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When the Wolf Comes Home
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Horror (2025)One night, Jess, a struggling actress, finds a five-year-old runaway hiding in the bushes outside her apartment. After a violent, bloody encounter with the boy's father, she and the boy find themselves running for their lives.
As they attempt to evade the boy's increasingly desperate father, horrifying incidents of butchery follow them. At first, Jess thinks she understands what they're up against, but she's about to learn there's more to these surreal and grisly events than she could've ever imagined.
And that when the wolf finally comes home, none will be spared.
As they attempt to evade the boy's increasingly desperate father, horrifying incidents of butchery follow them. At first, Jess thinks she understands what they're up against, but she's about to learn there's more to these surreal and grisly events than she could've ever imagined.
And that when the wolf finally comes home, none will be spared.
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 22, 2025
2268 people are currently reading
71849 people want to read
About the author
Nat Cassidy
19 books4,639 followersNAT CASSIDY is a national bestselling and Bram Stoker Award-nominated author whose acclaimed works include Mary ("One of the Best Horror Novels of All Time" - Audible), Nestlings, and Rest Stop. Esquire described him as one "of the best horror writers of this generation" and among the writers "shaping horror's next golden age." His award-winning plays have been produced across the country, including Off-Broadway and the Kennedy Center. You've also maybe seen Nat guest-starring on shows such as Law & Order: SVU, Blue Bloods, Bull, Quantico, FBI, and many others ... but that's a topic for a different bio. His newest novel, When the Wolf Comes Home, hit shelves in April 2025 and was called "a classic" by Stephen King. He lives in New York City with his wife.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,341 reviews
June 24, 2024
Yer damn right I'm rating it 5 stars. I'm soooo excited for you all to read this one. If MARY was my homage to unreliable narrators / J-horror / gialli / serial killers, and NESTLINGS was my homage to 70s paranoia / vampires / potboiler thrillers, then THIS book is my homage to 80s action horror paperbacks, the kind you might pick up in an airport or a grocery store. It's a chase novel, but full of convention subversions and surprises to keep you on your toes. It's also about fathers, and about how the nature of fear changes as we age. It's a little bit Twilight Zone, a little bit Dean Koontz, a little bit FIRESTARTER, a little bit IT, a little bit Ursula K. Le Guin, a little bit TERMINATOR 2, and a lotta bit gonna melt your face off. But, y'know ... in a good way. 🐺🏠
April 2, 2025
NOT ME CRYING?? 😩 Okay this is now my favorite horror novel I've read so far this year. (I listened to an advanced audiobook version and it was fantastic, super well done.) It starts off with a bang and doesn't let up the entire time. The plot is fast-paced, emotional, scary as hell, and oftentimes laugh out loud funny. Idk how he does it. I'll never skip a Nat Cassidy book for as long as I live and neither should you.
November 1, 2025
Oh my goodness! This book scared the living daylights out of me—more than the sum of all the horrifying horror movies and books I’ve ever devoured. And it’s not because of gore, gruesome imagery, or jump scares. It’s the raw, emotional terror of the situations these characters face… the slow, creeping fear that grows deeper every time a character you’ve connected with meets a haunting end.
This isn’t just a horror story—it’s about facing your own fears head-on. It triggered a level of anxiety and panic in me that I wasn't prepared for. It’s not about fictional villains or monsters under the bed; it’s about grief, trauma, feelings of inadequacy, fractured family dynamics, personal guilt, and the ugly truths we bury deep inside ourselves. It’s about those inner demons that keep us from truly living.
I highly recommend reading the author’s note at the end. It will resonate with anyone who has a complicated relationship with their parents—or has encountered real-life shapeshifters. You might even be one yourself.
The story begins with a young boy witnessing his father’s violent outburst—an eruption of fury that forces the boy to run away from home.
Then we meet Jess, a failed actress who recently moved to LA. After rejecting a sleazy advance from her boss, she’s blacklisted from top-tier restaurants and now works the graveyard shift at a rundown diner. She’s still reeling from the death of her estranged father and struggling to open up emotionally to her mother, Cookie, who lives in senior care.
One night, after accidentally stabbing herself with a junkie’s discarded needle while cleaning a vomit-covered restroom, Jess decides to head home early—thinking nothing could possibly make her night worse. But she’s wrong. As soon as she returns to her apartment, sipping a beer and googling what she might have been injected with, she hears strange sounds outside.
She discovers the young boy from the opening scene and takes him in—only to hear screaming from her neighbors. That’s when she realizes two terrifying things:
The boy’s father is hunting him.
Something between a wild bear and a monstrous wolf is attacking people nearby.
They have to run.
During their frantic escape, Jess discovers the horrifying truth: the boy’s father and the monstrous creature are one and the same. And to survive, she’ll have to uncover the deeper secrets surrounding this boy she’s trying so hard to protect… if escape is even possible.
Overall:
This was mind-blowing—terrifying, yes, but also surprisingly emotional, introspective, and thought-provoking. I felt an unexpected connection with the author and the story’s themes. I’m giving it five shapeshifting stars and can’t wait to read more of his work!
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group/Tor Nightfire for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this unique and unforgettable horror novel in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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This isn’t just a horror story—it’s about facing your own fears head-on. It triggered a level of anxiety and panic in me that I wasn't prepared for. It’s not about fictional villains or monsters under the bed; it’s about grief, trauma, feelings of inadequacy, fractured family dynamics, personal guilt, and the ugly truths we bury deep inside ourselves. It’s about those inner demons that keep us from truly living.
I highly recommend reading the author’s note at the end. It will resonate with anyone who has a complicated relationship with their parents—or has encountered real-life shapeshifters. You might even be one yourself.
The story begins with a young boy witnessing his father’s violent outburst—an eruption of fury that forces the boy to run away from home.
Then we meet Jess, a failed actress who recently moved to LA. After rejecting a sleazy advance from her boss, she’s blacklisted from top-tier restaurants and now works the graveyard shift at a rundown diner. She’s still reeling from the death of her estranged father and struggling to open up emotionally to her mother, Cookie, who lives in senior care.
One night, after accidentally stabbing herself with a junkie’s discarded needle while cleaning a vomit-covered restroom, Jess decides to head home early—thinking nothing could possibly make her night worse. But she’s wrong. As soon as she returns to her apartment, sipping a beer and googling what she might have been injected with, she hears strange sounds outside.
She discovers the young boy from the opening scene and takes him in—only to hear screaming from her neighbors. That’s when she realizes two terrifying things:
The boy’s father is hunting him.
Something between a wild bear and a monstrous wolf is attacking people nearby.
They have to run.
During their frantic escape, Jess discovers the horrifying truth: the boy’s father and the monstrous creature are one and the same. And to survive, she’ll have to uncover the deeper secrets surrounding this boy she’s trying so hard to protect… if escape is even possible.
Overall:
This was mind-blowing—terrifying, yes, but also surprisingly emotional, introspective, and thought-provoking. I felt an unexpected connection with the author and the story’s themes. I’m giving it five shapeshifting stars and can’t wait to read more of his work!
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group/Tor Nightfire for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this unique and unforgettable horror novel in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
May 2, 2025
One of my new all time favorite horror books. ILY Nat. Full review to come
May 10, 2025
THIS IS ME YELLING AT EVERYONE TO READ THIS INCREDIBLE BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
♾️ stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Meet my favorite book of 2025 so far.. maybe ever?
I haven't stopped thinking about this book and I feel like this would be a book I will reread to catch all the hidden things I missed. I have been recommending to literally anyone with a pulse!
I really don't even know how to begin to review this book. This was, to put it plainly, one of the best books (of this genre) that I have ever read. I do not say this lightly!!
This isn't a werewolf book!! You might look at the cover and think oh, just another book about werewolves. IT IS NOT TRUST ME! This was a horror/action/thriller/mystery/sci-fi but with an emotional tone that will kick you right in the feels! It is actually impossible to read this book and not get attached and completely engrossed in the story. From the very first chapter, you are sucked in by the author's incredible style and his impeccable character work. NAT CASSIDY IS THE REAL DEAL GUYS!!
This book will take you on a ride, hit you with a twist you will never ever see coming and the ending??? I legitimately listened to it 3 times and just stared at the wall at how poignant and layered it was.
Even if you are not a regular horror reader, give this a shot. It does have some gory scenes but they aren't too bad or disgusting? If these scenes prove to be too much, just skim 😅 I swear it is SO MUCH MORE than just a horror!
TRUST ME I AM A STRANGER ON THE INTERNET THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD PLEASE READ IT😭😭😭
♾️ stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Meet my favorite book of 2025 so far.. maybe ever?
I haven't stopped thinking about this book and I feel like this would be a book I will reread to catch all the hidden things I missed. I have been recommending to literally anyone with a pulse!
I really don't even know how to begin to review this book. This was, to put it plainly, one of the best books (of this genre) that I have ever read. I do not say this lightly!!
This isn't a werewolf book!! You might look at the cover and think oh, just another book about werewolves. IT IS NOT TRUST ME! This was a horror/action/thriller/mystery/sci-fi but with an emotional tone that will kick you right in the feels! It is actually impossible to read this book and not get attached and completely engrossed in the story. From the very first chapter, you are sucked in by the author's incredible style and his impeccable character work. NAT CASSIDY IS THE REAL DEAL GUYS!!
This book will take you on a ride, hit you with a twist you will never ever see coming and the ending??? I legitimately listened to it 3 times and just stared at the wall at how poignant and layered it was.
Even if you are not a regular horror reader, give this a shot. It does have some gory scenes but they aren't too bad or disgusting? If these scenes prove to be too much, just skim 😅 I swear it is SO MUCH MORE than just a horror!
TRUST ME I AM A STRANGER ON THE INTERNET THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD PLEASE READ IT😭😭😭
October 27, 2025
After Jess, a struggling actress, wraps up her diner shift early, she returns home and discovers a disheveled little boy hiding in the bushes outside of her apartment.
She gently coaxes the boy out, and using her distinctive humor, gets him to trust her enough to tell her he's in serious danger, and now, she probably is too. That's when the stuff hits the fan and all heck breaks loose in the form of the boy's viciously-violent father.
Jess has no choice but to run with the boy in tow, but is anywhere going to be safe from the one hunting them, who seems to have preternatural skills?
Initially, Jess believes she knows the precariousness of their situation, but it gets way more perilous and downright crazy than she could have ever predicted.
Wow, wow, wow; that was my initial reaction upon finishing When the Wolf Comes Home. I hadn't looked at any reviews prior, so I wasn't sure how others were receiving it, but I immediately knew it was a top contender for my favorite book of 2025.
I cried actual grown-ass lady tears for the last 1/2-hour of the audiobook, which is fabulously-narrated. There were minutes, legit continuous minutes, towards the end where I had full body chills after a big reveal, when I realized what had actually happened.
This was the first time I've read from Nat Cassidy, and I'll be honest, this wasn't what I anticipated. He incorporates much more dark humor than I expected, and I was living for it.
I thought I was getting one type of story when I picked this up, but it went in a wildly different direction and I loved the creepy-creativity behind that turn. The thought of these events actually happening IRL, like what would you do!?
In spite of the gruesome nature of this story, I still managed to connect to it in a deeply-emotional way. It took me by surprise. I felt so many different things, for example, a protective love for Jess and the kiddo.
Why did you do this to me Cassidy? I don't like to feel things!
((j/k: I love it))
Please be sure to read the Afterward from the author if you pick this one up. It's beautifully done, straight from the heart and I feel like it gave me an even deeper understanding and appreciation of what he achieved with this story.
Thank you to the publisher, Tor Nightfire and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review. I loved this so much and am looking forward to going back and reading Cassidy's entire backlist now.
She gently coaxes the boy out, and using her distinctive humor, gets him to trust her enough to tell her he's in serious danger, and now, she probably is too. That's when the stuff hits the fan and all heck breaks loose in the form of the boy's viciously-violent father.
Jess has no choice but to run with the boy in tow, but is anywhere going to be safe from the one hunting them, who seems to have preternatural skills?
Initially, Jess believes she knows the precariousness of their situation, but it gets way more perilous and downright crazy than she could have ever predicted.
Wow, wow, wow; that was my initial reaction upon finishing When the Wolf Comes Home. I hadn't looked at any reviews prior, so I wasn't sure how others were receiving it, but I immediately knew it was a top contender for my favorite book of 2025.
I cried actual grown-ass lady tears for the last 1/2-hour of the audiobook, which is fabulously-narrated. There were minutes, legit continuous minutes, towards the end where I had full body chills after a big reveal, when I realized what had actually happened.
This was the first time I've read from Nat Cassidy, and I'll be honest, this wasn't what I anticipated. He incorporates much more dark humor than I expected, and I was living for it.
I thought I was getting one type of story when I picked this up, but it went in a wildly different direction and I loved the creepy-creativity behind that turn. The thought of these events actually happening IRL, like what would you do!?
In spite of the gruesome nature of this story, I still managed to connect to it in a deeply-emotional way. It took me by surprise. I felt so many different things, for example, a protective love for Jess and the kiddo.
Why did you do this to me Cassidy? I don't like to feel things!
((j/k: I love it))
Please be sure to read the Afterward from the author if you pick this one up. It's beautifully done, straight from the heart and I feel like it gave me an even deeper understanding and appreciation of what he achieved with this story.
Thank you to the publisher, Tor Nightfire and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review. I loved this so much and am looking forward to going back and reading Cassidy's entire backlist now.
September 7, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2
If you came here for the wolves, you might be barking up the wrong tree. It’s paws-ible that the title of this book was meant to throw us off the scent, but howl we ever know?
I kid of course, but in reality this book really isn’t about werewolves like the title may lead you to believe. It is about so much more, and it does that so much more with great effectiveness. This is Nat Cassidy at his best, and his best is among the best around.
From Who Framed Roger Rabbit villains to high stakes bridge games to vicious hat-bats, this book is fearless in its weirdness. The exploration of fatherhood and the impact of male brokenness on children resonated deeply. Having been on both sides of the brokenness makes this hit even closer to home.
I’m a Nat Cassidy fan through and through and I think this book cements his place in the upper echelon of modern horror authors. And to think he’s really just getting started…
If you came here for the wolves, you might be barking up the wrong tree. It’s paws-ible that the title of this book was meant to throw us off the scent, but howl we ever know?
I kid of course, but in reality this book really isn’t about werewolves like the title may lead you to believe. It is about so much more, and it does that so much more with great effectiveness. This is Nat Cassidy at his best, and his best is among the best around.
From Who Framed Roger Rabbit villains to high stakes bridge games to vicious hat-bats, this book is fearless in its weirdness. The exploration of fatherhood and the impact of male brokenness on children resonated deeply. Having been on both sides of the brokenness makes this hit even closer to home.
I’m a Nat Cassidy fan through and through and I think this book cements his place in the upper echelon of modern horror authors. And to think he’s really just getting started…
August 18, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ This is one of the times I really wish GR would give us the option for half stars. Rounding up.
Jess is a struggling actress making ends meet as a waitress. When she is stuck by a dirty needle while cleaning the diner bathroom, her thoughts spiral knowing she needs to seek medical attention. But everything changes when she arrives home and discovers a five-year-old boy hiding in the bushes near her apartment. A series of events forces Jess to protect the child, and soon they are on the run from dangers she never saw coming.
The story begins at full throttle and pulled me in right away. But somewhere in the middle it lost a bit of momentum and I found my attention slipping. I had a hard time connecting with the FMC which I’m sure affected my rating. Being inside Jess’s head wasn’t exactly pleasant. It was like being on speed, acid, or maybe both, I would imagine. I’m fairly new to the horror genre, and while this story is intense at times, the humor woven throughout lessened the overall horror feel for me.
Overall, I really enjoyed the concept and the way the book explores the many forms fear can take while also delving into themes of fatherhood and abandonment. The author’s afterword is also well worth reading, offering an intimate and interesting look at the inspiration behind the story. Having started with this one, I’m curious to explore Nat Cassidy’s other work.
Jess is a struggling actress making ends meet as a waitress. When she is stuck by a dirty needle while cleaning the diner bathroom, her thoughts spiral knowing she needs to seek medical attention. But everything changes when she arrives home and discovers a five-year-old boy hiding in the bushes near her apartment. A series of events forces Jess to protect the child, and soon they are on the run from dangers she never saw coming.
The story begins at full throttle and pulled me in right away. But somewhere in the middle it lost a bit of momentum and I found my attention slipping. I had a hard time connecting with the FMC which I’m sure affected my rating. Being inside Jess’s head wasn’t exactly pleasant. It was like being on speed, acid, or maybe both, I would imagine. I’m fairly new to the horror genre, and while this story is intense at times, the humor woven throughout lessened the overall horror feel for me.
Overall, I really enjoyed the concept and the way the book explores the many forms fear can take while also delving into themes of fatherhood and abandonment. The author’s afterword is also well worth reading, offering an intimate and interesting look at the inspiration behind the story. Having started with this one, I’m curious to explore Nat Cassidy’s other work.
September 6, 2025
this was batshit crazy!!!!!
May 10, 2025
5.0 Stars
I can be pretty stingy with my five stars ratings but this one deserves it for the emotional bomb it dropped on me.
The premise of this one is honestly not particularly new or revolutionary. However this novel takes a familiar simple plot and executes it so well. I can be a black hearted reader so I always appreciate a book that can make me feel something. This one nearly had me in tears several times.
I will admit that part of my rating of this book is reading it on a particularly vulnerable day. I have a connection to the story that made it much more personal than other stories. I can't guarantee that every reader will love this one as much as I do, but I highly recommend this one to horror readers and anyone who loves stories about complicated families.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I can be pretty stingy with my five stars ratings but this one deserves it for the emotional bomb it dropped on me.
The premise of this one is honestly not particularly new or revolutionary. However this novel takes a familiar simple plot and executes it so well. I can be a black hearted reader so I always appreciate a book that can make me feel something. This one nearly had me in tears several times.
I will admit that part of my rating of this book is reading it on a particularly vulnerable day. I have a connection to the story that made it much more personal than other stories. I can't guarantee that every reader will love this one as much as I do, but I highly recommend this one to horror readers and anyone who loves stories about complicated families.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
March 30, 2025
this book was incredible. there’s not enough words to describe how and why i loved it so much, it left such an impression and impact on me. if you like any of these things: roadtrip stories, witty characters, grief horror, dangerous powers and emotional gut punches.. i think you’d love this just as much as i do. highly recommend.
“Our parents define so many things”, she thinks.
“Love, hate, fear. Provider, abuser, abandoner, monster, mirror. They mutate, they change.”
Jess finds a five year old runaway behind her apartment with his violent father hot on his trail. she ends up taking him under her wing and they go on the run together as she tries to protect him. turns out the boy is no ordinary kid though, he has extremely dangerous and unpredictable powers. the things he was able to conjure in his mind were insane, anything he fears or even thinks becomes a reality. yes, this is a werewolf book since his father is one but not in the way you’d think. the story went in so many different unpredictable directions and there was never a dull moment. i loved Jess’ character and her eccentric mother Cookie, the bond they share was so chaotic but beautiful. Jess isn’t without flaws, but she tries her best and sometimes that’s enough. the metaphors and parental childhood trauma hit hard for real, the ending had me staring at the wall afterwards. the audiobook was also amazing!!
➛ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Macmillan Audio for the arc, all opinions are my own.
“Our parents define so many things”, she thinks.
“Love, hate, fear. Provider, abuser, abandoner, monster, mirror. They mutate, they change.”
Jess finds a five year old runaway behind her apartment with his violent father hot on his trail. she ends up taking him under her wing and they go on the run together as she tries to protect him. turns out the boy is no ordinary kid though, he has extremely dangerous and unpredictable powers. the things he was able to conjure in his mind were insane, anything he fears or even thinks becomes a reality. yes, this is a werewolf book since his father is one but not in the way you’d think. the story went in so many different unpredictable directions and there was never a dull moment. i loved Jess’ character and her eccentric mother Cookie, the bond they share was so chaotic but beautiful. Jess isn’t without flaws, but she tries her best and sometimes that’s enough. the metaphors and parental childhood trauma hit hard for real, the ending had me staring at the wall afterwards. the audiobook was also amazing!!
➛ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Macmillan Audio for the arc, all opinions are my own.
November 19, 2025
IN TEARS!!!! 😭💔 This hit me hard. I am not okay…
5 stars.
Brilliant book!! I highly recommend this one!
5 stars.
Brilliant book!! I highly recommend this one!
May 9, 2025
Let’s start with the positive: The afterword is a masterpiece—by far the best part of this book. In my humble opinion, it’s the only ten pages worth reading out of the 420.
Now, to the story itself: This is, without a doubt, the worst book I’ve read this year and possibly among the top five worst I’ve ever read. I saw almost all my Goodreads friends giving it five stars, and I honestly wondered if we were reading the same book.
First of all, the title is completely misleading. It should have been called Daddy Issues—though that wouldn’t quite work for a horror novel, would it? Yet that’s exactly what this book is about: the protagonist’s unresolved issues with her father, stretched across 400+ pages.
Speaking of the protagonist—Jess is possibly the most pathetic and unlikable character I’ve ever encountered. We get it: your dad wasn’t there for you, he didn’t love you, he was absent your whole life. Stop whining about it every time you open your mouth! Try therapy (no shame in that—most of us have unresolved family stuff), and move on with your life.
The plot? Absolutely ridiculous. I won’t go into spoilers, but... cartoons? Really? If you’re expecting a book about werewolves, as the title and cover CLEARLY suggest, prepare for major disappointment.
And finally, if I had to read the word kiddo one more f*cking time, I would have ripped my eyes out.
Now, to the story itself: This is, without a doubt, the worst book I’ve read this year and possibly among the top five worst I’ve ever read. I saw almost all my Goodreads friends giving it five stars, and I honestly wondered if we were reading the same book.
First of all, the title is completely misleading. It should have been called Daddy Issues—though that wouldn’t quite work for a horror novel, would it? Yet that’s exactly what this book is about: the protagonist’s unresolved issues with her father, stretched across 400+ pages.
Speaking of the protagonist—Jess is possibly the most pathetic and unlikable character I’ve ever encountered. We get it: your dad wasn’t there for you, he didn’t love you, he was absent your whole life. Stop whining about it every time you open your mouth! Try therapy (no shame in that—most of us have unresolved family stuff), and move on with your life.
The plot? Absolutely ridiculous. I won’t go into spoilers, but... cartoons? Really? If you’re expecting a book about werewolves, as the title and cover CLEARLY suggest, prepare for major disappointment.
And finally, if I had to read the word kiddo one more f*cking time, I would have ripped my eyes out.
March 25, 2025
Sooooo in love with this book. Thank you Tor Nightfire for an early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
An absolutely thrilling, chilling, emotionally charged, chase style horror book with equal parts character development and plot intrigue. Absolutely brilliant.
Video review: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTYYRuDBU/
An absolutely thrilling, chilling, emotionally charged, chase style horror book with equal parts character development and plot intrigue. Absolutely brilliant.
Video review: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTYYRuDBU/
April 22, 2025
When the Wolf Comes Home is a book about fear and all the ways it affects us.
Jessa's night working at the diner starts off poorly, and then it gets much, much worse. She comes home in a seriously worried state, only to find a runaway boy hiding in some bushes near her apartment. What is he hiding from? You'll have to read this to find out!
I am in love with Nat Cassidy's writing and I loved Jessa, the main character, as much as someone can love a figment of another's imagination. I loved her bravery, her smarts and her drive to protect this strange young boy. Jessa sacrifices a lot without a second thought just to protect him-sometimes I wondered if she was making the right choices-and sometimes she wondered the same. I liked that Jess used improv comedy to help her prevail over her fears, and it also gave her the ability to think on her feet. There are all kinds of scary things in this world, both real and imagined, and if we do not face them, how will things ever change?
Overall, this is a werewolf book like no other. I know people say that all the time, but in this case, it's really true. At times, I questioned whether this was even a werewolf story at all. I think it's up for debate. Feel free to seek me out when you're done and we'll discuss it! For now, I'm awarding all the stars. I loved you, Jessa Rae, and I love Nat Cassidy too.
Highly recommended!
*ARC from publisher
Jessa's night working at the diner starts off poorly, and then it gets much, much worse. She comes home in a seriously worried state, only to find a runaway boy hiding in some bushes near her apartment. What is he hiding from? You'll have to read this to find out!
I am in love with Nat Cassidy's writing and I loved Jessa, the main character, as much as someone can love a figment of another's imagination. I loved her bravery, her smarts and her drive to protect this strange young boy. Jessa sacrifices a lot without a second thought just to protect him-sometimes I wondered if she was making the right choices-and sometimes she wondered the same. I liked that Jess used improv comedy to help her prevail over her fears, and it also gave her the ability to think on her feet. There are all kinds of scary things in this world, both real and imagined, and if we do not face them, how will things ever change?
Overall, this is a werewolf book like no other. I know people say that all the time, but in this case, it's really true. At times, I questioned whether this was even a werewolf story at all. I think it's up for debate. Feel free to seek me out when you're done and we'll discuss it! For now, I'm awarding all the stars. I loved you, Jessa Rae, and I love Nat Cassidy too.
Highly recommended!
*ARC from publisher
October 29, 2025
I just wanted to read a scary werewolf story for Halloween, but I got an unpredictably wild, supernatural gore festival instead that still somehow managed to hit emotionally. It also kinda read like a freaky and R-rated episode of The X-Files. At least there was an FBI agent who certainly wished he was Fox Mulder. Overall: WOW.
June 23, 2025
Wow! That was my immediate reaction upon finishing “When the Wolf Comes Home.” It instantly solidified its place as a top contender for my favourite book of 2025. I found myself in tears by the end—my heart raced as chills coursed through me during a pivotal reveal that turned everything I thought I knew upside down. It truly blew my mind!
In this riveting tale, we meet Jess, a struggling actress whose life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a runaway boy hiding in the bushes outside her apartment. Their encounter spirals into a violent confrontation with the boy's father, propelling them into a nightmarish flight from a lurking threat far more monstrous than they could imagine.
“When the Wolf Comes Home” by Nat Cassidy is not merely a horror novel; it’s a bloody, surreal descent into terror where danger looms at every corner. While it certainly delivers the chills and gore one expects from the genre, it transcends the typical narrative. What struck me most was the profound heart at the core of this story. Beneath the layers of fear lies a poignant exploration of identity, grief, and the emotional toll of confronting one’s deepest fears. It manages to be both eerie and intensely intimate at once.
Jess’s journey is rich with layers and steeped in emotion. She grapples not just with literal spectres but also with the haunting remnants of trauma and buried truths that resonate painfully with reality. A palpable tension threads through the narrative, constantly oscillating between memory and reality, fear and acceptance. It’s in this unsettling space that the story truly flourishes.
The supernatural elements are chilling and carry deep symbolic weight, intricately woven into Jess’s internal struggles. The horror she faces is not merely external; it’s a personal and psychological battle that delves into the core of what it means to be human. That makes it linger in my mind long after I turn the last page. The atmosphere is thick and suffused with dread, the writing masterfully crafted to build tension quietly until it erupts into sheer intensity.
Cassidy possesses an extraordinary talent for drawing readers into the narrative, creating a powerful connection that elicits deep empathy for the characters. His ability to weave intricate emotions and vivid imagery into the storyline makes it impossible not to feel for each character as their struggles and triumphs resonate profoundly.
If you choose to read this book, do not overlook the afterword written by the author. It is eloquently articulated and comes from a place of sincerity, revealing the author's personal reflections and insights. This section complements the narrative and enriches the reader's appreciation of the profound themes woven throughout the compelling story. By engaging with the Afterword, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the motivations behind the characters and the broader messages the author sought to convey, enhancing your overall reading experience..
PRE-READ
Nat Cassidy’s When The Wolf Comes Home took me on an incredible reading journey that completely blew my mind. The story transcends the typical boundaries of horror, delving into deeper themes such as fear, loss, grief, and complex Daddy issues. It’s brilliantly crafted and left me in awe. I found myself staying up well past my usual bedtime—until 2:45 a.m., in fact—as I tried to digest everything I had just read. Even now, I’m feeling the exhaustion settle in, yet my mind is racing with reflections on the narrative. I want to express my thoughts, but I’m determined to avoid turning this into a mere rant; I plan to share a complete and thoughtful review soon.
In this riveting tale, we meet Jess, a struggling actress whose life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a runaway boy hiding in the bushes outside her apartment. Their encounter spirals into a violent confrontation with the boy's father, propelling them into a nightmarish flight from a lurking threat far more monstrous than they could imagine.
“When the Wolf Comes Home” by Nat Cassidy is not merely a horror novel; it’s a bloody, surreal descent into terror where danger looms at every corner. While it certainly delivers the chills and gore one expects from the genre, it transcends the typical narrative. What struck me most was the profound heart at the core of this story. Beneath the layers of fear lies a poignant exploration of identity, grief, and the emotional toll of confronting one’s deepest fears. It manages to be both eerie and intensely intimate at once.
Jess’s journey is rich with layers and steeped in emotion. She grapples not just with literal spectres but also with the haunting remnants of trauma and buried truths that resonate painfully with reality. A palpable tension threads through the narrative, constantly oscillating between memory and reality, fear and acceptance. It’s in this unsettling space that the story truly flourishes.
The supernatural elements are chilling and carry deep symbolic weight, intricately woven into Jess’s internal struggles. The horror she faces is not merely external; it’s a personal and psychological battle that delves into the core of what it means to be human. That makes it linger in my mind long after I turn the last page. The atmosphere is thick and suffused with dread, the writing masterfully crafted to build tension quietly until it erupts into sheer intensity.
Cassidy possesses an extraordinary talent for drawing readers into the narrative, creating a powerful connection that elicits deep empathy for the characters. His ability to weave intricate emotions and vivid imagery into the storyline makes it impossible not to feel for each character as their struggles and triumphs resonate profoundly.
If you choose to read this book, do not overlook the afterword written by the author. It is eloquently articulated and comes from a place of sincerity, revealing the author's personal reflections and insights. This section complements the narrative and enriches the reader's appreciation of the profound themes woven throughout the compelling story. By engaging with the Afterword, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the motivations behind the characters and the broader messages the author sought to convey, enhancing your overall reading experience..
PRE-READ
Nat Cassidy’s When The Wolf Comes Home took me on an incredible reading journey that completely blew my mind. The story transcends the typical boundaries of horror, delving into deeper themes such as fear, loss, grief, and complex Daddy issues. It’s brilliantly crafted and left me in awe. I found myself staying up well past my usual bedtime—until 2:45 a.m., in fact—as I tried to digest everything I had just read. Even now, I’m feeling the exhaustion settle in, yet my mind is racing with reflections on the narrative. I want to express my thoughts, but I’m determined to avoid turning this into a mere rant; I plan to share a complete and thoughtful review soon.
September 23, 2025
Sharp-fanged, unsettling, and totally unmissable!
4.5 ⭐️ Whoa! This one bit down hard and did not let go. I thought I was getting one kind of horror story, but When the Wolf Comes Home turned out to be something far more intelligent, brutal, and unexpected. From the eerie opening to the blood-soaked spiral that follows, this was terrifying in all the best ways, it was creative, emotionally layered, and absolutely relentless.
Jess’s desperate, gut-punch journey with a silent little boy by her side kept me in a constant state of dread. There’s a pulse of something mythic beating beneath the carnage, but it’s also grounded in very human fears like parenthood, survival, the need to be seen. This was scary good, truly.
I read this one through the library, and what a chilling surprise it turned out to be. Not for the faint of heart, but perfect for fans of horror that cuts deeper than gore.
4.5 ⭐️ Whoa! This one bit down hard and did not let go. I thought I was getting one kind of horror story, but When the Wolf Comes Home turned out to be something far more intelligent, brutal, and unexpected. From the eerie opening to the blood-soaked spiral that follows, this was terrifying in all the best ways, it was creative, emotionally layered, and absolutely relentless.
Jess’s desperate, gut-punch journey with a silent little boy by her side kept me in a constant state of dread. There’s a pulse of something mythic beating beneath the carnage, but it’s also grounded in very human fears like parenthood, survival, the need to be seen. This was scary good, truly.
I read this one through the library, and what a chilling surprise it turned out to be. Not for the faint of heart, but perfect for fans of horror that cuts deeper than gore.
March 18, 2025
Nat Cassidy: A Wordborne Werewolf
Well, hot diggity dang! Nat Cassidy isn’t just a horror writer—he’s a Wordborne Werewolf, a storyteller whose words shapeshift into nightmares, unpredictable and relentless. His stories don’t just send chills up your spine—they burrow under your skin and refuse to leave. He unleashes something dark and consuming—a skill he demonstrates in his latest When The Wolf Comes Home.
When The Wolf Comes Home chilling and profound blend of supernatural horror with psychological terror layered with gore, brutal unexpected horror, jaw-dropping twists, and gut-wrenching emotional depth that elevates every unsettling visual moment.
Not A Werewolf Story
If you think this is just another werewolf tale—think again. There are no predictable full moons or silver bullets here—something far more unsettling and insidious. Instead, Cassidy hits differently and sends you on a chilling descent to what nightmares are made from. This is where fear seeps from the page, burrowing into your thoughts. It’s the perfect mix of terrifying and thought-provoking, making you question what’s lurking in the dark corners of your mind.
A Mysterious Child & A Mind-Bending Descent
The real magic (or nightmare) of Cassidy’s writing is how he builds tension through the eyes of a mysterious young boy as he explores fear through his thoughts. It’s about how our thoughts and experiences manifest fear. His horror lingers, forcing you to wonder: Is fear something we feel or something we create?
This isn’t slow-burn horror filled with creeping dread—it’s a full-throttle ride of action, gore, gut-wrenching insight, and unexpected twists at every turn.
Audiobook vs. eBook
I listened to this one, and let me tell you—the audiobook is the way to go. I didn’t have an eBook to compare, but I can only imagine that the terror on the page is just as intense. From the moment I hit play, I didn’t want to do anything else.
The narrator was pitch-perfect, shifting seamlessly between unease and outright terror, nailing every beat of excitement, dread, and intensity at just the right moments.
I’ll admit—sometimes when I listen to audiobooks, I switch to reading because the pacing can drag. But not this time. This one flew, and I didn’t want to miss a single second.
Final Verdict: Go with the Audiobook!
If you’re debating how to experience this story, trust me—go with the audiobook. It’s immersive, chilling, and gripping from start to finish. This one whispers in your ear long after it ends.
Are you ready for the wolf to come home?
A Witches Words buddy read with Mary Beth and Debra.
For my review for Nestlings https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I received an audiobook from the publisher through NetGalley
Well, hot diggity dang! Nat Cassidy isn’t just a horror writer—he’s a Wordborne Werewolf, a storyteller whose words shapeshift into nightmares, unpredictable and relentless. His stories don’t just send chills up your spine—they burrow under your skin and refuse to leave. He unleashes something dark and consuming—a skill he demonstrates in his latest When The Wolf Comes Home.
When The Wolf Comes Home chilling and profound blend of supernatural horror with psychological terror layered with gore, brutal unexpected horror, jaw-dropping twists, and gut-wrenching emotional depth that elevates every unsettling visual moment.
Not A Werewolf Story
If you think this is just another werewolf tale—think again. There are no predictable full moons or silver bullets here—something far more unsettling and insidious. Instead, Cassidy hits differently and sends you on a chilling descent to what nightmares are made from. This is where fear seeps from the page, burrowing into your thoughts. It’s the perfect mix of terrifying and thought-provoking, making you question what’s lurking in the dark corners of your mind.
A Mysterious Child & A Mind-Bending Descent
The real magic (or nightmare) of Cassidy’s writing is how he builds tension through the eyes of a mysterious young boy as he explores fear through his thoughts. It’s about how our thoughts and experiences manifest fear. His horror lingers, forcing you to wonder: Is fear something we feel or something we create?
This isn’t slow-burn horror filled with creeping dread—it’s a full-throttle ride of action, gore, gut-wrenching insight, and unexpected twists at every turn.
Audiobook vs. eBook
I listened to this one, and let me tell you—the audiobook is the way to go. I didn’t have an eBook to compare, but I can only imagine that the terror on the page is just as intense. From the moment I hit play, I didn’t want to do anything else.
The narrator was pitch-perfect, shifting seamlessly between unease and outright terror, nailing every beat of excitement, dread, and intensity at just the right moments.
I’ll admit—sometimes when I listen to audiobooks, I switch to reading because the pacing can drag. But not this time. This one flew, and I didn’t want to miss a single second.
Final Verdict: Go with the Audiobook!
If you’re debating how to experience this story, trust me—go with the audiobook. It’s immersive, chilling, and gripping from start to finish. This one whispers in your ear long after it ends.
Are you ready for the wolf to come home?
A Witches Words buddy read with Mary Beth and Debra.
For my review for Nestlings https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I received an audiobook from the publisher through NetGalley
May 20, 2025
Wow! This was intense, disquieting and compelling!!
The story centers on Jess, a waitress, who after accidentally pricking herself with a discarded needle while cleaning the toilet of the diner, returns home to find a distraught little boy hiding near her apartment.
Soon it becomes clear that the boy is running from his father.
And before long, Jess finds out why.
And that’s when, both Jess and the boy start running, pursued by unimaginable nightmares.
But how far can they go?
And whom can they trust?
The story centers on Jess, a waitress, who after accidentally pricking herself with a discarded needle while cleaning the toilet of the diner, returns home to find a distraught little boy hiding near her apartment.
Soon it becomes clear that the boy is running from his father.
And before long, Jess finds out why.
And that’s when, both Jess and the boy start running, pursued by unimaginable nightmares.
But how far can they go?
And whom can they trust?
May 31, 2025
this was camp, very few will get it but i just find the plot choices very interesting and honestly just fun! this was nothing like anything i’ve read before
May 29, 2025
Nat Cassidy doesn’t trust you to feel things on your own — so he drags you, page after page, through a bog of overwrought prose, emotionally performative narration, and self-important hand-holding.
When the Wolf Comes Home is a horror novel that insists on being loud when it should be quiet, dramatic when it could be eerie, and sentimental when it might’ve been profound. Cassidy seems less interested in the story itself than in broadcasting how much the story matters — overexplaining, overemoting, and overstuffing nearly every scene with tone cues and unnecessary introspection.
Instead of letting character, setting, or plot evoke mood organically, Cassidy slathers every moment in affective highlighter. Even minor injuries are treated like Shakespearean tragedies. A quiet exchange between a woman and a child is scored like a Hallmark melodrama. You don’t read this book — you’re yanked through it, emotionally prompted like a viewer of bad reality TV.
The prose leans hard into what some call “emphasized tone” — a kind of amateur theatricality that mistakes intensity for depth. The narration is constantly nudging you: Did you feel that? You should feel something now. Look how human and heartbreaking this is! It’s exhausting. And it’s transparent.
Cassidy ends the novel trying to wrench out a moral with heightened prose that feels unearned and overexerted. He may know horror, but he doesn’t seem to know silence, ambiguity, or restraint — the very tools that make horror linger. Where Lisa Wingate or Cormac McCarthy would give you one cold, perfect sentence, Cassidy gives you five overwrought ones and an internal monologue to explain what they meant.
This book is what happens when a writer confuses emotion with emotionalism — and doesn’t trust the reader to know the difference.
When the Wolf Comes Home is a horror novel that insists on being loud when it should be quiet, dramatic when it could be eerie, and sentimental when it might’ve been profound. Cassidy seems less interested in the story itself than in broadcasting how much the story matters — overexplaining, overemoting, and overstuffing nearly every scene with tone cues and unnecessary introspection.
Instead of letting character, setting, or plot evoke mood organically, Cassidy slathers every moment in affective highlighter. Even minor injuries are treated like Shakespearean tragedies. A quiet exchange between a woman and a child is scored like a Hallmark melodrama. You don’t read this book — you’re yanked through it, emotionally prompted like a viewer of bad reality TV.
The prose leans hard into what some call “emphasized tone” — a kind of amateur theatricality that mistakes intensity for depth. The narration is constantly nudging you: Did you feel that? You should feel something now. Look how human and heartbreaking this is! It’s exhausting. And it’s transparent.
Cassidy ends the novel trying to wrench out a moral with heightened prose that feels unearned and overexerted. He may know horror, but he doesn’t seem to know silence, ambiguity, or restraint — the very tools that make horror linger. Where Lisa Wingate or Cormac McCarthy would give you one cold, perfect sentence, Cassidy gives you five overwrought ones and an internal monologue to explain what they meant.
This book is what happens when a writer confuses emotion with emotionalism — and doesn’t trust the reader to know the difference.
June 1, 2025
oh this one HURT. 💔
June 25, 2025
Absolutely bat-shit and I loved every second of it!
I think the premise here is a difficult one to pull off, but the author manages it expertly. I don’t want to say anything else about it because it’s written so well that I’d be doing the author a disservice!
This is definitely not a book that everyone will love. Parts of it hit me in a personal way: Daddy issues, and our human relationship with fear. It spoke to me. And the author’s afterward… seriously, we might be kindred spirits.
If you love supernatural horror, this is the book for you =D
I think the premise here is a difficult one to pull off, but the author manages it expertly. I don’t want to say anything else about it because it’s written so well that I’d be doing the author a disservice!
This is definitely not a book that everyone will love. Parts of it hit me in a personal way: Daddy issues, and our human relationship with fear. It spoke to me. And the author’s afterward… seriously, we might be kindred spirits.
If you love supernatural horror, this is the book for you =D
Read
November 14, 2025I've given both Mary and Nestlings 5⭐. This one deserves a 6⭐. It's my favorite book of the year so far, hands down. It's so much more than a werewolf tale. It's about grief. It's about fear and why we have fears. It's personal, and I think it's written in such a way that it would be relatable to everyone in some way. The horror elements are there (and fantastic), but the underlying story is everything. The characters were so well developed. I laughed. I cried. (And yes, I think it did become a part of me.) I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. And the author's note, again, is 🧑🏻🍳💋. This has been added to my reread shelf.
July 28, 2025
I like Nat Cassidy, so far I’ve read each one of his books with pleasure. But I guess there comes a time in every author-reader relationship where there’s that one book which doesn’t work for that reader, and that time has come for me and Cassidy, and that book is When the Wolf Comes Home.
I’m a little cautious with books who bear the optimistic message “you can do anything you want if you just believe”, maybe because too many times I did and it didn’t only not happen for me, it also put a lot of guilt and feeling ashamed for maybe not believing hard enough or having failed somehow. It is very fertile ground for disappointment. So, there’s that. Another reason this didn't work for me is that the main theme of imagination coming to life, animation of fears and fearful creatures is something I just recently read from the pen of Chuck Tingle in Bury Your Gays, and although it’s probably nobody’s fault, I don’t like to read newly published books dealing with the same thing in such close succession, it’s not the author’s fault.
I appreciated the author’s afterword, he always has some personal anecdote to go with his books and I enjoy those and appreciate him opening up so intimately to his readers.
I’m a little cautious with books who bear the optimistic message “you can do anything you want if you just believe”, maybe because too many times I did and it didn’t only not happen for me, it also put a lot of guilt and feeling ashamed for maybe not believing hard enough or having failed somehow. It is very fertile ground for disappointment. So, there’s that. Another reason this didn't work for me is that the main theme of imagination coming to life, animation of fears and fearful creatures is something I just recently read from the pen of Chuck Tingle in Bury Your Gays, and although it’s probably nobody’s fault, I don’t like to read newly published books dealing with the same thing in such close succession, it’s not the author’s fault.
I appreciated the author’s afterword, he always has some personal anecdote to go with his books and I enjoy those and appreciate him opening up so intimately to his readers.
December 6, 2025
Add this to your TBR immediately!! First because it’s that spectacular ! Second because I NEED people to talk to about the OMG ending and the underlying poignant pulse of this novel.
NEVER did I think a horror novel would be in my top reads of the year. But this book is everything: Incredibly likeable characters, a keeps-you-guessing plot, sharp slashes of humor… it pierced my heart and grabbed hold of my brain.
I know the cover practically howls, "I'm a werewolf book." But trust me, this page turner is so much more than the cover would imply. Fans of thrillers and surprising twists... you'll want to sink your teeth into this one.
If you can hack the gore, the story is savagely brilliant.
NEVER did I think a horror novel would be in my top reads of the year. But this book is everything: Incredibly likeable characters, a keeps-you-guessing plot, sharp slashes of humor… it pierced my heart and grabbed hold of my brain.
I know the cover practically howls, "I'm a werewolf book." But trust me, this page turner is so much more than the cover would imply. Fans of thrillers and surprising twists... you'll want to sink your teeth into this one.
If you can hack the gore, the story is savagely brilliant.
September 25, 2025
This book and I had a love/hate relationship. It was a rocky start. Then the plot took an unexpected twist and caught my attention about a third of the way in. Once it had my attention, I fell head over heels in love with the boy. I wasn't that attached to Jess, but her mom won my heart. Parts of the story were so well done! The ending of the book saved it for me. And then the afterword about Cassidy's father melted my heart.
My review reflects my feelings about the book. It's all over the map. This was my first book by Nat Cassidy. I hear his other books are much better. The premise for Mary especially caught my attention, so I'll try that one soon.
Meanwhile, thanks to a great ending and some beautiful character work, When the Wolf Comes Home gets 3 stars from me. It was a good book. I'm glad I was introduced to Cassidy's writing and I look forward to reading more from him!
My review reflects my feelings about the book. It's all over the map. This was my first book by Nat Cassidy. I hear his other books are much better. The premise for Mary especially caught my attention, so I'll try that one soon.
Meanwhile, thanks to a great ending and some beautiful character work, When the Wolf Comes Home gets 3 stars from me. It was a good book. I'm glad I was introduced to Cassidy's writing and I look forward to reading more from him!
May 11, 2025
There’s a lot to unpack from this novel so it’s going to take a bit to write a review! Five star read for sure.
May 12, 2025
This is not your typical werewolf story. Cassidy takes everything the werewolf represents—the unencumbered id, all of your fear and anger and hunger ripped from the inside to the outside without any filter—and uses that as the primary building block for this story. He quickly reveals, to the reader if not the characters, what else is going on and what dark paths he wants to bring this story down, so it is never like he is trying to manipulate or fool the reader. He manages to weave in surprise and interesting twists as he deconstructs expectations to create something new.
Emotional and heartfelt but not at all afraid to use its teeth, this fast-paced novel balances scenes of graphic, bloody violence with those of emotional depth and exploration. The main characters are incredibly compelling, they feel genuine and real and like real people you know and want to spend time with. That includes the young boy, who has a fractured emotional landscape that is just right for this story and never feels easy or convenient, which sometimes happens with young characters. There are a number of ancillary characters, some drop in for a scene, some come and go, and all of them are colorful, fun, and add to the story, with no detail feeling phoned in. The world itself is contemporary LA, for the most part, although there is a bit of a road trip vibe to the story, and in that regard Cassidy is content to give a rough sketch with a few key descriptors that lets the reader fill in the rest. Instead of building out the world he creates atmosphere, crafting scenes bristling with emotional weight, full of expectation and terror and real feeling. This works with the writing, which is strong and descriptive, with a convincing dialogue, distinct voices, and wonderful inner dialogues. The writing is descriptive when it needs to be, but it is also really propulsive, keeping things moving. Yet in the midst of this it is, most importantly, heartfelt and personal. It really brings the reader in and doesn’t let them go. Most importantly, Cassidy is exploring important ideas in this story. The idea of fatherhood, and what it means to be a protector, of course. But also the ideas of abandonment, of the uncertainty of unresolved traumas, and of what it means to know yourself, to be comfortable with your own fears, emotions, and powers, to be comfortable in your own skin, these are explored in this story, which manages to grab you with both fists and splatter blood on your face in the process.
(Rounded up from 4.5)
Emotional and heartfelt but not at all afraid to use its teeth, this fast-paced novel balances scenes of graphic, bloody violence with those of emotional depth and exploration. The main characters are incredibly compelling, they feel genuine and real and like real people you know and want to spend time with. That includes the young boy, who has a fractured emotional landscape that is just right for this story and never feels easy or convenient, which sometimes happens with young characters. There are a number of ancillary characters, some drop in for a scene, some come and go, and all of them are colorful, fun, and add to the story, with no detail feeling phoned in. The world itself is contemporary LA, for the most part, although there is a bit of a road trip vibe to the story, and in that regard Cassidy is content to give a rough sketch with a few key descriptors that lets the reader fill in the rest. Instead of building out the world he creates atmosphere, crafting scenes bristling with emotional weight, full of expectation and terror and real feeling. This works with the writing, which is strong and descriptive, with a convincing dialogue, distinct voices, and wonderful inner dialogues. The writing is descriptive when it needs to be, but it is also really propulsive, keeping things moving. Yet in the midst of this it is, most importantly, heartfelt and personal. It really brings the reader in and doesn’t let them go. Most importantly, Cassidy is exploring important ideas in this story. The idea of fatherhood, and what it means to be a protector, of course. But also the ideas of abandonment, of the uncertainty of unresolved traumas, and of what it means to know yourself, to be comfortable with your own fears, emotions, and powers, to be comfortable in your own skin, these are explored in this story, which manages to grab you with both fists and splatter blood on your face in the process.
(Rounded up from 4.5)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,341 reviews