This audiobook was a good mix of creepy and suspenseful. I enjoyed the voice and style of the narration. My only critique was that I felt the protagonist was a little too accepting of her circumstances, as I cannot imagine myself reaching the same decisions that she did without putting up a very big fight.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan audio for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan audio for the ALC copy of this great horror read!

I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book, but man was it full of some crazy stuff! I really enjoyed that this started out somewhat normal, then just took a wild and crazy turn towards a totally different vibe.

I appreciate the varying topics and sensitive subjects that were encompassed in this story - they were done perfectly and not over the top or completely in your face. Very subtle and just the right amount.

For my horror friends, I definitely suggest picking this one up!

I love a good horror, and this one definitely hit the spot. The audiobook is amazing, and the story itself is wonderfully spooky! <3

Thank you so much NetGalley for letting me read this!

This audiobook was a fantastic, juicy treat! The premise drew me in deeply and kept me on the edge of my seat! I actually think this was one of the best books I've read/listened to all year! Definitely a winner!

This was such a fun and wild ride of a horror. The description of Rosemary's Baby meets Salom's Lot is absolutely perfect. Nat Cassidy writes horror so viscerally and really makes you feel everything the characters are feeling. As a woman who just had a baby, I particularly enjoyed the postpartum discussions and just that element to the story. I was definitely sad at parts at the ending, but I understand why Cassidy chose to end it the way he did.

The author's note really made this book that much better. I love when authors get personal and discuss how a particular came to fruition and what it means to them.

The audio narration was really well done too. I think this story consumed via audio really worked and the narrator made everyone really come to life.

I will continue to pick up this author!

To say this book is creepy is a complete understatement! Like the description says, this book reminded me very much of Rosemary's Baby. After winning a housing lottery, Ana and Reid soon discover that their beautiful apartment is not at all what they thought it would be. This is a book for horror fans, and not for the fait-of-heart. Not my usual genre, but an enthralling book I could not put down!

This kind of horror slowly gets under your skin, gives you goosebumps, and makes you look twice at the shadows when you take the dog out at night. Ana and Reid are recovering from the traumatic birth of their daughter, Charlie. Ana is now wheelchair-bound, which has impacted her along with the expected postpartum slump, and she's not feeling bonded to her daughter as much as she'd like to. They are both overtired, overworked, and living in a teeny apartment. So when the call comes to live in the Deptford building, they jump at the chance. But where are all the other tenants? Why don't delivery men bring food to their door? What about all of those rumors of people who jump? Inch by inch, moment by moment, Ana feels that things are very wrong in the building, even as Reid falls more and more under its spell. Their daughter is initially restless and irritable in the building, with small bite marks and excessive screaming. But then, she seems just at home. This story is such well-written horror, weaving a story with such incredible imagery and evocative language that I didn't want to put it down. I loved it. I wanted more. But at the same time, I wanted to be sure it wasn't real. It seeped into my real world and got in the nooks and crannies of my day, as every good horror book does.

The narration of this book was wonderfully spooky, with voice acting that paired well with the characters I created in my head from the imagery. I enjoyed the pacing and tone of the delivery of the scary mood and the devotion to leaving purposeful pauses and breaks to allow for the horror to permeate the reader's psyche.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8uF6eQb/

Nestlings is my first read from the author Nat Cassidy and it’s definitely a decent into fear and creepiness.

Here’s the setup the Mason characters are a married couple, Ana and Reid. They live in a crappy New York apartment, and Ana suffered from an accident during the birth of their young child and lost the use of her legs, potentially forever, while also dealing with some intense postpartum depression .

Basically things aren’t going great for them when they get a call about winning an affordable housing lottery to move into a fancy loft apartment for cheap. They go to check it out and Reid is instantly in love with the views and historic architecture of the building. Ava is more skeptical or using her wheelchair there but decides their family needs a fresh start.

It seems alright at first, but little things start seeming off, like the creepy doormen, they rarely see other people in a New York high rise, or the food delivery men refusing to come into the building. Things start getting creepier from there.

I don’t want to get into spoilers but overall I really enjoyed the story it blends together horror elements with social commentary. I actually recommend reading the afterword in this book where he talks about his personal story and inspiration for this book.

The characters in this story are believable if a little caricature-esque at times. What I really like is that Cassidy really made the building feel like a character itself. The pacing did meander at times but I never really felt out of the story.

Like all horror books check your triggers, I may have inadvertently sent this rec to someone who can’t stand bugs and they play a role here.
But other than the triggers this book tackles themes such as: the darker side of become a new parent, what it means to lose mobility, and how loss and grief can affect our identity and sense of belonging.

I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Cassandra Campbell and I think she did a great job really hitting the right tone for this story.

Big thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me with a chance to get in on this book early. I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review

Ana and Reid are on the hunt for a lucky break. They score an affordable housing jackpot in the fancy Deptford building. Central Park views, swanky architecture – the dream, right? Until weird stuff starts happening. Ana's dealing with post-birth struggles, and the author dives deep into her messy, real-life feelings. Then there's Reid, brushing off oddities as "New York things." But when the baby gets needle-like bite marks, it's not your typical city quirk!

The story keeps you guessing – is it just NYC being its bizarre self, or is there some spooky business going on? The vibe gets real eerie real fast, especially in the posh Deptford building."Nestlings" is a wild ride blending parenthood struggles, city chaos, and a mystery that keeps you on the edge. If you're up for a supernatural rollercoaster with a splash of urban glam, dive in!

Nat Cassidy's "Nestlings" is a captivating journey that transcends the typical horror genre, offering a narrative enriched with introspection and emotional depth. Cassidy's unique approach to storytelling adds layers of complexity, creating a novel that stands out in its ability to blend horror with poignant human experiences.

Reid and Anna's world shatters after the birth of their child, an event that leaves Anna paralyzed. Cassidy skillfully navigates the complexities of their relationship, exploring the profound impact of parenthood on their dynamic. The exploration of resentment, the ebb and flow of caregiving, and the strains on their relationship elevate "Nestlings" beyond conventional horror, infusing it with a rich emotional resonance.

The novel's exploration of the housing lottery sheds light on the harrowing realities of the U.S. housing crisis, offering a stark commentary on the horror faced by everyday people. While not reaching the terrifying levels of a traditional horror novel, Cassidy masterfully weaves a tale that feels eerily close to the bone, making the horror more visceral and relatable.

Overall, Nestlings stood out to me less as a horror novel and more of a commentary on society. One of my favorite parts of Cassidy's writing is the before and after portion where the author discusses some of his inspirations and personal limitations. They add a layer to the story that is seldom achieved by other authors. I found there to be parts that truly gripped you and you could feel your heart race with just a sprinkle of horrific details.

"Nestlings" is not just a horror novel; it's a haunting exploration of despair, desperation, and the unexpected horrors that can emerge from the most mundane aspects of life. Nat Cassidy's narrative prowess and ability to inject raw emotion into the genre make "Nestlings" a standout read, leaving readers with lingering chills and a newfound appreciation for the depths horror can reach.

The narration of this novel was seamless and it was a great audiobook. I would highly recommend the. book as an audio, and the narrator.

Excellent narration. Used both audiobook and e-book. Perfect use of voice and tone. This was one of my favorite books of 2023. The author’s note was also worth listening to.

And happy book birthday to NESTLINGS by @catnassidy ! Thank you to the author, @netgalley and the publisher @tornightfire for the e-ARC.

This book is a perfect amalgamation of the phrases, "Nothing in life is free" and "Too good to be true." You think to yourself, should these people really take the "lottery" they just won for the penthouse apartment in a fancy but old NY building that they could never afford on their own without a generous discount? With a new baby and new medical needs and expenses, this could be a real lifesaver financially. And then you think, if you were in that position, would you be able to say no to such an offer either??

As the characters start to fall into the abyss of horror that they just willingly walked into, you can't help but feel like you are watching the beginning of a trainwreck that you will not be able to look away from because you have to know, in the end, what is the root of it all. The story draws you into a familiar creature horror story with a very unfamiliar flair. In the end, the punches kept coming and I read fervently to the horrifying yet satisfying conclusion.

This was an atmospheric book much like Cassidy's last, (Mary: An Awakening of Terror - those desert vibes were strong!), in that you could smell the old New York apartment mold, feel the breeze through the old, worn construction, and hear every spine-tingling creek and bump in the night! I found my stomach clenching at times, wanting to scream to the characters to run/roll away from their "neighbors" who seemed so kindly and welcoming, and so very old.

I thought Cassidy did a great job of showing the constraints of a wheelchair user (definitely added to the trapped feeling) without allowing the tropes of helplessness and pity to enter the room.

This was a visceral experience and I am so excited to see what Mr. Cassidy cooks up next as I have really enjoyed these last two!

THIS ONE IS ON SHELVES TODAY! So get out there and get yourself a treat for Halloween!

This was my first Nat Cassidy novel. I picked up Mary after listening to this one. This was gripping, anxiety inducing and creepy af. I'm so glad I listened to it during spooky season. What a perfect book for the fall.

Looking forward to reading Mary and future Nat Cassidy novels!

Special thanks to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the audio version of this book

Nat Cassidy has become one of my favorite authors and does not disappoint with this book..However I got the audio copy of it and something was wrong with the audio, it wouldn't pass 20% so I shouldn't really rate it but I was really getting in to it. If you've read Mary by Nat Cassidy, you just know this book is going to be probably 5 stars but ill rate it a 4 since I couldn't listen.

Thank you Tor Nightfire #partner for gifting me a copy and @macmillan.audio @netgalley for the audiobook! Shoutout to @cassandracampbell for the amazing narration!🙌
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Ana and Reid can’t seem to catch a break with life from a series of unfortunate events that happen to them. So when they win a housing lottery for the Deptford Apartment, a high rise building in New York City, they can’t believe their luck…almost. Ana keeps hearing a voice that 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑑𝑜𝑛'𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒... but Reid dismisses it and Ana goes along with Reid. After all, they’d do anything to get away from their racist current landlord. However once they move to the new apartment with baby in tow, a chain of events tornado through their lives testing their marriage, parenthood and sanity.

I want to start off saying that I’ve read quite a lot of reviews that (unintentionally, I think) reveal a major plot point/spoiler on what really goes on at the Deptford. So do yourself a favor and go in blind to experience the reveal yourself.

Nestlings had so many layers to unpack on physical disability, caregiving, postpartum depression and living with constant trauma with an awful landlord and barely getting by all while raising a toddler. Nat Cassidy, the genius that he is, handled all these heavy subjects with flair. I also enjoyed reading about the Jewish rituals and went down the rabbit hole of googling words mentioned in the book and related folklore! His afterword was an emotional rollercoaster in and of itself. I cannot recommend this book enough to all horror fans out there. This book is definitely making it to my top 10 list of fav books I read this year. Now I just need to pick his backlist, 𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑦.

I received a gifted audiobook copy of NESTLINGS by Nat Cassidy – thank you to Macmillan Audio! This book came in my Night Worms subscription as well and it’s one that was high on my TBR!

Rating: 4.5 / 5

NESTLINGS follows Ana and Reid, a young couple with their first baby who are barely making it through life day to day. In a rare complication during their baby’s birth, Ana was paralyzed and there’s no way to know for sure if she’ll ever be able to walk again. The pair is surprised when they happen to win a lottery for an affordable unit in a famous and exclusive building in New York City. Though it isn’t ideal being on a top floor with Ana not able to take the stairs, they can’t turn the fantastic apartment down and soon they’re moved in.

It doesn’t take long for things to start seeming a bit off after move in. Ana is stuck at home most of the time while Reid heads off to work. When she reports the strange goings on in the building, Reid doesn’t think anything of it. After all, Ana has had more than a few severe struggles with adapting to life in a wheelchair and as a mother. Still, even their baby girl starts to show signs that the building is impacting her as well.

NESTLINGS is pitched as a blend of ROSEMARY’S BABY and SALEM’S LOT which I think is an appropriate description. This book is a very slow burn, but it has a very creepy, gothic feel and I really enjoyed it. The claustrophobia of the building and the strange people who live there really come through off the page. The author provides notes that bracket the book itself about his own experiences and that of his wife dealing with chronic illness, loss, and trauma and that experience comes through as well.

I made a few guesses as to what was going on in this book, but was far from figuring everything out. I really felt for Ana and her struggles, both before and after moving into the building. Reid was a hard character for me to really like, but I did think he was portrayed well as a character that was meant to make the reader conflicted.

After reading and really enjoying MARY by this author, this was a highly anticipated read for me and I am so glad that I wound up loving it. It was such a hard book to put down! I can’t wait to see what Nat Cassidy brings us next!

"Oh you like Rosemary's Baby? 'Salem's Lot? Just wait until you read Nestlings by Nat Cassidy. It's about the curse and revelation of survival. About the intense emotional complexity of family. It's also about super weird superstar vampires. And it's just so funny and smart. This is the horror book of the year."-Erika T. Wurth, author of White Horse

After struggling for months, Ana and Reid receive their lucky break when chosen for the New York affordable housing lottery. Not only were they chosen, their new apartment is in the beautiful and mysterious Deptford building. A building with a rich history of beautiful architecture and celebrity residents. Ana and Reid have been struggling since the complicated birth of their daughter Charlotte left Ana paralyzed - so this is just the fresh start their new family needs, right?
As Ana and Reid move into the Deptford we get a glimpse into their daily struggles adjusting to their new normal since Ana's injury. This is all told while building a creepy atmosphere of bumps in the night, a neighbor that is deeply unsettling, and most disturbingly the strange behaviors of Charlotte. I felt such parental dread reading this book, in fact, one night I jolted awake from a nightmare that was directly related to the happenings in this story. (Well done, Nat Cassidy)
This story is so well told. I love how we learned the history of Ana and Reid without compromising the pacing of the story. This story got in my head and under my skin. I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn't stop reading.
The author's note at the end of the book is so raw and beautiful. It made me love this book even more, please read it.
If you enjoy a creepy story, this one is not to be missed.

Thank you to @netgalley @tornightfire and @macmillan.audio for the gifted copy of this book.

I'm not sure how to review this book. It could be really good. I don't think it is, but others might. I didn't like the short, choppy chapters/sections that kept starting over at 1. Some of the chapter breaks didn't need to be there; a new paragraph would have accomplished the same goal. It felt very disjointed. I also wasn't sold on the big reveal. Parts of it were cool (the gargoyles) but the execution wasn't the best.

I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

This is the last Tor Nightfire I request. We clearly do not vibe. I was promised Rosemary's Baby and that's not what I'm getting. I feel bad that I feel zero sympathy for Ana, but it is what it is. Surprise, surprise. Reid is dumb. Are the monsters the only interesting characters?

If it seems too good to be true, it usually is....especially in this book! Nat got down to the nitty gritty in this weird and disturbing horror novel that will have you questioning accepting any apartment you're ever offered.

I would probably benefit from a re-read to pick up small details missed the first time, and I'm betting it would get better and better each time.
Definitely a perfect read for the fall - spooky vibes paired with unexplained happenings and creepy new neighbors will have you trying to ward off goose-bumps and chills the whole time.

The narration was great and enhanced the eerie effects of the characters- brought them to life in ways that physically reading alone can't give you.

Highly recommend- however probably not for those with weak stomachs!