Monday, January 2, 2023

Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses

O'Neal, Kristen. Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses. 2021. 382p. ISBN 9781683692348. Available as an audiobook from Overdrive


Priya had her whole life planned. She was going to complete her pre-med program at Stanford, before entering medical school. Then she was going to become a doctor who did serious research. When she falls sick, she blames it on a cold, then on the flu, but eventually must face the fact that she's not getting any better. A delayed diagnosis of Lyme disease identifies her disease, but does not restore her energy. Always fatigued, Priya returns home to her parents in New Jersey, and is forced to take incompletes for her classes.

In pain, with no energy, and seeing her dreams fly away before her eyes, Priya turns to her support group, a Discord channel dedicated to people with chronic illnesses. There she meets Brigid, who lives an hour away in Pennsylvania. The two of them hit it off, and they soon become fast friends. During a weekly meeting of the channel, however, Brigid does not show up, which is unlike her. Worried, Priya, despite the pain, borrows a car and drives to her friend's house, only to be attacked by a large dog inside Brigid's home. 

Calling animal control, Priya is soon joined by Spencer, a twenty-something animal control officer. Searching the home, they find a naked Brigid in the bathroom, and no trace of the dog. Only, Priya is pretty sure that Brigid was the dog. Her suspicions proved correct the next day when Brigid confirms that her chronic illness is that she turns into a werewolf every month. With Spencer's help, and Brigid's reluctant support, Priya sets out to find a cure for Brigid. In the process, she and her friends will discover truths about themselves and what it means to be "normal."

Fans of new adults stories will enjoy Priya's tale that mixes the very real chronic illnesses that are debilitating and prevent people from reaching their dreams, and the lycanthropy that afflicts Brigid. The story is humorous and entertaining, the characters are deeply flawed and realistic, but the plot holds well together. Readers who enjoy light paranormal with a hint of romance will appreciate this story.

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