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Night of the Wendigo
Four hundred years ago a Scottish cargo ship fell prey to a Wendigo at an early settlement on the Hudson River. Now a team of archaeologists have uncovered the boat, and let loose the evil.
Soon Manhattan is hit by an ice storm like no other. Besides the wind and ice, there is something else moving in the storm. Blue, cold things, with razor sharp teeth.
Soon Manhattan is hit by an ice storm like no other. Besides the wind and ice, there is something else moving in the storm. Blue, cold things, with razor sharp teeth.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
7 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
William Meikle
408 books1,849 followersI'm a Scottish writer, now living in Canada, with more than thirty novels published in the genre press and over 300 short story credits in thirteen countries.
My work has appeared in a number of professional anthologies and I have recent short story sales to NATURE Futures and Galaxy's Edge. When I'm not writing I play guitar, drink beer and dream of fortune and glory.
For an intro to me, my writing and my accent see my Youtube channel
My work has appeared in a number of professional anthologies and I have recent short story sales to NATURE Futures and Galaxy's Edge. When I'm not writing I play guitar, drink beer and dream of fortune and glory.
For an intro to me, my writing and my accent see my Youtube channel
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 6, 2017
Uh, yeah . . . this was cool and not what I thought but I loved it!
This is not your typical Wendigo story. I thought we would be off in the woods somewhere with said Wendigo hunting people and what not, but nope. There is more to it than that and there is more than one . . .
The story is still about the Native American myth, but with a little twist to it. And it happens in the city and it happens in the snow.
Some peeps found an old sunken boat when they was tearing down the boat dock to build another one. Then the archeologists came in to see what all had been found. They probably should have left well enough alone. Well, okay one person went stupid and did something that caused all kinds of crazy creepy and scary things. Isn't there always some idiot? Even smart people do stupid things!
A lot of people died! I won't say how because you need to tuck in and read it and get a good scare on. =)
My favorite characters were, Mike, Mina, Jackie, Jon and Old Tom. And there was this nameless man that I liked that didn't make it. Sucked. And some other people I liked that didn't make it.
I have to add that I love Winter (even though we don't really get one any more!) but this kind of Winter I would rather not be anywhere in the vicinity when it happens.
Anyway, I loved it, it was creepy good and I plan on reading more from this author. I love me some scary stories =)
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
This is not your typical Wendigo story. I thought we would be off in the woods somewhere with said Wendigo hunting people and what not, but nope. There is more to it than that and there is more than one . . .
The story is still about the Native American myth, but with a little twist to it. And it happens in the city and it happens in the snow.
Some peeps found an old sunken boat when they was tearing down the boat dock to build another one. Then the archeologists came in to see what all had been found. They probably should have left well enough alone. Well, okay one person went stupid and did something that caused all kinds of crazy creepy and scary things. Isn't there always some idiot? Even smart people do stupid things!
A lot of people died! I won't say how because you need to tuck in and read it and get a good scare on. =)
My favorite characters were, Mike, Mina, Jackie, Jon and Old Tom. And there was this nameless man that I liked that didn't make it. Sucked. And some other people I liked that didn't make it.
I have to add that I love Winter (even though we don't really get one any more!) but this kind of Winter I would rather not be anywhere in the vicinity when it happens.
Anyway, I loved it, it was creepy good and I plan on reading more from this author. I love me some scary stories =)
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
October 23, 2023
Brrrh! Cold!
This is the second Wendigo book I have read this past week. Wendigo, by Algernon Blackwood is a fantastic book filled with ice and snow, cold weather and freezing temperatures.
This book, Night of the Wendigo, is a great book filled with freezing weather and cold temperatures and ice and snow.
The myth is that the Wendigo is a magical creature that is called upon the world by a man. A man who feels that the world deserves a visit from the Wendigo.
In this story, Wendigo is a bringer of the cold. He brings the cold temperature to New York. He turns the whole city of Manhattan into a popsicle.
I don’t know what the cover art on the book is all about.
Four stars. ✨✨✨✨
This is the second Wendigo book I have read this past week. Wendigo, by Algernon Blackwood is a fantastic book filled with ice and snow, cold weather and freezing temperatures.
This book, Night of the Wendigo, is a great book filled with freezing weather and cold temperatures and ice and snow.
The myth is that the Wendigo is a magical creature that is called upon the world by a man. A man who feels that the world deserves a visit from the Wendigo.
In this story, Wendigo is a bringer of the cold. He brings the cold temperature to New York. He turns the whole city of Manhattan into a popsicle.
I don’t know what the cover art on the book is all about.
Four stars. ✨✨✨✨
October 31, 2017
Remember when being scared was fun? William Meikle does. NIGHT OF THE WENDIGO is a grand, old fashioned seasonal horror novel that delivers. In spades. Because, out there in the dark, as the snow falls and the wind howls, you'll believe that the wendigo walk. What more can you ask for?
August 24, 2016
This book wasn't what I expected at all.
Since Wendigos are from the north and because they are part of North American legend, I expected this story to take place in a small town or village. Wrong. It took place in Manhattan. I thought this would be about some mythical creature, (single), that terrorizes said town. Wrong. There's loads of them and it's still Manhattan. What's right? The characters are fun and compelling,( if maybe slightly cliche), there's humor, there's scary creatures, there's a mysterious journal, and some gory deaths.
In short, this was a super cool story to read. It starts off with a shot and it's gone.
I recommend this for fans of horror fun. See if you can hang on for the ride that is Night of the Wendigo!
Find this review and others like it www.Horrorafterdark.com
Since Wendigos are from the north and because they are part of North American legend, I expected this story to take place in a small town or village. Wrong. It took place in Manhattan. I thought this would be about some mythical creature, (single), that terrorizes said town. Wrong. There's loads of them and it's still Manhattan. What's right? The characters are fun and compelling,( if maybe slightly cliche), there's humor, there's scary creatures, there's a mysterious journal, and some gory deaths.
In short, this was a super cool story to read. It starts off with a shot and it's gone.
I recommend this for fans of horror fun. See if you can hang on for the ride that is Night of the Wendigo!
Find this review and others like it www.Horrorafterdark.com
April 12, 2014
William Meikle's NIGHT OF THE WENDIGO was a absolutely stunning read from start to finish! Meikle's characterization is (as usual) top notch. His atmospheric descriptions will have you "feeling" the intense cold and shivering from each of his intensely detailed scenes. The novel flowed with style throughout, making it EXTREMELY hard to put down even for a moment.
Meikle has taken the legendary Wendigo and created a story that is truly unique and incomparable to any others that I have read. I will be actively seeking out other novels/novellas from this author!
Highly recommended!
Meikle has taken the legendary Wendigo and created a story that is truly unique and incomparable to any others that I have read. I will be actively seeking out other novels/novellas from this author!
Highly recommended!
September 1, 2016
I won't even hint at what this was about but it's not what you think because spoiler spoiler spoiler spoiler. If you want classic horror ideas in an original tale, this may be what you're looking for.
July 15, 2014
Night of the Wendigo by William Meiklo
Opened, July 12, 2014. Closed, July 14, 2014
Recommended by Horror Club friends
Encouraged by author's Goodreads Q&A
WOW!! Just an amazing story and as usual the excellent characters with fine and dandy development. The story was a roller coaster of a read. Started out by giving a lot to anticipate and then just took off and I soon discovered I'd left my breath back at the ticket stand!!
One of my favorite parts of this story was the journal from the early 1600s. I love how people back in the day felt it was so important to bury their Christian brethren and without the proper burial the deceased could not complete their trip to every lasting life with the Almighty. Of course there were other interesting facts in the journals, but that one always amazes me.
The interaction between the characters brought the story to a level of believable reality. I could see all the characters clearly in my mind. Also the storms with all the effects were written so well. I practically got physically chilled a couple of times.
I gave this book 5 stars on Goodreads as I thought it was amazing. 4 Stars on Shelfari and amazon.com.
Recommended
Opened, July 12, 2014. Closed, July 14, 2014
Recommended by Horror Club friends
Encouraged by author's Goodreads Q&A
WOW!! Just an amazing story and as usual the excellent characters with fine and dandy development. The story was a roller coaster of a read. Started out by giving a lot to anticipate and then just took off and I soon discovered I'd left my breath back at the ticket stand!!
One of my favorite parts of this story was the journal from the early 1600s. I love how people back in the day felt it was so important to bury their Christian brethren and without the proper burial the deceased could not complete their trip to every lasting life with the Almighty. Of course there were other interesting facts in the journals, but that one always amazes me.
The interaction between the characters brought the story to a level of believable reality. I could see all the characters clearly in my mind. Also the storms with all the effects were written so well. I practically got physically chilled a couple of times.
I gave this book 5 stars on Goodreads as I thought it was amazing. 4 Stars on Shelfari and amazon.com.
Recommended
October 27, 2014
A very interesting tale of the Wendigo legend. It wasn’t at all what I expected, but that isn’t a bad thing. I was geared up for a monster (on the cover) romp and this one went in a different direction. Not that there weren’t monsters, just not the ones I was expecting. Again…not a bad thing.
William Miekle knows how to tell a story. The plot line switched between an exploration vessels icy demise in 1605 and present time where a freak snow storm is taking over Manhattan. Now a small group of people must use the past to try and figure out if it holds the key to stopping the icy death from spreading and taking over.
Good writing and quick pacing along with killer Timberwolves and popsicle zombies. 4+ Stars! Highly Recommended.
William Miekle knows how to tell a story. The plot line switched between an exploration vessels icy demise in 1605 and present time where a freak snow storm is taking over Manhattan. Now a small group of people must use the past to try and figure out if it holds the key to stopping the icy death from spreading and taking over.
Good writing and quick pacing along with killer Timberwolves and popsicle zombies. 4+ Stars! Highly Recommended.
August 21, 2014
I honestly wanted to love this story. The mythological wendigo is a fascinating creature.
After an amazingly creepy and terrifying five-star prologue, the story goes downhill.
The story is predictable and if you know anything about zombies, there is absolutely nothing here that will surprise you. The only variation is the cold. But being predictable isn't a bad thing here. The characters are. It is possible that the nasty and completely unnecessary surprise near the end was there just to shock us out of boredom.
I think this book wants to be on a screen more than anything else. The individual stories are often interrupted by the news and extracts from various internet groups and forums.
People who are with someone or are alone end up with others whom we've been following in the course of the story. I liked the detective. The rest not so much and one in particular made me crazy. Just imagine a character who spends the whole freaking book either 'in a daze' or 'in shock', constantly being carried and saved by others, who causes death with their stupidity. Oh, and the witty banter was not witty at all.
I don't mind an occasional typo that much unless it cripples the story, but I do mind when authors can't make up their mind on the name of their character. The main characters here are the detective Mike, a forensic pathologist Mina, an anthropologist Jackie, a conspiracy/alien theorist Cole Barter and an old dock guard Tom. Cole became Doug twice at least. It is hardly a small mistake.
So why the rating? There are two reasons: zombies and I really enjoyed the historical parts of the book (extracts from a seventeen century journal). Those are great. The whole story is similar to Tim Curran's Toxic Shadows, but at least there the author
I really wanted to love this story.
After an amazingly creepy and terrifying five-star prologue, the story goes downhill.
The story is predictable and if you know anything about zombies, there is absolutely nothing here that will surprise you. The only variation is the cold. But being predictable isn't a bad thing here. The characters are. It is possible that the nasty and completely unnecessary surprise near the end was there just to shock us out of boredom.
I think this book wants to be on a screen more than anything else. The individual stories are often interrupted by the news and extracts from various internet groups and forums.
People who are with someone or are alone end up with others whom we've been following in the course of the story. I liked the detective. The rest not so much and one in particular made me crazy. Just imagine a character who spends the whole freaking book either 'in a daze' or 'in shock', constantly being carried and saved by others, who causes death with their stupidity. Oh, and the witty banter was not witty at all.
I don't mind an occasional typo that much unless it cripples the story, but I do mind when authors can't make up their mind on the name of their character. The main characters here are the detective Mike, a forensic pathologist Mina, an anthropologist Jackie, a conspiracy/alien theorist Cole Barter and an old dock guard Tom. Cole became Doug twice at least. It is hardly a small mistake.
So why the rating? There are two reasons: zombies and I really enjoyed the historical parts of the book (extracts from a seventeen century journal). Those are great. The whole story is similar to Tim Curran's Toxic Shadows, but at least there the author
I really wanted to love this story.
July 14, 2012
William Meikle is great fun as a storyteller, and so is "Night of the Wendigo." I was expecting a small sort of campfire story about a native American Indian legendary creature but this is much more than that. What starts as a monster romp turns quickly into much larger story. Seamlessly weaving an account of an encounter with a savage mythical creature contained in a 400 year old diary with a cataclysmic battle fought on the present day streets of New York provided this novel a very interesting depth. A wendigo is a terribly nasty demonic creature with powers to possess and animate the dead and even change the weather to suit its bidding and this story gets bigger as the threat grows. Great characters. Plenty of humor. And a plot structure that kept this story humming along at a great pace until the conclusion. Not subtle. Not literary. But quite a bit of fun if you like old fashioned horror novels like I do.
April 21, 2015
Oh my this was fun. I started it and finished in one day. Delightfully horrific, spinning along at speed, I appreciate that Meikle breaks some old tropes about who survives and who doesn't. I can see the movie in my head, with the right director handling the gusting blinding snow and spraying blood, it would be a great ride.
September 28, 2014
This was the first book I have read by this author and I was impressed.
Mike the cop, Mina his girlfriend, Jackie the archeologist, and Cole the reporter all end up trying to figure out what is happening to the world. People are freezing to death, there is a blizzard and a drastic drop in temperature, and of course ice zombies. I liked this different take on zombies.
Cole finds a journal that explains what happened in 1605, and from this the group figures out what is going on and how to stop it. Can they do it in time to save themselves and the world?
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes zombies or post apocalyptic books, or myths and legends.
4.5 stars for this one and I will be looking into reading more from this author.
Mike the cop, Mina his girlfriend, Jackie the archeologist, and Cole the reporter all end up trying to figure out what is happening to the world. People are freezing to death, there is a blizzard and a drastic drop in temperature, and of course ice zombies. I liked this different take on zombies.
Cole finds a journal that explains what happened in 1605, and from this the group figures out what is going on and how to stop it. Can they do it in time to save themselves and the world?
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes zombies or post apocalyptic books, or myths and legends.
4.5 stars for this one and I will be looking into reading more from this author.
August 2, 2018
Really enjoyable horror tale. I believe this was based on a short story that Mr. Meikle wrote (or vice versa?) and I enjoyed that story as well.
One thing cool about it that other reviews have mentioned is he set this story right in Manhattan even though you'd think a Wendigo tale would be in the woods somewhere. There was one part that annoyed me (without spoilers, one character caused the death of another for a pretty stupid reason) but that was just part of the story and not what I'd call a flaw. Also, some of the story seemed more like zombies then wendigos but that didn't make it less entertaining.
Overall a good horror read, reminding me of the horror novels of the 80s (you know, the trashy ones that seemed to always have a skull or skeleton on the cover?) which I have a soft spot for. This one is worth a read for horror fans.
One thing cool about it that other reviews have mentioned is he set this story right in Manhattan even though you'd think a Wendigo tale would be in the woods somewhere. There was one part that annoyed me (without spoilers, one character caused the death of another for a pretty stupid reason) but that was just part of the story and not what I'd call a flaw. Also, some of the story seemed more like zombies then wendigos but that didn't make it less entertaining.
Overall a good horror read, reminding me of the horror novels of the 80s (you know, the trashy ones that seemed to always have a skull or skeleton on the cover?) which I have a soft spot for. This one is worth a read for horror fans.
February 12, 2021
Wendigo Takes
“Night of the Wendigo” was fast paced and action packed, if sometimes predictable. My rating is really two and a half stars.
The writing that impressed me the most was the translations of the old sea captain’s journal. The language felt real and his tale via a long letter to his wife was maybe more captivating than the present day story.
The biggest downside for me was the almost nonexistent mythology about wendigos, and what tied the claim to the Manhattan land to the supernatural events taking place.
Still, as my search for wendigo-related horror goes, I am glad I read it.
“Night of the Wendigo” was fast paced and action packed, if sometimes predictable. My rating is really two and a half stars.
The writing that impressed me the most was the translations of the old sea captain’s journal. The language felt real and his tale via a long letter to his wife was maybe more captivating than the present day story.
The biggest downside for me was the almost nonexistent mythology about wendigos, and what tied the claim to the Manhattan land to the supernatural events taking place.
Still, as my search for wendigo-related horror goes, I am glad I read it.
March 16, 2016
Unexpectedly good!
I really did not have high expectations for this book. Why? I thought it would just be another regular spooky story about ghost like creatures. I am so glad I was wrong. This one grabbed me from the beginning with the frozen deaths of several workers on a dig. From then on, the deaths keep piling up and I was impressed with the storyline involving several different people who end up together in a fight for their lives. What they are fighting is what I really loved about the book. Frozen zombies are turning up everywhere and that's not the only thing these people have to deal with. Read this and enjoy! It even has a love story going on and some humor as a bonus.
I really did not have high expectations for this book. Why? I thought it would just be another regular spooky story about ghost like creatures. I am so glad I was wrong. This one grabbed me from the beginning with the frozen deaths of several workers on a dig. From then on, the deaths keep piling up and I was impressed with the storyline involving several different people who end up together in a fight for their lives. What they are fighting is what I really loved about the book. Frozen zombies are turning up everywhere and that's not the only thing these people have to deal with. Read this and enjoy! It even has a love story going on and some humor as a bonus.
October 17, 2015
When NY cop Detective Nick Kaminski gets involved in some bizarre and gruesome murders at Hunter’s Dock, New York little does he realise what is about to unfold. Author William Meikle blends horror, history and action into an unstoppable rollercoaster ride, creating a convincing portrayal of a major city under siege. As icy terror envelops New York Nick struggles to save the ones he loves and the city from becoming a frozen tomb. In conclusion Night of the Wendigo is another great B-Movie style novel for those wanting some literary escapism from the ever talented William Meikle. Enjoy.
March 19, 2017
Scary
Monsters from the past are uncovered and wreak havoc on the docks on New York.
I didn't want to put this story down. I had to find out what was going to happen next. It sure has a surprise ending.
Monsters from the past are uncovered and wreak havoc on the docks on New York.
I didn't want to put this story down. I had to find out what was going to happen next. It sure has a surprise ending.
September 9, 2014
Great fun. Meikle has nailed the literary equivalent of watching a horror film on a Friday night with a few beers. Highly recommended.
April 18, 2016
Chilly Read
A great horror story that keeps the reader engaged from page one with fun characters and a creepy plot. Definitely recommended.
A great horror story that keeps the reader engaged from page one with fun characters and a creepy plot. Definitely recommended.
September 20, 2016
Damn good read by Meikle again. The characters, although numerous, all worked well together and the side plots all worked well and complemented each other. Creepy too without being overly so.
June 9, 2023
William Meikle never fails to hit the spot and the Night of the Wendigo is no exception. B Movie Horror, yes! Absolutely shameless and therefore HUGE fun. Ice Zombies attack an early settlement in what will become New York and , you've guessed it, they return. A brilliant retake of Night of the Zombies, New York is thrown into disarray, people are eaten , frozen, turned and generally inconvenienced in a life changing manner. Drifts pile high and Zombie Wolves add to the chaos. Does all end well?.......................read it and see! After a gruelling work day, this is the antidote, someone , somewhere is always having a worse time than you!
April 24, 2019
Great horror tale.
As I have stated in earlier reviews, do a bit more research(More research into the SAS and military matters.) The eastern tribes of north America never wore a full headdress. Only the plains idians, Cheyenne, Cree, Apache, etc wore feathered head dresses. This may be a hold over from the Aztecs and Incas that used feathered head dresses.
Still, a great horror book. I am binge reading all of your material. My favorite is still "The greenand the black". This would be a great film only if it matched your book.
As I have stated in earlier reviews, do a bit more research(More research into the SAS and military matters.) The eastern tribes of north America never wore a full headdress. Only the plains idians, Cheyenne, Cree, Apache, etc wore feathered head dresses. This may be a hold over from the Aztecs and Incas that used feathered head dresses.
Still, a great horror book. I am binge reading all of your material. My favorite is still "The greenand the black". This would be a great film only if it matched your book.
November 29, 2018
Rating: 5/10
Pages: 280
Well, I mean I love a bad scary movie. We like to bet who will die first, and how. And man, this is really like one of those movies. I mean, people do dumb shit like look at a wall of ice in awe instead of running away. So it is kind of lovable and lives up to those expectations.
Kindle
Pages: 280
Well, I mean I love a bad scary movie. We like to bet who will die first, and how. And man, this is really like one of those movies. I mean, people do dumb shit like look at a wall of ice in awe instead of running away. So it is kind of lovable and lives up to those expectations.
Kindle
July 3, 2021
I would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a gratifying paranormal novels.
July 19, 2016
One star looks harsh, but it's the only option we are given for "Did not like" so there it is. There is nothing really wrong with the writing, it simply wasn't my kind of storytelling. From page one, there was an overwhelming sense that I was reading a script for another bombastic CGI-laden Hollywood action extravaganza...no, more like a 40 minute X-Files imitator on TV.
I hated some of the characters and couldn't stomach any more of the ridiculous female "toughs'" banter in the bar so I stopped reading having made it only one-third of the way through in spite of having paid full price for new copy.
I hated some of the characters and couldn't stomach any more of the ridiculous female "toughs'" banter in the bar so I stopped reading having made it only one-third of the way through in spite of having paid full price for new copy.
November 14, 2014
Always pleasantly surprised
I gave The Exiled a try, even though I am probably incredibly finicky and was impressed enough to read this one a chance. I had one quibble--a pretty big one-- in that the native shaman was wearing a Plains headdress. Since the story takes place in New York, it threw me out the story pretty hard, but in spite of this, it was entertaining. Meikle has a nice touch with characterization and dialogue. Probably not his best, and not quite as good as The Exiled--which I thought captured the flavor of modern Scotland, at least for this Yank--but still very enjoyable. And I found the mechanism of the supernatural disaster original and clever.
I gave The Exiled a try, even though I am probably incredibly finicky and was impressed enough to read this one a chance. I had one quibble--a pretty big one-- in that the native shaman was wearing a Plains headdress. Since the story takes place in New York, it threw me out the story pretty hard, but in spite of this, it was entertaining. Meikle has a nice touch with characterization and dialogue. Probably not his best, and not quite as good as The Exiled--which I thought captured the flavor of modern Scotland, at least for this Yank--but still very enjoyable. And I found the mechanism of the supernatural disaster original and clever.
August 1, 2015
My rating 3.5 stars
Aus Books & Reading
Aus Books & Reading
June 23, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this literary piece and had the pleasure of working on it with Crossroads Press. A must read! I have also read the following which are wonderful to add to your collection:
* The Dunfield Terror
* The Boathouse
* The Green and the Black
* The Dunfield Terror
* The Boathouse
* The Green and the Black
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews