Review of The Need by Megan Mostyn-Brown

Another corker for cannibal-themed horror fans! The Need is a rare genetic disorder that causes the affected to eat human flesh in order to survive. Truly, they can’t help it! It’s a blessing and a curse for Talia’s teenage twins. Sam has The Need and whilst his mother has tried to control it, the best she can do is keep them on the run. All Rosie wants is a normal adolescence of kissing and TikTok but her brother keeps eating people and it’s ruining her life!

Then, we have Vera, former supermodel and New York socialite with a penchant for the finer things in life - including human flesh, obviously. Unlike most with The Need, Vera’s elite family name allows her to take a rare pride in her genetic disorder. But the lives of these two families are about to collide...

This is pure, fast-paced tongue-in-cheek gore and horror, perfect for the new darker reading season as we approach Halloween! But admist it all, there’s also tenderness as The Need explores our ideas of family and our most primal fears. A tightly woven and deliciously dark narrative that will pull you in and not let go.

Published on 24.09.2026 by 3AM Books

Reviewed by Abi