Reviews tagging 'Grief'

Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses by Kristen O'Neal

7 reviews

qastewart's review against another edition

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adventurous funny reflective relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

The last 100 pages are really good and worth the more mediocre beginning
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bookishandjoyceful's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0



TW: Chronic Illnesses, Medical content, suicidal thoughts, grief, ableism, animal death

Priya is a a girl who has had her academic dreams come to a halting stop as she is diagnosed with Lyme Disease and must stop taking courses at Stanford. During this time while she is home she becomes online pen pals with Brigid and starts participating in an online support group of those living with chronic illnesses. This support group takes a turn when Brigid suddenly goes offline for multiple days and no one can get ahold of her. In steps Priya to check on her friend and make sure she is alright, so she drives to Brigid to make sure her friend is alright and that is when things turn in an unexpected direction. 

Lycanthropy & Other Chronic Illnesses was a fun listen where I didn’t know what was going to happen next and you were kept fighting for Priya, Brigid and the other members of the online support group. This had a fun twist to it, which would not have been my typical type of twist, but it was fun and suspenseful. It was a great story of friendship, fighting for those you care about and it being ok to ask for help and getting support from others in times of need. 
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malloryfitz's review against another edition

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4.5

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tristonleeann's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

It is a great, inspiring, relatable book if you struggle with chronic illness. I am few years younger than the main character and have a different chronic illness, but I could still really relate to how she is struggling both mentally and physically while trying to come to terms with her new reality and trying to learn to cope with and manage her symptoms.
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grvhppr's review

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emotional funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Okay, so this book was full of emotions across the spectrum. Ngl, I’m trying to ease away from YA books, but the title sucked me in. Plus, it was the book I wanted to read in another group and didn’t get selected by one vote. Sooo I had to read it, and I’m glad I did! It definitely evoked some feels and understanding of chronic illness. However it’s definitely a paranormal book and should be thought of as such. 

I loved the full circle that Priya lived with her illness. Having to drop out because of being sick and then with medical school on the possible horizon at the end was wonderful. Not to mention the friendships created from dark and lonely times. With COVID, lots of folks turned to Discord for group forming and social mingling. In that respect, the book felt relatable.

The scenes where Brigid is in wolf form and Priya and Spencer have to capture/trap her are so great. Felt like it was right out of a movie. Just some good old fashioned humor and paranormal fun.


The book isn’t challenging to read and the pages keep turning with its fast-paced feel. So if you’re seeking something out of the ordinary, this is a book that I’d recommend. That being said, there are some strong triggers with regard to mental and physical health, so please make sure to keep that in mind before starting. Additionally, the diverse representation in the book was legit. That’s always appreciated.
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kp_writ's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I've never felt so close to a book, it makes me feel so seen as someone with chronic illness. Absolutely beautiful writing, fantastic characters, wonderful relationships, deep dives into disability and the cryptid/paranormal, fantastic plot. I really couldn't put it down.
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kisahofswords13's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I really liked this. I thought it was funny and original. 
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