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Kobuk Valley
It Looks Like You in the Dark
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26It Looks Like You in the Dark is a propulsive, grab-you-by-the-throat, Indigenous horror debut, by Mathilda Zeller, that expertly blending folklore and supernatural chills to explore all the fearsome monsters that emerge when we turn our backs on the land and each other.
Tapeesa is newly out of high school and working in a fish processing plant in the Inupiat village, Chukchi, where she’s lived her whole life. Maybe that’s why people tend to assume she isn’t that bright―or maybe her mama is right and she does have bad blood. Either way, she knows the legend, and she knows the history. Her Ahna told her that the hungry creature―the kushtuka―appears to us in the form of someone we love. It will try to get us to follow it. Follow it where? Those who have gone no longer have throats to tell us.
The Kobuk River Valley of remote Alaska draws greedy white men time and time again. But whenever they come, death comes too. This time the white men are here for the long term, to create an open pit, a lead mine just north of the village. When her sister Esther goes missing, Tapeesa will do anything to get her back. Seeking justice, Tapeesa must track down the kidnapper in the darkening Arctic. What awaits beyond the warmth of her village is more horrible than she could imagine and closer to her than she knows
Tapeesa is newly out of high school and working in a fish processing plant in the Inupiat village, Chukchi, where she’s lived her whole life. Maybe that’s why people tend to assume she isn’t that bright―or maybe her mama is right and she does have bad blood. Either way, she knows the legend, and she knows the history. Her Ahna told her that the hungry creature―the kushtuka―appears to us in the form of someone we love. It will try to get us to follow it. Follow it where? Those who have gone no longer have throats to tell us.
The Kobuk River Valley of remote Alaska draws greedy white men time and time again. But whenever they come, death comes too. This time the white men are here for the long term, to create an open pit, a lead mine just north of the village. When her sister Esther goes missing, Tapeesa will do anything to get her back. Seeking justice, Tapeesa must track down the kidnapper in the darkening Arctic. What awaits beyond the warmth of her village is more horrible than she could imagine and closer to her than she knows
288 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 13, 2026
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July 6, 2026my eyes caught the words "folklore" and "horror" say less
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May 1, 2026ARC received! Thank you, Tor Nightfire!!
August 14, 2026
Thank you Nightfire for my free ARC of It Looks Like You in the Dark by Mathilda Zeller — out Oct 13!
» READ IF YOU «
❄️ want Alaskan folklore-driven dread you can actually feel
👤 are freaked out by a monster that wears a loved one's face
⚠️ love horror that doubles as commentary on colonial greed
» SYNOPSIS «
Tapeesa has just graduated high school, and she's working a fish cannery job while she figures out the shape of her future. She's tired of being underestimated by her own family and by everyone she knows—which is every inhabitant of the small Alaskan village of Chukchi. Tapeesa's Aana tells her the legend of the kushtuka, a creature that takes the form of someone you love to lure you away forever. And when a predatory mining company arrives and her sister goes missing, Tapeesa will find out just how real that legend might be.
» REVIEW «
The atmosphere in this one is RELENTLESS! Zeller writes the frozen Arctic and the isolation of Chukchi so realistically, and the folk horror elements are deliciously unsettling. I finished this book home alone, late at night, and spent a solid hour afterward jumping at eeeeevery creak and shadow. 10/10 for the atmosphere doing its job. And I mean, come on—a monster that takes on the guise of someone you love and trust has got to be one of the most effective horror premises out there, and Zeller wrings every bit of dread out of it.
Underneath the freaky folklore, there's some real political commentary too—the white miners encroaching on Chukchi gives the horror an added layer of rage that never feels heavy-handed, just true. Tapeesa is a great lead to carry all of it, easy to root for and so well-written as a young woman trying to figure out what to do with her life after high school. This was a fast and frightening debut that made me literally sleep with the lights on. Don't miss it!
» RATING «
❄️ I'm Shivering ❄️
» READ-A-LIKES «
• Never Whistle at Night edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr. (her short story "Kushtuka" is the opener)
• Man Made Monsters by Andrea L. Rogers
• Head Count (movie)
• The Mean Ones by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne
» READ IF YOU «
❄️ want Alaskan folklore-driven dread you can actually feel
👤 are freaked out by a monster that wears a loved one's face
⚠️ love horror that doubles as commentary on colonial greed
» SYNOPSIS «
Tapeesa has just graduated high school, and she's working a fish cannery job while she figures out the shape of her future. She's tired of being underestimated by her own family and by everyone she knows—which is every inhabitant of the small Alaskan village of Chukchi. Tapeesa's Aana tells her the legend of the kushtuka, a creature that takes the form of someone you love to lure you away forever. And when a predatory mining company arrives and her sister goes missing, Tapeesa will find out just how real that legend might be.
» REVIEW «
The atmosphere in this one is RELENTLESS! Zeller writes the frozen Arctic and the isolation of Chukchi so realistically, and the folk horror elements are deliciously unsettling. I finished this book home alone, late at night, and spent a solid hour afterward jumping at eeeeevery creak and shadow. 10/10 for the atmosphere doing its job. And I mean, come on—a monster that takes on the guise of someone you love and trust has got to be one of the most effective horror premises out there, and Zeller wrings every bit of dread out of it.
Underneath the freaky folklore, there's some real political commentary too—the white miners encroaching on Chukchi gives the horror an added layer of rage that never feels heavy-handed, just true. Tapeesa is a great lead to carry all of it, easy to root for and so well-written as a young woman trying to figure out what to do with her life after high school. This was a fast and frightening debut that made me literally sleep with the lights on. Don't miss it!
» RATING «
❄️ I'm Shivering ❄️
» READ-A-LIKES «
• Never Whistle at Night edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr. (her short story "Kushtuka" is the opener)
• Man Made Monsters by Andrea L. Rogers
• Head Count (movie)
• The Mean Ones by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne
April 30, 2026
I had the immense pleasure of meeting Mathilda Zeller in Cleveland at the GLIBA Spring Forum when I received this ARC. After hearing her discussion with Kyle Winkler, I was genuinely intrigued to read her book. I’m so grateful to have received this ARC and give it an honest review.
As someone who is just beginning to dip their toes into the horror genre, I appreciated Zeller’s work immensely. This story gripped my attention from the beginning and the pace never slowed. It was incredible how a relatively short book could induce such a number of conflicting emotions. Although this is a work of fiction, Zeller was capable of weaving some of the horrifying realities that indigenous people have and continue to face.
This was a solid 5 star read for me and I simply cannot wait to see what else Zeller writes next! If you want a fast-paced, thrilling, rage-inducing, educational story crafted with indigenous folklore — this is the book for you!
As someone who is just beginning to dip their toes into the horror genre, I appreciated Zeller’s work immensely. This story gripped my attention from the beginning and the pace never slowed. It was incredible how a relatively short book could induce such a number of conflicting emotions. Although this is a work of fiction, Zeller was capable of weaving some of the horrifying realities that indigenous people have and continue to face.
This was a solid 5 star read for me and I simply cannot wait to see what else Zeller writes next! If you want a fast-paced, thrilling, rage-inducing, educational story crafted with indigenous folklore — this is the book for you!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Advanced copy of this book provided in exchange for an honest review.
It Looks Like You in the Dark by Mathilda Zeller was beautiful.
This is a debut Indigenous horror novel full of Alaskan folklore, supernatural creepiness, anger, love, and overall, just so much heart. More than anything, this story felt like it had a soul.
We follow Tapeesa, a young Inupiat woman living in a remote Alaskan village where outsiders have once again come looking to take something from the land. At the same time, something much darker seems to be emerging around the village.
Tapeesa grew up hearing stories from her grandmother about the Kushtuka, a creature that can take the appearance of someone you love and try to lure you away. It’s the kind of folklore that feels terrifying on its own, but when Tapeesa starts sensing and seeing something dark, evil, and mysterious, people begin dying viciously, and then her own sister disappears, those stories suddenly feel a whole lot less like stories.
One of the strongest parts of the book for me was how quickly I became invested in these characters. They felt like actual people. Tapeesa’s love for her family, her boyfriend, her grandmother, her community, and especially her land comes through so strongly. There are characters you immediately love and others who genuinely piss you off, and I mean that as a compliment. The relationships felt messy, complicated, and real.
I also loved how naturally the horror worked its way into the story. You’re getting to know these people and their lives while, little by little, something starts feeling wrong. You get glimpses of what might be out there without immediately understanding it, and that uncertainty becomes one of the creepiest parts of the book. I was constantly questioning whether what was happening was supernatural, psychological, human, or somehow all of those things at once.
And the writing just flows. There were stretches where I genuinely forgot I was reading. It can almost feel poetic at times without becoming overly complicated, and Zeller does such a good job making you feel the emotion underneath everything.
The anger in particular hit hard. The treatment of the Indigenous characters and their land creates this boiling rage throughout the story, and even as an outside reader, you feel an echo of it.
The setting was another huge standout for me. Alaska never felt like a backdrop. The land, the isolation, the culture, and the history are part of the story itself. I also really enjoyed the Indigenous language and folklore woven throughout. It never felt like information being dropped in for the reader. It just felt like part of these characters' worlds.
This also never dragged for me. The mystery increases, the stakes get higher, and by the last part of the book I was basically tearing through it trying to figure out what the hell was happening. The horror gets genuinely creepy, but the emotional side of the story ended up hitting me just as hard.
The ending really worked for me too. The entire last stretch was emotional, intense, and satisfying, and I felt it was wrapped up just the way it needed to be.
If you like folklore, supernatural or creature horror, Indigenous horror, stories where the setting feels alive, and horror that also makes you care deeply about the characters, this book should absolutely be on your TBR!
An impressive debut, and definitely an author I’m keeping my eye on in the future!
It Looks Like You in the Dark by Mathilda Zeller was beautiful.
This is a debut Indigenous horror novel full of Alaskan folklore, supernatural creepiness, anger, love, and overall, just so much heart. More than anything, this story felt like it had a soul.
We follow Tapeesa, a young Inupiat woman living in a remote Alaskan village where outsiders have once again come looking to take something from the land. At the same time, something much darker seems to be emerging around the village.
Tapeesa grew up hearing stories from her grandmother about the Kushtuka, a creature that can take the appearance of someone you love and try to lure you away. It’s the kind of folklore that feels terrifying on its own, but when Tapeesa starts sensing and seeing something dark, evil, and mysterious, people begin dying viciously, and then her own sister disappears, those stories suddenly feel a whole lot less like stories.
One of the strongest parts of the book for me was how quickly I became invested in these characters. They felt like actual people. Tapeesa’s love for her family, her boyfriend, her grandmother, her community, and especially her land comes through so strongly. There are characters you immediately love and others who genuinely piss you off, and I mean that as a compliment. The relationships felt messy, complicated, and real.
I also loved how naturally the horror worked its way into the story. You’re getting to know these people and their lives while, little by little, something starts feeling wrong. You get glimpses of what might be out there without immediately understanding it, and that uncertainty becomes one of the creepiest parts of the book. I was constantly questioning whether what was happening was supernatural, psychological, human, or somehow all of those things at once.
And the writing just flows. There were stretches where I genuinely forgot I was reading. It can almost feel poetic at times without becoming overly complicated, and Zeller does such a good job making you feel the emotion underneath everything.
The anger in particular hit hard. The treatment of the Indigenous characters and their land creates this boiling rage throughout the story, and even as an outside reader, you feel an echo of it.
The setting was another huge standout for me. Alaska never felt like a backdrop. The land, the isolation, the culture, and the history are part of the story itself. I also really enjoyed the Indigenous language and folklore woven throughout. It never felt like information being dropped in for the reader. It just felt like part of these characters' worlds.
This also never dragged for me. The mystery increases, the stakes get higher, and by the last part of the book I was basically tearing through it trying to figure out what the hell was happening. The horror gets genuinely creepy, but the emotional side of the story ended up hitting me just as hard.
The ending really worked for me too. The entire last stretch was emotional, intense, and satisfying, and I felt it was wrapped up just the way it needed to be.
If you like folklore, supernatural or creature horror, Indigenous horror, stories where the setting feels alive, and horror that also makes you care deeply about the characters, this book should absolutely be on your TBR!
An impressive debut, and definitely an author I’m keeping my eye on in the future!
Review of advance copy received from Shelf Awareness Pro
Horror is not really my cup of tea, but I will read anything written by Native authors set in Native communities, so I decided to give this one a chance. It skewed much younger than I was expecting (definitely more YA than anything) although the characters are all over 18, and at first the story seemed to drag. I wasn't interested in the whiny ennui of a young woman who doesn't want to leave her community, and who is wary of the white people coming to mine for "rare earth minerals". As the story moves on I liked that the storyline went more in depth, with Tapeesa's grandmother encouraging her suck it up and leave the community long enough to get a degree, so that she can return better equipped to help them. I didn't fully agree with that, but I thought it was a nice homage to Native kids who leave their communities long enough to learn things to help them when they return.
Anyway Tapeesa's whining about her mother and her life comes to an end when mysterious things start happening shortly after the white people start infiltrating her people. She starts to see a terrifying figure in her windows, and she starts to be stalked by something that it not quite human, not quite animal. Then members of her tribe start being attacked. And then Tapeesa's beloved younger sister disappears.
This story incorporates a lot of Inuit legends within it. It talks a bit about the danger women in Native communities face when they are the targets of white men, and a bit about the danger everyone is in when precious metals are said to be found on their lands. It talks a bit about Tapeesa's determination to help her people even she has no idea how to go about it. However, for all the sprinkling of interesting ideas into the story, there really isn't much there. I found the characters flat, or unrealistically hysterical. There is a LOT of hinting about Tapeesa's past that never becomes part of the wider story. (It was annoying to get to the end of this book and realize that it was never going to be addressed.) I also found the community surprisingly unrealistic. It seemed incredibly boring, and unsupportive. I wish this had been leaned into more -- some Native communities are horrifyingly corrupt and insular, but this one just seemed completely disinterested in what their people were doing.
So, pretty boring, but I did like another horror story from a Native author, and I think there are a lot of people out there who will like this.
Anyway Tapeesa's whining about her mother and her life comes to an end when mysterious things start happening shortly after the white people start infiltrating her people. She starts to see a terrifying figure in her windows, and she starts to be stalked by something that it not quite human, not quite animal. Then members of her tribe start being attacked. And then Tapeesa's beloved younger sister disappears.
This story incorporates a lot of Inuit legends within it. It talks a bit about the danger women in Native communities face when they are the targets of white men, and a bit about the danger everyone is in when precious metals are said to be found on their lands. It talks a bit about Tapeesa's determination to help her people even she has no idea how to go about it. However, for all the sprinkling of interesting ideas into the story, there really isn't much there. I found the characters flat, or unrealistically hysterical. There is a LOT of hinting about Tapeesa's past that never becomes part of the wider story. (It was annoying to get to the end of this book and realize that it was never going to be addressed.) I also found the community surprisingly unrealistic. It seemed incredibly boring, and unsupportive. I wish this had been leaned into more -- some Native communities are horrifyingly corrupt and insular, but this one just seemed completely disinterested in what their people were doing.
So, pretty boring, but I did like another horror story from a Native author, and I think there are a lot of people out there who will like this.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
It Looks Like You in the Dark by Mathilda Zeller is about a small Native village being haunted by a supernatural force.
In the small Iñupiat village of Chucki, there are not many opportunities for the people who live there. Very few can leave and make something of themselves.
Tapeesa recently graduated from high school and started working at the local fish processing plant. People assume she isn't as smart as her sister, Esther, or that she has "bad blood," as her mother claims. Tapeesa is familiar with the local legend of the Kushtuka, a hungry creature that appears in the form of someone you love to lure you into following it. No one knows exactly what happens to those who follow the Kushtuka because no one has ever returned alive.
In the nearby Kobuk River Valley, greedy outsiders repeatedly arrive in search of riches. However, whenever they come, death seems to follow. Most recently, a group of men arrived by plane and began digging an open-pit mine for rare minerals north of the village. Shortly afterward, Esther goes missing, and Tapeesa is desperate to bring her home. Willing to travel to the ends of the earth, she sets out to find her sister. Along the way, Tapeesa uncovers dark secrets that threaten everything she knows. Will she be able to find Esther before it's too late?
I thought the book was an okay read. It was a bit of a slow burn, and I found it fairly predictable. It had a few creepy moments, but the horror elements were fairly mild. I wish the author had included translations for some of the Iñupiaq words and phrases. I really enjoyed the folklore aspects of the story, and I would have loved a glossary with more information about the legends or a list of recommended books for readers who wanted to learn more.
In the small Iñupiat village of Chucki, there are not many opportunities for the people who live there. Very few can leave and make something of themselves.
Tapeesa recently graduated from high school and started working at the local fish processing plant. People assume she isn't as smart as her sister, Esther, or that she has "bad blood," as her mother claims. Tapeesa is familiar with the local legend of the Kushtuka, a hungry creature that appears in the form of someone you love to lure you into following it. No one knows exactly what happens to those who follow the Kushtuka because no one has ever returned alive.
In the nearby Kobuk River Valley, greedy outsiders repeatedly arrive in search of riches. However, whenever they come, death seems to follow. Most recently, a group of men arrived by plane and began digging an open-pit mine for rare minerals north of the village. Shortly afterward, Esther goes missing, and Tapeesa is desperate to bring her home. Willing to travel to the ends of the earth, she sets out to find her sister. Along the way, Tapeesa uncovers dark secrets that threaten everything she knows. Will she be able to find Esther before it's too late?
I thought the book was an okay read. It was a bit of a slow burn, and I found it fairly predictable. It had a few creepy moments, but the horror elements were fairly mild. I wish the author had included translations for some of the Iñupiaq words and phrases. I really enjoyed the folklore aspects of the story, and I would have loved a glossary with more information about the legends or a list of recommended books for readers who wanted to learn more.
September 7, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for the eARC.
Tapeesa is a 19 year old living in a village, Chukchi. While she enjoys her life and sticking close to her loved ones, people always tell her to leave, go study, come back and be the boss. She has the ability, she just doesn’t know what path to follow. Then the white men come to her village, intent on reopening their mines to look for rare minerals. What they don’t know is how local lore persists in this part of the land, and their disrespect and ignorance will eventually bring about their downfall.
I’m not very familiar with indigenous stories in general, but im making it a point to find as many as possible and read up on them. This one was truly fantastic. The characters were very diverse, not just race wise but also personality wise. Everyone has their ways, and it’s absolutely amazing to see how they come together and work together. I learned so much and it really opens up your eyes to worlds and places different from your own.
Plot wise, it was pretty clear from the get go who the bad guys were (at least human wise). They’re as you’d expect: arrogant, prejudiced, and extremely annoying for the most part. The horror involving local legend though is a whole different beast. It’s unpredictable, and it’s fierce. The ending was a bit chaotic and I kind of got a little lost with the action scenes, but it doesn’t take away from my overall enjoyment.
Tapeesa is a 19 year old living in a village, Chukchi. While she enjoys her life and sticking close to her loved ones, people always tell her to leave, go study, come back and be the boss. She has the ability, she just doesn’t know what path to follow. Then the white men come to her village, intent on reopening their mines to look for rare minerals. What they don’t know is how local lore persists in this part of the land, and their disrespect and ignorance will eventually bring about their downfall.
I’m not very familiar with indigenous stories in general, but im making it a point to find as many as possible and read up on them. This one was truly fantastic. The characters were very diverse, not just race wise but also personality wise. Everyone has their ways, and it’s absolutely amazing to see how they come together and work together. I learned so much and it really opens up your eyes to worlds and places different from your own.
Plot wise, it was pretty clear from the get go who the bad guys were (at least human wise). They’re as you’d expect: arrogant, prejudiced, and extremely annoying for the most part. The horror involving local legend though is a whole different beast. It’s unpredictable, and it’s fierce. The ending was a bit chaotic and I kind of got a little lost with the action scenes, but it doesn’t take away from my overall enjoyment.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It Looks Like You in the Dark by Mathilda Zeller does a great job of telling a horror story that is rooted in Native Alaskan folklore and everyday life for people living in small native communities. I was excited to read this book when I read the description on NetGalley (thank you for the advanced reader copy btw!) because it had 3 things I love:
1) horror
2) Indigenous representation by an Indigenous author
3) not 500+ pages long
I was totally unaware that Mathilda Zeller was the author of the short story "Kushtuka" in the horror anthology Never Whistle at Night, even though her story was one that stuck with me the longest. It Looks Like You in the Dark seems to be the novel length adaptation of that short story or at least inspired by it.
Though it is a horror story, the part of the book that I loved the most was the more mundane parts. Tapeesa really shone as the main character and the realistic way she navigates her relationships with her family members, Pana, the other people in Chukchi, and the village politics. Mathilda Zeller did a good job of establishing those relationships and bringing the village to life in a way that really worked to enhance the supernatural horror and the real life horror of missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Thank you NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for an advance reader copy!
1) horror
2) Indigenous representation by an Indigenous author
3) not 500+ pages long
I was totally unaware that Mathilda Zeller was the author of the short story "Kushtuka" in the horror anthology Never Whistle at Night, even though her story was one that stuck with me the longest. It Looks Like You in the Dark seems to be the novel length adaptation of that short story or at least inspired by it.
Though it is a horror story, the part of the book that I loved the most was the more mundane parts. Tapeesa really shone as the main character and the realistic way she navigates her relationships with her family members, Pana, the other people in Chukchi, and the village politics. Mathilda Zeller did a good job of establishing those relationships and bringing the village to life in a way that really worked to enhance the supernatural horror and the real life horror of missing and murdered Indigenous women.
Thank you NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for an advance reader copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tapeesa lives in the Indigenous village of Chukchi, Alaska in the Kobuk River Valley. Nothing is more important to her than her sister and her community. When the white men move in again to reopen the lead mine, she feels history is repeating itself and devastation will come for her people. The gruesome death of a local is written off as wolves but Tapeesa knows the legends and knows it is the Kushtuka, a creature of lore who appears as a loved one as it tries to get you to follow before taking your throat. When her sister Esther goes missing, she will do anything to bring her back including accepting help from the untrust worthy man in charge of the mine. This might be the biggest mistake of her life.
Starting on page one, I was mesmerized by this book ! The rage I felt while reading this book was almost uncontrollable and I was cheering for more bloodshed. The story touches on aspects of racism, colonialism and misogyny. The folklore elements are so essential to the story and absolutely captivating. The cold, dark and isolated environment brought a different level of horror to the book. I really love this book and highly recommend it to any and all horror readers.
Thank you NetGalley for the early copy of this book for my honest review.
Starting on page one, I was mesmerized by this book ! The rage I felt while reading this book was almost uncontrollable and I was cheering for more bloodshed. The story touches on aspects of racism, colonialism and misogyny. The folklore elements are so essential to the story and absolutely captivating. The cold, dark and isolated environment brought a different level of horror to the book. I really love this book and highly recommend it to any and all horror readers.
Thank you NetGalley for the early copy of this book for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely loved this book! Here's my full review:
This book is an indigenous horror that takes place in the farthest and most isolated reaches of Alaska. Tapeesa and the rest of her community are just trying to get by in the harsh conditions and isolation they live with every day. Their lives change when a company decides to reopen the local mine that had previously brought sickness and death to their community. Though their leader, Hank, tries to involve himself in the community, Tapeesa and her friends/family feel there is something darker lurking under his motives. Additionally, there seems to be a monster out in the dark that looks a little too much like herself.
This book had me staying up late to keep reading. The combination of terror from the white invaders and the supernatural creature leaves you wondering who is causing what destruction. There was great character development and a plot that moved quickly, but still had time to make you feel like knew all the villagers. I thought this book was great, a loved the author's short story in Never Whistle at Night, and I can't wait to see what they do next.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an early ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is an indigenous horror that takes place in the farthest and most isolated reaches of Alaska. Tapeesa and the rest of her community are just trying to get by in the harsh conditions and isolation they live with every day. Their lives change when a company decides to reopen the local mine that had previously brought sickness and death to their community. Though their leader, Hank, tries to involve himself in the community, Tapeesa and her friends/family feel there is something darker lurking under his motives. Additionally, there seems to be a monster out in the dark that looks a little too much like herself.
This book had me staying up late to keep reading. The combination of terror from the white invaders and the supernatural creature leaves you wondering who is causing what destruction. There was great character development and a plot that moved quickly, but still had time to make you feel like knew all the villagers. I thought this book was great, a loved the author's short story in Never Whistle at Night, and I can't wait to see what they do next.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an early ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5
Set in a remote Iñupiat village in Alaska, it follows Tapeesa after her sister goes missing while the community is dealing with the arrival of a mining company. As Tapeesa searches for her, the line between the dangers coming from the outside world and something much more sinister becomes harder to see.
I really liked how the horror wasn't limited to the supernatural. There is a constant feeling of unease surrounding the mine, the outsiders, the history of what has happened to the community, and the damage being done to the land. Then you add the kushtuka into the mix, and suddenly you don't know who or what you can trust.
The folklore was one of my favourite parts, and the idea of a creature taking the appearance of someone you love was creepy. I also thought Tapeesa was a great character to follow because her determination to find her sister kept the story moving while still giving me time to understand her connection to her community.
I thought it was a dark, atmospheric, and unsettling debut that blends Indigenous folklore with environmental and colonial horror well.
Thank you Tor Nightfire Mathilda Zeller & NetGalley for the #gifted earc. All opinions are my own.
Set in a remote Iñupiat village in Alaska, it follows Tapeesa after her sister goes missing while the community is dealing with the arrival of a mining company. As Tapeesa searches for her, the line between the dangers coming from the outside world and something much more sinister becomes harder to see.
I really liked how the horror wasn't limited to the supernatural. There is a constant feeling of unease surrounding the mine, the outsiders, the history of what has happened to the community, and the damage being done to the land. Then you add the kushtuka into the mix, and suddenly you don't know who or what you can trust.
The folklore was one of my favourite parts, and the idea of a creature taking the appearance of someone you love was creepy. I also thought Tapeesa was a great character to follow because her determination to find her sister kept the story moving while still giving me time to understand her connection to her community.
I thought it was a dark, atmospheric, and unsettling debut that blends Indigenous folklore with environmental and colonial horror well.
Thank you Tor Nightfire Mathilda Zeller & NetGalley for the #gifted earc. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I love my horror mixed with history and folklore. I have never read a horror book with Alaska as the setting, so this one really intrigued me. The story takes place by the Kobuk River, in a rural Iñupiaq village. Outsiders have come in to mine the area, trying to lure the villagers in with jobs and false smiles. A group of young adults are fighting the change, while running from a strange creature that appeared at the same time.
I was all about the Iñupiag folklore and tradition of this story. I’m familiar with throat singing, which I’ve actually been watching on You Tube for some time. I also knew that the people ate seals and walruses, because of where they live. What I didn’t know what a Kushtuka is. Like a Wendigo, the Kushtuka is a shapeshifting creature. From what I gather in this story, it comes out when tension is high and picks off the enemy. The most frightening thing about it is that is can take the form of a loved one. Scary as hell!!
I don’t want to give too much away, but there is more to the story then the monster and the outsiders. It’s very well written and engaging, and I really love the main group of kids. I’m interested in learning more about their culture, and seeing them in more books.
I was all about the Iñupiag folklore and tradition of this story. I’m familiar with throat singing, which I’ve actually been watching on You Tube for some time. I also knew that the people ate seals and walruses, because of where they live. What I didn’t know what a Kushtuka is. Like a Wendigo, the Kushtuka is a shapeshifting creature. From what I gather in this story, it comes out when tension is high and picks off the enemy. The most frightening thing about it is that is can take the form of a loved one. Scary as hell!!
I don’t want to give too much away, but there is more to the story then the monster and the outsiders. It’s very well written and engaging, and I really love the main group of kids. I’m interested in learning more about their culture, and seeing them in more books.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It Looks Like You in the Dark follows Tapeesa and her friends as a new lead mine is being developed north of their village. When her sister goes missing, and a hungry creature stalks the town, Tapeesa must track down her sister before its too late.
This was an entertaining horror! I can’t say I’ve read too many Indigenous horrors, but I will definitely be seeking more out. I loved the folklore and elements of their culture. It was super interesting and fun to learn more about. The setting was great. I love when horrors have isolated settings like this. It was super atmospheric and quite a fast read. It was a bit slow and I think I wanted a bit more horror, but it was still very good!
I really liked Tapeesa, she was a good main character that felt very realistic. Her decisions made sense and I enjoyed the ending. I loved her rage over the unfairness of everything. The author did a great job with the themes and conversations about indigenous peoples and white men coming and destroying their land and making them sick. It was a good read.
If you like Indigenous stories or horror, I’d definitely recommend it!
Thank you to Tor and Netgalley for the arc
This was an entertaining horror! I can’t say I’ve read too many Indigenous horrors, but I will definitely be seeking more out. I loved the folklore and elements of their culture. It was super interesting and fun to learn more about. The setting was great. I love when horrors have isolated settings like this. It was super atmospheric and quite a fast read. It was a bit slow and I think I wanted a bit more horror, but it was still very good!
I really liked Tapeesa, she was a good main character that felt very realistic. Her decisions made sense and I enjoyed the ending. I loved her rage over the unfairness of everything. The author did a great job with the themes and conversations about indigenous peoples and white men coming and destroying their land and making them sick. It was a good read.
If you like Indigenous stories or horror, I’d definitely recommend it!
Thank you to Tor and Netgalley for the arc
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It Looks Like You In The Dark has a lot to say, and it deserves your full attention. The pacing here is fast, the characters of the Chukchi community are complex and introduced to us quickly, and the action begins almost immediately. I never felt like pacing lagged, if anything I was bracing myself for the next jump scare (the scene in the kitchen comes to mind...) while furiously highlighting passages that were tremendously biting and sharply written. The feeling of fear in something recognizable, that something we feel we know can hurt us deeply, the themes of betrayal, exploitation, and colonialism are brilliantly woven into this story. I loved the interwoven pieces of folklore, especially the story of Tulugaq. Horror novels are scary, sure, but the BEST horror makes you feel something bigger, deeper, more than fear, and Zeller accomplishes that here indeed. I had the unique opportunity to read It Looks Like You In The Dark while in Alaska, and observing the erasure and homogenization of Indigenous cultures while reading left me with much to reflect upon. Thank you to Tor Nightfire and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and give my honest feedback!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Mathilda Zeller's horror debut is beautifully written, creepy, and emotional. There aren't many books that succeed in genuinely creeping me out, but her words have a way of weaseling their way into the edges of your mind.
Zeller manages to infuse the very real struggles of Indigenous communities (and in particular women) into this supernatural horror story that spans across time and history. Tapeesa makes for such a compelling and complex main character, and I also really loved her sister Esther. They are grappling with grief, their own places in the world, and the dangers seeping into their community. There is a visceral beauty in the wild, unbridled rage of women seeking justice and wanting more for themselves.
If I could rate this 6 stars, I would. I am not exaggerating when I say this might be my favorite read of the year. If this does not end up on bestseller lists, it will be criminal.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!
Zeller manages to infuse the very real struggles of Indigenous communities (and in particular women) into this supernatural horror story that spans across time and history. Tapeesa makes for such a compelling and complex main character, and I also really loved her sister Esther. They are grappling with grief, their own places in the world, and the dangers seeping into their community. There is a visceral beauty in the wild, unbridled rage of women seeking justice and wanting more for themselves.
If I could rate this 6 stars, I would. I am not exaggerating when I say this might be my favorite read of the year. If this does not end up on bestseller lists, it will be criminal.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a mid read for me. I really enjoyed the folklore, the mystery surrounding the disappearance of her sister, and the newcomers searching through the mine. However, I felt like the story was a bit slow paced, and unfortunately, the horror didn’t feel quite like horror to me.
There were definitely moments I loved, especially the creature stalking them and the scenes where they would wake up to its presence. The possession of Esther and the black, acid like substance she vomits up were also creepy and unsettling. 👀 But overall, it felt like not much was happening until the very end, and by the time everything came together, I found myself a little confused.
Also, their mother is an absolutely terrible woman. Gosh, I hated her. 😂
One thing I did really love, though, was her relationship with Pana. Their bond was so sweet, and I’m really happy they got the ending they deserved. ❤️
This was a mid read for me. I really enjoyed the folklore, the mystery surrounding the disappearance of her sister, and the newcomers searching through the mine. However, I felt like the story was a bit slow paced, and unfortunately, the horror didn’t feel quite like horror to me.
There were definitely moments I loved, especially the creature stalking them and the scenes where they would wake up to its presence. The possession of Esther and the black, acid like substance she vomits up were also creepy and unsettling. 👀 But overall, it felt like not much was happening until the very end, and by the time everything came together, I found myself a little confused.
Also, their mother is an absolutely terrible woman. Gosh, I hated her. 😂
One thing I did really love, though, was her relationship with Pana. Their bond was so sweet, and I’m really happy they got the ending they deserved. ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I recognized Mathilda Zeller as author of one of my favourite stories from Never Whistle At Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology. I was pleasantly surprised by how Zeller weaves beautifully the truly terrifying lore and storytelling tradition with the contemporary issues Indigenous women and youth deal with. I absolutely loved the different relationships explored within, all focused on the complexity of love and accountability to one’s community. I would recommend to my university students who want to explore contemporary Indigenous literature and the horror genre. Zeller does an excellent job of showing resistance against colonialism and misogyny throughout a well written narrative and distinct characters. I was swept away with the story, and I was very satisfied by the conclusion. I will look for other works by Zeller and if there is a sequel I will absolutely look forward to reading! Thank you to Mathilda Zeller, Tor Nightfire and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The first thing I did when I started reading this book was to do a little dive into the author. I wanted to know if she was from indigenous background and to see if I should read this as written with authenticity or cosplay. I'm happy to say that the author does have indigenous background and her culture and historical point of view really shine through in this book!
While a very effective horror story (and very, very creepy!), there are deeper themes here. Racism, colonization, and modern treatment of indigenous people all come into play.
And? A whole lot of very well deserved feminine rage!
I adored Tapeesa and her sister. I felt for their community - especially the frustration that comes with fighting against a society with money and power when you are poor and feel powerless. (Side note: Tapeesa's mother needs...things I won't say here. While I understand her background, I CANNOT with this woman.)
Excellent story!
While a very effective horror story (and very, very creepy!), there are deeper themes here. Racism, colonization, and modern treatment of indigenous people all come into play.
And? A whole lot of very well deserved feminine rage!
I adored Tapeesa and her sister. I felt for their community - especially the frustration that comes with fighting against a society with money and power when you are poor and feel powerless. (Side note: Tapeesa's mother needs...things I won't say here. While I understand her background, I CANNOT with this woman.)
Excellent story!
September 8, 2026
DNF @ 78%.
I couldn’t take it anymore. I thought I would finish this book despite my growing distaste, but honestly it just never got better and I was genuinely getting enraged.
It’s a shame because the first 30%-ish of this book was really interesting with Alaskan Native culture and the relationships among the locals as well as with white people throughout their history. But holy fuck the main character was fucking pathetic. Constantly trying to threaten people and saying she’d do this or that to get back at people who’d wronged her or her family, but NOT ONCE did she ever so much as stand up for herself or fight back in ANY meaningful way.
She was a complete doormat, a pushover, all talk and no action. Just so completely pathetic that I couldn’t fucking handle it anymore. PLEASE stop making female characters useless and passive and spineless. Fucking hell.
I couldn’t take it anymore. I thought I would finish this book despite my growing distaste, but honestly it just never got better and I was genuinely getting enraged.
It’s a shame because the first 30%-ish of this book was really interesting with Alaskan Native culture and the relationships among the locals as well as with white people throughout their history. But holy fuck the main character was fucking pathetic. Constantly trying to threaten people and saying she’d do this or that to get back at people who’d wronged her or her family, but NOT ONCE did she ever so much as stand up for herself or fight back in ANY meaningful way.
She was a complete doormat, a pushover, all talk and no action. Just so completely pathetic that I couldn’t fucking handle it anymore. PLEASE stop making female characters useless and passive and spineless. Fucking hell.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2026
Ok, wow, that was really good! Zellers writing is infused with emotion that you just can’t help getting caught up in. As a middle aged white man from the east coast, I don’t know much about indigenous Alaskan culture and mythology, but it was fun hearing the stories and having them infused with the plot of the book. I’m still on the fence about the role the Kushtukas actually played in the story, was it really them or was it Tapeesa and Esther? I mean, I guess for the plot to actually work, they need to be real but a lot of what happens point to them not being real, if that makes sense. Anyway, I’m sure it was just wolves…a very fun read!
(Oh, and by the way…seems like her mom is the real monster here)
(Oh, and by the way…seems like her mom is the real monster here)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Solid horror novel. I received an advanced reader copy from an Instagram giveaway and quite enjoyed it. The beginning is pretty slow but an interesting look at life in a remote Alaskan village for people of Inupiaq heritage.
I wish there was a glossary of Inupiaq terms. I had to guess the occasionally used words meanings based on context clues.
After the slow beginning the ending was great and moved a lot faster.
Don't expect a ton of supernatural elements here, that part is mostly in the background though it shows up regularly.
Would recommend, especially if you're interested in Alaskan folklore.
I wish there was a glossary of Inupiaq terms. I had to guess the occasionally used words meanings based on context clues.
After the slow beginning the ending was great and moved a lot faster.
Don't expect a ton of supernatural elements here, that part is mostly in the background though it shows up regularly.
Would recommend, especially if you're interested in Alaskan folklore.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Tor Nightfire and NetGalley for the e-ARC! (And to my friend Maggie for lending me the physical!)
4.7.5 stars! I adored Zeller's short story "Kushtuka" in the anthology Never Whistle at Night so when I heard it was being turned into a full-length novel, I was excited. And this didn't disappoint! I enjoyed the build-up to the events that take place to the short story because it made it so much more impactful than before. My only critique is that I think she could have taken the horrific descriptions a bit further, but overall, this is a tremendously solid debut! I can't wait to read more from her in the future.
4.7.5 stars! I adored Zeller's short story "Kushtuka" in the anthology Never Whistle at Night so when I heard it was being turned into a full-length novel, I was excited. And this didn't disappoint! I enjoyed the build-up to the events that take place to the short story because it made it so much more impactful than before. My only critique is that I think she could have taken the horrific descriptions a bit further, but overall, this is a tremendously solid debut! I can't wait to read more from her in the future.
August 21, 2026
It Looks Like You in the Dark by Mathilda Zeller is a wonderfully creepy and atmospheric read. There’s something especially unsettling about the way the story builds tension, gradually drawing you deeper into the mystery without giving everything away too quickly.
I really enjoyed the sense that there was always something lurking just beneath the surface. The characters were compelling, and I found myself wanting to keep reading to find out what was really going on. Zeller does a great job balancing suspense, psychological tension, and those unsettling moments.
Thank you to Mathilda Zeller and the publisher for the ARC.
Did Not Finish
August 28, 2026DNF at 21%. I love the Indigenous folklore, characters and overall atmosphere of this novel- but it’s reading a lot like a YA novel and I just can’t stay engaged.
The author writes beautifully- I think a lot of readers will enjoy this slow burn/heavy dialogue horror debut. I think this would be perfect for someone interested in trying out the horror genre as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for this advanced eARC copy in exchange for my honest review. Expected pub date: October 13, 2026.
The author writes beautifully- I think a lot of readers will enjoy this slow burn/heavy dialogue horror debut. I think this would be perfect for someone interested in trying out the horror genre as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Nightfire for this advanced eARC copy in exchange for my honest review. Expected pub date: October 13, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to be a close friend of Mathilda’s and receive this exceptional book ahead of time.
As someone who is *not* a fan of horror, I entered this book with trepidation and creeping anxiety. This book was well worth every ounce of terror it produced. Mathilda has a way of writing in which she blends the horror seamlessly into the narrative such that every goosebump and silent scream feels earned rather than forced. The exquisite blend of native Alaskan ancient folklore with a contemporary cast of compelling characters is worth more than one read!
As someone who is *not* a fan of horror, I entered this book with trepidation and creeping anxiety. This book was well worth every ounce of terror it produced. Mathilda has a way of writing in which she blends the horror seamlessly into the narrative such that every goosebump and silent scream feels earned rather than forced. The exquisite blend of native Alaskan ancient folklore with a contemporary cast of compelling characters is worth more than one read!
Review of advance copy
I received this Advance Reader Copy from our local bookstore, Rooted Books and Gifts.
I love horror books and this book is now one of my favorites?
The main character, Tapeesa, lives in a small town in Alaska. She grew up hearing all the native stories and legends.
Now that some people have come from the lower states to mine natural resources from the ground, Tapeesa realizes those stories have some truth to them as well as some very sharp teeth.
I love horror books and this book is now one of my favorites?
The main character, Tapeesa, lives in a small town in Alaska. She grew up hearing all the native stories and legends.
Now that some people have come from the lower states to mine natural resources from the ground, Tapeesa realizes those stories have some truth to them as well as some very sharp teeth.
August 7, 2026
Tapeesa lives in a remote Iñupiat village in the Kobuk River Valley that is prized for its mining, when her sister disappears and a deadly creature starts attacking the miners and villagers. Combining Indigenous folklore and supernatural horror, _It Looks Like You in the Dark_ has sympathetic characters and is an intensifying and foreboding read about colonization and hungry monsters seeking justice.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2026
Mathilda Zeller expands upon the ideas from her incredible short story "Kushtuka" in this debut novel about a small Alaskan village fighting back against extractive industry and corporate greed. On its face this story is exactly the type of thing I am most interested in, but I think Zeller relies too heavily on the themes to make up for what is lacking in the narrative structure. That being said, I loved the folklore elements and the atmosphere she creates in this book. It would be a great winter read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan for the eARC!
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
bleak & touching in equal measure, this is a suckerpunch of Arctic Horror. I loved the focus on community & relationships (with other people, stories, and the land) and of course, I ADORED when things got freaky & gory!!
Mathilda Zeller said CATHARSIS and followed through!! Heartbreaking, raw, tender. Loved it.
Mathilda Zeller said CATHARSIS and followed through!! Heartbreaking, raw, tender. Loved it.
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