Review of One Yellow Eye by Leigh Radford

One Yellow Eye is one of the most powerful, thought-provoking books I’ve read this year. At its heart is Kesta, a scientist desperate to find a cure for a zombie virus—not for glory or recognition, but for love. Her husband, Tim, has been bitten and is now locked away in their home as she races against time to save him.

The novel mirrors the emotional turbulence of our own recent pandemic, raising the haunting question: how far would you go to save someone you love? Kesta’s raw, unwavering love and care for Tim is devastatingly moving. Her grief isn’t the kind that comes after loss—it’s the kind you live with, moment by moment, while watching someone slip away. It resonated deeply with me (not the zombie part, obviously), and it’s this emotional core that makes the novel truly unforgettable.

Beyond its emotional weight, One Yellow Eye shines a harsh light on the darker corners of the medical industry—where patients become numbers and the sick are dehumanised. Leigh explores these themes with nuance, weaving ethical dilemmas into a story that’s as thrilling as it is reflective.

With echoes of 28 Days Later and Contagion—but with far more heart—this novel grips from page one. Leigh Radford’s writing is intoxicating; I devoured every word as if starved.

One Yellow Eye is not just a zombie novel. It’s a story of love, loss, science, and the human cost behind every breakthrough. Captivating and unforgettable, this is a book that lingers long after the final page.

Reviewed by Danielle

Published on 19/07/25 by Tor Nightfire

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