
Member Reviews

With traces of The Purge, American Rapture, and the very real pandemic we live with every day - Moonsick is a fast paced adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
High school senior Heidi has her life turned upside down when she’s unexpectedly home during a break-in to her house - and winds up being infected by the werewolf plague that’s infected the world. Now on the other side of the looking glass, she has to come to terms with her new reality and decide what she really wants to do with her life - and not just do what is expected of her.
This book is perfect for anyone looking for a team drama/horror that immediately jumps into the plot and doesn’t let up until the last page. I found this book to be a fun, quick read that had me rooting for the werewolves in this story.
Told from both the perspectives of Heidi and one of the special forces police - called “dogcatchers” - who hunt these newfound werewolves. We’re given insight into how the world of this new pandemic works - from regular tests, to home security during the full moon, to those who hunt down the afflicted - as we, the reader, are forced to grapple with the question of who is actually the danger in this new world.
Left with an open-ended resolution that leaves us wanting to see how this world develops, this book makes us consider what impulses we shove down during our daily life - and what it would be like to let them loose.
A huge thank you to the author, Netgalley, and St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for providing me this review copy.

I would first like to thank NetGalley for an ARC of "Moonsick". This is a story that follows Heidi Mills during the end of her senior year amidst a werewolf pandemic. Heidi comes from a rich family, and since the pandemic began, the only ones truly "safe" are the rich who can afford top of the line security systems for keeping out the werewolves. She's always been perceived by her classmates as a goody-two-shoes, so one week she decides to skip her family vacation to throw the annual Senior Party. The party is planned to take place a few days after a supermoon, causing the infected population to be aggressive for longer. Cam has money problems. His mother was one of the first to be infected. Her quarantine location costs thousands of dollars a month, and working minimum wage jobs isn't going to pay for it. A friend tells him about the Mills' house that will be empty, and with the full moon security, they decide to break in and steal things to resell and make money. Unfortunately for both Heidi and Cam, everything that could go wrong will go wrong. This book is about the two of them navigating the changes together, and seeing the world from each other's perspectives.
I really wanted to like this book, and I did but it wasn't what I was hoping for. The pacing was very back-and-forth, where nothing happened for 5-6 chapters, and then the next chapter was so packed that a lot was lost or diminished by everything else happening. Another issue I had with this book was how it had a lot to say, and could've been an excellent critique of society during the COVID-19 pandemic/lockdown, but there was too much. It was saying a lot of nothing because it was trying to say so much.
Overall, it was a good short read, but I don't know that I would have gone out of my way to read it or that I'd recommend it. 3/5 Stars

4.25 stars 🌟
Moonsick follows eighteen year old Heidi as she navigates the last year of high school in a world that’s plagued by a virus turning people into werewolves. A robbery goes wrong and Heidi meets up with Cam, and they share a bond that’s held together by the changing world around them.
I really enjoyed this book! I read it in under two days, it was one of those books that was fast-paced and hard to put down. I would say the politics aspect of the story is very similar to The Monsters of Verity duology by V.E. Schwab (but with it’s own take on it!), which I liked. I do wish we got to see Heidi and Cam bond a little bit more throughout the book. I thought the characters were pretty interesting and based on the ending, I think this will be a series? I hope. If it is, I’ll definitely check the rest out!
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC!

I really wanted to love this book. But it was just so slow. I loved the story idea that played along the same lines of a pandemic outbreak. It was interesting, and I liked the characters. I wish there was more backstory on Heidi. I liked the change in personality that Heidi began having after she was infected. I wish there was a little more information about the werewolves and more descriptions. I also feel like there would be more people who are angry and able to change at will. I loved the ending and how Rhea got her own revenge against all the rich people pretending like they wanted to help those infected. I do hope there is a second book.

Thanks Netgalley for an ARC. I was drawn in by the unique twist on an epidemic. The way society treated werewolves in this book and the way Heidi handled herself really put a modern, and dare I say relatable, twist on the werewolf genre. I really loved this book.

"Moonsick" offers an intriguing premise and a wild ride, though it stumbles a bit in its landing. High school senior Heidi Mills, a portrait of privileged obliviousness, is all set to throw a massive party to celebrate the end of high school, blissfully unaware of the true terror of the full moon rising tonight. While her mansion’s lockdown system should keep her safe from the rampant worldwide werewolf epidemic, an unexpected home invasion forces her into the brutal reality of a post-pandemic world.
The setup is fantastic, brimming with satirical potential as Heidi's sheltered existence is horrifyingly shattered. The "Wes Craven meets The Purge" vibe is definitely present, creating a chaotic and often darkly intriguing atmosphere. Her reluctant alliance with one of the intruders, a mysterious boy, provides a compelling dynamic as they navigate the dangerous underbelly of society. The author excels at crafting suspense and building tension, promising a thrilling culmination to Heidi's forced awakening.
However, after a consistently engaging and well-paced build-up, the climax feels somewhat muted. The narrative, for all its escalating stakes, doesn't quite deliver the gut-punching, cathartic release one might expect. And the ending, while leaving room for further exploration, unfortunately lands on a rather abrupt cliffhanger. While this might be a deliberate choice for a potential sequel, it leaves the reader with a sense of wanting more resolution after such an immersive journey.
Despite these quibbles, "Moonsick" is a genuinely entertaining read. Its sharp wit, unique premise, and compelling characters make it a strong entry in the horror genre. It’s perfect for those who enjoy their scares with a side of social commentary and a healthy dose of gallows humor. Just be prepared for an ending that leaves you hanging. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Imagine your a senior in high school planning your last high school party before graduation, then you suddenly become a victim of a crime that changes you. Changes you into a werewolf. You have to hide it from your family and friends, not to mention the government who wants to lock you up. Moonsick by Tom O'Donnell is a stellar werewolf story. I can picture this as the next hit book turned into a movie. This is a must read for fans of YA horror.
Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books for the advanced copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Moonsick is a werewolf YA thriller, that gets right into the action from the very first chapter. We follow Heidi and get a snapshot of her life before the action gets kickstarted and we meet our male lead. The werewolf disease and the quarantine aspect was for sure a coronavirus comparison, but honestly I didn't mind it. While you could tell certain aspects were taken from it, it does not feel like a COVID book.
The multiple POVs were a welcome surprise, seeing from different parts of the life that exist in this world was incredibly well written.
Overall, I would say this book is a great read, it was easy to follow and full of twists and turns. I would love to see a sequel as the ending did leave me wanting more!

The werewolf virus hasn't really affected rich teen Heidi Mills, who lives in a gated community, until the full moon night while her parents are away and some burglars break in, unknowingly allowing in a werewolf. Now both Heidi and Cam, one of the burglars, are infected. Dodging roadblocks and testing sites, they are on the hunt for an elusive cure before the next full moon.
I loved the concept of this book, where instead of COVID people became werewolves. The world was well-thought out and the stakes were high. The story was full of action, making it a fast read. Where it lacked was characters I cared about. Heidi was presented as being selfish and fake, and while she did improve over the course of the story, it wasn't by much. Cam was never really developed as more than a kid from the bad side of town with a tragic backstory, serving as a potential love interest for Heidi. Heidi doesn't stand up to her controlling boyfriend until she has werewolf powers to physically challenge him, and she doesn't really stand up to her parents in a meaningful way, either - she just comes across as bratty. If you're not looking for anything too serious and you want to read a werewolf novel that's different from the usual paranormal romance, this is a fun read.

OMG I loved this horror debut! I was terrified and I was sad and I got angry. At first I didn't really like our privileged FMC but she grows up quick. I loved the jump scares and the ravaged world. I loved the tension throughout the journey. And sometimes the monsters you fear aren't the only bad guys.

I enjoyed the concept of this book and enjoyed reading it. I recommend it for anyone who enjoys a YA book about an epidemic of werewolves. It is an interesting and unique plot. I plan on buying the ebook when it comes out on kindle. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for letting me read this ARC!

Moonsick is an engaging and imaginative read that I think will really resonate with young adult readers. The plot was fast-paced and interesting, with a unique premise that kept me turning pages. I appreciated that the main characters had well-developed backstories—it made their choices feel grounded and believable.
That said, I found myself a bit confused about the setting. While it’s clear the story takes place in our world (or something close to it), I would’ve loved more detail on what exactly sets this version of the world apart. A bit more description around the setting and what makes it different could have helped anchor the story more clearly.
The side characters didn’t stand out as much and sometimes felt a bit flat, but they also didn’t distract from the central plot. In some ways, this helped keep the focus on the main characters. I also wish we had gotten Cam’s point of view—I think it would’ve added an extra layer of emotional depth and perspective to the narrative.
Overall, Moonsick is a solid YA sci-fi read that balances action and character development well. Perfect for teens who enjoy stories with high stakes, a touch of mystery, and a look into how past experiences shape who we become.

Oh, I liked this. This story felt very original and exciting to me. I'm a big fan of the supernatural genre and this was a more modern fresh take on 'werewolf-ism'. I did not miss the relation to the coronavirus... which I personally thought was clever.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and want to say thank you to them and St. Martins Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
5 Stars from me! Heidi is a snotty entitled senior in high school and gets a very rude awakening on the full moon. I was not expecting action from the start but there it was! I made a comment 5 chapters in that I was addicted and already hooked with just the first few pages. I enjoyed watching Heidi and Cam grow closer through their shared trauma. and then overcoming the main challenge at the end of the book.
Curious if there may be a second book following along with Officer Erik and his new life. The ending made it sound like he may be on the hunt and I would love a second book in this world!

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book in exchange of an honest review
Moonsick is a modern day take on werewolfs and current climates. Seen as an epidemic, times are dire where the infected are taken and the world is strictly patrolled.
Our team main characters seem to be complete opposites, but there is instantly a 'click' between them that sets the pace and keeps things enteratining and engaging. I wasn't sure where things where going at first but once the two seemed to interact, it all started to flow seamlessly.
I really enjoyed the way the story took shape and how current it felt. It had a strong realistic take on how things like this would happen in the real world and nothing ever felt too outlandish or unbelievable.
Likeable characters and overall engaging story. Would recommend !

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was a super fun read for me. Story had you hooked within the first couple of chapters and didn’t want to put it down. Well told coming of age story werewolves style. Was also relatable when it came to the pandemic. Would recommend and looking forward to buying the book when it comes out to add to my shelves.

This book was a lot of fun, but it does get off to a rocky, Purge-esque start that sort of throws the reader into the action a bit too fast.
Once that was over though, I settled in for an enjoyable ride. I loved the idea of the werewolf virus pandemic and how society has adjusted to adapt to that new reality. (Would it be so easy to take these predators out if they immediately reverted to their human form upon death?)
I thought both Heidi and Cam were cool characters, thrown together by a crazy incident and forced on the run together. It gave their relationship a natural arc for development and helped us contrast how they both dealt with their new situation.
The book really focuses on Heidi's character and I liked having a front row seat to the both metaphorical and realistic journey of her tapping into her rage and claiming her own identity separate from her wealthy parents. I also enjoyed "The Bitch" as both a mentor figure and a potential villain.
Overall, this was a great read. I'd be down for a sequel. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

This one was a bit of a struggle for me. “Moonsick” follows a high school senior in a toxic relationship, but she doesn’t really realize how bad it is until the very end—which made it kind of hard to buy into emotionally. It’s also about a werewolf epidemic (yes, really), and she’s slowly turning into one herself, which adds a cool supernatural layer, but it takes a while to get there.
The first half of the book felt really dry, and I had a tough time connecting with the characters. Teen behavior and dialogue can be tricky to get right, and here it didn’t always feel natural or believable. The idea behind the story is solid—especially the way it ties emotional abuse to transformation—but the execution didn’t quite work for me.
Overall, it had potential, but I just couldn’t fully get into it.
Thank You NetGalley and the Publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. Of course, all opinions are my own.

This was a good book but it wasn't my cup of tea. The writing was good and the story flowed well, it just wasn't for me.

Heidi is a high school senior who just wants to get into Harvard with her boyfriend and leave the microscope of her mother. It's the last few months of the school year and things will be fine. Oh! Don't forget the 5 year long epidemic of lycanthropy currently happening. That surely won't get in the way oh Heidi's plans, right? Right?
I love werewolf stories. Werewolves have (in my opinion) been a great allegory for diseases that are considered 'taboo'. Some are born with it and some contract it later in life and have their entire lives changed forever. O'Donnell does a wonderful job of furthering this by showing the way the country deals with lycanthropy. To those who are rich and well off, it's something going on but they don't have to deal with it directly. However, the average person is constantly worried about contracting the disease and has no other choice than to keep going about daily life. We've seen this happen several times before with the HIV and COVID-19 epidemics.
I really enjoyed reading this. I was unsure if I would when I started as the beginning is a little dry. Getting teenagers behaviors and mannerisms right can come off as almost like a bad teen movie if not done well. Something that was done well was showing the red flag behavior that occurs in teen relationships. Without spoiling anything, our MC Heidi is in a relationship with a boy who displays concerning and controlling behaviors. It takes Heidi until nearly the end of the book to see how unacceptable his behavior is. When she does it is glorious.
That is all from me!

Creepy and thought provoking, Moonsick takes place when there is a worldwide werewolf epidemic! Everyone is aware of the existence of werewolves and how this epidemic can spread easily. Those who are infected will turn into, you guessed it, werewolves. They will then be hunted while the uninfected will do all that they can to avoid being infected such as having lockdown systems to keep werewolves out!
Heidi Mills is a high school student who plans to host a rager when she is home alone. The night before is a full moon and the while she is home alone, two intruders enter her home, and she is exposed to the virus! Yikes! But she will receive help from one of the intruders into her home as she confronts her new reality. What a reality it is!
Moonsick is a unique, original, and interesting take on werewolf genre and an interesting take on epidemics. Will COVID come to mind while reading this book? It did for me as well as a couple of epidemics that our world has faced. This book touches on themes of family, identity, fitting in, fear, survival, acceptance, and love. This book also felt like the haves vs. the have nots in terms of those infected vs. those who are not infected and trying to stay safe.
There were parts that I enjoyed and other parts that didn't quite work as well for me. This is a YA book but still has a nice amount of horror, blood, and gore; but it is never over the top or excessive. The dialogue at times didn't work for me - perhaps it will work better for the YA readers of this book.
I did enjoy the struggle that Heidi had. She wanted to hold onto her humanity while fighting the urges which come with being a werewolf. I thought this was done nicely. I also like how being infected, had her looking at her life and her choices, who she surrounded herself with, etc. She really does transform over the course of this book in more ways than one.
This book was just missing that little bit of something that would have pushed my rating higher. This is not a bad book by any means, as I mentioned there were parts that I thought were very well done. But there were other things such as dialogue in addition to t most of the characters that failed to resonate with me.
Others are enjoying this book more than I did, so please read their reviews of this unique and thought-provoking book!