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The Companions We Lose: A Horror Novella
After his divorce, Michael had one anchor Zylo, his beloved dog and only companion. But when Zylo’s found disemboweled outside his home, his world unravels. The police dismiss his case, but Michael refuses to let his death be in vain.
Overtaken by grief and rage, he searches for answers only to discover something darker and unnerving than Zylo’s death. The deeper he digs, the more unbelievable and disturbing it organ harvesting, a secret cult, and the worship of old gods.
A descent into obsession, loss, and the bonds we can’t let go, The Companions We Lose is a haunting story that asks only
How much would you sacrifice for the ones you love?
Overtaken by grief and rage, he searches for answers only to discover something darker and unnerving than Zylo’s death. The deeper he digs, the more unbelievable and disturbing it organ harvesting, a secret cult, and the worship of old gods.
A descent into obsession, loss, and the bonds we can’t let go, The Companions We Lose is a haunting story that asks only
How much would you sacrifice for the ones you love?
- GenresHorror
122 pages, Paperback
Published November 7, 2025
4 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Micah Castle
42 books118 followersMicah Castle is a weird fiction and horror writer. He's an author of multiple books, and his stories have appeared in various magazines, websites, and anthologies.
While away from the keyboard, he enjoys spending time with his wife, playing with his animals, spending hours in the woods, and can typically be found reading a book or writing somewhere in his Pennsylvania home.
While away from the keyboard, he enjoys spending time with his wife, playing with his animals, spending hours in the woods, and can typically be found reading a book or writing somewhere in his Pennsylvania home.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 15, 2025
This was great. Our lead, Michael, was very dynamic and meaningful in every one of his actions and thoughts. At first, I felt like the pacing and flow of the story was dragging during the beginning portion, however, I quickly figured out that it was strategic by the author. Michael struggled with obsessive thoughts and behaviors and we were given a front row ticket to experience everything as he did. A really wonderful aspect of this book. And things just progressed from bad to worse, as you’d expect, ending up with something potentially apocalyptic. But we got great lore and it went big, not just staying to our initial hometown and such, expanding on a mysterious premise, floating back and forth between thriller and horror. The ending showed how our lead changed, capping off a solid character arc for him, too. Just a very enjoyable reading experience from a very talented writer.
November 24, 2025
Micah Castle has always had a knack for turning human emotions into something eerie, and The Companions We Lose is probably his most emotionally raw take yet.
You can feel the grief bleeding through the page, especially as Michael’s loss spirals into cults, old gods, and that creeping cosmic dread Micah does so well. It’s not perfect, but the blend of sorrow, obsession, and weird horror really worked for me. The way personal tragedy widens into something ancient and unsettling is exactly why I love cosmic horror, and I think Micah nailed that here. Also, seriously, that cover art is incredible, one of the coolest and most ominous designs I’ve seen this year.
For fans of cosmic horror, grief horror, cults, Norse mythology, revenge, or just looking for a great short read.
You can feel the grief bleeding through the page, especially as Michael’s loss spirals into cults, old gods, and that creeping cosmic dread Micah does so well. It’s not perfect, but the blend of sorrow, obsession, and weird horror really worked for me. The way personal tragedy widens into something ancient and unsettling is exactly why I love cosmic horror, and I think Micah nailed that here. Also, seriously, that cover art is incredible, one of the coolest and most ominous designs I’ve seen this year.
For fans of cosmic horror, grief horror, cults, Norse mythology, revenge, or just looking for a great short read.
November 20, 2025
3.5
Micah Castle nails the grief-horror blend in this novella, delivering an emotional punch in such a compact page count. As someone with three dogs, I felt Michael’s heartbreak down to my bones. The pacing wavers a bit in the beginning, but it ultimately matches the story’s unraveling. Definitely worth the read!
Micah Castle nails the grief-horror blend in this novella, delivering an emotional punch in such a compact page count. As someone with three dogs, I felt Michael’s heartbreak down to my bones. The pacing wavers a bit in the beginning, but it ultimately matches the story’s unraveling. Definitely worth the read!
October 25, 2025
This wasn't a favourite for me and I would really rate it 2.5/5 so bang in the middle, but it felt too harsh to round down rather than up in this instance.
There are a couple of reasons that I wasn't the ideal reader for this, mostly I had a little trouble believing the behaviour of some of the characters (mostly the police, who I don't believe would be amazing in the sort of situation they're called for, but I found their responses kind of bizarre), and I found it a bit repetitive in the first third in particular.
However, the grief horror aspect really works well, and the author gets very creative with the plot and took it places I was quite surprised by. I'm a bit of an island with this as everyone else is loving it, so take my criticisms with a pinch of salt because it's just personal preference. I would read more from this author.
There are a couple of reasons that I wasn't the ideal reader for this, mostly I had a little trouble believing the behaviour of some of the characters (mostly the police, who I don't believe would be amazing in the sort of situation they're called for, but I found their responses kind of bizarre), and I found it a bit repetitive in the first third in particular.
However, the grief horror aspect really works well, and the author gets very creative with the plot and took it places I was quite surprised by. I'm a bit of an island with this as everyone else is loving it, so take my criticisms with a pinch of salt because it's just personal preference. I would read more from this author.
December 13, 2025
This was a great read and you can always count on Micah twisting the boundaries of human nature. The story starts off as a grief horror about Michael losing his dog, which is a feeling we would all have if we lost our friend. While the beginning was a bit slow, it set up for what would be quite the twist one I got to the halfway point of the story. It goes from finding a murderer to bumping into something far more sinister.
The emotional aspect is raw for sure and it's amplified as I found out the dog in question is based on Micah's real life dog he had. I always appreciate the real life connection toward a story. Overall, an emotional story that turns thrilling as you get toward the middle.
I love dogs so this was a bit of a tough read, but I'm glad I pushed through.
The emotional aspect is raw for sure and it's amplified as I found out the dog in question is based on Micah's real life dog he had. I always appreciate the real life connection toward a story. Overall, an emotional story that turns thrilling as you get toward the middle.
I love dogs so this was a bit of a tough read, but I'm glad I pushed through.
October 25, 2025
I would rate this 2.5 stars really but it felt too brutal rounding down rather than up.
I'm not the ideal reader for this book, unfortunately, because I found the inciting incident too difficult and I encountered a couple of my personal pet peeves as I was reading. However, the author really delves into the grief horror of it all and gets pretty creative with the story and where everything goes.
This wouldn't make my favourites for the year, but I would read more by this author.
I'm not the ideal reader for this book, unfortunately, because I found the inciting incident too difficult and I encountered a couple of my personal pet peeves as I was reading. However, the author really delves into the grief horror of it all and gets pretty creative with the story and where everything goes.
This wouldn't make my favourites for the year, but I would read more by this author.
December 21, 2025
Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC copy of this book. This has not affected my review at all, which are my own thoughts.
First of all, a content warning, because this book deals with animal cruelty and death, described quite in detail. On the other hand, because it is part of the plot, in my review I will just mention it, but never go into detail over what happens to the protagonist's dog. In any case, if any of y'all feel like skipping this one, have my blessing and I'll see you on another. For the rest, here we go.
In "The Companions We Lose", we meet Michael who, after a rough divorce, only had Zylo as his companion and beloved dog. Until he finds Zylo murdered, gutted, with no clue about who could have done it, yet dismissed by the police.
So, Michael, grieving and raging, decides to take matters on his own, searching and following any available information and thread that leads him to even more sinister stuff each time: cults, organ harvesting and even old gods being worshiped. But, for Zylo, Michael would do anything.
TCWL is the second book I read from this author and, even though shorter than "The Women Without Eyes", this book does not let anyone indifferent either, it pulls you in with an intriguing premise and a situation that a lot of people can relate to (death of an animal companion, not the murder per se), or at least feel about, to then deliver a tale of love, grief and revenge. Though sinister forces might be at lay, and Michael is barely a human, so he's gonna need all his courage and luck he can muster.
Michael is definitely a character that you want to follow, to see if he gets justice, even if delivered by his own hand, since no one else since to want to investigate a dead dog. Michael has his goods and his bads, making some questionable decisions but, ultimately, staying true to his principles, no matter where they took him. I must admit, that since we're thrown directly into the action, I wasn't sure about why should I care about Michael and Zylo, but the author manages to make us (readers) care about them the more we see the lengths Michael would go for him and all the years they've been together, for Zylo is the only thing that Michael kept after the divorce, had been his companion since before but even much more after it.
Now, when it comes to characters, Michael and the supporting cast, the author manages to bring then to life in the span of a few pages, giving them solid shape and getting them to sound and look believable. On the other hand, the story disappointed me some, mostly the end. Maybe, is because I expected something as wild as with Castle's other book I've read of his, or maybe, because I thought it would go somewhere else, seeing how the novel evolved through the chapters.
Not to say that that means that it is a bad ending, it makes narrative sense and definitely delivers on justice and it leaves Michael in an interesting place. I just...expected more, really, I guess. But that's definitely on me.
And though, the ending was meh for me, I liked the other aspects of the story: the involving of old gods and cults around them, doing sinister work around the world and, somehow, getting involved the most unsuspecting human, like my guy Michael.
Anyway, I think I can recommend this one enough to fans of the genre and/or the author; I had fun, I got me hooked to the point of reading the book in one seating, not being able to put it down because I just wanted to know if Michael would make it or not, and definitely wanted more than we were given but grateful for it, 'cause I think Castle really has a hand for horror, mixing the routinely with the otherworldly, and I'm always here for these type of books!
Hope y'all enjoy, and I'll see you in the next one ;)
First of all, a content warning, because this book deals with animal cruelty and death, described quite in detail. On the other hand, because it is part of the plot, in my review I will just mention it, but never go into detail over what happens to the protagonist's dog. In any case, if any of y'all feel like skipping this one, have my blessing and I'll see you on another. For the rest, here we go.
In "The Companions We Lose", we meet Michael who, after a rough divorce, only had Zylo as his companion and beloved dog. Until he finds Zylo murdered, gutted, with no clue about who could have done it, yet dismissed by the police.
So, Michael, grieving and raging, decides to take matters on his own, searching and following any available information and thread that leads him to even more sinister stuff each time: cults, organ harvesting and even old gods being worshiped. But, for Zylo, Michael would do anything.
TCWL is the second book I read from this author and, even though shorter than "The Women Without Eyes", this book does not let anyone indifferent either, it pulls you in with an intriguing premise and a situation that a lot of people can relate to (death of an animal companion, not the murder per se), or at least feel about, to then deliver a tale of love, grief and revenge. Though sinister forces might be at lay, and Michael is barely a human, so he's gonna need all his courage and luck he can muster.
Michael is definitely a character that you want to follow, to see if he gets justice, even if delivered by his own hand, since no one else since to want to investigate a dead dog. Michael has his goods and his bads, making some questionable decisions but, ultimately, staying true to his principles, no matter where they took him. I must admit, that since we're thrown directly into the action, I wasn't sure about why should I care about Michael and Zylo, but the author manages to make us (readers) care about them the more we see the lengths Michael would go for him and all the years they've been together, for Zylo is the only thing that Michael kept after the divorce, had been his companion since before but even much more after it.
Now, when it comes to characters, Michael and the supporting cast, the author manages to bring then to life in the span of a few pages, giving them solid shape and getting them to sound and look believable. On the other hand, the story disappointed me some, mostly the end. Maybe, is because I expected something as wild as with Castle's other book I've read of his, or maybe, because I thought it would go somewhere else, seeing how the novel evolved through the chapters.
Not to say that that means that it is a bad ending, it makes narrative sense and definitely delivers on justice and it leaves Michael in an interesting place. I just...expected more, really, I guess. But that's definitely on me.
And though, the ending was meh for me, I liked the other aspects of the story: the involving of old gods and cults around them, doing sinister work around the world and, somehow, getting involved the most unsuspecting human, like my guy Michael.
Anyway, I think I can recommend this one enough to fans of the genre and/or the author; I had fun, I got me hooked to the point of reading the book in one seating, not being able to put it down because I just wanted to know if Michael would make it or not, and definitely wanted more than we were given but grateful for it, 'cause I think Castle really has a hand for horror, mixing the routinely with the otherworldly, and I'm always here for these type of books!
Hope y'all enjoy, and I'll see you in the next one ;)
November 16, 2025
BWAF Score: 5/10
Micah Castle writes a grief-soaked suburban nightmare about a man named Michael whose dog, Zylo, is found butchered and emptied, the body marked with runes. The premise is simple enough to make your stomach drop: a grieving owner wants answers, the cops are useless, and the trail leads from a dingy public library to a Norse-obsessed cult that might be prepping a solstice rite. It’s a straight line plot that keeps its focus where it hurts, on one guy’s inability to stop replaying the worst night of his life while he chases a symbol that looks like twin mountain peaks swallowing a sun. When Michael finally hits the online lair of the Followers of Fenrir and hears their masked spokesman promise that the winter solstice will be the “world’s darkest day,” the book clicks into place as sincere cult horror rather than mere shock fodder.
Castle is a prolific indie horror writer whose work pops up across magazines and small-press releases; this novella fits neatly alongside Homecoming, The Women Without Eyes, and The World He Once Knew, with a personal afterword about the real Zylo that explains the raw nerve the book keeps pressing.
What’s special here is the way the investigation is scaled to a broke, sleep-starved civilian. Library stacks, bus rides with a plastic-wrapped bundle, and a front desk clerk who has seen it all. The best scene is a grim, methodical vet report that reveals precise internal scarring shaped like runes, which lands like a second death and recasts the book as a conspiracy rather than random cruelty.
Castle’s prose goes for unvarnished immediacy with short beats, bodily detail, and lots of kitchen-sink dread. The voice can skew repetitive, like a stuck record of guilt and resolve, but that’s also the point. Dialogue is plainspoken, scene work is linear, and the image system circles decay, bleach, winter light, and that jagged sigil.
This story is grief as compulsion, and faith as weaponized pattern-seeking. The horror engine equates body violation with the shattering of routine, and the aftertaste is a tired, stubborn ember: you can’t make the world make sense, but you can write it down and keep the love alive.
Among 2025’s indie releases, this sits as modest, earnest cult horror with a true-crime texture rather than a showstopper. Sincere and solid, but familiar enough that it blurs once the chills fade.
Read if you crave grounded cult horror; can handle animal-death content; love “guy vs. secret forum” plots.
Skip if you need big set pieces; hate procedural repetition; require cosmic payoff over personal closure.
Micah Castle writes a grief-soaked suburban nightmare about a man named Michael whose dog, Zylo, is found butchered and emptied, the body marked with runes. The premise is simple enough to make your stomach drop: a grieving owner wants answers, the cops are useless, and the trail leads from a dingy public library to a Norse-obsessed cult that might be prepping a solstice rite. It’s a straight line plot that keeps its focus where it hurts, on one guy’s inability to stop replaying the worst night of his life while he chases a symbol that looks like twin mountain peaks swallowing a sun. When Michael finally hits the online lair of the Followers of Fenrir and hears their masked spokesman promise that the winter solstice will be the “world’s darkest day,” the book clicks into place as sincere cult horror rather than mere shock fodder.
Castle is a prolific indie horror writer whose work pops up across magazines and small-press releases; this novella fits neatly alongside Homecoming, The Women Without Eyes, and The World He Once Knew, with a personal afterword about the real Zylo that explains the raw nerve the book keeps pressing.
What’s special here is the way the investigation is scaled to a broke, sleep-starved civilian. Library stacks, bus rides with a plastic-wrapped bundle, and a front desk clerk who has seen it all. The best scene is a grim, methodical vet report that reveals precise internal scarring shaped like runes, which lands like a second death and recasts the book as a conspiracy rather than random cruelty.
Castle’s prose goes for unvarnished immediacy with short beats, bodily detail, and lots of kitchen-sink dread. The voice can skew repetitive, like a stuck record of guilt and resolve, but that’s also the point. Dialogue is plainspoken, scene work is linear, and the image system circles decay, bleach, winter light, and that jagged sigil.
This story is grief as compulsion, and faith as weaponized pattern-seeking. The horror engine equates body violation with the shattering of routine, and the aftertaste is a tired, stubborn ember: you can’t make the world make sense, but you can write it down and keep the love alive.
Among 2025’s indie releases, this sits as modest, earnest cult horror with a true-crime texture rather than a showstopper. Sincere and solid, but familiar enough that it blurs once the chills fade.
Read if you crave grounded cult horror; can handle animal-death content; love “guy vs. secret forum” plots.
Skip if you need big set pieces; hate procedural repetition; require cosmic payoff over personal closure.
October 14, 2025
Imagine a novella that grabs grief by the throat and shakes out every last haunting detail. That’s essentially what “The Companions We Lose” sets out to do. Our protagonist, Matthew, is already teetering on the edge of a pretty messy life as he’s divorced, slightly adrift, biking everywhere because his world is so off-kilter… and then he comes home to the ultimate nightmare: his beloved dog Zylo literally mutilated. That’s the grim spark that ignites this spiral.
This story’s like a tragic kaleidoscope where grief and horror intermingle. Matthew’s not just dealing with a lost pet; he’s unraveling. He’s got all these layers of mental health struggles, (like a hint of OCD, definitely some manic swings) and the novella isn’t shy about diving into that. It’s like grief as a horror subgenre, where the real terror is how your mind can betray you when you lose the last thread of stability.
And then, of course, there’s the almost surreal quest: Matthew ends up chasing down a bizarre cult in Norway, convinced they’re behind a string of dog mutilations that are somehow linked to ancient evil and the cause of Zylo’s death. It’s wild, but it’s also kind of a metaphorical romp: he needs to feel like he can fix something, be a hero in at least one domain. And by the end, when he returns home, there’s this sense that facing down that external monster might have helped him find a bit of internal peace.
So, in a nutshell, it’s a quick but heavy read. It’s got that blend of psychological horror and emotional rawness that leaves you feeling like you’ve peered into someone’s haunted, hurting soul for a while. Definitely a four-star journey into grief, a little madness, and the strange paths we walk to heal.
Thank you to BookSirens, along with the author and publisher for this advanced copy. received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story’s like a tragic kaleidoscope where grief and horror intermingle. Matthew’s not just dealing with a lost pet; he’s unraveling. He’s got all these layers of mental health struggles, (like a hint of OCD, definitely some manic swings) and the novella isn’t shy about diving into that. It’s like grief as a horror subgenre, where the real terror is how your mind can betray you when you lose the last thread of stability.
And then, of course, there’s the almost surreal quest: Matthew ends up chasing down a bizarre cult in Norway, convinced they’re behind a string of dog mutilations that are somehow linked to ancient evil and the cause of Zylo’s death. It’s wild, but it’s also kind of a metaphorical romp: he needs to feel like he can fix something, be a hero in at least one domain. And by the end, when he returns home, there’s this sense that facing down that external monster might have helped him find a bit of internal peace.
So, in a nutshell, it’s a quick but heavy read. It’s got that blend of psychological horror and emotional rawness that leaves you feeling like you’ve peered into someone’s haunted, hurting soul for a while. Definitely a four-star journey into grief, a little madness, and the strange paths we walk to heal.
Thank you to BookSirens, along with the author and publisher for this advanced copy. received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 8, 2025
This novella starts out gruesome and heartbreaking and ends in complete chaos and terror.
A man finds his much beloved dog, which has been his companion since he was a child, brutally killed. Eviscerated, organs missing and left in the street. Yeah, that's a hard start!
The police are no help and he has a vet do an autopsy so he can try to find some answers. But what the vet finds is even more horrific than anything you could imagine and it's going to lead this man on an obsessive trail of revenge against an evil cult.
The main character is divorced with a five year old son and he suffers from OCD which has caused his life to unravel. The dog was his only link to being better and the grief and suffering he's going through is palpable throughout the book.
But this is not just a story of revenge. Because once he gets some terrifying answers, he'll be facing something of great evil and terror.
There's also a backstory about his past which adds to the overall horror. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book through Booksirens. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
A man finds his much beloved dog, which has been his companion since he was a child, brutally killed. Eviscerated, organs missing and left in the street. Yeah, that's a hard start!
The police are no help and he has a vet do an autopsy so he can try to find some answers. But what the vet finds is even more horrific than anything you could imagine and it's going to lead this man on an obsessive trail of revenge against an evil cult.
The main character is divorced with a five year old son and he suffers from OCD which has caused his life to unravel. The dog was his only link to being better and the grief and suffering he's going through is palpable throughout the book.
But this is not just a story of revenge. Because once he gets some terrifying answers, he'll be facing something of great evil and terror.
There's also a backstory about his past which adds to the overall horror. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book through Booksirens. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
October 10, 2025
I started this wee horror novella with tears in my eyes for sweet Zylo and Michael. As I sit reading with my own furry best friend Reggie curled up next to me I could feel my heart shattering and my anger and need for justice rising. This is a cult oriented horror with a constant hum of what would you do to avenge the death of an animal you love, how far would you go and at what cost. Michael’s dog Zylo was murdered, and Michael is determined to find out why and by who. As Michael takes steps to find answers he tries to keep his already complicated world from crumbling around him. Michael is determined to uncover the answers to his questions, and in doing so he has stumbled upon something much greater than he imagined.
This novella is definitely bound to pull on your heartstrings, laced with mystery and nestled in the atmosphere of winter with Christmas fast approaching.
(Please check content warnings, this one includes inhumane violence to dogs. Although this is a key piece of the plot it is not too graphic.)
Thank you to Micah Castle for this ARC, it was a great read especially this time of year. (This is a voluntary review).
This novella is definitely bound to pull on your heartstrings, laced with mystery and nestled in the atmosphere of winter with Christmas fast approaching.
(Please check content warnings, this one includes inhumane violence to dogs. Although this is a key piece of the plot it is not too graphic.)
Thank you to Micah Castle for this ARC, it was a great read especially this time of year. (This is a voluntary review).
November 20, 2025
A refreshingly original story that delves into the strange, The Companions We Lose was a enjoyable story that takes the reader through a journey of love, loss and regret.
We are first introduced to Matthew who has come home to find his dog Zylo brutally murdered. As a pet owner, this hit me in the feels straight away. Mathew is a troubled guy, he is recently divorced with a son who lives with his mother. He is struggling for money and rides a bike everywhere and battles mental health demons and his deep regret about his marriage ending and not being there for his son more. He has come to rely on Zylo for the bright spot in his life so when he finds him murdered, he is determined to track down the murderer and see them brought to justice.
He faces an uphill battle. The police aren't interested, so he relies on what he can find on the internet for similar cases as Zylo's murder wasn't exactly normal. He eventually finds out, he faces a much larger challenge then just a lone murderer if he wants justice.
This is not an easy read by any stretch. It's emotional, raw and tragic but despite that, it kept me reading for the glimmer of hope and justice that lay just that bit further in the distance. There were a few pacing issues at times and the ending came a little quicker than I expected but these didn't stop me from enjoying the story overall.
If you're after grief horror and can handle the theme, this one is for you.
We are first introduced to Matthew who has come home to find his dog Zylo brutally murdered. As a pet owner, this hit me in the feels straight away. Mathew is a troubled guy, he is recently divorced with a son who lives with his mother. He is struggling for money and rides a bike everywhere and battles mental health demons and his deep regret about his marriage ending and not being there for his son more. He has come to rely on Zylo for the bright spot in his life so when he finds him murdered, he is determined to track down the murderer and see them brought to justice.
He faces an uphill battle. The police aren't interested, so he relies on what he can find on the internet for similar cases as Zylo's murder wasn't exactly normal. He eventually finds out, he faces a much larger challenge then just a lone murderer if he wants justice.
This is not an easy read by any stretch. It's emotional, raw and tragic but despite that, it kept me reading for the glimmer of hope and justice that lay just that bit further in the distance. There were a few pacing issues at times and the ending came a little quicker than I expected but these didn't stop me from enjoying the story overall.
If you're after grief horror and can handle the theme, this one is for you.
October 7, 2025
You're telling me that Castle dared to kill a dog, write an owner that understands it's not just a pet and wishes justice and vengeance for it, but also have Norse mythology involved, mental health rep, gore, and more in less than 150 pgs?? This story was so good! It had mystery elements, mythology horror, grief and rage for a four-legged companion as the title states. Truly enjoyed this one, a great short read for sure!
Michael (the MC) has gone through a lot, including a divorce, but finds solace in his beloved Zylo until he is horrifically taken away from him forever. While dealing with divorce, a son, mental health issues and more, he has to navigate his need for answers on the gruesome killing of his adored dog.
Huge thanks to Micah and BookSirens for this ARC! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Michael (the MC) has gone through a lot, including a divorce, but finds solace in his beloved Zylo until he is horrifically taken away from him forever. While dealing with divorce, a son, mental health issues and more, he has to navigate his need for answers on the gruesome killing of his adored dog.
Huge thanks to Micah and BookSirens for this ARC! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 6, 2025
Thanks Micah for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a quick read that can probably be read in one sitting. I liked the main character, he goes through a lot in this novella and is pushed to his limits. He's also dealing with mental health issues which I think were portrayed accurately in the story.
I would put this one in the grief horror category, so be prepared. This one is not for people who have issues with bad stuff happening to animals as it is one of the focal points of the book.
This one was gory, emotional, and full of mystery. I really enjoyed it and will give it a solid 4⭐️s. This will be a great book to get you in your feels for the holidays if that's what you're into.
This was a quick read that can probably be read in one sitting. I liked the main character, he goes through a lot in this novella and is pushed to his limits. He's also dealing with mental health issues which I think were portrayed accurately in the story.
I would put this one in the grief horror category, so be prepared. This one is not for people who have issues with bad stuff happening to animals as it is one of the focal points of the book.
This one was gory, emotional, and full of mystery. I really enjoyed it and will give it a solid 4⭐️s. This will be a great book to get you in your feels for the holidays if that's what you're into.
October 24, 2025
One thing I love about certain books is how their covers don’t make sense until you’ve finished the story. ‘The Companions We Lose’ is no exception to this.
This is the story of Michael, a rather normal middle-lower class male dealing with the aftermath of his dog Zylo’s brutal death, while also navigating custody issues and odd compulsions. What he discovers leads him on a journey no person would ever expect.
The book flows nicely and keeps the story moving forward. My only real complaint is that it is not longer. I would have loved to spend more time decoding the mystery behind Zylo’s death. Alas, Micah can write. I look forward to reading more from him in the future. Thank you for the opportunity to ARC read this one!
This is the story of Michael, a rather normal middle-lower class male dealing with the aftermath of his dog Zylo’s brutal death, while also navigating custody issues and odd compulsions. What he discovers leads him on a journey no person would ever expect.
The book flows nicely and keeps the story moving forward. My only real complaint is that it is not longer. I would have loved to spend more time decoding the mystery behind Zylo’s death. Alas, Micah can write. I look forward to reading more from him in the future. Thank you for the opportunity to ARC read this one!
October 26, 2025
🔥 The Companions We Lose 🐺
Wow... Micah cuts straight to the core from page one. This novella launches with a gut-punch, with our MC experiencing a horrific crime committed to his beloved doggo (graphic animal death)
From this heinous act, Castle leads us through an OCD-laden quest to find the culprit. While the pursuit wasn't the most unique, the ultimate finale was explosive!
Micah is a prose driven author, who really excels at these 120 page novellas. I find his work to be easy to consume and enjoy!
Check out "The Companions We Lose" if you enjoy pet-centric revenge, OCD afflicted MCs, and ancient cults. I enjoyed every bit of this one!
Wow... Micah cuts straight to the core from page one. This novella launches with a gut-punch, with our MC experiencing a horrific crime committed to his beloved doggo (graphic animal death)
From this heinous act, Castle leads us through an OCD-laden quest to find the culprit. While the pursuit wasn't the most unique, the ultimate finale was explosive!
Micah is a prose driven author, who really excels at these 120 page novellas. I find his work to be easy to consume and enjoy!
Check out "The Companions We Lose" if you enjoy pet-centric revenge, OCD afflicted MCs, and ancient cults. I enjoyed every bit of this one!
October 1, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book. Not a full length novel, more of a novelette.
There is a warning about content regarding inhumane violence to animals, specifically dogs. It does have that, but it's not at all graphic and the violence is central to the plot. Dog lovers like myself will want to see justice done. Not something an average person should have trouble with. This books plot is different than anything I've seen before. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is a warning about content regarding inhumane violence to animals, specifically dogs. It does have that, but it's not at all graphic and the violence is central to the plot. Dog lovers like myself will want to see justice done. Not something an average person should have trouble with. This books plot is different than anything I've seen before. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 2, 2025
This. Book. Is. So. Good!
Norse folk horror combined with mental illness horror. A man who's lost his pet and is battling almost crippling OCD. The God Fenrir and a cult wanting to bring about Ragnarok. This book will not fail to entertain you and touch your heart.
I was not prepared for the range of emotions I felt while reading. Michael is one of the most heartbreaking characters I have ever read. Several times I could feel his despair leaking off the pages.
Why have I not been reading this author until now?? For sure I'll be putting this in my top reads of the year.
Norse folk horror combined with mental illness horror. A man who's lost his pet and is battling almost crippling OCD. The God Fenrir and a cult wanting to bring about Ragnarok. This book will not fail to entertain you and touch your heart.
I was not prepared for the range of emotions I felt while reading. Michael is one of the most heartbreaking characters I have ever read. Several times I could feel his despair leaking off the pages.
Why have I not been reading this author until now?? For sure I'll be putting this in my top reads of the year.
November 10, 2025
Thank you to the author for providing a review copy.
I'm a huge sucker for both grief horror and cults, and this book is a nice mashup of the two. Huge trigger warning off the bat for animal death and harm. Nothing is done "on screen," but the aftermath is definitely described. This book went a very unique and interesting way with the cult aspect, and that is one thing I wish I had a bit more backstory on. While I found parts of the ending somewhat predictable, I was invested in the story and definitely recommend it. 4.25 stars
I'm a huge sucker for both grief horror and cults, and this book is a nice mashup of the two. Huge trigger warning off the bat for animal death and harm. Nothing is done "on screen," but the aftermath is definitely described. This book went a very unique and interesting way with the cult aspect, and that is one thing I wish I had a bit more backstory on. While I found parts of the ending somewhat predictable, I was invested in the story and definitely recommend it. 4.25 stars
December 5, 2025
Michael is overcome with grief and rage when he finds his dog murdered. The farther into the mystery he digs the more disturbing it becomes. I thought this was going to be just a grief horror but it was so much more than that.
I have enjoyed every book of Micah's that I have read and this one is no exception. It was heartbreaking watching Michael battle between wanting to be a good father and dealing with finding out what happened to Zylo. Grief and sorrow bled from every single page. This is a dark, dark book. Absolutely fantastic but dark. Check your triggers.
I have enjoyed every book of Micah's that I have read and this one is no exception. It was heartbreaking watching Michael battle between wanting to be a good father and dealing with finding out what happened to Zylo. Grief and sorrow bled from every single page. This is a dark, dark book. Absolutely fantastic but dark. Check your triggers.
October 22, 2025
A deep descent into what true grief can lead you to. Micah introduces us to Michael, who loses his best friend and companion, Zylo--his dog. Zylo was his one last string on a hard life. Michael looks into the death of Zylo and finds out about a cult that harvests organs and the horror keeps going from there. It's a dark road and emotionally heavy, but we want to be on this journey with Michael and see what this grief will lead him to do. An excellent portrayal of loss and how it affects us.
November 6, 2025
While this one was a slow burn there was a feeling of something sinister or something “else” lurking beneath everything the entire time. I read this in two sittings and still now can’t shake the sense of unease that exuded from this writing.
I loved the whole Norse cult idea and it was just so unsettling. The ending also leaves us with a good few chills and some unanswered questions.
Perfectly spooky spooky!
I loved the whole Norse cult idea and it was just so unsettling. The ending also leaves us with a good few chills and some unanswered questions.
Perfectly spooky spooky!
November 12, 2025
I quite enjoyed this story. Although I'm not keen on abuse of animals this story happens after the fact so it trigger me in any way. I enjoyed how the raw grief was portrayed and how the MC hides it from his child but also in a way from himself. The pacing was good and entertaining. I must admit I would have liked the antique shop owner to have made an appearance at the end just for a bit of closure. All in all it was a good read and I will be reading more of this authors books.
October 26, 2025
A novella steeped in raw grief over the untimely loss of a beloved pet - the author paints a very powerful canvas of pain and anger and heartbreak. The emotions just burn through the pages.
The story lingers with the build-up of finding the killer of Zylo, the dog, and the actual revenge trip and lovecraftian horror happens in the last 20%.
Great novella for those enjoying grief horror.
The story lingers with the build-up of finding the killer of Zylo, the dog, and the actual revenge trip and lovecraftian horror happens in the last 20%.
Great novella for those enjoying grief horror.
December 19, 2025
Great stuff from a great author, just go read it.
December 26, 2025
Loved this book! I especially loved the Norse folklore in it!
October 23, 2025
This novella had my attention in the first sentence. I was crying before I knew it, sharing in Michael's grief. I don't even own a dog, and I felt every emotion. The whirlwind that proceeds is visceral, beautiful, exciting, and terrifying. I have to take a breather after this one....and possibly adopt a dog...
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