Willow Rose

by M. Kevin Hayden

For lovers of Stephen Graham Jones, Jeff VanderMeer, and Nick Cutter, Willow Rose is a compulsively readable, literary ode to the terror of the unknown that comes for all of us in the depths of night.

A knock on the cabin door on indigenous land in the wintry woods of Minnesota.

Tap tap tap.

Driving down the boreal roads of rural Minnesota to his one-room cabin after a long ER shift, Dr. Alder’s eyes snap open, his old Civic screaming to a stop in front of a massive bull elk, its head tilting back unnaturally, its maw open. Comet Goodwin, the closest comet to Earth in history, lights up the sky in an otherworldly greenish tint with its long, jagged tail of fire.

Tap tap tap.

Alder’s world ignites in a blinding white flash. The car windows shatter inward. The elk is gone.

If he can get the car started again and get back to his cabin, maybe he can make sense of all this…but first he must survive the frozen silence of the night and the evil that stalks within it.

We must stay together always.

Genres: Horror, Thriller, Fiction, Science Fiction, Paranormal, Adult, Fantasy

206 pages, ebook

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

M. Kevin Hayden is a novelist from the South Side of Chicago, where he grew up among storefront churches, corner stores, and the quiet echo of stories waiting to be told. His work blends emotional realism with speculative mystery, grounded in memory, place, and the uncanny moments that flicker through ordinary lives.

His debut, An Old Soul, is a slow-burn tale of love, memory, and unraveling reality set in 1996 Chicago. His second story, Willow Rose, leaves the city for the snowbound wilderness of northern Minnesota, where a weary doctor and a mysterious child confront a cosmic, ancient terror.

He writes for anyone who has ever felt out of step with the world, hoping his stories offer a sense of connection and wonder. He now lives somewhere quiet, surrounded by trees and the occasional flash of something just beyond the veil.

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this novel, but it certainly kept me engaged throughout the story. Dr. Alder Peony has finished working his third 24-hour shift in the week and is headed home. He’s tired and his eyes snap open and he slams on the brakes. His car stops in front of a massive elk. Above it, Alder can see the tail of Comet Goodwin which suddenly appeared two days ago. A blinding white flash occurs, the car windows shatter inward, and the elk is gone. Can he get his car started and make it home safely? Can he make sense of what happened? Who is the girl who shows up in his life?

Alder is single and a recovering addict with a lot of debt. He accepted a job in rural Northern Minnesota at the Morningstar Falls hospital and left Chicago behind. He’s lonely and has a lot of self-loathing, and can’t see inviting someone into his mess.

The author does a great job with atmosphere and world-building. It was easy to visualize what was happening. Readers get a lot of his internal monologue and can feel his pain and regret. Registered nurse Faith is a soothing and steadying presence during the long hours they work together. While the book is short, it packs a punch. It’s more than a horror story. There’s also themes of folklore, resilience, courage, the importance of connections, relationships, and gruesome deaths and injuries. While there are a few questions to ponder, the ending was satisfactory.

Overall, this is a fast-paced, engaging, and fascinating read that makes one think, but is entertaining at the same time. This is a gem that I’m glad I was able to find and read. I’m not going to forget it anytime soon. I am looking forward to reading more books by this new-to-me author.

Muse of the Moon Books and M. Kevin Hayden provided a complimentary digital copy of this novel via Booktrovert. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is set for October 28, 2025.
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My 4.05 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[Chewable Orb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willow Rose by M. Kevin Hayden
4.25 rounded down to 4 🔮🔮🔮🔮 orbs
Est. Pub. Date: Oct. 28, 2025
Muse of the Moon Books

In a rural area in Minnesota…

💡Orbs Prologue: Referred to by some as a “dirty snowball,” I zoom across the naked sky. I am a wondrous sight for some; for others, I am an apocalyptic nightmare coming to fruition. The tail streams from my body, comprised of ice, dust, and various other materials. Let it be known I am beautiful, but I come with a bite. Comet Goodwin, they call me. Those electronic transmissions you humans are so reliant on have been rendered useless. What will you do, people of Earth?

Willow Rose is the name of a little girl who appears out of nowhere to change the landscape of Dr. Alder Peony’s life. As an ER doctor, people might think Dr. P’s life is in perfect order; however, they would be mistaken. Is Alder running from the past? His skeletons awaken from the closet with plans to sabotage the future.

As Comet Goodwin floats overhead, life in this old backwoods town will never be the same. A reckoning is here in the form of a beast. Hunting, capturing, and devouring its prey is the only mission. Why? Why here? Why Alder? Haunted by the shrieking sounds emanating from the forest around his cabin, Alder seeks comfort. Faith, his co-worker, stands idly by, with alert eyes ready to help if a hand is extended. A love interest, perhaps? No, this story’s savior might reside in someone far less predictable; a small, giggly package awaits to be loved.

After devouring M. Kevin Hayden’s first novel, An Old Soul, I was more than ready to dive into his latest novel, Willow Rose. Upon entering our world, it is clear that M. Kevin Hayden’s prose resonates with me. He is 2 for 2, batting 100%. Laced with horrendous intentions, Hayden takes us on a journey into a dark forest infused with grim imagery. Jagged windows splinter, airwaves stutter, and our minds are bent; there is no law here. As with his first novel, there is a strong sense of connection, or lack thereof, yet Hayden has decided to awaken the fear that lingers within all of us.

An underlying message is being told. One that I won’t spoil for you, dear reader, but just know that while this is a cosmic horror tale on the surface, there is more to be discovered lying gently below. Perhaps this is Hayden’s magic. A subtle complexity without seeming, well, complex. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the beast, Windigo. Hayden’s depiction is utterly brilliant, breathing life into a monster sent straight from the gates of hell and thus puncturing any sense of me having a good night’s sleep.

🔚 Like a plane vapor, my tail is a constant reminder of how peculiar life has become. A society left in paranoia, wondering the whys and hows in which life might be altered. I am screaming through the sky, invoking my wrath. People’s thoughts will turn inward as they begin to atone for those they have wronged, for what else is there to do when life is out of control? What if it is too late to make amends? How will those inner demons dissipate? I will leave my friends, and when I depart, I hope that humanity will understand my message: to be kind to one another.

Recommended!

Many thanks to Muse of the Moon Books for the ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Jamie Josephson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens and Booktrovert for providing an ARC of Willow Rose by M. Kevin Hayden in exchange for honest feedback.

So I tend to go into books blind - I prefer to peruse the reviews of books as opposed to reading the synopsis - so needless to say, I had no clue what to expect from this book based on the name and cover. To be completely honest, I chose this title simply because it was a new horror author to me and he is from Southside Chicago which will always be home to me.

With that said, I loved it. It was giving Stranger Things vibes with a little touch of Old Country - IFYKYK. It maintained that creepy, eerie atmosphere throughout that you really want to see in a horror story. I loved the MC and found myself rooting for him the entire time. And while I love a good horror novel that ends in despair and tragedy, I also am a big fan of happy endings which is what I got here and I do not feel like it affected the overall ominous vibe at all.

Definitely interested in reading more by this author. If you haven’t read this book yet, run to the store and grab a copy. Perfect for spooky season!

[Billie's Not So Secret Diary · Rating 1 out of 5]

Willow Rose
by M. Kevin Hayden
Science Fiction
Booktrovert Giveaway
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 2025
Indie/Muse of the Moon Books
Ages: 16+

Dr. Alder is dealing with his own issues, which is why he took a temp position at a rural Minnesota hospital, but even though he promised himself to keep to himself until he can 'fix' himself, he finds himself drawn to one of the nurses he works with.

Days before, a comet had suddenly appeared in the sky, and no scientist could explain why. As it drifted across the sky, its green tail caused problems with communications. While driving home from a shift, Alder jerks awake, having dozed off at the wheel, stopping in front of an elk tilting his head up at the sky, its mouth open. The animal bellows and the car's windows shatter.

After hours of trying to get his car started or freeze in the Minnesota wilderness, he gets home only to have a knock on his door, and there is a young girl...spoiler...


I had high hopes for this story as the blurb made it sound interesting. A comet suddenly appears, and an animal acting weird, ewwww. But the writing was flat.

'The moose screamed. The snow came down white. She was pretty. The car refused to start, and it was cold outside.'.... That is basically how it read to me. A simple and flat telling of a story. There are a few descriptions, but there is not enough to make it sound real or relatable. And that is including the characters and setting. They also weren't developed very well. Not all readers understand how cold it can be in the middle of a forest in Minnesota, let alone how dangerous elk are, or it is to be out in the weather.

Mixing science fiction with myths/legends was a great idea, but more detail with the origins of the legend, thus more 'interactions between the characters, would have helped bring the story and 'creature' to life. I felt those key elements were brushed over way too lightly. And then there were the disjointed ramblings towards the end of the story. I get why, but it was just too jumpy for it to make any sense, and that was when I really wished I had DNFed, but I did start to skim 'cause I was bored and frustrated.

Overall, this story, while it had potential and creativity, it lacked execution: character and setting development, along with history. More time with the characters, their lives, and more about the comet, 'ideas' on why things were happening, and how they came to certain conclusions would have helped.

There is violence and gore, so those 'ideas' make it not suitable for readers under sixteen.

Also, the ending.... eye roll.

1 Star

[Arielle Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a fan of science fiction, but I don’t enjoy horror. Or, rather, I didn’t enjoy horror… until I read this book!
However, I hesitate to simply call this deeply engaging, thrilling and fascinating story - which had me rapt from the very first moment in which we’re introduced to the namesake – a “horror story,” as it would be doing a huge disservice to the author, novel and its readers.
Much like Kevin Hayden’s first novel, An Old Soul, his second publication, Willow Rose, delves into the deeply personal inner monologue of a troubled main character who finds himself at the center of unlikely events, in unanticipated relationships and facing unique challenges he’d never have thought he’d be able to handle.
And yet… somehow, despite all probability, he finds the strength, courage and grit to both survive and to build indelible connections with other seemingly broken individuals who simultaneously rely on his strength and add to it.
This fast-paced novel is beautifully written, highly detailed and wonderfully imaginative. I highly recommend it!

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book merges together a science fiction comet magnetic fields plot line with a Native American gory folk horror plot line. My brain had a hard time reconciling the two at times. There was a lot going on. It was two genres I’ve never really seen combined. If a blend of those two genres sounds perfect to you, definitely check this one out.

I enjoyed the descriptive writing style. I felt like I was in the snowy woods small town myself. The moral lessons were a bit heavy handed but I enjoyed the book. It was a very unique scifi horror.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willow Rose by M. Kevin Hayden is a dark, atmospheric read that hooked me with its tone and overall sense of unease. The story builds slowly at first, but once it found its footing, I was pulled in and wanted to see where it was going. The imagery throughout, especially the comet, added a chilling layer that really stuck with me.

That said, my biggest hang-up was how everything tied together. There are threads that feel important and moments that seem to be building toward something bigger, but the actual connections weren’t always as clear or fleshed out as I would’ve liked. The comet in particular felt like such a powerful element, but it only gets a subtle nod at the end and is never fully tied in, which left me wanting more. I couldn’t help but think that if the book had been just a bit longer, this piece, along with a few others, could’ve been tied together in a more satisfying way.

Even with that, I really enjoyed the ride. The atmosphere, the writing, and the sense of dread running underneath the story all worked beautifully. If you don’t mind a slower start and can live with a few unanswered questions, this is a haunting read worth picking up.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Courtney Bozich · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read! I was on the edge of my seat. Hoping for a sequel someday!

[Kelly Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comet, so close to Earth. A strange little girl, Willow Rose. Dr. Alder Peony, a doctor in a rural area. Faith, a beautiful nurse. An approaching sense of evil.
Dr. Peony wasn’t meant to stay as the ER doctor in this rural town forever. It was a more of a respite from his past, a place where he could keep his head down at work and spend his off time in a remote cabin. But strange unfolding events in this small town prove to be too much to handle alone.
This book was relatively short, but it packed a punch with me. Although the premise is dark and haunting, there is a feeling of serene and forgiveness also at the forefront. The message “we must stay together always,” is a reminder that we are meant to be a community for each other; a light in the dark. When I closed the book, I immediately wanted to read more from this author. Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

Willow Rose begins with an ER doctor finishing a 24-hour shift in a rural Wisconsin hospital. Hayden's representation of the clinical setting is fully convincing, rendered in authentic detail. As the story progresses, unfortunately, the characters themselves and the events leading to the conflict are less convincing.

The ongoing descriptions of the comet are tantalizingly vivid, hinting at some hidden depth yet to be revealed, but even though the story does eventually present a relatively heavy analogy through its antagonist, the lore is never strong enough and the visual detail is never adequate to justify the dramatic denouement. The relationships between characters work well, but the dialogue they exchange doesn't, which makes their emotions come off as sentimental and pretentious. A few intrusive instances of awkward dialect make everyone in the story seem like a hand puppet whose lines are spoken by someone behind a curtain.

Hayden may shine given the room to build a story with more depth and complexity, but this one was too rushed to produce a satisfying scifi horror offering and Willow Rose cratered for this reader.

Thank you to NetGalley and Muse of the Moon Books for the ARC.

[lilblackcat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: This is my honest opinion. I’m just here to yap. Books are personal, that’s why it’s fun!

I don’t know what’s more unsettling, a looming comet or a creature only you can hear. I was lucky enough to receive Willow Rose as an ARC thanks to BookSirens. I went into this novel completely blind. No research, no expectations 💫

This cosmic supernatural thriller isolates you within your imagination. The fear is gripping. I half expected The X-Files theme to start playing out of nowhere. Mulder, it’s me. M. Kevin Hayden creates of form of suspenseful poetry with painful emotional undertones. Underlying meanings are of course open to interpretation by each reader. The songs translate warnings, each sense alerting the mind to danger. Past and present trauma surfaces leaving you feeling trapped. You will have a strong feeling of empathy throughout.

The aim of the game? Defeat it. It kills to soothe its pain. The parallels between the monster and the characters are electric. The TENSION. The fight to merely exist. A reckoning 🔔

You will be left with a sense of impending doom. This makes you think. I was entranced.

Also, who doesn’t love a story that involves an isolated cabin in the woods? YUP
A little yearning and romance as well? YUP

The connection between the characters is soothing during this terror that engulfs them. Desperate to protect each other and a strange girl from another plane that has brought them together. The cusp of death not enough to deter them from taking down this blue eyed terror. Their trauma doesn’t make them weak, it gives them the strength to fight back ❤️‍🔥

I will note that the subject matter is very heavy. We delve into addiction, grief, guilt and torment, this is what the crytpid feeds on. The pain. Linked to a comet in the sky and the existence of parallel universes.

This novel has it all. Enjoyably spooky and something for any reader that can handle being creeped out for most of the read!

Keep those peepers peeled, this one’s eerie. You’ll want the lights on, trust me 😳

Release date is 28th October 2025, just in time for Halloween.

Can’t wait to see what else M. Kevin Hayden has in store for us in the future.

🐈‍⬛Lil Black Cat Rating🐈‍⬛
I’m going to give this cosmic cryptid crisis four lil black cats

🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛

Stay Spooky fam
Abilene @ lilblackcatbookreviews

Substack + Instagram + Goodreads

[Alicia Grez · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Rating 4.5**

An excellent, fast-paced horror that’s both chilling and deeply human.

Every turn of the page kept me hooked, eager to see what would happen next. The buildup to the final events had me genuinely anxious. The character development was especially strong; Alder’s and Faith’s trauma was portrayed with such authenticity that it felt personal. I found myself however having more questions than answers about Alder’s and Willow’s connection by way of comet Goodwin.

What stood out most was how the story balanced fear and inspiration. The themes of acceptance, carrying emotional weight, and finding strength through hardship were beautifully written. The vivid descriptions made the characters and settings easy to picture, creating a cinematic reading experience.

I hadn’t heard of the Windigo folklore before, but after finishing this book, I found myself wanting to learn more. Willow Rose would make a fantastic three-episode limited series. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys thoughtful, atmospheric horror.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon Mccann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful. This story perfectly blends horror and reflection in way that is utter perfection. I became very quickly invested in our main character and whatever journey he appeared to be on. The story slowly unraveled the threads of his story and wove them back together into a lovely picture. Covering so many topics and themes, it seamlessly joined them all together into one cohesive story. A unique and enchanting tale that leaves me hungry for anything else this author can write.

[Aiden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was by far one of the best I have ever read!

M. Kevin Hayden is a natural horror writer and is a phenomenal author.

This book kept me hooked every, single, second!

The monster was one of the best I have ever read about in a book!

This book to me, is on the level of Stephen King.

And when this book officially releases to the public, I would not be even a little surprised if it becomes a New York Times Number One Bestseller.

I hope there is more!

Thank you

Aiden

[Gildergreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for granting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the message and the story itself, but I'll admit, some of the stylistic choices for narration took me out of it a bit. There's got to be a better way to indicate excitability without typing in all caps, no? And the overuse of em-dashes cannot be overstated. Not even in an "is this AI?" sort of way, but more like "give it a rest, buddy".

[Lupita_333 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has the perfect amount of horror but also has deep elements that are emotionally moving. The guilt, trauma, recovery, and grief that the characters carried made them very relatable. Their struggles and past experiences alter the way they perceive themselves and their self worth. I loved the development of their self reflection and redemption. The relationships and bonds these characters formed was so beautiful.

The combination of the isolated cabin and the snow storm created an eerie and unsettling atmosphere. I loved reading about the mythology used. The monster was scary. The action wasn’t too gory.

The ending left me with some questions but it worked really well for this story.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ale · Rating 2 out of 5]

Willow Rose is an action-packed end-of-the-world action, all the while being in service of introspection and character building. Sadly I just could not like the dialogues, which are fundamental in building the relationship of this found family dynamic. While each character felt interesting enough, there is no time to get a deeper read in any of them, which left me a bit frustrated, as did the snippets of worldbuilding that had no breathing room to shine.
I'd be interested in checking out any possible sequels, which might benefit from the set-up already accomplished in this one.
I thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC to review

[Madison Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was a slow build, but over time, it hooks you. I think at some point we all experience some tragedy, loss, feel alone, or empty. To me, that was the overall theme of this book. Losing yourself and finding out there is a brighter side. You just have to let go of the guilt and let yourself feel that happiness. As someone who's lived through some trauma and loss, I've felt that guilt, that hopelessness, and gave into it. I was also granted a second chance at love, a new child, and happiness. So, I really adored this story. I also really love reading stories about indigenous people and their stories. Such beautiful people. I received this book through goodreads. At first, I didn't think I was gonna really enjoy it, but overall, I did. The ending to me kind of left it open... maybe another book? Id definitely be interested in reading about Alder, Faith, and Willow in the future!

[Sylvia Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow Rose will grab your attention from the time you start to read. There is something evil lurking around and will take whoever it wants as its victim.

There are no cliffhangers just an excellent story which will keep you on the edge of your seat until you have finished reading.
Enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jay Hathaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little tale of cosmic horror with a lot of heart

“Alder thought he could escape here. Vanish into some tree covered corner of the country. Hide from the selfish, neglectful thing he used to be. But this—this is where his reckoning was always waiting”

There is a beast inside all of us. Self-doubt, guilt, past trauma, addiction, and the rumination that goes along with them. And when it rears its ugly head, we tend to isolate. It is so hard to break free of this cycle of thought, that we are unable to see the world and the loved ones around us in the same light. The main focus of this book is the strength and resolve we find in one another as human beings. A force that can help to pull us from our own hell. If we’ll allow it.

These internal demons are embodied externally as an entity that haunted me after I read “Pet Sematary” (I don’t really know why it affected me like it did). But the choice really drove the imagery home for me.

At first I struggled with the present tense writing style, but, as the story progressed, I found it lent a sort of dreamlike quality that added to the mystery and unreality of the story. I thought the length and pacing were ideal. It was engaging, and, at times, unsettling. Marks of a worthy book.

I’d like to thank @netgalley and @mkevinhaydenauthor for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book. It means a lot ✌🏼

- @hathmortal

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I won this book at a Goodreads giveaway, thank you for the opportunity to read this)

This was a great read! There is just enough information so we know what’s going on and don’t have to wade through tech-babble.

The story really hammers home that despite all the bad things in life, it’s the connections that count. A nice read for those into supernatural stories.

[Kelsey Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I don’t really know what to rate this as I just don’t know how I feel about it. I finished it yesterday but I still can’t get my head around it, I found it pretty confusing if I’m honest. I did love the folklore of the Wendigo and the deaths were pretty brutal. I also found myself drawn to the characters and I really loved them all, which is rare for me. But the actual story I just didn’t really get? Maybe that’s just me though. Like who was willow and where did she come from? I wish that was explained. It was a good read but I probably would’ve enjoyed it more if I understood it.
Thank you NetGalley & M. Kevin Hayden for letting me arc read!!

[Natalie Rikard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A horror story that really had everything: a cabin in the woods, a brutal winter setting, a supernatural/Sci-Fi element, a stranger at the door in the middle of the night, and an overall paranoia leading to the need to keep reading. You want to look away, but you can’t!

I went into this without knowing anything besides the genre of the book, and it did not disappoint! With it being a shorter story, I was unsure how much character backstory and development would be possible - I shouldn’t have worried! There was enough character backstory to get a feel for each character along with the different personalities, past traumas, and current struggles of the main few.

A pain point I have with many books is unlikable characters to the point where I have no one to root for. Well in this story, I had the opposite problem where I was rooting for EVERYONE which ultimately led to real heartbreak (aka fantastic writing).

This story had the perfect amount of gore for a horror book, the perfect amount of suspense for a thriller, and little moments of inspiration, love, and connection that keeps everyone going, much like real life.

A special thank you to M. Kevin Hayden for a fantastic story and for giving me the chance to read and enjoy your book through a giveaway! Thank you for making me a fan and giving me a new author to follow!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure how, but this book managed to be both horrific and poetic, heartfelt and suspenseful all at once. This is a story about an ordinary small town, a worldwide event, and an otherworldly phenomenon that weaves together a few specific individuals, calling them to something much greater than themselves. As the storyline points out, 'darkness swallows darkness'. It is this concept that pulls you through the eyes of Dr. Peony, trying to get a real grip on his life, but a chance encounter with a young girl in the woods and a terrifying creature wreaking havoc on the town make him question what is real and what he is being called to do beyond the walls of the emergency room where he works. The writing style flips between dialogue and small inner-thoughts, but is overall poetic, a bit choppy at the end, and a quick, easy read. Give this one a try! I really enjoyed it.

Some favorite words:
"You only know of now. To us, your then, your when, and your end-- they are all woven into your now. There is no difference."

"Empathy isn't a weakness. In this world, it's resistance. If we are just willing to take hold of another hand, we can face anything that sneaks out of the void."

[Kristina Blose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking place in rural Minnesota, Dr. Alder is on his way home from his 3rd 24 hour shift at the hospital. Extremely tired, he finds himself in front of a massive elk, above it the Comet Goodwin that appeared just 2 days prior, when there is a bright white flash and his windows shatter!

This starts the very eerie, supernatural feel that remains throughout this book.

I found the character building to be absolutely phenomenal. It made me feel like I was actually part of the story, feeling all of the emotions right there with them from start to finish.

This book brings in many elements (horror, sci-fi, folklore and love) and weaves it into this amazing story of an imperfect man Dr.Alder, a mysterious little girl Willow Rose and a budding relationship with a sweet nurse Faith.

This was a quick fabulous read that will stay with me for a very long time. This story really packed a punch on all levels and I'm so glad that I got the opportunity to read it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Erin Gilmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy of this book for free from BookSirens, and I am voluntarily leaving this review. I really enjoyed this book! This novel is little bit science fiction/fantasy, a little bit examination of the human condition, and a lot of good story. Alder Peony is a doctor working in rural Minnesota, a far cry from his home in Chicago. Aldi has a difficult history and doesn’t think he’s a good person. A seven year old girl shows up at his cabin, covered in blood and running from something monstrous. Well written and well worth reading!!

[Tanya Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ ⭐️⭐️.5 stars rounded up! This was really a quick read, and I enjoyed Aldi as a character. My biggest issue was trying to relate the sci-fi aspect with the Native American folklore. I love both of these separately, and putting them together in one story is a genius idea, I just don’t know if I wasn’t quite as ready for it as I thought. I will definitely be reading more books by this author, because I enjoyed his writing.

A huge thanks to M. Kevin Hayden, Muse of the Moon books and BookSirens for this ARC!

[Meaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t read a lot of horror but I’m glad I chose to read this one. It’s a very interesting read. The entire book has an uneasy feel to it that kept me on edge until the monster finally reveals itself. Then it’s pretty straight horror while you’re helpless to do anything but read on to see how everything turns out. Some really cool twists and turns throughout adds to the wonderful world building and you truly care for these characters in a very short time. Definitely recommend.

[Marius · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed some of the SF, paranormal element blending. Maybe the folklore not so much. At times it had some good gore scenes that fit well with the atmosphere. The writing style was good, easy and quick to read. Overall, though, it was just an ok book for me, the story and characters didn't grab my attention enough to give it a higher rating. 3*

[Joyreadsbuku · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

3.5 stars - What a fun read! Love how fast paced and plot driven it was, and the theme’s explored (without giving too much away, I enjoyed them). Not a fan of horror but the characters were loveable and diverse, plot was also good. Love stories like these with Indigenous culture woven in and an astronomical event happening that causes some weird (interesting) things