Here is an introspective review of The Turning by Shannaaya Chopra, a debut werewolf novel that blends supernatural fiction with emotional realism and moral dilemmas.
Book Review: The Turning by Shannaaya Chopra — When Survival Costs You Your Humanity
Some stories use monsters to frighten. The Turning by Shannaaya Chopra uses a monster to ask a far more unsettling question: what happens when survival begins to erase who you are?
This debut werewolf novel is not driven by flashy spectacle or power packed fantasies. Instead, it uses the feelings of fear, restraint, and the quiet horror of becoming something you never wanted to be. Basically, The Turning by Shannaaya Chopra is a story about resistance—against instinct, against fate, and against the idea that transformation is always good.
This review explores the emotional core of The Turning by Shannaaya Chopra, its central moral dilemma, and the elements that make it an interesting debut.
What The Turning Is Really About
By the look of it The Turning by Shannaaya Chopra fits neatly into supernatural fiction. There is a sudden transformation, a hidden society, and a rigid set of rules that demand obedience.
But beneath it all lies a quieter, more introspective undercurrent. This is a novel about distancing yourself to protect the people you love, about resisting a change that feels more like loss than empowerment, and about questioning whether morality can survive when instinct takes over.It reminds me of the harrowing COVID times when love and survival competed with each other.
Here, the werewolf is not a symbol of dominance or freedom—it is a symbol of grief for a self that is slowly slipping away. Being different in a world that demands conformation, facing a fate where you have no choice over your identity.
Book Specifications
Title – The Turning
Author – Shannaaya Chopra
Language – English
Genre – Supernatural Thriller, Fantasy Fiction , Novel
Publisher – Harper Collins India
Recommended Age – Young adults and Teenagers
Price – Hardcover Rs 599/- Check out the discounted price at AMAZON.in
Cover Design That Sets the Tone
The cover artwork by Omung Kumar deserves a special mention. Rendered in striking red, gold, and black, it perfectly captures the sinister and mysterious mood of the story. The image of a transforming young girl alongside a looming werewolf visually reinforces the novel’s central tension—human vulnerability versus monstrous inevitability.
Characters Who Carry the Story
The strength of The Turning by Shannaaya Chopra lies in its characters, who are not defined by dramatic histories but by how they respond to fear.
Kiara Sharma — The Reluctant Protagonist
Just eighteen, Kiara Sharma resists the transformation instead of embracing it. Her appeal lies in refusal—in her determination to hold on to conscience even when her body rebels. She is not heroic in the conventional sense, but deeply human in her fear and hesitation.
Krish Oberoi — The Emotional Anchor
More brother than friend, Krish represents safety and moral grounding. His presence reminds Kiara—and the reader—of what is truly at stake. Through him, the novel gives emotional weight to choices that go beyond mere survival.
A Secret Adversary
There is an unexpected antagonist woven into the narrative. Revealing more would spoil the experience, but this character adds an effective layer of tension and surprise.
A Plot That Moves Inward, Not Outward
Rather than relying on explosive action, The Turning by Shannaaya Chopra unfolds steadily and inwardly. The plot focuses on emotional consequences—secrecy, fractured relationships, and the burden of difficult choices.
Each stage of Kiara’s transformation narrows her options, making the final decision feel inevitable rather than sensational. This restraint works in the novel’s favour.
The Central Dilemma That Gives the Novel Its Weight
At the heart of the story lies a powerful question:
Is humanity a state of being, or a series of choices?
Kiara must decide how much of herself she is willing to lose in order to survive. This moral tension—not external conflict—is what drives the novel and gives The Turning by Shannaaya Chopra its emotional depth.
Why the Human Emotion Works
What sets this book apart is how it blends the werewolf genre with raw human emotion. A Katrol—a werewolf feared and hunted by both humans and its own kind—is described as bloodthirsty and soulless. When Kiara discovers she is a Katrol, fear becomes her constant companion.
She fears for her family, for her werewolf friends, and for herself. The Alphas at Ordenia, the werewolf sanctuary, remain wary of giving her a chance, concerned she may endanger the community.
Fear is never romanticised. Isolation is not softened. Love becomes complicated rather than comforting. Readers who have experienced identity shifts, illness, or irreversible change will recognise these emotional patterns, even within a supernatural setting.
Writing Style: A Confident Debut
Shannaaya Chopra’s writing is restrained and focused. The prose does not compete for attention; it supports the story. Dialogue feels natural, descriptions are economical, and emotions are allowed to take centre stage.
For a debut, this level of control is impressive. The narrative voice feels steady and assured, not rushed or overly eager to impress.
Final Verdict
The Turning by Shannaaya Chopra is a werewolf novel that chooses introspection over spectacle. Its strength lies in emotional realism and moral uncertainty rather than shocking twists.
What could have been better:
A tighter plot—even at the cost of a shorter novel—might have increased impact. Once the suspense lifts, the ending becomes somewhat predictable.
Still, readers looking for supernatural fiction with a strong human core will find this story quietly powerful—and a promising beginning for a new author.
Rating: 3.8/5
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