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Unfold
Blake Buckley and her colleagues continue to hit roadblocks in trying to improve the environment of Unfold, the leading research company that employs them. After a devastating loss of a lawsuit against the company, the employees try to rally but continue to struggle. They work together while continuing their passionate studies on the company's most prized asset: the whintossers, three biology-defying beasts that have become potentially the most important discovery in zoology.
When Blake gets pushed lower in her personal and professional lives, she starts to hit a breaking point. It seems like nothing can be done to make her dream job into the joy that she hoped it would be. After getting pushed to her breaking point, she starts to think of a way to get back at the leaders of Unfold. She just doesn't know that her plan will come at a deadly cost.
When Blake gets pushed lower in her personal and professional lives, she starts to hit a breaking point. It seems like nothing can be done to make her dream job into the joy that she hoped it would be. After getting pushed to her breaking point, she starts to think of a way to get back at the leaders of Unfold. She just doesn't know that her plan will come at a deadly cost.
480 pages, Paperback
Published December 15, 2025
3 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 16, 2025
"Unfold" is an enjoyable and sharply written horror thriller that leans more toward the thriller side than pure horror. The story centers on a disgruntled employee seeking revenge after her employer targets her for trying to unionize her workplace. It’s a fascinating and timely premise, and Tristan Zelden executes it with skill and suspense.While the presence of the unsettling creatures known as the Whintosser adds flavor to the story, they feel more like a subplot rather than the main focus. The real tension lies in the human drama, corporate power struggles, moral choices, and the hunger for justice. As a workplace thriller, the book excels. It’s well-paced, well-developed, and thoroughly entertaining from start to finish.Overall, "Unfold" delivers a gripping read with strong pacing and interesting themes, earning a solid four stars.
November 11, 2025
I received a free advanced reader copy of Unfold by Tristan Zelden, and this one hit hard.
*Spoiler Free*
Unfold by Tristan Zelden is a raw, unflinching creature horror that digs deep into the cost of revenge and the corruption of power. At its center is Blake, a researcher whose dream job at the elite company Unfold slowly curdles into a nightmare. After losing a devastating lawsuit, she and her colleagues fight to hold onto their work and their sanity, while studying the whintossers, three biology-defying creatures that could change everything.
Blake’s unraveling is portrayed with haunting realism. Her personal and professional collapse is slow, painful, and achingly human. I could empathize with her feelings and choices throughout. The story doesn’t shy away from showing how hope can sour into rage, and how even the brightest minds can be pushed to the edge. When Blake finally decides to fight back after failing to unionize, her revenge is swift, deeply satisfying, and far from consequence-free.
What makes this story even stronger is the inclusion of Gillian, Ewan, and Leo’s perspectives from the corporate side. Seeing their point of view adds complexity and makes Blake’s fury feel even more justified. I was angry with her...and for her.
The ending is gloriously gory...the kind of vengeance that feels truly earned. Will and Ryan are standout characters, with Ryan delivering one of the book’s most unforgettable lines: “You are a fucking cliché. An unoriginal billionaire with no good ideas except for those given to you that you pretend are your own.”
It’s a brutal mic-drop moment that perfectly captures the story’s rage against stolen genius and corporate rot.
If you love creature horror stories packed with blood and gore...then Unfold is a must-read.
Pre-order your copy now—you won’t regret it.
*Spoiler Free*
Unfold by Tristan Zelden is a raw, unflinching creature horror that digs deep into the cost of revenge and the corruption of power. At its center is Blake, a researcher whose dream job at the elite company Unfold slowly curdles into a nightmare. After losing a devastating lawsuit, she and her colleagues fight to hold onto their work and their sanity, while studying the whintossers, three biology-defying creatures that could change everything.
Blake’s unraveling is portrayed with haunting realism. Her personal and professional collapse is slow, painful, and achingly human. I could empathize with her feelings and choices throughout. The story doesn’t shy away from showing how hope can sour into rage, and how even the brightest minds can be pushed to the edge. When Blake finally decides to fight back after failing to unionize, her revenge is swift, deeply satisfying, and far from consequence-free.
What makes this story even stronger is the inclusion of Gillian, Ewan, and Leo’s perspectives from the corporate side. Seeing their point of view adds complexity and makes Blake’s fury feel even more justified. I was angry with her...and for her.
The ending is gloriously gory...the kind of vengeance that feels truly earned. Will and Ryan are standout characters, with Ryan delivering one of the book’s most unforgettable lines: “You are a fucking cliché. An unoriginal billionaire with no good ideas except for those given to you that you pretend are your own.”
It’s a brutal mic-drop moment that perfectly captures the story’s rage against stolen genius and corporate rot.
If you love creature horror stories packed with blood and gore...then Unfold is a must-read.
Pre-order your copy now—you won’t regret it.
December 28, 2025
I was lucky and got to read this early, so thank you for that!
I am going to say this is 3.5 boarding on 4 Stars for me.
Not going to lie, I have a thing for what I can only describe as work place horror and thrillers, there is just something that adds another layer to the story of oh, this person has a job, I have a job, could this happen to me ?? I love that.
Solid story and the world building was great, because I was invested in this dumpster fire of a company. Dream jobs, always seem to good to be true and in Blake’s case she finds out the hard way.
Not going to lie, by the time she decides this is enough I was begging for it.
I think one of my favorite parts of this book was really how everyone all together was the real horror, the breakdown between friends and co-workers and the realationship of what should have been your dream job ( I have had that sad reality one too many times and the feeling is not good)
This book is a bit slow at the start, but don’t let that put you off, it builds into something chaotic in the best way
I am going to say this is 3.5 boarding on 4 Stars for me.
Not going to lie, I have a thing for what I can only describe as work place horror and thrillers, there is just something that adds another layer to the story of oh, this person has a job, I have a job, could this happen to me ?? I love that.
Solid story and the world building was great, because I was invested in this dumpster fire of a company. Dream jobs, always seem to good to be true and in Blake’s case she finds out the hard way.
Not going to lie, by the time she decides this is enough I was begging for it.
I think one of my favorite parts of this book was really how everyone all together was the real horror, the breakdown between friends and co-workers and the realationship of what should have been your dream job ( I have had that sad reality one too many times and the feeling is not good)
This book is a bit slow at the start, but don’t let that put you off, it builds into something chaotic in the best way
November 24, 2025
Thank you Tristan for the ARC of UNFOLD.
I want to start out by saying that this is a very ambitious idea. I love the setting of this shady/unethical corporation which dives into this weird science element involving creatures. This, along with the power hungry C-suite executive make for a solid setup.
I also thought Tristan effectively portrayed the breakdown of relationships Blake experienced, both professionally and personally, as a result of her unyielding dedication to bringing a union to her workplace.
The unionization theme is something the author clearly cares deeply about, which I can respect. I personally would have liked to have seen the union stuff consolidated a little bit more to streamline the overall pacing of the novel. While I think the day-to-day character work is good, I think it could have been either trimmed a bit, or broken up with more foreshadowing of the mysterious creatures at the center of UNFOLD.
When we get to the 3rd act of the story, we are treated to absolute chaos, and it is glorious. The payoff is certainly satisfying, and it was cool to see the different characters reacting/breaking down as the chaos ensues.
I want to start out by saying that this is a very ambitious idea. I love the setting of this shady/unethical corporation which dives into this weird science element involving creatures. This, along with the power hungry C-suite executive make for a solid setup.
I also thought Tristan effectively portrayed the breakdown of relationships Blake experienced, both professionally and personally, as a result of her unyielding dedication to bringing a union to her workplace.
The unionization theme is something the author clearly cares deeply about, which I can respect. I personally would have liked to have seen the union stuff consolidated a little bit more to streamline the overall pacing of the novel. While I think the day-to-day character work is good, I think it could have been either trimmed a bit, or broken up with more foreshadowing of the mysterious creatures at the center of UNFOLD.
When we get to the 3rd act of the story, we are treated to absolute chaos, and it is glorious. The payoff is certainly satisfying, and it was cool to see the different characters reacting/breaking down as the chaos ensues.
December 22, 2025
This was an alright read. It is slow to start and I must admit for the first half it I thought it was a thriller more than horror. The second half confirmed that yes it is a horror. I did enjoy how the dynamics between the different groups worked. When the violence does start it was good. I didn't really like the main character but that adds to the story.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews