The Need Review – A Hunger of Horror
Book cover images from Amazon
The Need is not just a desire — it’s hardwired into the body as a genetic disorder. Far beyond a diet, the Need represents a deep hunger for human flesh, and if the Need goes unfulfilled, those with the condition will die.
For Talia and her children, the Need cursed her family into living on the run, covering up murders that her son Sam causes. Rosie, Sam’s twin, does not have the disorder, yet she is forced to give up the normalcies of growing up — friends, school, and even a name — to protect her brother.
A Grotesque but Engaging Cast
Megan Mostyn-Brown’s The Need follows a wide cast of characters, some who are directly afflicted by the condition and the others who endure its effects.
I found Rosie’s chapters to be particularly compelling because of her position as the only “normal” person in her family. She suffers alongside them, but in different ways. She lives like a criminal and even feels like one, yet she doesn’t have the Need. Each new character’s perspective offers a new chance to engage.
The novel’s concept is definitely grotesque, yet I couldn’t put the book down. With unique worldbuilding towards the latter half of the novel and individualistic characters, The Need provided a fun reading experience and is like nothing I’ve ever read before.
The novel is dark and fast-paced, and the cast one that we can sympathize with — from the bystanders even to the most deplorable.
More From the Author of The Need!
The Need is Mostyn-Brown’s first novel, but she also writes for television. Her work includes Fox’s Gotham and AMC’s NOS4A2, and fans of the show and other fans of horror and paranormal stories will enjoy The Need. It was published on September 22, 2026, right on time for the spooky season, and is available for purchase at your favorite bookseller.
Need more great, spine-tingling reads? Check this list out!
- The Night You Wanted Money – Dark flash fiction with a life-or-death question.
- Zero Day Ghost – A review of a recent techno-thriller.
- October Book Roundup – A fall reading festival!
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Zina Mona
Zina Mona is a writer and student from Texas. Her work has been published or is forthcoming in the Trinity Review and 34 Orchard. She studies literature and economics, but in her free time, she loves watching Audrey Hepburn movies.
Visit her website to read more!
