Moonsick by Tom O'Donnell
Infection and Identity
I needed a day to sit with my thoughts before writing this review for Moonsick. It’s a compelling, fast-paced story with a brilliant premise, though it ultimately left me wanting just a little more. A solid 3 out of 5 stars.
The book is set in a world where a global werewolf outbreak is an established, terrifying reality. The rules are simple: get bitten, turn into a creature, and become prey for the uninfected. Society relies on rigid lockdown systems to separate the ‘haves’ (human) from the ‘have-nots’ (infected), immediately introducing a powerful theme of systemic division. Protagonist Heidi Mills is a high schooler whose life is overturned when intruders break into her house the night before her big party, exposing her to the virus. What follows is a rough and immediate introduction to a new reality, guided by an unexpected ally.
The most successful part of Moonsick is its commentary on modern epidemic narratives. It’s difficult not to draw parallels between the fictional outbreak and recent real-world events, giving the classic werewolf genre a fresh, timely angle. The novel explores steady themes of identity, fear, acceptance, and survival. Specifically, Heidi’s character arc is the strongest element. Her inner turmoil—the battle between her evolving feral instincts and her desire to cling to her humanity—is handled with nuance. The infection forces her to critically examine her life, her choices, and the people around her, driving genuine and meaningful growth.
As a YA horror novel with moderate blood and gore, the book largely succeeds, but some elements felt under-developed. While I appreciated the overall vision, the dialogue occasionally felt forced and pulled me out of the story. While younger readers may find the conversational style relatable, it didn’t always land cleanly for me. The world feels vast, and by the final page, the potential for further exploration is immense. The ending leaves several threads open, making me highly curious if this is intended to be the start of a series. If so, I’d be eager to return to this tense and compelling world.
