Wuftoom: A Novel

by Mary G. Thompson

Everyone thinks Evan is sick ... Everyone thinks science will find a cure. But Evan knows he is not sick, he is transforming. Evan's metamorphosis has him confined to his bed, constantly terrified, and completely alone. Alone, except for his visits from the Wuftoom, a wormlike creature that tells him he is becoming one of them.
 
Clinging to his humanity and desperate to help his overworked single mother, Evan makes a bargain with the Vitflies, the sworn enemies of the Wuftoom. But when the bargain becomes blackmail and the Vitflies prepare for war, whom can Evan trust? Is saving his humanity worth destroying an entire species, and the only family he has left?

Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Teen

250 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Mary G. Thompson is the author of Wuftoom, which Booklist called “impressively unappetizing and absolutely unique,” and other novels for children and young adults. Her contemporary thriller Amy Chelsea Stacie Dee was a winner of the 2017 Westchester Fiction Award and a finalist for the 2018-2019 Missouri Gateway award. Her short fiction has appeared in Dark Matter Magazine, Apex Magazine, and others. Mary is originally from Eugene, Oregon, where she attended the University of Oregon School of Law. She practiced law for seven years, including five years in the US Navy JAGC, and now works as a law librarian. A graduate of The New School’s Writing for Children program, she lives in Washington, DC. Find her on the web at http://marygthompson.com.

Reviews

[Dhonielle Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a former secondary teacher, I am sad that I won't have the opportunity to teach Mary G. Thompson's book in my classroom. I was always on the hunt for books like these -- strong fantastical story with depth and a thought-provoking premise. Thompson's book delivers on that promise. Evan is sick and he is pulled into a war between two creatures -- the Vitflies and the Wuftoom. Readers get to learn about the creatures and their world as well as what is happening to Evan. If I taught this book in a classroom I know that it would spark conversations about the body, the mind, human will and agency, conflict, and many more complex and multi-faceted topics. She layered in rich and complex themes that can spark wonderfully imaginative questions and discussions.

I'd also love to see how kids envision what the creatures look like and what is happening to Evan. This book is really stellar. While reading it on my iPad, I missed my subway stop numerous times. The pacing drives you forward because you just have to know what happens to Evan. You care about him and if he can fight what's happening to him. Will he survive? What will he learn? How will the conflict between the two sides be solved?

I won't give away any plot points because that's the other wonderful quality about this book -- each thing unfolds and complicates the other. She creates a wonderful story web and then untangles it for us in with a satisfying conclusion.

Go get the book -- see for yourself what happens to Evan. Give the book to a kid reader, I promise, even the most reluctant reader will want to find out if Evan can escape the goo or becoming a Wuftoom.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it, but what the bloody hell did I just read?

[Christina (Ensconced in Lit) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from the One A Day Y. A. blog in a giveaway. I was not required to write a review in exchange, but always do so anyway.

Wuftoom is a highly imaginative but chilling book about a boy who initially thought he was just sick and then realized he was transforming into a worm like creature called a Wuftoom. This story is about how he evolves physically, emotionally and mentally-- and how he struggles to stay true to both his past human self, Evan and his new Wuftoom self, Brode.

There were a lot of great things about this book. The description is spot on, to the point that I was squirming in my seat from visualizing the disgusting way Wuftoom looked and moved and how they ate other creatures in gruesome detail. Evan/Brode was an engaging and interesting character. I enjoyed meeting the other Wuftoom (most specifically Olen, the old Wuftoom) and learning about their culture and background.

I definitely had an adjustment period to this book. I was almost nauseated from the descriptions initially. I think if I had read this when I was 12 years old as the book states is its younger limit, I would have had nightmares for days. And I still don't know how I feel about how the book glazes over the issue of children being converted into Wuftoom. *SPOILER ALERT* More specifically, our protagonist lures another child into becoming a Wuftoom-- and although Wuftoom are an interesting species, I'm not sure I would ever condemn any to that fate.

This said, this was a darkly entertaining and creative first novel from Mary Thompson.

[Izzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everyone thinks Evan is sick, but he knows the truth - he's transforming into one of the despicable creatures that secretly lives in the sewers, a Wuftoom. His metamorphosis leaves him confined to his bed for years, so alone and terrified that he strikes a bargain with the Vitflies, the sworn enemies of the Wuftoom. But when the bargain turns to blackmail and war is being threatened, he has to decide if clinging to his humanity is worth the decimation of the only family he has left.


I originally picked up WUFTOOM because the premise suggested a unique story, and true to its word, this story was brimming with brilliant concept. The plot was intriguing, and even when the characters didn't quite do it for me in places, I continued to read because this book inspired the need to know what happens next. However, although the concept was interesting and very original, I was disappointed with some of the finer points of the plot.


I don't want to reveal any spoilers, but there are several parts of the story where minor characters like Jordan, a boy who went to Evan's school, make dumb decisions that I was skeptical of real people ever making. These places interrupted the flow of the novel for me because they bothered me, and I wished that these events were more believable.


The ending also wasn't as good as it could have been. Mainly, I felt it was just far too easy and wrapped everything up in this nice little bundle without being realistic. It wasn't very satisfying either. Again, I don't want to reveal spoilers but it could have been a lot better if some alternate events occurred.


All in all, WUFTOOM had an excellent premise that drew me in, and the plot was gripping enough to keep me turning pages. However, the execution wasn't what I was hoping for, and there were some character actions that didn't make sense to me. The ending disappointed me as well. I will say, though, that the author seems to be quite a talented writer so I'll keep my eyes open for future releases by her.

[Jason Bloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I certainly did not expect this - a dark little horror-filled book about monsters that live in the darkest places all around us, and to find yourself ROOTING for them! Not sure where I expected this to go, but from the very start I was chewing through this book, wanting more, and it gave it. Mostly. It faltered a bit at the end, not even coming close to trying things up neatly, but I can forgive it to a point - it really was about one young boy's experience being turned into a nightmarish creature and being forced to embrace it, against significant internal and external struggles.
SPOILERS kinda:
Evan is a sick young boy who is visited nightly by a worm-like creature who speaks to him, claiming he is not sick but is turning into one of his own kind, a Wuftoom, a creature of the deepest darkness. One of many dark races, Wuftoom are near the top of the food chain, eating and subjugating other dark creatures who also talk and form primitive societies, with the exception of a race of fly-like creatures called Vits, who are the Wiftoom's mortal enemies. A particular Vitfly names Foul reaches Evan before he completes his transformation and threatens to eat his mother if he doesn't help them after he transforms, and it's a race against time for Evan to either help or hurt his new brothers in arms (although not quite true since they really have nubs where their arms used to be, but you get the idea). A creepy, weird, disturbing, and ultimately unfinished book, I liked it way more than I thought I would, but really, a sequel would be nice to really put a bow on the whole thing.

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is the f**k am I reading and why?

It is pretty interesting...

Wait, is it a sort of metaphor?

No, it is not a metaphor. It is obviously a plain straight horror.

Ok, what is the f**k

It is both disgusting and delightful.

Is it a Kafka retelling?

No, wait, what...

What is the f**k...

Nice to know someone else used to have this transformation phobia like I did

What is the fuck have I just read?

I am not going to climb the remote places of my town anymore

It is weird. It is creepy. It is awesome in a disgusting way and disgusting in awesome way. It is the kid's horror for grown up fans of Goosebumps and Creeped out on Netflix (I am 25, OK? I enjoy the show). It is vivid, it is unpredictable, it is creepy and a friend of mine got nightmares after I had retold her the synopsis.

Does this story have a morale? I doubt. Is there some double layer about intergraiona and tolerance. I doubt so. It is a horror story to read at night and to not to sleep for a couple of days.

Awesome and creepy and it won't get out of my head for a while.

Hey, fella, wanna read a story about a boy who is being transformed into a huge worm? Me neither. Have a nice day!

[Chanel Chapters]

2.5

Boy falls into pink goo and turns into a worm-like creature. He must decide whether his allegiance is to the worms, their enemies, or his mother.

This was just a really odd and weird book. I wouldn’t recommend it to middle graders tbh.

[Hannah Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wild and weird read. A boy turning into a worm-like creature and then joining the fight against fanged flies? Kinda gave some "Gregor the Overlander" vibes. I would recommend to someone who is looking to really change up what they are reading.

[Dark Faerie Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: This dark fantasy is filled with depth and founded on a thought provoking premise of human will and agency in a world where two fantastical species are at war.

Opening Sentence: Evan sat on his bed with his back against the pillow.

The Review:

Evan’s transformation to his Wuftoom self is painful both for him and the reader. Thompson’s descriptions are chilling and at times nauseating, I needed about twenty pages to get used to it. Membrane is growing over Evan’s body, changing him into one of the Wuftoom, disturbing worm-like creatures. But as he’s transforming in the dark master bedroom of his home the Vitflies come and visit.

The Vitflies and Wuftoom are at war. To bribe him, the Vitflies offer Evan an escape from his blackened room and sickened body. They let him enter/possess the body of students at school. A school he might be able to go to if he wasn’t so sick. Eventually, through a painful process, Evan completes his transformation. Even though his body is like the Wuftooms, his mind manages to stay mostly human. He clings to his memories of his human mother. But if he wants to survive as a Wuftoom, the elders tell him he has to let go.

Evan made one mistake, one anybody could have made, and his life is ruined because of it. He goes underground with the Wuftoom and begins to train for war with his new family members. But Evan’s different from the other Wuftoom because of his human connections. So now he’s forced to choose between his new race or give in to the Vitflies blackmail and save his mother.

The writing style here is incredibly gripping. The reader is thrown into the darkness with Evan. His pain, his metamorphosis, and his internal conflict are all close to the surface. It’s so real, creative, and original I never once had any trouble accepting these new species of Wuftoom, Vitflies, or Higgers. Evan’s world is tragic and built with such precision that the reader feels everything closely. My favorite character in the book is probably Olen, the old Wuftoom, who talks to Evan about his new life.

The ending was a little convenient in my opinion, but it didn’t detract from the arc of the story or its many deep themes. The plot was gripping. In some cases, you need a strong stomach as Evan’s metamorphosis and the world of the Wuftoom isn’t a pretty one.

As far as recommending this book, I found it a really thought-provoking read that needs a strong reader to get through. The graphic descriptions are chilling and at times overwhelming as Evan’s world transforms into a dark fantasy that challenges everything he thought he knew about himself. One thing Thompson does seem to glaze over is the idea of children being taken in and transformed into Wuftoom. It could be that I just missed the message under everything else that was going on, but given Evan’s behavior I doubt it.

Notable Scene:

Scrape, scrape, scrape.

“Who’s there?” Evan called softly.

Scrape, scrape, scrape.

“Are you trapped?” Evan pulled himself up. His skin groaned with the effort.

“Let…me…in.” The voice was shrill, inhuman. It made Evan’s blood freeze.

“What do you want?” he whispered.

“To talk to you, proem,” the voice said. “To make a deal. To help you if you need us.�� It was not a worm speaking, that much Evan could tell. A worm couldn’t fit in there.

The Wuftoom Series:

1. Wuftoom

FTC Advisory: The author provided me with a copy of Wuftoom. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[Thistle · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw the cover of this book, I didn't want to read it.

When I saw a summary of the book (about a boy who slowly turns into a worm), I really did not want to read it.

However, I kept running into reviews of it, and they kept including lines like "Even if you don't think you'd like this book, you should read it! It's good!", so eventually I gave in and bought a copy. Then it sat and sat and sat in my to read pile, sinking lower and lower each time I bought new books.

Now and then, when picking a new book to read, I go to the very bottom of my pile and pick something from there -- if I didn't, I'd never read those oldest books. Finally it was time to read Wuftoom...

While ebook readers like to start you on the first page of the story, I always go to the cover and start there. I like reading the "front matter" -- all that stuff before the story. The copyright info, the dedications, etc. In the middle of that front matter, I spotted the book's classification: Horror. Ugh! I never read horror! I don't like horror! (I know, I know, how can a book about a boy turning into a worm not be horror? I thought it would be more fantasy-ish.) But I owned the book, so I was going to give it a try.

Know what? It was actually darned good! The horror was subtle (and I think, because I'm older than the target audience for YA books, I saw it differently).

The first third of the book was about a boy trapped in bed, sick with some unknown disease that was changing his body. The reader spends months with him as he loses use of his fingers, then his limbs. As his body gets covered with a membrane. As his vision changes, his whole body changes... all except his mind. He's a boy trapped in a body that's turning into a giant worm.

But, for me, the real horror came through his mother. She had to work a horrible, dead-end job so she'd have insurance to pay for all the doctors trying to cure him. Her boss was awful, her hours were long, and the work was draining her soul. Then, in the last stages, when her son was 'dying', her boss was late to come in and cover for her, forcing her to stay at work while she knew her son was home alone, dying. To me, that was more painful to read about than the boy who was turning into a worm.

The first third of the book, about his transformation, was the best part. What happens after that would spoil things for you, so read only if you don't intend to pick up this book.

Add onto an outstanding first third of the book, the author's writing was very, very good. It seems like fewer and fewer authors are able to craft wonderful sentences and pick just the exactly perfect wording for things.

All in all, I enjoyed Wuftoom. It wasn't 100% perfect 'BEST BOOK EVER!' level for me, but so few books are. It was really good, especially the first third of it (I still feel icky in my stomach about parts of it). There was zero romance in the book (so rare for YA stuff!), and it was just so original and different. Plus, while it ended open enough to allow for further books, Wuftoom stands alone as a self-contained story as well -- too few YA books do that nowadays.

[Jessica Verdi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read a whole lot of middle grade books, and after reading Mary G. Thompson's 'Wuftoom' I have resolved to change that. This was one of the most enjoyable, surprising, creative books I have ever read.

I picked up 'Wuftoom' because of the beautifully intriguing cover and the fascinating premise described on the back cover: "Everyone thinks Evan is sick... But Evan knows he is not sick; he is transforming." And from the very first page, I was hooked. Nothing about this book is "dumbed down" because it's for kids. I've read far too many children's books where it's clear that the author doesn't really understand or remember what it's like to be a kid. Mary Thompson gets it -- she gets that kids aren't stupid, that kids are a lot smarter than we give them credit for, that kids deserve good, complicated stories, too, that kids are capable of understanding advanced language, and that kids can handle dark stories.

I've never read a story quite like this before -- and I read a lot! Evan made one mistake -- a mistake anyone easily could have made, and his whole life is changed because of it. After transforming into the worm-like creature called the Wuftoom, he goes underground to live with his new family and join the ongoing fight against their enemies, the Vitflys. The world Thompson creates is so real, so detailed, and so original that I never once questioned it. Same goes for the creatures -- they're all so vividly described that I often forgot they hadn't existed in fairy tale lore before. I accepted the Wuftoom, the Vitflys, the Higgers, and the Mifties as easily as I would accept more well-known mythical creatures such as vampires or ghosts.

One of the things I loved best about this story was that I never knew what was going to happen. There were surprises around every turn, unpredictable character developments, and lots of tragedy. Another reviewer said that the ending is too convenient, tied up in a neat little bow. I actually found the opposite to be true. The end was satisfying, but it was deeply sad, too. Sacrifices are made on almost every character's part. The story's ending was just as complicated and emotional as Evan's journey itself.

I would definitely recommend this book -- to kids or adults. It's an especially enjoying read if you're tired of reading recycled versions of the same stories all the time and are looking for something truly new.

[Bethany Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Evan’s mother believes that her son is suffering from a disease that doctors don’t know how to cure, but Evan knows the truth. He is slowly morphing from a boy in to a worm-like creature called a wuftoom. He knows this because another wuftoom has visited him and told him that when the transformation in complete, he will have to come and live underground with others of his kind. Evan is disgusted by the thought of it, but he knows that what the worm is saying is true. Then one night he is visited by another dark creature – a vitfly – who offers Evan an opportunity to feel human again. Because of his extreme sensitivity to sunlight, Evan hasn’t been able to leave his house for the past two years, so he takes the offer though he knows it could be a mistake. The device that the fly gives Evan allows him to enter the body of another human being , so Evan decides to enter Jordan – the most popular boy in his class at school. But the wuftoom find out what he is doing and force him to lead Jordan into the same trap that he fell into, the one that caused his transformation. Though Evan doesn’t want to do it, he feels he has no choice, and it isn’t long before Jordan begins to show the same signs of transformation as Evan except for him it is happening much more quickly. When Evan’s transformation is finally complete, he is taken into the underground world of the wuftoom and finds that he actually likes being a part of this family. However, the vitflies are still able to get into his mind, and they are trying to use Evan against the wuftoom – their enemies – by threatening to hurt his mother. Evan struggles to figure out where his allegiances lie – with his mother or with his new family.

This is a very bizarre book that will appeal to readers who enjoy stories of creepy crawly creatures who live in the dark. It will not appeal to readers to are squeamish or easily grossed out. Evan experiences a painful physical transformation throughout the book, but his internal character development is just as important. In the beginning, he is weak and powerless; he makes some decisions that will cause readers to question his morality. However, by the end of the book, he displays leadership and courage and a clearer understanding of who he really is. Though this book will not be for everyone (it is certainly not my usual cup of tea), readers looking for a change from the current trends in the horror/supernatural genre may find a welcome change here.

[Amy Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book that isn't quite like anything else, Wuftoomis an excellent choice. I have seen other reviewers compare it to Kafka's Metamorphosis, and it is similar in that the main character, Evan, transforms from a sixth grader into a giant worm---a Wuftoom. Another shared trait between Wuftoom and Metamorphosis: the ick factor. Readers with weak stomachs, consider yourselves warned. Evan's transformation is chronicled in painstaking detail complete with sights, sounds, textures, scents, and tastes. It gets really gross. While this may be a turn-off for some adult readers, the good news is this book should be a hit with the age 10 and up crowd.

While my husband wouldn't be suprised if I gave a book five stars on gross-out factor alone, the reality is, I just wouldn't do that. Sure, Wuftoom has some wonderful passages you can use to antagonize the ninnies in your household, but the story raises some interesting questions about what it means to belong, to be human, and to be a friend.

After Evan's transformation, two different night creatures propose offers to him in exchange for his loyalty. The viscious Vitflies promise not to harm his mother if he helps them defeat the Wuftoom. The Wuftoom can promise Evan long life and companionship even though he knows he will never completely fit in with them, and joining them means giving up life on the surface and living in the dark forever.

This is a terrific book, but be warned: once you start reading, it will be hard to stop.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

So I have to admit, I started this book very skeptical, as I don't read much in the way of young adult literature. I have to say, though, I ended the book quite impressed and I feel like this is a book that a lot of adults will enjoy just as much. It rather reminded me of Metamorphosis, actually.

Mary Thompson is an incredible writer who is very gifted at detail. Some of the descriptions verge on the grotesque, so some readers may want to beware. Keep in mind, though, the real emphasis is on the pain and torment that Evan is going through and those are the descriptions that are really gripping.

So if you're looking for a realistic portrayal of high school life, definitely look somewhere else, but if you're looking for a creative, dark and (definitely) unique book this is a good one. I would recommend it for readers 13 and over.

[Christina Hagmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a bizarre and creepy little story. Wuftoom tells the tale of Evan, a young boy, who has been sick for two years because he is transforming into a...worm. The humans don’t know what is wrong with him, but the mysterious creatures that live in the dark do. Evan is turning into a gooey, membrane covered, fanged, Wuftoom. And during his transformation, Evan is visited by the Wuftoom and their sworn enemies, the Vitflies. Both species make promises to Evan, but he doesn’t know who he should trust. Mary G. Thompson was able to create a wildly unique novel which managed to make me care about a society of creepy crawlers.

[Yami · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weird, summaries this novel in a word,
I though I am going to fall in love with this novel , but I was confused all the time, there was no twist ,there was no real closure, I got the point, and the idea was good but the construction was kinda weak, saying that the novel WAD unique, never read something like it before, and the protagonist is normal in a different way, I think it needed more pages more depth, more into it, and it ended as weirdly and is began, and am still confused, about what I just read...

[Stefanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

CREEEEEPY!!!!! A good change of pace from all the vampire and fariy tale novels for teens. However if you are afraid of creepy crawlies this is NOT the book for you. I didnt think I was going to like this book but it was well writen and really painted the picture of this other world with vivid description. I am hopeing that this book will gather a following so they can turn it into a series because there are some questions lingering.

[Morgan Ashleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The elements of fantasy and adventure in this book, combined with the reading level remind me of Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach, and John Connolly's The Book of Lost Things. I was a bit upset by the ending of the book. I felt that it was abrupt and cliche to have it end that way, and that there should have been a very detailed ending as the rest of the content of the book was not very descriptive.

[Clarinet · Rating 3 out of 5]

May 2015
Sure to be memorable, this is a coming-of-age story with a lot of fantastical yuck and whimsy. I would recommend this for kids 8-12, and for adults who would enjoy a parable on the puzzles present in conflicts of interest, loyalty, and love. A fast and easy read, a suspenseful adventure, the author keeps the plot simple and lovingly renders the world of the Wuftoom. Not a bad read.

[Ruby Tombstone Lives!]

What a shame Clarion Books couldn't apparently raise the vast sums of postage money needed to make their giveaway of a single book open to people outside of the US. Perhaps we should have a whip around for them?

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Thank you.

This was a really good book. Interesting story line. I cried during the end of the book. It was well written, and hard to put down.

[Leonca · Rating 5 out of 5]

For such a quick read, this story explores a diverse array of subjects- familial love, friendship, body horror, genocide. The world-building was very creative, and despite a fairly dark tone it carries a thread of humor and hopefulness that prevents the depressing aspects from weighing it down.

[Dystopian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very weird; I liked it. The descriptions almost put me off but they are hyperbole. It IS gross (they live in a sewer, after all) but it is not horrifying or anything.

But it did seem like half a story. I expect it is the first in a trilogy or some such.

[Kimathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't rate this book much lower than this since I never went past the first chapter. It was just to oddly written and I never got what was going on.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read for professional review.

[Phoenix Carvelli]

Review copy won on Goodreads.com on 4-4-12.

[Abriel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Creepy, but very well written.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this book! Perfectly squicky and heartwarming too.

[Alexa]

Dis book. I wants it.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was...OK. I could have left off reading at any point and not felt like I was missing anything. Interesting idea, but less than interesting execution.