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Full Moon #1
Full Moon
They do not know one another but - for one night only - their fates are intertwined as they're invited to take part in The Run. The rules are simple: Armed with nothing but a flashlight each, a group of strangers need to get from Point A through to Point B before the morning and, if they succeed, they win a life-changing amount of money but things aren't what they appear to be. And, when the sun is gone and the moon is full, the howls will echo through their very souls.
- GenresHorrorWerewolves
322 pages, Hardcover
First published March 2, 2019
219 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Matt Shaw
529 books2,205 followersBiography
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 16, 2019
Every month, I find out the following:
I've had rich family somewhere in the world that left me an inheritance of millions. I win competitions and lotteries I have never entered. Either my e-mail or cellphone number was lucky and won me the jackpot in whateverthefuck. Somewhere in Africa, there are princesses or daughters of dictators that wants to marry you to get out of their country and share their fortune. UEFA regularly wants to give me millions in competitions that I am completely unaware of. There are Russian beauties who would love to meet me and come to visit me in my country, despite knowing nothing about me. There really are a thousand ways to enlarge your penis (that's so hurtful, mom!) and, recently, I need to confirm my Bitcoin account before it gets cancelled!
Look, what I'm getting at here is that if you can get past the fact that people will be lured into something like this with the promise of money they didn't even see - no, not impossible, just highly unlikely in my opinion - you are in for an enjoyable werewolf story.
Because of the surprise ending I pushed it up to 4 stars.
I've had rich family somewhere in the world that left me an inheritance of millions. I win competitions and lotteries I have never entered. Either my e-mail or cellphone number was lucky and won me the jackpot in whateverthefuck. Somewhere in Africa, there are princesses or daughters of dictators that wants to marry you to get out of their country and share their fortune. UEFA regularly wants to give me millions in competitions that I am completely unaware of. There are Russian beauties who would love to meet me and come to visit me in my country, despite knowing nothing about me. There really are a thousand ways to enlarge your penis (that's so hurtful, mom!) and, recently, I need to confirm my Bitcoin account before it gets cancelled!
Look, what I'm getting at here is that if you can get past the fact that people will be lured into something like this with the promise of money they didn't even see - no, not impossible, just highly unlikely in my opinion - you are in for an enjoyable werewolf story.
Because of the surprise ending I pushed it up to 4 stars.
April 22, 2023
Short and brutal
Matt Shaw excels at making characters that are at once awful and, in their own minds, in the right. I'm about to grab the next book, this made me want more of the family.
Matt Shaw excels at making characters that are at once awful and, in their own minds, in the right. I'm about to grab the next book, this made me want more of the family.
March 14, 2019
A Howling good time!!!
Matt Shaw always delivers. He created intriguing characters and set the scene. It is an enjoyable and quick read.
I did not give it a perfect 5 for two reasons:
I didn’t think the run itself was as intriguing as the character development. The run was just too straightforward and although the “family” was trying to create a challenge for themselves, it seemed that none of the characters gave them that.
The second reason was that I disliked the ending. Perhaps, Matt was thinking that he could continue the story in a sequel but it made this story feel unfinished. I guess I was hoping that David would be a little better than completely useless. When he locked himself in the “safe room”, I really thought he may have a masterplan to save Sophie, or at least mess up the family.
Matt Shaw always delivers. He created intriguing characters and set the scene. It is an enjoyable and quick read.
I did not give it a perfect 5 for two reasons:
I didn’t think the run itself was as intriguing as the character development. The run was just too straightforward and although the “family” was trying to create a challenge for themselves, it seemed that none of the characters gave them that.
The second reason was that I disliked the ending. Perhaps, Matt was thinking that he could continue the story in a sequel but it made this story feel unfinished. I guess I was hoping that David would be a little better than completely useless. When he locked himself in the “safe room”, I really thought he may have a masterplan to save Sophie, or at least mess up the family.
April 22, 2025
A good and rather tame offering from Mr Shaw. Interesting dynamics between the characters leading me to want more. Book number 1 so although it's a complete story I think more will be gained by reading the others.
July 30, 2019
Solid story, but I wish it had been edited more carefully, as the number of errors was pretty distracting. I freely admit that bothers me more than it does others.
March 17, 2019
Matt's back, I thought Matt had gone off the boil lately, but he has stumped up a great read with this short story, werewolves back to their nasty best, nothing soft and lovey about this lot. Thanks Matt, good job.
August 12, 2025
A group of strangers must get from point A to B to win a crazy amount of money. Will they make it armed with only a flashlight and the guiding light of a full moon?
This wasn't a bad book, just fell a little short for me. No depth to the characters and very little action for it involving werewolves. I'm hoping its just setting up for an amazing book 2.
This wasn't a bad book, just fell a little short for me. No depth to the characters and very little action for it involving werewolves. I'm hoping its just setting up for an amazing book 2.
July 31, 2025
Interesting story, lots of grammar issues.
August 4, 2025
I think this is book 21 of the indie horror brawl for 2025.
This book is about a group of people who are offered a sum of money if they can run from point A to point B before the sun comes up, armed with only a flashlight. What they aren't aware of is that they're going to be hunted by a pack of werewolves. That's not a spoiler. There's clearly a wolf on the cover of the book.
I don't like the cover of the book. It doesn't strike the fear into me.
The best thing about this book is the general premise. I was excited for this one. I love the movie, Ready or Not? and I thought this had the potential to be similar. A group of very different people playing a death game sounds like a recipe for a good time. I don't particularly care for werewolves but I do enjoy a creature feature.
This book was not good and it made me very angry. The book is 70% over before the game actually begins. That's absolutely ridiculous. This book clearly spends a lot of time letting you get to know all the characters before anything happens. It switches perspective between pretty much all of them. We also get perspective from the villains as well so we know exactly what is going to happen and what's going on before it happens. This removes pretty much all suspense, tension, and mystery from the book. What a shame. It would have been more fun to learn things as the contestants learn them. I can't tell if the book was slow paced or if it was so fast paced that it ends as soon as the actually plot gets started.
Most of the characters don't actually matter in this story - especially the villains. There could have been just one or two werewolves and the story would have been exactly the same. It honestly felt like a waste of time getting to know most of the characters.
I think this book could have been good. These are the changes I would have made.:
The book ends with
This book is about a group of people who are offered a sum of money if they can run from point A to point B before the sun comes up, armed with only a flashlight. What they aren't aware of is that they're going to be hunted by a pack of werewolves. That's not a spoiler. There's clearly a wolf on the cover of the book.
I don't like the cover of the book. It doesn't strike the fear into me.
The best thing about this book is the general premise. I was excited for this one. I love the movie, Ready or Not? and I thought this had the potential to be similar. A group of very different people playing a death game sounds like a recipe for a good time. I don't particularly care for werewolves but I do enjoy a creature feature.
This book was not good and it made me very angry. The book is 70% over before the game actually begins. That's absolutely ridiculous. This book clearly spends a lot of time letting you get to know all the characters before anything happens. It switches perspective between pretty much all of them. We also get perspective from the villains as well so we know exactly what is going to happen and what's going on before it happens. This removes pretty much all suspense, tension, and mystery from the book. What a shame. It would have been more fun to learn things as the contestants learn them. I can't tell if the book was slow paced or if it was so fast paced that it ends as soon as the actually plot gets started.
Most of the characters don't actually matter in this story - especially the villains. There could have been just one or two werewolves and the story would have been exactly the same. It honestly felt like a waste of time getting to know most of the characters.
I think this book could have been good. These are the changes I would have made.:
The book ends with
September 8, 2019
Something didn't work right, didn't flow in the right way. Can't put my hand on what, though.
I like the way it is written, and the idea. But in the end, there seems to be very little left in my memory.
I like the way it is written, and the idea. But in the end, there seems to be very little left in my memory.
November 30, 2019
An interesting tale.
This was a different take on the werewolf legend and it was quite good too. A relatively short story it may have been but it was a satisfying and enjoyable read.
This was a different take on the werewolf legend and it was quite good too. A relatively short story it may have been but it was a satisfying and enjoyable read.
May 3, 2025
Full Moon, by Matt Shaw, is the first book in a trilogy and a contender in the indie brawl. Working for a wealthy family, it’s David’s job to gather a random assortment of people who have specific characteristics together once a month, where they are given an opportunity to win a life-changing amount of money. The game seems simple enough - be driven to a point away from the house and make it back before sunrise. While they all expect some kind of catch, what they don’t realize is that they will be stalked from the moment they set out on their journey. In this game, it isn’t the other contestants you have to worry about, but the shadowy creatures hunting their prey.
I really enjoyed this story and found it to be a fresh take on a familiar trope. I liked the way in which the first few chapters introduced the characters participating in the run and how flashbacks brought to light David’s story and how he came to be with the family. The other two books are definitely on my TBR now, as I need to know what happens next!
I really enjoyed this story and found it to be a fresh take on a familiar trope. I liked the way in which the first few chapters introduced the characters participating in the run and how flashbacks brought to light David’s story and how he came to be with the family. The other two books are definitely on my TBR now, as I need to know what happens next!
August 20, 2025
Starting out, I wasn't sure that this would be one I'd love. I've never been nearly as into werewolves as I am vampires, but thought I might as well give it a go. Even with that, I feel like this was a let-down. It seemed like this book took *so* long to get through, because I just wasn't enjoying it. There wasn't anything that felt especially unique or interesting to me in the plot, and I didn't find any of the characters particularly compelling. I know it's super common in the genre, but I'm also not a fan of sexual assault as a tool of horror, especially when it basically just seems to function as "See how ~evil~ this character is", which it seemed to do here. For a story I saw described as psychological horror, I also didn't feel like there was much... psychological to it? It wasn't badly written, but I found the antagonists to be more irritating than unsettling. Overall, I didn't really care for this. Probably would've been a 3 without the sexual assault, but that just gave me the ick.
November 8, 2019
Full Moon
More words than action, in my opinion. No I don't like constant and rampant violence either. Gore is not my thing but the purpose of the story was to show the reader the contrast of human and non human beings. The masters and the servants. Although the "family" is in power inside their compound, they don't have the numbers and the power if they were to begin killing humans randomly . The "family" have worked within their walls but understand they would be hunted and killed outside their safety zone. The current system seems to work every Full Moon. End of book 1 . Four stars for the fair to midlin storyline. It's a good, fast read to pass the time in between my regular 400-500 page real books of mystery and conspiracy theories. Thank you Matt Shaw for writing this book. It's differently different..
More words than action, in my opinion. No I don't like constant and rampant violence either. Gore is not my thing but the purpose of the story was to show the reader the contrast of human and non human beings. The masters and the servants. Although the "family" is in power inside their compound, they don't have the numbers and the power if they were to begin killing humans randomly . The "family" have worked within their walls but understand they would be hunted and killed outside their safety zone. The current system seems to work every Full Moon. End of book 1 . Four stars for the fair to midlin storyline. It's a good, fast read to pass the time in between my regular 400-500 page real books of mystery and conspiracy theories. Thank you Matt Shaw for writing this book. It's differently different..
May 21, 2025
This book honestly put me in mind of several other horrors: House on Haunted Hill, House of 9, Escape Room, Would You Rather, just to name a few. Luckily this particular gimmick is among my favorites lol. There's little else that's more amusing than a person that just agrees to something that's entirely too simple and too good to be true.
There's plenty of gore and horror to go around despite it's small 174 pages. The writing style is a nice touch, and gives an immersive feel for those of us that see what we read.
There's a few places were a word is missing in a sentence. Think I'd counted three or four instances, but they only pulled me out of the story long enough to ensure it wasn't my brain "hiding" words.
I give this book 5 of 5 Paws and look forward to the next book in this interesting trilogy.
There's plenty of gore and horror to go around despite it's small 174 pages. The writing style is a nice touch, and gives an immersive feel for those of us that see what we read.
There's a few places were a word is missing in a sentence. Think I'd counted three or four instances, but they only pulled me out of the story long enough to ensure it wasn't my brain "hiding" words.
I give this book 5 of 5 Paws and look forward to the next book in this interesting trilogy.
September 1, 2019
I put off reading this book for a couple of reasons. First of all, I'm not big on werewolves. I mean they're okay, but usually it's just a storyline that is a bit overdone in my opinion. And also, because it's a series. I don't mind a cliffhanger... I just want to be able to jump into the next book.
I've gotta admit, this is a new twist on werewolves. I liked the whole thing about being a game and a run (or hunt I guess).
The story is good. The werewolf aspect was nice with the twist. But I just looked and only book two is available and I believe there will be three of them. Even though I enjoyed it, I'll probably wait till the third one is out to continue reading it. So even though I liked it, I don't feel the need to jump directly into the second book.
I've gotta admit, this is a new twist on werewolves. I liked the whole thing about being a game and a run (or hunt I guess).
The story is good. The werewolf aspect was nice with the twist. But I just looked and only book two is available and I believe there will be three of them. Even though I enjoyed it, I'll probably wait till the third one is out to continue reading it. So even though I liked it, I don't feel the need to jump directly into the second book.
March 21, 2024
I enjoyed the first part the most. I loved getting to know the 'runners' and I thought Matt Shaw described their situations well. However, I lost a bit of my interest once the history of 'the family' was explained. It wasn't necessarily bad, but it didn't make me curious either. I'm surprised he didn't add very detailed descriptions of the gory and especially the rape scenes so that was pleasant for once. Very close to 4 stars, but I think the story and the intensity could've been stronger. I am interested to see if the rest of the Full Moon series might add to the completion of the story.
Personal notes
Rating: 6.5/10 | 3.5/5
Topics:
Warnings:
Personal notes
Rating: 6.5/10 | 3.5/5
Topics:
Warnings:
April 23, 2025
3.5⭐️/5 (rounded up)
The introduction of the contestants immediately drew me in, with significantly varying backstories and motivations to compete, I was reminiscent of Squid Game. Asides the paranormal factor, where this novella significantly differs, I was surprised to find that the run was fairly straightforward in concept and execution, and also, not a bad thing, there was less gore than anticipated (I had been a little apprehensive going in after reading reviews on other novels/novellas by this author). However, this was such an easy read, with great characterization and each scene thoroughly set, my interest is piqued for where this goes next in the sequel, as it will certainly leave you wanting more and with lingering questions.
The introduction of the contestants immediately drew me in, with significantly varying backstories and motivations to compete, I was reminiscent of Squid Game. Asides the paranormal factor, where this novella significantly differs, I was surprised to find that the run was fairly straightforward in concept and execution, and also, not a bad thing, there was less gore than anticipated (I had been a little apprehensive going in after reading reviews on other novels/novellas by this author). However, this was such an easy read, with great characterization and each scene thoroughly set, my interest is piqued for where this goes next in the sequel, as it will certainly leave you wanting more and with lingering questions.
May 18, 2019
Starts out fast, then throws in some needless backstory late into it.
The writing is engaging, but the story wasn't mine.
Not sure how it is supposed to be "A Psychological Horror", it's pretty straightforward Splatterpunk IMO.
Not a standalone, it ends on a cliffhanger, so you need to read The Den: A Psychological Horror novel, too.
Recommendable for fans of Skipp/Spector's Animals.
The writing is engaging, but the story wasn't mine.
Not sure how it is supposed to be "A Psychological Horror", it's pretty straightforward Splatterpunk IMO.
Not a standalone, it ends on a cliffhanger, so you need to read The Den: A Psychological Horror novel, too.
Recommendable for fans of Skipp/Spector's Animals.
December 6, 2020
Ebook page count is actually 178 pages. This is a new Matt Shaw favourite of mine! Book one of the Full Moon Trilogy. I was completely hooked from start to finish in the gripping book which featured one of my favourite themes: innocent and desperate people brought together to play a horrifying game. All they have to do is complete a run from point A to point B. Little do they know what is chasing them. I quickly gobbled up book 2 (The Den) immediately after reading this one and it's also just as good. Now, on to book 3: The Pack.
October 17, 2025
3.5**
This book gave me "Ready or Not" vibes, but with werewolves and more sacrifices. It takes a while to get information on what exactly is going on and why, but once that happened, it was good. The background on all of the different 'volunteers' was great, but it just seemed short lived with how fast the actual run went. I also think there could have been more individual personality given to the women of the family and their dynamic like what was given to the men. I enjoyed the story overall and will most likely continue the trilogy to see what happens.
This book gave me "Ready or Not" vibes, but with werewolves and more sacrifices. It takes a while to get information on what exactly is going on and why, but once that happened, it was good. The background on all of the different 'volunteers' was great, but it just seemed short lived with how fast the actual run went. I also think there could have been more individual personality given to the women of the family and their dynamic like what was given to the men. I enjoyed the story overall and will most likely continue the trilogy to see what happens.
March 2, 2019
This is a little different from Matt Shaw's usual books but I enjoyed it a lot. When down on your luck and someone approaches you with an offer that sounds easy and too good to be true...it would be in your best interest to laugh and walk away. The premise of this story is the people made the wrong choice and will pay dearly for it. I would recommend this book if you like the horror genre but be warned it does have graphic violence
August 26, 2025
This is a fun and brutal, slightly emotionally devastating, werewolf book. The premise definitely drew me in, and, even though they were stereotypes, I found the back stories of the characters interesting. Once things get rolling, they move at a pretty break-neck pace up to the conclusion. Although it is part of a trilogy, it has a definite ending. But, you can tell there is more story to be told, and I plan on reading it. 4.25 stars
March 8, 2019
No twilight fluff werewolves here!
Just when you think that all the werewolf themes have been done to death comes this,the Purge reinvented. I couldn't put this down and I was hoping for a happy ending although I knew I wouldn't get one! I need a sequel I was so hooked to the story. Another brilliant story from this author! Well worth a read!
Just when you think that all the werewolf themes have been done to death comes this,the Purge reinvented. I couldn't put this down and I was hoping for a happy ending although I knew I wouldn't get one! I need a sequel I was so hooked to the story. Another brilliant story from this author! Well worth a read!
July 13, 2019
My favorite The Matt Shaw book
After reading many of The Matt Shaw 's books and religiously listening to the Are You Sure with Smitherd and Shaw podcasts, I can say that if you are a fan then Full Moon 🌙 will supply you with the best in The Matt Shaw 's writing talent and gusto.
After reading many of The Matt Shaw 's books and religiously listening to the Are You Sure with Smitherd and Shaw podcasts, I can say that if you are a fan then Full Moon 🌙 will supply you with the best in The Matt Shaw 's writing talent and gusto.
July 21, 2019
As usual an excellent read
I have yet to find a book from this author that I haven't enjoyed. It's not an extreme horror but it has some gore but it is an excellent story and am looking forward to the follow up books. But my favourite had to be his extreme.
This has a good storyline with a nice plot that grand you from the first page.
I have yet to find a book from this author that I haven't enjoyed. It's not an extreme horror but it has some gore but it is an excellent story and am looking forward to the follow up books. But my favourite had to be his extreme.
This has a good storyline with a nice plot that grand you from the first page.
September 18, 2019
The Midnight Hour
This book I found to be quite difficult to get in to. Slowly it started to sink into my brain what it was all about. It is a hard read, you cannot jump on quickly because even though it's just 2 or 3 pages these will be the ones you cannot afford to miss. I will definitely read another book by this author - after I have read some other books. A1 +++++
This book I found to be quite difficult to get in to. Slowly it started to sink into my brain what it was all about. It is a hard read, you cannot jump on quickly because even though it's just 2 or 3 pages these will be the ones you cannot afford to miss. I will definitely read another book by this author - after I have read some other books. A1 +++++
April 15, 2020
So-so
It was a little longer than it needed to be. There was lots of repetition that at times seemed like padding. Also, there were many typos, especially missing words, words out of order, and in one case, a completely wrong word for the context. The first part of the story was intriguing, but the chase went way to long.
It was a little longer than it needed to be. There was lots of repetition that at times seemed like padding. Also, there were many typos, especially missing words, words out of order, and in one case, a completely wrong word for the context. The first part of the story was intriguing, but the chase went way to long.
April 22, 2020
Part of original missing review...
I waited a long time before getting this, but now I'm excited & happy I decided to read it.
I don't read a lot of creature horror, and my werewolves & vampires are usually saved for my guilty pleasure of Laurell K. Hamilton. That being said, Matt CAN DO werewolves! And they're awesome!
I am really looking forward to the next book.
I waited a long time before getting this, but now I'm excited & happy I decided to read it.
I don't read a lot of creature horror, and my werewolves & vampires are usually saved for my guilty pleasure of Laurell K. Hamilton. That being said, Matt CAN DO werewolves! And they're awesome!
I am really looking forward to the next book.
January 9, 2021
I love a good werewolf story and this one didn't disappoint. I love the storyline and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Very twisty without being extremely graphic. I like being slowly drawn into the story without the distraction of it being overly gruesome. I love when Matt concentrates more on the story like he does in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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