiple povs. I had to keep going back and forth remembering what was what and who was who. It slowed down about 100 pages in. I do think it is a good story. It has a lot to say. Anyone who grew up with Japanese folklore or scary tales will feel nostalgia. I would recommend it, but I would say be prepared for slow burn and power through the mid section of the book. I wanted to love this and give it a 5, but I'm sticking with 3.
October 4, 2022
For the most part gripping and fast-paced, Alma Katsu presents a cautionary tale disguised as plot-driven, supernatural horror. Set in late WW2 America, Katsu’s multiple, intersecting storylines blend fact with fiction to highlight the brutal treatment of Japanese Americans, a subject that has personal resonance for Katsu whose mother was Japanese and whose in-laws among the thousands forced into camps across America. Katsu draws too on Japan’s Project Fu-Go, an attempt to flood America with firebombs transported by air balloons, building on meteorologist Wasaburo Oishi’s research into jet streams. The project was largely unsuccessful but in May 1945 a civilian group in Oregon was killed by one of these devices. A fictionalised version of what happened, and of sole survivor Archie Mitchell, plays a pivotal part here.
Mitchell is the entry point for Katsu's vivid exploration of the white supremacist groups who revelled in demonising Japanese Americans. Their activities aided by a flood of official, wartime propaganda featuring deeply offensive, inflammatory caricatures of the supposedly dangerous, Japanese enemy within - even mainstream magazines like Time ran articles on “How to tell Japs from the Chinese.” Another major figure’s Fran, an intrepid, heroic, Jewish journalist hot on the trail of the Fu-Go incendiary bombs and a possible government conspiracy.
But at the heart of Katsu’s narrative are Meiko Briggs and small daughter Aiko, imprisoned in Idaho’s now-notorious Minidoka Camp. In Katsu’s imagined version, Minidoka’s Japanese internees are succumbing to an unknown disease, marked by violent outbursts and, for many, a painful death. Fran and Meiko are both attempting to solve the puzzle posed by this bizarre illness. One that involves mysterious sightings from Japanese mythology, yokai demons and the sinister, shapeshifting, spider-like yurogumo. Katsu’s characters’ experiences also contain echoes of the real-life history of racist, scientific experiments like Tuskegee.
The segments featuring Meiko and Aiko were frequently fluid and atmospheric, but Katsu’s writing felt quite unbalanced, veering between brashly commercial and eerily intense, often more intent on getting a message across than on subtleties of setting or character. The supernatural elements could appear awkwardly grafted onto the factual, and several scenes appeared to exist purely to hammer home Katsu's points about the similarities between America then and America now. It’s a reasonable comparison and, although Katsu originally planned this in response to Trump, the Covid pandemic and the horrifying increase in attacks on Asian Americans makes it even more timely. I appreciated Katsu’s inventiveness but aspects of her style and staging of her central themes were just too heavy-handed for me. I also struggled with the ending. But, in general, this has had a very positive reception, so for fans of writers like Stephen Graham Jones or anyone looking for socially aware, seasonal reading it’s definitely worth considering.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher Titan for an ARC
Rating: 2.5/3
Mitchell is the entry point for Katsu's vivid exploration of the white supremacist groups who revelled in demonising Japanese Americans. Their activities aided by a flood of official, wartime propaganda featuring deeply offensive, inflammatory caricatures of the supposedly dangerous, Japanese enemy within - even mainstream magazines like Time ran articles on “How to tell Japs from the Chinese.” Another major figure’s Fran, an intrepid, heroic, Jewish journalist hot on the trail of the Fu-Go incendiary bombs and a possible government conspiracy.
But at the heart of Katsu’s narrative are Meiko Briggs and small daughter Aiko, imprisoned in Idaho’s now-notorious Minidoka Camp. In Katsu’s imagined version, Minidoka’s Japanese internees are succumbing to an unknown disease, marked by violent outbursts and, for many, a painful death. Fran and Meiko are both attempting to solve the puzzle posed by this bizarre illness. One that involves mysterious sightings from Japanese mythology, yokai demons and the sinister, shapeshifting, spider-like yurogumo. Katsu’s characters’ experiences also contain echoes of the real-life history of racist, scientific experiments like Tuskegee.
The segments featuring Meiko and Aiko were frequently fluid and atmospheric, but Katsu’s writing felt quite unbalanced, veering between brashly commercial and eerily intense, often more intent on getting a message across than on subtleties of setting or character. The supernatural elements could appear awkwardly grafted onto the factual, and several scenes appeared to exist purely to hammer home Katsu's points about the similarities between America then and America now. It’s a reasonable comparison and, although Katsu originally planned this in response to Trump, the Covid pandemic and the horrifying increase in attacks on Asian Americans makes it even more timely. I appreciated Katsu’s inventiveness but aspects of her style and staging of her central themes were just too heavy-handed for me. I also struggled with the ending. But, in general, this has had a very positive reception, so for fans of writers like Stephen Graham Jones or anyone looking for socially aware, seasonal reading it’s definitely worth considering.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher Titan for an ARC
Rating: 2.5/3
March 26, 2023
This is my second Alma Katsu book and I certainly felt her presence and her particular way of writing throughout.
There are so many forms of horror happening. The truth of the internment/concentration camps in the US during WWII, the Yokai appearing near our young protagonist, the mysterious illness and spiders that are killing people without remorse or prejudice. Then there are the racist people who don’t even care about how their words and actions affect the lives of others. Of children.
This was not a non-stop action story but rather the slow and highly detailed burn that Alma is known for .
I have a lot of respect for this particular book and the author spoke about her own grandfather who was taken to a camp🖤🕷🖤
At the end, Alma makes a call to action to protect Asian American people and stop terrorist attacks against them (especially Asian women) in this country.
Also I did not know about the fire balloons?! I will definitely be researching that! Wow!
There are so many forms of horror happening. The truth of the internment/concentration camps in the US during WWII, the Yokai appearing near our young protagonist, the mysterious illness and spiders that are killing people without remorse or prejudice. Then there are the racist people who don’t even care about how their words and actions affect the lives of others. Of children.
This was not a non-stop action story but rather the slow and highly detailed burn that Alma is known for .
I have a lot of respect for this particular book and the author spoke about her own grandfather who was taken to a camp🖤🕷🖤
At the end, Alma makes a call to action to protect Asian American people and stop terrorist attacks against them (especially Asian women) in this country.
Also I did not know about the fire balloons?! I will definitely be researching that! Wow!
July 3, 2022
I promise that I am not giving this book 3 stars because of all the spiders! I liked this pandemic storyline but the writing fell a bit short for me. Too much to keep track of. I'm really bummed as I've received multiple recommendations for this author's books. I will keep trying :)
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March 29, 2022I'm so excited to share my reading experience of THE FERVOR at Cemetery Dance soon!
June 20, 2022
This is the second book I have read written by Alma Katsu with the first being The Hunger. The story mainly has to do with the Japanese internment camps of WWII with a mixture of horror, which is interesting to read about since you can compare it to multiple adaptions.
Off the top of my head, I remember a season of Teen Wolf and the second season of The Terror tackling the internment camps with some horror/supernatural type of twist. In fact, I liked the first season of The Terror so much that I read the book it was based on...which got me into reading The Hunger in the first place.
The novel follows four different point of views that become connected one way or the other. Meiko and her daughter, Aiko, must survive in an internment camp after being betrayed by close acquaintances where they face ostracism from other Japanese prisoners due to the fact Meiko is married to a white military pilot serving in the war. Things take a turn for the worse when they realize something is running rampant through the population.
Archie is a minister whose life and faith fell apart after an explosion took everything from him. He must battle his demons or succumb to the sickness and racism that seems to be gripping his whole parish and town. Jane is a journalist who starts to notice strange incidents and illnesses intertwined across the country. It doesn’t take her long to realize that somehow even the Internment Camps might be involved. The main characters race to get to the bottom of this wave of sickness before it is too late.
The novel was different than what I expected. I kept comparing this novel with the author’s previous work I read. In The Hunger, the tone of the book was really heavy, dark and somber with all the characters in one large caravan. This story wasn’t quite as bleak, and the characters were spread out through the US. I guess the The Terror: Infamy spoiled me since I wanted to experience more of the story in the camp with more interactions on all involved there.
The story felt a little less historical too compared to the author’s other works, but then again that could be because of the modern parallels she drew in the story. It was interesting to see the different takes on supernatural horror done with the internment camps. Teen Wolf had a Nogitsune, The Terror: Infamy had a Bakemono/Yurei, and this book had .
Another thing that I enjoyed in this book over the other book I read by the author is that I like the characters more in this one. I liked Fran as a character especially since she kept following the mystery despite all of the obstacles put in her path. The thing I disliked was how she was phased out of the story after a certain point. Archie was a bit of a coward and hard for me to like until the end.
I enjoyed Meiko as a character with all of the struggles she went through, but at times, she felt cold with little personality. It could be a cultural thing, but even with her daughter the relationship felt different at times. Speaking of Aiko, I wanted more of her as a POV in the story. The differing views between her and her mother could have been great.
Overall, I enjoyed this story more than previous works I have read by the author. I like historical fiction with a mixture of horror so of course I enjoyed this book. I just wish there was a little more of the horror element. Outside of horror fans, I think someone who wants to know more about the era and Japanese internment camps would enjoy this without having to read through a nonfiction book.
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Off the top of my head, I remember a season of Teen Wolf and the second season of The Terror tackling the internment camps with some horror/supernatural type of twist. In fact, I liked the first season of The Terror so much that I read the book it was based on...which got me into reading The Hunger in the first place.
The novel follows four different point of views that become connected one way or the other. Meiko and her daughter, Aiko, must survive in an internment camp after being betrayed by close acquaintances where they face ostracism from other Japanese prisoners due to the fact Meiko is married to a white military pilot serving in the war. Things take a turn for the worse when they realize something is running rampant through the population.
Archie is a minister whose life and faith fell apart after an explosion took everything from him. He must battle his demons or succumb to the sickness and racism that seems to be gripping his whole parish and town. Jane is a journalist who starts to notice strange incidents and illnesses intertwined across the country. It doesn’t take her long to realize that somehow even the Internment Camps might be involved. The main characters race to get to the bottom of this wave of sickness before it is too late.
The novel was different than what I expected. I kept comparing this novel with the author’s previous work I read. In The Hunger, the tone of the book was really heavy, dark and somber with all the characters in one large caravan. This story wasn’t quite as bleak, and the characters were spread out through the US. I guess the The Terror: Infamy spoiled me since I wanted to experience more of the story in the camp with more interactions on all involved there.
The story felt a little less historical too compared to the author’s other works, but then again that could be because of the modern parallels she drew in the story. It was interesting to see the different takes on supernatural horror done with the internment camps. Teen Wolf had a Nogitsune, The Terror: Infamy had a Bakemono/Yurei, and this book had .
Another thing that I enjoyed in this book over the other book I read by the author is that I like the characters more in this one. I liked Fran as a character especially since she kept following the mystery despite all of the obstacles put in her path. The thing I disliked was how she was phased out of the story after a certain point. Archie was a bit of a coward and hard for me to like until the end.
I enjoyed Meiko as a character with all of the struggles she went through, but at times, she felt cold with little personality. It could be a cultural thing, but even with her daughter the relationship felt different at times. Speaking of Aiko, I wanted more of her as a POV in the story. The differing views between her and her mother could have been great.
Overall, I enjoyed this story more than previous works I have read by the author. I like historical fiction with a mixture of horror so of course I enjoyed this book. I just wish there was a little more of the horror element. Outside of horror fans, I think someone who wants to know more about the era and Japanese internment camps would enjoy this without having to read through a nonfiction book.
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
November 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this historical/horror/supernatural novel set in 1944 and much of the early part involves the internment camps for Japanese Americans. Japanese mythology , including demons and Kitsune, a spirit guide fox, are important parts in the story. Large mysterious balloons are falling and causing death and disease to anyone who comes in contact with them. Tiny spiders seem to be everywhere or is it an hallucination?
I was aware of the internment camps but had no idea that Japan had sent balloon bombs that reached the American continent. The level of racism shown in the novel is something that has never really gone away unfortunately.
I found this book really hard to put down but the latter parts aren’t as good as the beginning for me. An excellent read.
I was aware of the internment camps but had no idea that Japan had sent balloon bombs that reached the American continent. The level of racism shown in the novel is something that has never really gone away unfortunately.
I found this book really hard to put down but the latter parts aren’t as good as the beginning for me. An excellent read.
December 9, 2021
I read this book in two sittings and during the night in-between, I dreamt about it.
January 3, 2022
This is my second book by this author and I enjoyed this one just as much! I really like how she seamlessly weaves history with horror and fiction.
This story is told with dual timelines. It primarily takes place during WW2, in the Japanese American internment camps. Meiko Briggs and her daughter Aiko are taken from their home in Seattle and sent to one of the camps.
A virus begins to spread in the camp, causing cold like symptoms, fits of violence and aggression. It can even lead to death. Strange doctors arrive at the camp and Meiko is afraid. She knows something fishy is going on.
Meiko teams up with a journalist as well as a missionary to get to the bottom of what is happening. They soon discover that something evil is among them, a demon who is intent on inhabiting their world.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc.
This story is told with dual timelines. It primarily takes place during WW2, in the Japanese American internment camps. Meiko Briggs and her daughter Aiko are taken from their home in Seattle and sent to one of the camps.
A virus begins to spread in the camp, causing cold like symptoms, fits of violence and aggression. It can even lead to death. Strange doctors arrive at the camp and Meiko is afraid. She knows something fishy is going on.
Meiko teams up with a journalist as well as a missionary to get to the bottom of what is happening. They soon discover that something evil is among them, a demon who is intent on inhabiting their world.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc.
July 15, 2022
A nice mix of the supernatural, the natural, and good ol' regular people combining to make for a horrific situation.
No surprises about the racism and general awfulness surrounding the wrongful imprisonment by the government of thousands of people of Japanese ancestry in internment camps during World War 2. But even knowing that going in doesn't lessen the impact of reading a story set during this terrible time in history.
I've only read one of Katsu's previous books, The Hunger. As in that book, here Katsu does an excellent job of writing a well paced story populated by believable characters, where the people involved are just as monstrous as anything else.
No surprises about the racism and general awfulness surrounding the wrongful imprisonment by the government of thousands of people of Japanese ancestry in internment camps during World War 2. But even knowing that going in doesn't lessen the impact of reading a story set during this terrible time in history.
I've only read one of Katsu's previous books, The Hunger. As in that book, here Katsu does an excellent job of writing a well paced story populated by believable characters, where the people involved are just as monstrous as anything else.
May 16, 2022
Did I mention I don't like spiders?????
Alma Katsu took a totally different direction with this book. This took me a little bit of time to get into but once I did, Katsu had me or maybe the spiders did.
This book which was inspired by the Japanese yokai and the jorogumo spider demon. Yes, you read that correctly. This book also involves internment camps, relationships, WWII, mysterious illnesses, aggression, and the government. Ever see the movie, The Blob? Touch a weird substance and it begins to take over...This book begins with a journalist and her boss/lover off in the woods, when oops, touched it! Note to self - never touch what you can't identify! Plus, if you see something, think twice as it might not be real...or is it?
I enjoy how her books all have a supernatural element and how she utilizes mythology/folklore in this book. There is tension, mystery, creepiness, and some horrific scenes. I found this book very easy to visualize and it played out in my mind like a movie. That says a lot about her descriptions and imagery.
3.5 stars
Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Alma Katsu took a totally different direction with this book. This took me a little bit of time to get into but once I did, Katsu had me or maybe the spiders did.
This book which was inspired by the Japanese yokai and the jorogumo spider demon. Yes, you read that correctly. This book also involves internment camps, relationships, WWII, mysterious illnesses, aggression, and the government. Ever see the movie, The Blob? Touch a weird substance and it begins to take over...This book begins with a journalist and her boss/lover off in the woods, when oops, touched it! Note to self - never touch what you can't identify! Plus, if you see something, think twice as it might not be real...or is it?
I enjoy how her books all have a supernatural element and how she utilizes mythology/folklore in this book. There is tension, mystery, creepiness, and some horrific scenes. I found this book very easy to visualize and it played out in my mind like a movie. That says a lot about her descriptions and imagery.
3.5 stars
Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
December 3, 2021
My thanks to Penguin Group/Putnam, Netgalley, and the always fantastic Alma Katsu!
I loved this book! Am I allowed to love a book, yet be completely horrified? I think so.
Unfortunately, people are stupid. I mostly identify with my Scottish side. What if war broke out between Scotland and the U.S? Sounds stupid, no? Not here in America. Some people seem to forget that we all came here on a boat, or plane. Putting Americans behind walls is dumb.
I loved this story! Little Aiko was a fantastic character. The spider thing was only really strange in the sense that there were a few supernatural things that took place, with absolutely zero explanations for it. Still, another great book from this author!
Also, I'd totally recommend her book "The Hunger." That thing rocked my footsies off!
I loved this book! Am I allowed to love a book, yet be completely horrified? I think so.
Unfortunately, people are stupid. I mostly identify with my Scottish side. What if war broke out between Scotland and the U.S? Sounds stupid, no? Not here in America. Some people seem to forget that we all came here on a boat, or plane. Putting Americans behind walls is dumb.
I loved this story! Little Aiko was a fantastic character. The spider thing was only really strange in the sense that there were a few supernatural things that took place, with absolutely zero explanations for it. Still, another great book from this author!
Also, I'd totally recommend her book "The Hunger." That thing rocked my footsies off!
February 19, 2022
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
I am bummed. I really wanted to love this one. I have been told forever that I have to read Alma Katsu's books. I will take another spin at another book by this author around Halloween time I think. The main reason why I gave this 3 stars is that the book felt too jumbled. I don't think Katsu did a very good job of us following Meiko, Aiko, Fran, and Archie. I get that Katsu wanted to show this time in American history and throw some horror in it, but the horror felt like it was an after thought. It didn't help that the ending just fell flat. I did love the afterword and Katsu explaining why they wrote this book (due to the rise of Anti-Asian rhetoric blooming all over the United States) and how they tied it into past sins that the United States has done when it comes to Asian Americans.
"The Fervor" follows Meiko Briggs and her daughter, Aiko. They are currently imprisoned in an internment camp in Idaho. Though Meiko is married to a white American who is currently flying planes against the Japanese, she is still seen as not American enough and a traitor in some ways to the fellow Japanese who are also imprisoned. Things go from bad to worse when people in the camp start to get sick and Meiko's daughter warns that the demons only she can see are telling her that something bad is coming. When Meiko realizes that things are tying back to something from her childhood, the book then shifts to a man named Archie who knows Meiko's husband, but who abandoned Meiko and Aiko to the camp. And then a journalist named Fran starts to investigate all of the goings on happening which seem to be part of a big government cover-up.
I wish the book had followed just Meiko and maybe Aiko.
Fran and her whole plotline could have been cut and nothing would have been lost. It feels like Katsu felt the same way since Fran is dumped towards the end and we get an info-dump about what happened to her.
When the book starts shifts back and forth between the four characters along with Meiko's father's journals I just didn't know what was happening and or how to follow the many threads that the book dangles at you. Meiko felt very blank to me as a reader for most of the book. I got a better sense of Aiko and Archie which was a shame. Even Archie's terrible wife felt more developed.
I wish the book had leaned on the supernatural/horror aspects more though. We hear about Jorōgumo and even get a small scene with the notorious demon, but it just felt like an after thought. The book really did show that the humans in the book were much worse.
The setting of the United States during the 1940s does not show a rose colored world. Why I am always surprised when people are like those were the days. Sure they were, for white Christian people. Not so much for a lot of other people.
The ending as I said fell flat. I just thought it needed something more or an epilogue that shows you where characters are after the end of the war.
I am bummed. I really wanted to love this one. I have been told forever that I have to read Alma Katsu's books. I will take another spin at another book by this author around Halloween time I think. The main reason why I gave this 3 stars is that the book felt too jumbled. I don't think Katsu did a very good job of us following Meiko, Aiko, Fran, and Archie. I get that Katsu wanted to show this time in American history and throw some horror in it, but the horror felt like it was an after thought. It didn't help that the ending just fell flat. I did love the afterword and Katsu explaining why they wrote this book (due to the rise of Anti-Asian rhetoric blooming all over the United States) and how they tied it into past sins that the United States has done when it comes to Asian Americans.
"The Fervor" follows Meiko Briggs and her daughter, Aiko. They are currently imprisoned in an internment camp in Idaho. Though Meiko is married to a white American who is currently flying planes against the Japanese, she is still seen as not American enough and a traitor in some ways to the fellow Japanese who are also imprisoned. Things go from bad to worse when people in the camp start to get sick and Meiko's daughter warns that the demons only she can see are telling her that something bad is coming. When Meiko realizes that things are tying back to something from her childhood, the book then shifts to a man named Archie who knows Meiko's husband, but who abandoned Meiko and Aiko to the camp. And then a journalist named Fran starts to investigate all of the goings on happening which seem to be part of a big government cover-up.
I wish the book had followed just Meiko and maybe Aiko.
Fran and her whole plotline could have been cut and nothing would have been lost. It feels like Katsu felt the same way since Fran is dumped towards the end and we get an info-dump about what happened to her.
When the book starts shifts back and forth between the four characters along with Meiko's father's journals I just didn't know what was happening and or how to follow the many threads that the book dangles at you. Meiko felt very blank to me as a reader for most of the book. I got a better sense of Aiko and Archie which was a shame. Even Archie's terrible wife felt more developed.
I wish the book had leaned on the supernatural/horror aspects more though. We hear about Jorōgumo and even get a small scene with the notorious demon, but it just felt like an after thought. The book really did show that the humans in the book were much worse.
The setting of the United States during the 1940s does not show a rose colored world. Why I am always surprised when people are like those were the days. Sure they were, for white Christian people. Not so much for a lot of other people.
The ending as I said fell flat. I just thought it needed something more or an epilogue that shows you where characters are after the end of the war.
January 5, 2022
Star review in the January 2022 Issue of Library Journal and on the blog here: https://raforall.blogspot.com/2022/01...
Three Words That Describe This Book: constant unease, multiple storylines. historical
Draft Review:
Katsu, [RED WIDOW] returns to Historical Horror, this time adding an extra dimension of terror-- Japanese internment. Told through multiple storylines in 1944, with key journal passages from Japan in 1927, the story follows Meiko and her daughter Aiko in an Idaho camp, Archie, a pastor from Oregon, and Fran, a freelance reporter from Nebraska, as they get entangled in the landing of balloons, with Japanese markings, across the American West, landings which are causing death and intense suffering. Katsu takes time to build depth and sympathy for the main players, while relentlessly moving readers through the thriller-esque storyline, bouncing around between perspectives and ending each chapter with cliff-hangers that beg the reader to keep going, until the characters collide for the final third of the book. The unease is constant, as past mistakes, anti-Asian racism, a mysterious illness, government cover ups, and Japanese demons permeate the pages, soaking readers in anxiety, and while there is a definitive conclusion to this story, the evil specter of racism isn’t going anywhere.
Verdict: Katsu has no peer when it comes to atmospheric, detail rich, Historical Horror, but this volume is more unsettling than anything she has written before because the demons depicted on the page attack readers uncomfortably close to home. A must read by all, not just genre fans, but for those who want more Asian influenced Horror try the award winning anthology Black Cranes: Tales of Unquiet Women.
Three Words That Describe This Book: constant unease, multiple storylines. historical
Draft Review:
Katsu, [RED WIDOW] returns to Historical Horror, this time adding an extra dimension of terror-- Japanese internment. Told through multiple storylines in 1944, with key journal passages from Japan in 1927, the story follows Meiko and her daughter Aiko in an Idaho camp, Archie, a pastor from Oregon, and Fran, a freelance reporter from Nebraska, as they get entangled in the landing of balloons, with Japanese markings, across the American West, landings which are causing death and intense suffering. Katsu takes time to build depth and sympathy for the main players, while relentlessly moving readers through the thriller-esque storyline, bouncing around between perspectives and ending each chapter with cliff-hangers that beg the reader to keep going, until the characters collide for the final third of the book. The unease is constant, as past mistakes, anti-Asian racism, a mysterious illness, government cover ups, and Japanese demons permeate the pages, soaking readers in anxiety, and while there is a definitive conclusion to this story, the evil specter of racism isn’t going anywhere.
Verdict: Katsu has no peer when it comes to atmospheric, detail rich, Historical Horror, but this volume is more unsettling than anything she has written before because the demons depicted on the page attack readers uncomfortably close to home. A must read by all, not just genre fans, but for those who want more Asian influenced Horror try the award winning anthology Black Cranes: Tales of Unquiet Women.
December 4, 2022
Книга, към която не можеш да останеш безразличен.
Алма Катсу засяга теми като расизъм, дискриминация, нарушаването на човешките права и колко силна може да бъде ксенофобията на хората, докато разказва историята на едно интернирано японско семейство в Америка през 1944 година.
Динамичното действие спомага читателят да не губи интереса си дори за миг. Имаме три гледни точки, тези на Мейко, Арчи и Фран, които въпреки различията си, биват засегнати от последствия на човешката злоба и страх.
В допълнение се появява и магически елемент в лицето на незнайна болест, умело вплетен в повествованието.
„Треската” ми хареса, въпреки тежкия си характер. Кратка, стойностна книга, която ме спечели най-вече с реализма си - Катсу е успяла да улови и предаде както страха на една майка за детето си в чужда страна, така и вътрешните борби на един срамуващ се от постъпките си човек. Усещаш емоциите на всеки герой, съпреживяваш всичко с тях, разбираш тяхното поведение и мислене в дадени ситуации. Гневиш се, но разбираш.
Мисля че всеки би намерил по нещо за себе си в тази книга. Препоръчвам я.
Алма Катсу засяга теми като расизъм, дискриминация, нарушаването на човешките права и колко силна може да бъде ксенофобията на хората, докато разказва историята на едно интернирано японско семейство в Америка през 1944 година.
Динамичното действие спомага читателят да не губи интереса си дори за миг. Имаме три гледни точки, тези на Мейко, Арчи и Фран, които въпреки различията си, биват засегнати от последствия на човешката злоба и страх.
В допълнение се появява и магически елемент в лицето на незнайна болест, умело вплетен в повествованието.
„Треската” ми хареса, въпреки тежкия си характер. Кратка, стойностна книга, която ме спечели най-вече с реализма си - Катсу е успяла да улови и предаде както страха на една майка за детето си в чужда страна, така и вътрешните борби на един срамуващ се от постъпките си човек. Усещаш емоциите на всеки герой, съпреживяваш всичко с тях, разбираш тяхното поведение и мислене в дадени ситуации. Гневиш се, но разбираш.
Мисля че всеки би намерил по нещо за себе си в тази книга. Препоръчвам я.
February 1, 2023
Книгата е доста поучителна от историческа гледна точка, както и авторката казва това е един поглед назад към историята от която не сме се поучили .Давам три звезди не защото книгата е лоша , а защото очакванията ми към нейните творби са много по -завишени .
В романа няма хорър моменти( поне според мен) ,а е по-скоро исторически трилър .
В романа няма хорър моменти( поне според мен) ,а е по-скоро исторически трилър .
April 6, 2022
Alma Katsu crafts a masterful historical horror gem weaving two actual events into a soup with Japanese folklore and supernatural entities. The themes of the story rings even true today given the rise of Anti-Asian rhetoric and crime still persistent in our society. The internment camps for Japanese Americans during World War II is a dark period in our history ( and rarely discussed in schools). Approximately 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry were forcibly relocated and incarcerated in concentration camps in the northwest interior of our country. Disgustingly about 80,000 were American-born Japanese with U.S. citizenship ( Nisei and there children - Sansei ) - the rest were Issei, being immigrants born in Japan. This folly was obviously motivated by fear and racism. The second actual event that was somewhat fictionalized were the Japanese Fu-go balloon bombs….. these were actually launched as a weapon by Japan. It utilized the jet stream over the Pacific Ocean to drop these bombs with an attached incendiary device over Northwest U.S. & Canada cities … intended to instill fear and terror…. what is fictionalized is the presence of an attached bacteriological payload. Interwoven into the fabric of this story is Japanese folklore and swarming Jorogumo spider demons to instill supernatural horror. And the intermittent presence of an apparition, Kumo…. a whispering Japanese woman dressed in traditional kimono and carrying a baby.
Our story follows Meiko and her daughter Aiko into the Idaho internment camp of Minidoka. Aiko drew pictures like a child possessed .. of diabolic creatures, based upon Japanese folktales. Intertwined with the everyday life of Archie, a pastor in Bly, Oregon (who also knew Meiko and her husband ) … with his pregnant wife and a group of children on an idyllic picnic, until they come upon one of the balloon bombs …. that explodes with disastrous results. And Fran, a reporter from Nebraska, who is chasing down the story of the exploding fire bombs and the resultant governmental cover-up. Eventually all of their lives will collide with escalating tension and dread. To make matters even more absurd … Meiko is married to a white American flyer, actually engaged in flights against the Japanese army. During the course of exposure to the balloons, Americans and primarily internment prisoners are becoming sick … with chills and fever, escalating into seizures, and fits of violence, aggression and often followed by death. Interspersed are chapters devoted to the journals of Aiko’s scientist grandfather , Wasaburo. …. laced with folklore and inventive science discoveries.
Alma Katsu proves to be a marvelous storyteller, as she weaves a complex and twisted tapestry of suspense, paranoia and dread, while exploring honor, racism and xenophobia and medical experimentation. This is my first foray into the ouvre of Alma Katsu and demands exploration into her earlier award-winning work.
Our story follows Meiko and her daughter Aiko into the Idaho internment camp of Minidoka. Aiko drew pictures like a child possessed .. of diabolic creatures, based upon Japanese folktales. Intertwined with the everyday life of Archie, a pastor in Bly, Oregon (who also knew Meiko and her husband ) … with his pregnant wife and a group of children on an idyllic picnic, until they come upon one of the balloon bombs …. that explodes with disastrous results. And Fran, a reporter from Nebraska, who is chasing down the story of the exploding fire bombs and the resultant governmental cover-up. Eventually all of their lives will collide with escalating tension and dread. To make matters even more absurd … Meiko is married to a white American flyer, actually engaged in flights against the Japanese army. During the course of exposure to the balloons, Americans and primarily internment prisoners are becoming sick … with chills and fever, escalating into seizures, and fits of violence, aggression and often followed by death. Interspersed are chapters devoted to the journals of Aiko’s scientist grandfather , Wasaburo. …. laced with folklore and inventive science discoveries.
Alma Katsu proves to be a marvelous storyteller, as she weaves a complex and twisted tapestry of suspense, paranoia and dread, while exploring honor, racism and xenophobia and medical experimentation. This is my first foray into the ouvre of Alma Katsu and demands exploration into her earlier award-winning work.
April 30, 2022
I really wanted to like this one. It started out strong and drew me in, but jumping from 4-5 different POVs from chapter to chapter broke that immersion fast. I didn’t feel like I was getting time to get to know of soak in any one persons story.
The horror elements seemed forced in. There were a couple supernatural moments throughout the book and each one was creepier than the last… and then there was no payoff.
There were a half a dozen times where the plot progressed because something just “happened,” seemingly out of nowhere. Characters showed up at just the right time, the daughter had the grandpas journals the whole time, the pastors racist wife was a ghost that delivered spider silk to their front door as an antidote?
The commentary on racism and hate were the real horror here, as those are very real and seen every day in this country. I think Alma Katsu did an incredible job bringing in the experiences of her family and other Asian Americans from the time period and how they were treated and how they’re still treated today. This was the strongest part of the whole book and I think would have been more impactful if we’d only seen it from Meikos point of view or other POVs from the camps.
Lastly, the biggest disappointment was the anticlimactic and abrupt ending. The good guys were cornered in the forest by a group of white nationalists, some of whom were cops, and were saved at just the right moment by the FBI. The book just kinda… ends. Good guys saved from bad cops by more cops. Woo.
I’ll still be there buying anything Alma Katsu puts out on release day, but I just couldn’t get over some of the messy plot elements, the coincidental story advancement, too many POVs, and an abrupt and lackluster ending.
Giving this one ⭐️⭐️ for the racial and historical commentary.
The horror elements seemed forced in. There were a couple supernatural moments throughout the book and each one was creepier than the last… and then there was no payoff.
There were a half a dozen times where the plot progressed because something just “happened,” seemingly out of nowhere. Characters showed up at just the right time, the daughter had the grandpas journals the whole time, the pastors racist wife was a ghost that delivered spider silk to their front door as an antidote?
The commentary on racism and hate were the real horror here, as those are very real and seen every day in this country. I think Alma Katsu did an incredible job bringing in the experiences of her family and other Asian Americans from the time period and how they were treated and how they’re still treated today. This was the strongest part of the whole book and I think would have been more impactful if we’d only seen it from Meikos point of view or other POVs from the camps.
Lastly, the biggest disappointment was the anticlimactic and abrupt ending. The good guys were cornered in the forest by a group of white nationalists, some of whom were cops, and were saved at just the right moment by the FBI. The book just kinda… ends. Good guys saved from bad cops by more cops. Woo.
I’ll still be there buying anything Alma Katsu puts out on release day, but I just couldn’t get over some of the messy plot elements, the coincidental story advancement, too many POVs, and an abrupt and lackluster ending.
Giving this one ⭐️⭐️ for the racial and historical commentary.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2022
There are different levels of scary right? Humans are, as far as I'm concerned the highest level of scary as compared to any monster, ghost, demon, etc. Racist shotgun-wielding humans are at the tippy top of the scary level because their hatred makes absolutely no fucking sense. So as a warning to those who may read this because you are looking for a good scary book with a jorogumo like I was, the yokai was the least scary thing about this book. Oh, and it was excellcent.
The year is 1944, Meiko and her daughter Aiko are living in a Japanese internment camp while Jaime, Meiko's white husband is doing his duty as a citizen of the U.S. and fighting over the Pacific after Jaime's best friend betrays them. Besides having a white husband Meiko is also issei (a Japanese immigrant to Japan) unlike most of her other neighbors in the camp who nissei or first gen Japanese American, this fact combined with her white husband and a tangled past with one of the Japanese leaders of the camp means Meiko and her daughter are looked down upon by their neighbors. It doesn't help that Aiko has become obsessed with yokai drawing terrifying images of the Japanese demons over and over again. One day a U.S. Army Truck shows up and Aiko warns Meiko that there is a demon in the truck and people will die. Meiko doesn't believe her daughter, of course, but as the people around her start to sicken and tempers flare Meiko realizes that something is very wrong in the internment camp and it will be up to her to stop it if she is to save herself, her daughter, and her people.
Katsu uses the idea of people being infected with hatred through the bite of a spider brilliantly, weaving the tale of Jorogumo into the rampant hatred the Japanese faced during WWII. By telling th story interchangeably between Meiko, her husband's best friend, and betrayer Archie, her daughter Aiko, and Fran a woman way ahead of her time she is able to paint a picture from several different points of view in terms of the decision to place American citizens in internment camps and how that affected those in the camps and those who choose to follow the crowd instead of doing the right thing. She also brings up many aspects of internment that were internal to the Japanese; the class differences, the Japanese viewing interracial marriages very much the same way white people at the time did, and the cultural propensity to simply follow orders and the internal struggles that came from these things individually that may be new to many Westerners.
The only thing that I have a complaint about is that I *really* was looking forward to Jorogumo being unleashed and that's not really what happened so I didn't get to read a book about Yokai wreaking havoc in the Pacific Northwest (that place I call home) however this was such an important comment on how fear and ignorance leads to hatred and how quickly those things can spread that I'll forgive the author for getting my hopes up. This also was clearly a work that was extremely personal to Katsu and I appreciate her taking the time to write something so close to her own family and I appreciate her family members for allowing her to share their story with us even in a fictional manner.
I want to thank Netgalley and the people at Penguin Group for the eArc to this exceptional book!
The year is 1944, Meiko and her daughter Aiko are living in a Japanese internment camp while Jaime, Meiko's white husband is doing his duty as a citizen of the U.S. and fighting over the Pacific after Jaime's best friend betrays them. Besides having a white husband Meiko is also issei (a Japanese immigrant to Japan) unlike most of her other neighbors in the camp who nissei or first gen Japanese American, this fact combined with her white husband and a tangled past with one of the Japanese leaders of the camp means Meiko and her daughter are looked down upon by their neighbors. It doesn't help that Aiko has become obsessed with yokai drawing terrifying images of the Japanese demons over and over again. One day a U.S. Army Truck shows up and Aiko warns Meiko that there is a demon in the truck and people will die. Meiko doesn't believe her daughter, of course, but as the people around her start to sicken and tempers flare Meiko realizes that something is very wrong in the internment camp and it will be up to her to stop it if she is to save herself, her daughter, and her people.
Katsu uses the idea of people being infected with hatred through the bite of a spider brilliantly, weaving the tale of Jorogumo into the rampant hatred the Japanese faced during WWII. By telling th story interchangeably between Meiko, her husband's best friend, and betrayer Archie, her daughter Aiko, and Fran a woman way ahead of her time she is able to paint a picture from several different points of view in terms of the decision to place American citizens in internment camps and how that affected those in the camps and those who choose to follow the crowd instead of doing the right thing. She also brings up many aspects of internment that were internal to the Japanese; the class differences, the Japanese viewing interracial marriages very much the same way white people at the time did, and the cultural propensity to simply follow orders and the internal struggles that came from these things individually that may be new to many Westerners.
The only thing that I have a complaint about is that I *really* was looking forward to Jorogumo being unleashed and that's not really what happened so I didn't get to read a book about Yokai wreaking havoc in the Pacific Northwest (that place I call home) however this was such an important comment on how fear and ignorance leads to hatred and how quickly those things can spread that I'll forgive the author for getting my hopes up. This also was clearly a work that was extremely personal to Katsu and I appreciate her taking the time to write something so close to her own family and I appreciate her family members for allowing her to share their story with us even in a fictional manner.
I want to thank Netgalley and the people at Penguin Group for the eArc to this exceptional book!
April 15, 2022
Japanese folklore and American history combine in this historical horror fiction set during World War II when President Roosevelt had people of Japanese descent, most of whom were American citizens taken from their homes and incarcerated in internment camps. The fear mongering and ignorance that breed hate groups and racism are accurately portrayed.
The story is told from alternating points of view and mainly follows Meiko and her daughter who are forced to live in one such camp when a mysterious illness begins to spread, Fran, a newspaper reporter who will risk her life to get to the truth, and Archie, the minister who is too easily swayed by his wife.
The horror aspect has only a minor role in this novel so for that reason I would be more inclined to recommend it to fans of historical fiction. I would have liked more of the jorogumo, which is the shape shifting spider demon that makes a brief appearance. It was still a compelling story with lots of action and loads of suspense.
I received an advance copy.
The story is told from alternating points of view and mainly follows Meiko and her daughter who are forced to live in one such camp when a mysterious illness begins to spread, Fran, a newspaper reporter who will risk her life to get to the truth, and Archie, the minister who is too easily swayed by his wife.
The horror aspect has only a minor role in this novel so for that reason I would be more inclined to recommend it to fans of historical fiction. I would have liked more of the jorogumo, which is the shape shifting spider demon that makes a brief appearance. It was still a compelling story with lots of action and loads of suspense.
I received an advance copy.
January 11, 2022
Al igual que en El Hambre y The Deep, Alma Katsu toma un evento histórico real y le añade elementos sobrenaturales. En esta ocasión la historia se centra en los campos de internamiento para japoneses que existieron en EEUU durante la segunda guerra mundial.
La novela está narrada desde la perspectiva de una madre y una hija internadas, pero también desde la de una periodista buscando la verdad y la de un predicador que fácilmente puede caer en las garras de los grupos supremacistas blancos.
Cuando una extraña enfermedad empieza a infectar a los ocupantes de los campos, pero también a los guardias que se encargan de ellos, el pánico y la xenofobia alcanzan un nivel perfecto para generar violencia sin sentido.
Si bien hay un buen uso del folklore japonés para crear momentos spooky, el punto central de la historia es mostrarnos que la sociedad no aprende de sus errores y eso es lo que da más miedo.
Creo que este es un libro con un mensaje importantísimo y relevante para el momento que estamos viviendo. El racismo y ataques contra las personas asiáticas a raíz de la pandemia se han disparado en muchos lados. Es fácil querer encontrar culpables y dejarse llevar por el miedo, pero, lo importante, es evitar se infectados de rabia y odio -la verdadera plaga de esta novela.
Gracias a Putnam por el ARC.
La novela está narrada desde la perspectiva de una madre y una hija internadas, pero también desde la de una periodista buscando la verdad y la de un predicador que fácilmente puede caer en las garras de los grupos supremacistas blancos.
Cuando una extraña enfermedad empieza a infectar a los ocupantes de los campos, pero también a los guardias que se encargan de ellos, el pánico y la xenofobia alcanzan un nivel perfecto para generar violencia sin sentido.
Si bien hay un buen uso del folklore japonés para crear momentos spooky, el punto central de la historia es mostrarnos que la sociedad no aprende de sus errores y eso es lo que da más miedo.
Creo que este es un libro con un mensaje importantísimo y relevante para el momento que estamos viviendo. El racismo y ataques contra las personas asiáticas a raíz de la pandemia se han disparado en muchos lados. Es fácil querer encontrar culpables y dejarse llevar por el miedo, pero, lo importante, es evitar se infectados de rabia y odio -la verdadera plaga de esta novela.
Gracias a Putnam por el ARC.
April 22, 2022
I found this to be very creative how the author took true events from history and wove them with Japanese folklore, resulting in a horror-filled nightmare. This was quite unsettling but I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to see what’s up next for this author.
*Thanks Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for kindly approving an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
*Thanks Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for kindly approving an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 11, 2022
3.5 ⭐️ // CAWPILE rating 6.57
Interesting plot, interesting characters, mediocre execution. For what this story was, I was hoping for something super creepy and unsettling. Unfortunately, by the end, I felt pretty underwhelmed. I liked the multiple character storylines and watching how they weaved together. Meiko & Aiko, a Japanese mother and daughter imprisoned in an internment camp, Archie, a white minister with a recently deceased family, and Fran, a female journalist digging into a mystery that’s been plaguing the country. I loved the supernatural aspects and the Japanese folklore that was brought into the story. Really interesting and prompted me to do some google searching so I could learn about some stuff. Loved that. However, even with these things I really liked, I was never genuinely excited to pick up this book after setting it down and the way it was all brought together, it read only moderately creepy, with a few gross moments thrown in. I did enjoy this book overall, but it was just an ok read for me. Nothing amazing.
***Content Warning: Spiders are a big part of this book so if you have arachnophobia, keep that in mind before picking this up.
Thank you to NetGalley & G.P. Putnam for the advance reader copy, for review. Much appreciated!
Watch my reading vlog here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJCP6...
Interesting plot, interesting characters, mediocre execution. For what this story was, I was hoping for something super creepy and unsettling. Unfortunately, by the end, I felt pretty underwhelmed. I liked the multiple character storylines and watching how they weaved together. Meiko & Aiko, a Japanese mother and daughter imprisoned in an internment camp, Archie, a white minister with a recently deceased family, and Fran, a female journalist digging into a mystery that’s been plaguing the country. I loved the supernatural aspects and the Japanese folklore that was brought into the story. Really interesting and prompted me to do some google searching so I could learn about some stuff. Loved that. However, even with these things I really liked, I was never genuinely excited to pick up this book after setting it down and the way it was all brought together, it read only moderately creepy, with a few gross moments thrown in. I did enjoy this book overall, but it was just an ok read for me. Nothing amazing.
***Content Warning: Spiders are a big part of this book so if you have arachnophobia, keep that in mind before picking this up.
Thank you to NetGalley & G.P. Putnam for the advance reader copy, for review. Much appreciated!
Watch my reading vlog here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJCP6...
Want to read
April 24, 2022
August 31, 2022
TW: Miscarriage, prejudice, cheating, death of spouse, death of children, abortion mention, parents death, racism, smoking
*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:1944: As World War II rages on, the threat has come to the home front. In a remote corner of Idaho, Meiko Briggs and her daughter, Aiko, are desperate to return home. Following Meiko's husband's enlistment as an air force pilot in the Pacific months prior, Meiko and Aiko were taken from their home in Seattle and sent to one of the internment camps in the West. It didn’t matter that Aiko was American-born: They were Japanese, and therefore considered a threat by the American government.
Mother and daughter attempt to hold on to elements of their old life in the camp when a mysterious disease begins to spread among those interned. What starts as a minor cold quickly becomes spontaneous fits of violence and aggression, even death. And when a disconcerting team of doctors arrive, nearly more threatening than the illness itself, Meiko and her daughter team up with a newspaper reporter and widowed missionary to investigate, and it becomes clear to them that something more sinister is afoot, a demon from the stories of Meiko’s childhood, hell-bent on infiltrating their already strange world.
Release Date: April 26th, 2022
Genre: Historical fiction
Pages: 309
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
What I Liked:
1. The plot
2. The writing style was great
3. The authors note
What I Didn't Like:
1. Some of the format of writing comes off confusing
2. The cat left behind 😭
Overall Thoughts:
How exhausting it must be here to hate everyone who was different".
I thought this book was so so so good. It said so much. It broke my heart that this is actually apart of American culture. I remember watching a Ted Talk with George Takei where he talked about how after Pearl Habor America had gathered up hundreds of thousands of Japanese Americans and put them in these camps. It's seriously horrible. This book built up the dread and disparity in which they felt.
Not only do you get the creepiness of the government holding people hostage in internment camps but you also get this element of creepiness from them experimenting on them with this powder. This book seriously had such a good atmosphere. I was seriously impressed because when they're describing the spiders climbing on people or falling from the are you really felt like you were there.
Meiko is such a lovable character. Sometimes you reading these books and you hate the main character because they feel entitled or like they're owed something, and this case I felt bad for her. She had so much taken from her but yet the author managed to keep up this tone that she was hopeful that things would change.
If you have a fear of spiders I would steer clear of this book as they are talked about and described climbing over people. Also there is some hardcore racism from some characters as well as insults.
Final Thoughts: I really thought this was such a great read. I loved the characters. Some parts really gave you the creeps.
Recommend For:
• History mixed with fiction
• Creepy scenes
• Strong female lead
• Family bonds
IG | Blog
Thanks to the publishers and author for this advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:1944: As World War II rages on, the threat has come to the home front. In a remote corner of Idaho, Meiko Briggs and her daughter, Aiko, are desperate to return home. Following Meiko's husband's enlistment as an air force pilot in the Pacific months prior, Meiko and Aiko were taken from their home in Seattle and sent to one of the internment camps in the West. It didn’t matter that Aiko was American-born: They were Japanese, and therefore considered a threat by the American government.
Mother and daughter attempt to hold on to elements of their old life in the camp when a mysterious disease begins to spread among those interned. What starts as a minor cold quickly becomes spontaneous fits of violence and aggression, even death. And when a disconcerting team of doctors arrive, nearly more threatening than the illness itself, Meiko and her daughter team up with a newspaper reporter and widowed missionary to investigate, and it becomes clear to them that something more sinister is afoot, a demon from the stories of Meiko’s childhood, hell-bent on infiltrating their already strange world.
Release Date: April 26th, 2022
Genre: Historical fiction
Pages: 309
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
What I Liked:
1. The plot
2. The writing style was great
3. The authors note
What I Didn't Like:
1. Some of the format of writing comes off confusing
2. The cat left behind 😭
Overall Thoughts:
How exhausting it must be here to hate everyone who was different".
I thought this book was so so so good. It said so much. It broke my heart that this is actually apart of American culture. I remember watching a Ted Talk with George Takei where he talked about how after Pearl Habor America had gathered up hundreds of thousands of Japanese Americans and put them in these camps. It's seriously horrible. This book built up the dread and disparity in which they felt.
Not only do you get the creepiness of the government holding people hostage in internment camps but you also get this element of creepiness from them experimenting on them with this powder. This book seriously had such a good atmosphere. I was seriously impressed because when they're describing the spiders climbing on people or falling from the are you really felt like you were there.
Meiko is such a lovable character. Sometimes you reading these books and you hate the main character because they feel entitled or like they're owed something, and this case I felt bad for her. She had so much taken from her but yet the author managed to keep up this tone that she was hopeful that things would change.
If you have a fear of spiders I would steer clear of this book as they are talked about and described climbing over people. Also there is some hardcore racism from some characters as well as insults.
Final Thoughts: I really thought this was such a great read. I loved the characters. Some parts really gave you the creeps.
Recommend For:
• History mixed with fiction
• Creepy scenes
• Strong female lead
• Family bonds
IG | Blog
Thanks to the publishers and author for this advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
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