Fiend by Alma Katsu is a tale of intense drama, manipulation, and violence that propels this family into a whirlwind of emotional turmoil and chaos.
Let’s dive in!
My Thoughts on Fiend by Alma Katsu –
For hundreds of years, this rich and powerful family has been untouchable. Hearing rumors and stories, the daughter, Marisa, thinks it’s just a rumor that they have been helped by something supernatural, a being that she thought was just a childhood fantasy. But when it goes after one of their family members, she’s forced to open her eyes to the very real horror that her family is cursed with.
But unfortunately, the horrors here have layers and Marisa is about to see how deep they go. But by the time she has all that she seeks, will it be too late?
My gosh, the author absolutely nails these dark and twisted family dynamics. I despised this family with every fiber of my being but at the same time, I couldn’t tear myself away, eagerly waiting to see what would happen next.
I also have to say how much I loved the structure of the story. The way the author wove in flashes of the past, jumping back in time in short, strategic bursts, was masterful. Each flashback provided just enough information to give us a glimpse into the deeper layers of the family’s history, revealing motivations and secrets that made their present-day turmoil even more understandable and disturbing!
The constant tension in this book is absolutely gripping. It pulls you further into the family’s web of secrets. You’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat, as every action, no matter how small, seems to escalate the chaos and destruction around them. Just when you think things can’t get any worse, they do, and you can’t help but wonder what will happen next!
What a twisted ride!
My Favorite Passages From Fiend –
NOTE: These passages were pulled from an ARC copy. They may change before the final version is released.
There is no such thing as the protector, she reminds herself one more time. This is the twenty-first century. There are no boogeymen-but she can’t help but wish just a tiny bit that there were. Because a protector would make things so much easier. You could make problems go away merely by wishing.
There’s something about this room that warns visitors off, like a porcupine bristling its spines.
Maris can’t help but wonder if this is what happens when you live so close to the supernatural. If your life is good fortune and beauty and long life until it isn’t, until the spell comes undone and it all comes crashing down on your head like in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
My Final Thoughts on Fiend –
The anticipation and the unraveling of this family’s dark fate in Fiend is a ride you won’t want to get off. Readers who love twisted and dramatic family dynamics mixed with just a pinch of gore and the supernatural will absolutely love this tale. I had such a blast reading it!
This book publishes on September 16th, 2025! Preorder your copy today!
Thanks for reading!
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