Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Groups Putnam for the ARC.

I picked this one up because I was intrigued by the "Succession meets horror" pitch of "Imagine if the Sackler family had a demon at their beck and call."

However, imagining is what you'll be doing while reading this -- because Katsu never bothers to flesh anything out beyond a surface level. All the Berisha children feel like unrealized archetypes, and we never learn enough about the evil "plottings" of the family to care. Tons of tell and don't show.

I never say this, especially about books I don't particularly enjoy, but this definitely could've been longer. Some scenes felt pulled straight from an outline. I think this could've been elevated by taking some time to establish more atmosphere and depth to the characters.

I wasn't a huge fan of The Hunger, but was willing to give Katsu another shot. After this, I think her style just isn't for me. HOWEVER, if you liked The Hunger you may enjoy this.

Alma Katsu’s upcoming horror novel, FIEND, was my most anticipated book of the year. Thank you @mbc_books for this gifted copy! Katsu is delivering a modern-day story for the first time, with the Berisha family taking center stage.

The Berisha family is an Albanian family that makes the Sacklers look like angels. The family runs an extremely lucrative import-export business and has evaded the law for as long as anyone can remember. The family just seems to have the most luck in the world and somehow their foes end up being…handled. The family includes three siblings—Darden, the oldest son and heir to the family business; Maris, the second born daughter who lives up to the family’s potential, but doesn’t have the “look” to run the family enterprise; and Nora, the youngest daughter who wishes the family business did more for a sustainable and equitable future. The three siblings’s parents are trophy wife Olga and Berisha family CEO Zef. Without going into detail, FIEND dives into what happens when the world’s luckiest family all of a sudden has to deal when their luck suddenly dries up.

I really enjoyed this book and it’s being called a combination of Succession meets The Fall of the House of Usher, and I truly agree with that sentiment! It takes a bit longer than you’d expect to get to the action, but I enjoyed the backstory and build-up. At first you may not think this story is horror related, but by the final act you’ll definitely see this book’s sinister side. A little on the short side, I only wish we had more! STARS: 4, PUB: 9/16

The Berisha family has a Protector, an entity that will come to their aid to make sure things turn out well for them. Most times that involves violence and things that no one really wants to see or talk about. This power has made them one of the world’s richest families. The power to summon the Protector lies with the patriarch Zef but he’s getting older and wants to pass things on to his son Darden. Except Darden doesn’t want the company and all that goes with it. He also doesn’t want an arranged marriage his parents are setting up for him. His sister Maris wants it all, except an arranged marriage, and can’t understand why her father doesn’t trust her. And other sister Nora wants the company, but she wants to give away most of its assets and change the whole bottom line. So the Berishas will fight it out and see who comes out on top with the aid of their protective fiend. It’s the ultimate toxic family on steroids and hard to put down. 4 1/2 stars!

“Imagine if the Sackler family had a demon at their beck and call.”
WOW. These are big words to live up to, and let me tell you, Alma Katsu has done it. This was my first book of hers, and I devoured it. Horror isn’t even in my top three as far as favorite genres go, so the fact that I loved it so much is a testament to her writing and the plot. I’ve read a few books about the evil Sackler family, and marketing made a bold move when invoking their name in the description—one that certainly paid off and got me to read a book out of my comfort zone. And the ending? Chef’s kiss.

This one was a fun time! It was pitched to me as "Succession/Dynasty but with a supernatural horror bent," and on that front it delivered. Katsu does a great job of painting out each member of this wealthy, corrupt family, and all of the complex interpersonal dynamics that go along with it. There was at least a few twists that got me GOOD, and overall I really enjoyed picking up this one over lunch/on the subway/etc. Lighter on the horror imo (in a good way! As someone who likes horror but doesn't want to be kept up at night with fear and/or disgust).

Thank you to the publisher for the eARC!

The cover is what drew me in. The book itself has a certain eerie feel to it. There were bits I enjoyed but I found myself myself struggling to push through. The author has a lot of potential but I think the execution needs a little adjustment. Overall, I don't think i'd snag this book. However, I think it's worth a read if you go into it with low expectations. It's not anything over the top or crazy in discovery but it's worth a read t least once.

I’m a big fan of how Alma Katsu builds up her stories and this one had a great build up and i didn’t dislike the execution. Only thing that bogs it down is predictability. I think with some more flesh it could be better. But! A good read for fans of Katsu

Title: Fiend
Author: Alma Katsu
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Release Date: September 16, 2025
Genre: Horror / Literary Fiction / Supernatural Thriller
Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.8)
Length: 239 Pages
Review by Ryan Thomas LaBee
Succession meets Supernatural in this tale of greed, dynastic rot, and the demons we inherit. With Fiend, Alma Katsu confidently steps into contemporary horror, crafting a blood-soaked corporate allegory wrapped in folklore, family trauma, and a quietly brooding supernatural presence. It’s ambitious, smartly built, and darkly stylish—though not without its flaws.
Thanks to G.P. Putnam’s Sons, the editor, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Fiend in exchange for an honest review.
At the center of the story is the Berisha family, a powerful Albanian-American dynasty whose wealth and survival are fueled by a chilling secret: a demonic entity, “the protector,” that grants generational prosperity in exchange for soul-level corruption. It’s an undeniably juicy premise, and Katsu leans into it with conviction, drawing from her extensive intelligence background and fascination with Balkan mythology.
The novel’s anchor is Maris Berisha—an overlooked daughter with ambition sharp enough to cut glass. Her arc, as she vies for power within the family and the entity itself, is captivating in concept but too often oversimplified in execution. She reads more like a character from prestige TV than a deeply lived-in protagonist, with emotional beats sometimes delivered in italics rather than action. Her brother Dardan, the moral compass, is saddled with too much indecision to be memorable, though his private struggles with legacy and duty offer needed contrast.
Still, Katsu succeeds where it counts: in mood and metaphor. The horror here is less about jump scares and more about the insidious nature of power—how it's passed down, protected, and justified. The protector, as an allegorical force, evokes everything from the opioid epidemic (Katsu directly cites the Sackler family as inspiration) to the unchecked greed of political dynasties. The real-life echoes hit hard, especially in light of Katsu’s intelligence and national security career. You can feel her anger beneath the page—and it works.
Prose-wise, Fiend walks the line between literary and commercial. It’s accessible, atmospheric, and often sharp, though sometimes weighed down by redundant internal monologue and overly explanatory dialogue. Scenes that should land with dread sometimes fizzle into melodrama. But when Katsu locks into her groove—especially in the novel’s colder, quieter horrors—she delivers.
From boardrooms to Balkan blood feuds, Fiend blends genres in a way that’s uniquely Katsu: a political horror novel with mythic bones. As Silvia Moreno-Garcia puts it, “Katsu ventures into contemporary horror with panache.” And Victor LaValle calls it what it is: “an amorality tale.” Just don’t expect a conventional horror novel—this one plays the long game.
Final Verdict:
Fiend is a razor-edged, slow-burn supernatural thriller about the darkness of dynastic power, both inherited and chosen. While the characters and pacing don’t always match the strength of its allegory, Alma Katsu delivers a stylish and timely horror novel that will resonate with fans of Mexican Gothic, Dopesick, and Succession. It’s imperfect—but bold, relevant, and worth the ride.
Recommended for readers who enjoy:
Corporate horror with supernatural stakes


Literary thrillers with mythological undercurrents

Stories about toxic legacies and blood-bound curses

Political horror with sharp allegory

Authors like Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Victor LaValle, and Catriona Ward

**ARC Review
Pub date: Sept 16, 2025

Fiend gave me strong Fall of the House of Usher vibes—moody, and dripping with dread. While the atmosphere was compelling and the premise intriguing, the execution felt a bit hollow. Something essential was missing—perhaps a deeper emotional connection or more fully realized characters. It was fine, enjoyable enough, but ultimately didn’t leave a lasting impression.

If you loved The Fall of the House of Usher on Netflix, Fiend by Alma Katsu should be your next read. The story follows the Berisha family and their import business – one of the wealthiest and most powerful in the world. They always get their way, whether it be through a strong business acumen, or use of the family blessing: a demon…or is it a curse?

Fiend is a fast-paced horror/thriller, perfect for those who like families that aren’t afraid to cross one another. Similar to Succession, none of the characters are particularly likeable, but that doesn’t make this an unenjoyable read. I would have liked a bit more family lore and character development, but perhaps that could be reserved for a prequel? Plus, the ending adds some twists you didn’t see coming. Recommended!

I was so excited to receive this book in an advanced reader copy! Thank you to netgalley for proving me to read this book!

I absolutely devoured the story! It was so good and so captivating! I was on the edge of my seat! So so so good!!!!

I didnt like this book. It was a tough one for me to get into not knowing this authors style. I did try and just put it down as a DNF.

Fiend by Alma Katsu is a chilling exploration of a family's dark secrets and the supernatural forces that bind them. Set in a decaying mansion, the story follows Marisa, who uncovers disturbing truths about her family's history and their connection to a malevolent entity. Katsu masterfully blends psychological horror with elements of gothic fiction, creating an atmosphere of tension and dread that permeates the narrative.

The novel delves into themes of power, corruption, and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their legacy. Katsu's prose is evocative, drawing readers into a world where the line between reality and the supernatural blurs. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for a slow build of suspense that culminates in a haunting conclusion.

While Fiend is a compelling read, some readers may find the pacing slow at times, and the complex family dynamics can be challenging to navigate. However, for those who appreciate atmospheric horror with deep psychological undertones, Fiend offers a rewarding experience.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

A HUGE thank you to Penguin and NetGalley. I was so excited to be approved for a copy of Alma Katsu’s latest book.

I loved the idea of the Sackler family if they had a demon in their employ.

It’s a very human story. A father incapable of affection, more devoted to business than his family. The chosen son, weary of his burden and longing for independence. The eldest daughter, as ruthless and capable as her father but not a son. The youngest daughter, readily forgotten, too soft hearted for her family’s world.

Katsu foreshadows the ending nicely. She drops breadcrumbs for you and makes you suspect but never spells it out. Minus the demon/protector, this could be any family in the .01%

I wanted a little bit more about the protector. I’m a sucker for fun twists on the ideas of Hell, demons, etc. so that’s me. Just 15% more for my imagination to play with.

The ambiguity and distance of the protector isn’t surprising. In her historical horror, there are whiffs of the supernatural but nothing explicit. It’s consistent with the idea that while there may be larger forces at work, the greatest evil is always human. We see it in history and we’re seeing it now.

The horror is mild so if you want to dip your toe in to the genre, Katsu is a great place to start. You’ll be unnerved and unsettled but not completely rattled. Highly recommend 5/5

Succession with demons!
My first time reading Alma Katsu and it didn't disappoint as a solid page turner.
The Berisha family have amassed an empire over decades, millions in the bank but not a lot of family love around the dinner table. But how have they stayed at the top? And how much longer can they escape fate?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and was hooked by this horrible family and their conniving ways. I did ultimate feel the books was a shade too thin; I wanted more from the family's empire, and more from the spectre at the heart of this. It's Succession-lite with ghosts, but I couldn't put it down.
Perfect for fans of Succession and Fall of the House of Usher.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Groups PUTNAM for the e-ARC.

‘Fiend’ was a modern day “be careful what you wish for” and “don’t bite off more than you can chew” type of story. The pace was quick without being unclear about what’s going on, the flashbacks left little tidbits to link everything in the end. The dynamic is exactly what you’d expect of a wealthy, powerful family with secrets to hide. Overall it was kind of like a modern ‘Fall of the House of Usher’.

Overall 3.5 ⭐️

What if the Roys from Succession got their power from a sinister 1000 year old curse? The Berisha family has held power and riches in their community for many generations, and the characters in Fiend are at once self-entitled and sympathetic. Even the most well-intentioned have blood on their hands, and Fiend was a page-turner from start to finish.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

The build up to the actual reveal of the main "monster" didn't really work for me, in certain instances the writing felt very strong, and in other parts it felt lagging.

This is still a book that I really want to read, it sounds intriguing and I will be picking it up when it releases. The formatting of the kindle copy was a little off so it kept pulling me out of the story.

Alma Katsu continues to prove she’s one of the most compelling voices in horror fiction. Known for weaving dread into historical settings, Katsu takes a bold step into the modern world with Fiend—and it absolutely works. This novel centers on a wealthy, influential family whose once-untouchable power begins to unravel, revealing the dark, supernatural source behind their success.

Katsu masterfully builds tension and unease, crafting a story that feels as psychologically chilling as it is emotionally resonant. Fiend is perfect for fans of Succession with a supernatural twist, the gothic despair of The Fall of the House of Usher, and the creeping dread found in The Haunting of Hill House. A contemporary horror novel that will leave you feeling haunted.