This was my first read from Nat Cassidy. He's been on my radar for a while, and after this one, I'm definitely going to add his other work to the top of my TBR.

Fantastic idea, great execution, refreshing while still acknowledging that similar ideas have happened (reference to a sci fi novel by Ursula Le Guin). I'm not sure what else to write since it's just going to sound like fangirl-level fawning. I know 2025 has barely started but I'm confident this will be in my top reads of the year.

Nat Cassidy’s When the Wolf Comes Home is a visceral blend of horror, suspense, and emotional depth that takes readers on a nightmarish road trip through the shadows of fear, family, and survival. Beneath the blood-soaked pages lies a surprising amount of heart.

The story kicks off when Jess, a struggling actress in modern-day LA, finds a five-year-old boy hiding in her backyard. What begins as a mystery quickly spirals into a deadly chase after a violent encounter with the boy’s father leaves Jess and the child fleeing for their lives. But this isn’t just a story about a predator in pursuit—it’s about the monstrous truths lurking in all of us, the haunting legacies of family trauma.

Cassidy expertly layers the narrative with dynamic shifts in perspective, including a how the world looks through the eyes of a sheltered child. These shifts adds to the story, creating surreal world where monsters are both literal and metaphorical. While the novel is undeniably a creature feature, its core themes—parenthood, fear, and the stories we tell ourselves are clear.

When the Wolf Comes Home is not just a horror novel; it’s a study on the nature of fear, and the ties that bind us to one another—whether we want them to or not.
#NatCassidy #WhenTheWolfComesHome #HorrorWithHeart #MustRead #SimonAndSchuster #artria

When the Wolf Comes Home is Nat Cassidy's novelistic hat trick, the proof in the pudding that he can write fun, propulsive novels that never ever sacrifice on heart. It's no wonder he keeps coming up in lists of best horror writers of this generation, because his stories continue to work on classical tropes in new and inventive ways while still retaining an emphasis on the personal, human element that makes horror such a richly thematic genre.

This one is about a lot of things, but it's mostly about fear and hope, about how fear and anxiety stretches over generations, influenced by the world outside and our worlds inside in equal measure. It's about how belief shapes our reality, and how complicated it can be to discern personal truths from outer reality, about how our best and worst impulses bear out into the sense we make of the world.

The book isn't political in the sense that most might take it in this very moment of 2025, but because of its treatise on anxiety and the intensity of how it thinks about fear, it cannot help but feel incredibly timely. I feel that is the reality of the adult generations in this new reality of ours, full of complex and sometimes disastrous imaginings of how bad things can get--but the book also posits that if there is a monstrous reality of our own imaginings, there is also the possibility of a wondrous reality should we find the strength, the boldness to pursue it.

As fantastic in its imaginings as it is full of action and sweaty horror, When the Wolf Comes Home is a tour de force of imagination and heart. I absolutely love it.

Disclosure Statement: I received an ARC courtesy of the publisher. My opinions and commentary are entirely my own and have not been influenced in any way by publisher or author.

Thank you Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Nat Cassidy’s “When the Wolf Comes Home” is an electrifying and deeply emotional horror book that merges existential dread and a profound exploration of fear and family. With its vivid imagery and Twilight Zone-esque suspense, this book is a standout in modern horror, cementing Cassidy’s reputation as a master storyteller. Before reading this book, I highly recommend looking at the content warnings Cassidy provides at the beginning of the book, especially if you are sensitive to gore and body horror (there is a lot throughout the book).

The book begins with struggling actress Jess, who, after an exhausting shift at a 24-hour LA diner, stumbles upon a frightened young boy outside her apartment complex. Compassionate but wary, she takes him in—only to discover that his father is no ordinary man but a relentless monster willing to destroy anything in his path to reclaim his son. What unfolds is a terrifying, high-stakes chase that blurs the line between the literal and the metaphorical, as Jess and the boy flee across a surreal and increasingly hostile landscape. Along the way, Cassidy delves into the boy’s unimaginable power: the ability to make his thoughts and beliefs manifest into reality, a terrifying prospect when paired with the boundless imagination of a child.

Cassidy’s ability to combine pulse-pounding horror with profound emotional depth is nothing short of masterful. The story balances relentless action with raw, introspective moments, exploring themes like parental relationships and trauma. The relationship between Jess and the boy is the beating heart of the story, their bond deepening as they navigate both literal and metaphorical monsters. Jess is a deeply relatable protagonist, grappling with feelings of inadequacy, unresolved trauma, and the weight of responsibility. I absolutely loved Jess’s dark humor demonstrated throughout the book, and I found her actions to be very relatable. Her arc is beautifully written, offering moments of heartbreak and redemption.

The book’s pacing is exceptional, keeping you on edge with relentless twists and nail-biting suspense. Cassidy’s vivid, often grotesque imagery brings the horrors to life, from visceral body horror to mind-bending manifestations of fear. The manifestation of the boy’s power was so unique; there was no limit to the power of his imagination where he could bring anything to life from a simple perception of reality to even cartoon characters, though most of what he imagined tried to kill other people. Cassidy also explores the complexity of fatherhood with remarkable nuance, examining the ways fathers shape their children, for better or worse. The “shapeshifters” of the story are both literal and metaphorical, embodying the shifting roles and shadows fathers can cast in their children’s lives.

At its core, “When the Wolf Comes Home” is a contemplation of fear—the power it holds over us, how it shapes our choices, and how we might confront it. Cassidy expertly ties these themes to the boy’s terrifying ability, showing the dangerous implications of unchecked imagination and the all-consuming nature of fear.

The conclusion is classic horror: open-ended, chilling, and deeply unsettling. It leaves you with a lingering sense of dread, forcing you to question whether the nightmare truly ends or if it’s merely the beginning. The emotional weight of the ending is palpable, making it as impactful as it is terrifying.

Overall, “When the Wolf Comes Home” is a masterpiece of modern horror. It’s a chilling reminder of the power of fear but also a testament to the strength we can find in confronting it. Cassidy’s ability to marry heart-pounding horror with profound emotional resonance makes “When the Wolf Comes Home” a standout in the genre.

Thank you for the opportunity to preview When the Wolf. Comes Home.
This is scary good. This novel starts with a young boy who is hiding from his father. And the boy’s terror is palpable.
The. Boy runs and hides till he meets a young woman who sees a young child who looks like he’s lost.
Before she can even help him all hell breaks loose. The father has found him but something is not right. This man is not normal. He’s big and hairy and well she’s not going to wait around to see what he is capable of. She and the boy run but terror finds them quickly.
The boy tells her that his dad is mad and when he gets mad bad things happen. Looks like that’s true and so begins the journey to find safety and make things right for this scared boy. And not get killed in the meantime.
Clever and smart monster book. 3.5 stars

Raw, violent, and unrelenting, every single line of Nat Cassidy’s When the Wolf Comes Home proves to be a gift to us all. An all-encompassing confrontation of fear itself, Cassidy’s upcoming release thrives on intensity in every sense, from action to emotionality to depth and everything in between. “No one will be spared,” an incredibly fitting tagline for this story as not even we, the readers, are safe from Cassidy’s thorough interrogation of the idea of fear, the very subject that makes this genre tick. An actress who is down on her luck, Jess, stumbles across one frightened and lost boy, a five-year-old unable to express anything other than sheer dread. And for good reason, as his father soon emerges leaving a wake of destruction in his path. In the unlikeliest of circumstances, Jess takes the boy and runs, trying to escape the claws of this relentless beast with terror lurking around every corner. While this may sound like a game of cat-and-mouse from hell, When the Wolf Comes Home gallantly confronts the beast of anxiety itself (the grown-up version of fear according to Cassidy), giving shape, definition, and words to the inexplicable.

Nearly all of Nat Cassidy’s works have been born from a place of personal examination as reflected in every one of his foreword and afterword entries. It would be remiss of me not to take these passages into account given the weight of the sentiments shared, things that have given an additional dimension to his already astounding narratives. Cassidy’s ability to connect with readers on such a level through his sincerity and earnestness should not be understated as he crafts stories that last. They speak so truly to the human experience even with every unfathomable horror element executed at the highest level. In the case of When the Wolf Comes Home, this comes in the form of Terminator-style werewolves (for one example) engaging in merciless pursuit.

Of course, we have come to understand that this atmosphere of persistent pursuit is a horror writer’s playground (think about The Ring, It Follows, etc.). Cassidy utilizes this well-loved mechanism to explore some gnarly realities surrounding fear and the power such an emotion has over an individual. This fear is eventually promoted to anxiety, particularly with Jess’ character, as she navigates her own sea of grief and turmoil. In fact, ideas of power, consciousness, and perception are all placed on full display with an array of polarizing colors through Jess and the kiddo (affectionally named). These abstract notions, feelings, and ideas are held under a microscope within these pages as the loss of fathers, ideas of fathers, and what life on the other side of this figure of loss looks like. We’re reminded that wherever we go, there we are no matter how far we run, how fast we sprint. More to the point, Cassidy’s writing contains that kind of subtle poignancy that lands emotional blows with the simplest of sentiments, penning lines that hold the power to change a life.

In a world where fear and anxiety are everyday passengers to our lives, a story such as Jess’ entwined with this kiddo comes at a dire time. When the Wolf Comes Home is a profound novel that elicits emotions similarly related to reading Daniel Kraus’ Whalefall and Liz Kerin’s First Light. The commonality between these books (besides being some of my personal favorite works of fiction, ever) lies in the unabashed confrontation of what may harm us most. Nat Cassidy has written a wholly unique, passionate, and deeply moving story that defies so many of our preconceived expectations within the horror genre. This story is a little meta, it’s nonstop-in-your-face action, it is the promise of a monster in every shadow, and above all, it is resonant, soul-changing, and a true masterpiece. When the Wolf Comes Home is a friendly reminder that while what lurks in the darkness may be terrifying, there is indeed a chance to make acquaintances with our beasts, to make a home where the wolf resides.

This was a highly anticipated release for me! I was so stoked when I got approved for this book; I totally couldn't believe my luck. The writing style and the plot reminds me a lot of 1980s horror novels especially with how bloody it can get from time to time. If I am going to be honest, this was a very fun read in its own right. Entertaining, fast-paced and totally absorbing there isn't a moment which is dull. (4.5 out of 5 stars).

Let's start out by just saying...holy crap. Nat Cassidy has once again left me speechless with his latest offering When the Wolf Comes Home. This novel is not just another addition to your horror collection—it's an exhilarating homage to 1980s action horror combined with science fiction elements and more. Buckle up, this is a thrilling ride.

One night, Jess, a struggling actress, finds a five-year-old runaway hiding in the bushes outside her apartment. After a violent, bloody encounter with the boy's father, she and the boy find themselves running for their lives. As they attempt to evade the boy's increasingly desperate father, Jess slowly comes to a horrifying understanding of the butchery that follows them―the boy can turn his every fear into reality. And when the wolf finally comes home, no one will be spared.

When the Wolf Comes Home is a true love letter to 1980s action horror from Nat Cassidy. This is evident with his vivid depictions that are both heart-stoppingly tense and cinematic in scope. These scenes are reminiscent of classic stories where characters are constantly on edge, their survival hinging on split-second decisions and sheer willpower. Yet amid all this adrenaline-fueled excitement lies an underlying contemplative story about familial bonds and unresolved tensions—particularly those strained relationships.

Cassidy has a keen skill when it comes to character development and it shines in When the Wolf Comes Home. Jess emerges as more than just a heroine thrown into extraordinary circumstances; she becomes someone whose personal growth mirrors her harrowing journey through fear itself. The emotional depth enriches what could easily have been just another thrilling tale into something much more significant.

When the Wolf Comes Home blends genres seamlessly, delivering scares and heartfelt emotional moments. Cassidy's work stands out as an exemplary piece within contemporary pop horror literature. His ability to balance tension-filled action sequences alongside intricate storytelling kept me captivated from start to finish without sacrificing either plot or character authenticity along the way.

Nat Cassidy's When the Wolf Comes Home is not merely a book–it's an immersive thrilling experience coupled with genuine emotional engagement. The story is as emotionally raw and heartbreaking as it is pulse-pounding and terrifying leading to an unforgettable reading experience that I could not put down.

ARC 📖 Review: When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 stars)

This one was nothing like I expected, but in the best way. What an emotional ride! I can totally see why it made so many people cry. I’m dead inside, so I did not shed any tears 😅, but wow—definitely a must-read when it’s published on April 22.

Thank you to @netgalley and @tornightfire for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! As always, thank you, @catnassidy, for delivering such gripping stories!

🐺🏠

One night, Jess, a struggling actress, finds a five-year-old runaway hiding in the bushes outside her apartment. After a violent, bloody encounter with the boy’s father, she and the boy find themselves running for their lives.

#whenthewolfcomeshome #natcassidy #horrorreader #bookworm #booklover #booknerd #bookaholic #booksbooksbooks #bookcommunity #horrorbooks

3.5 stars

So far my favorite Nat Cassidy book is "Nestlings," but this one was an adventure. I assumed going in that it was going to be a werewolf story, but that's not exactly what I got. I don't want to spoil anything, but the monster in this was creative. It ended up needing a bit more explaining than I usually like. There was a bit of sci-fi and maybe even a pinch of fantasy mixed in. (About a fourth of the way through, some very silly stuff happened. I still can't decide if I liked it or not.) The tone of this swings wildly from dark and violent to oddly heartwarming to comical and all the way back to bleak and tragic. It's a rollercoaster.

At the heart of the book is the developing friendship between Jess and the strange little boy that she finds in her backyard. I liked Jess a lot, but she could also be very dumb. Like, not careful at all when she knows she’s in danger and being pursued, didn't consider that she was putting other people in danger, etc. But despite these frustrations, she was a good, likable person just trying her best and I appreciated that she got just as annoyed with the kid as I did. Cassidy is good at creating side characters, as well. There were a couple of complex and interesting people involved in this plot that I enjoyed getting to know more about, and one in particular that I got pretty attached to. 

This was an early review copy, but it definitely read like a draft that still needed editing. There were accidental shifts between third person POV and first person POV that didn’t make any sense. The full chapter POV shifts were the ones that did work, when other characters would take over the perspective. (Example: I liked seeing what a Target looks like to a 5-year-old who never gets to leave the house.) Slight nitpick on my part, but you will see the phrase “wolf-bear-thing” about a million times within a couple of chapters. FFS, just call it a wolf or a monster.  

I loved the weird drawing at the beginning of each chapter. And I was grateful for the fact that there’s more threatening Jess’s well-being than just the monster situation, and the other stuff is also a nightmare. This is a wild road trip infused with creature violence and pop culture references. I’m on the fence about the ending. There were things about it that I appreciated, but other aspects that left me wanting something more. I liked Cassidy's afterword, though. There were also some nice themes in this book, such as conquering fear and anxiety.

Thank you to Netgalley and to the Publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.

Biggest TW: Domestic abuse

I don’t even know what I just read…and I mean that in the best way possible. This was so original, so scary, and so much damned fun. I was riding wherever this roller coaster was flying and I wasn’t getting off until the last insane death drop. Don’t spoil yourself. Go in blind and just roll with the punches. You’ll be rewarded with the next level in contemporary horror.

This book is a shapeshifter. It feels like one thing, then it becomes another and still another. To write a story with so many layers is a real testament to author skill. The concept is so good and what's more, perfectly executed. The laughs, epic. The wtf's, abundant. Nat, you ate and left no crumbs. 10s across the board, no notes. Your heart was palpable throughout and I cannot wait to see what you have in store for us next. Thank you immensely to Tor Nightfire & Netgalley for this ARC. I implore you to read this book when it publishes April 22, 2025!

Nat Cassidy’s latest book is an absolute masterpieces. Terrifying, hilarious and heart wrenching, I was enthralled from page one to the authors note at the end. All of Cassidy’s books have been incredible but this one takes him to a whole new level. Jess is one of my favorite MCs in a long time and she goes through A LOT in this story. To say much is to spoil some of the surprises but when I realized what was going on, I was horrified and had a grin on my face at the same time. This is an absolute must read.

Nat Cassidy, you talented devil. I really, really, really loved this book. It hurt in a way that felt necessary. Every time I read a new NC book, I think ‘No way will this top the last one’ and it always does. Always. He is incapable of writing a book I don’t immediately declare a new favorite right after finishing.

In the realm of horror, creature features aren’t my first choice. So I saw this cover and thought ‘Ok, werewolf book it is, I guess.’ WRONG. So wrong. Cassidy takes everything you know about werewolf fiction and flips it on its head. This is no mere werewolf book, my friends.

When the Wolf Comes Home is a fast-paced chase novel that really played well with the themes of fear, anxiety, and hopelessness. What begins as a nightmarish day for our struggling lead, Jess Bailey, quickly becomes even worse when she helps a scared, lost kid. She quickly finds out that there are people who will stop at nothing to get this kid back. And so kicks off a crazy series of events for about 300 pages.

I love horror like this. It’s such a powerful, emotional read with brief moments of levity that make the painful moments even harder. Jess is the same age as I am and I felt such a connection to her character. There’s the grief and complicated feelings surrounding the death of her estranged father, the feelings of inadequacy as she watches another day pass by without accomplishing her dreams, and just the general anxieties of being an adult. And that’s obviously on top of all the horrors she’s dealing with in this, well, horror story. She was such a fully formed character and I was rooting for her every step of the way.

Overall, if you love Nat Cassidy, you’ll not be disappointed by his latest. But this book is truly for any modern horror fan.

This will be the most unique werewolf novel you've ever read. Bold statement, I know. But by the 100 page mark, you'll realize it's not just about a werewolf. It's much more terrifying than that.

Jess is a struggling actress working at a dingy diner. And she's about to have the worst few days and nights of her life. She accidentally gets poked with a dirty hypodermic needle, she finds a cowering dirty little boy in the bushes of her apartment building, and a horrific creature shows up and massacres everyone there looking for that boy.

But they escape and begin a journey which will be filled with nightmares, terror, and pain.

As always, Nat Cassidy twists your perceptions of what you THINK you're reading and twists it in on itself. Characters who are not black and white, secrets which unfold throughout, and really, a story about fathers and our relationships with them.

Sometimes the monsters are unexpected and not the ones you might think and this book gives you the chance to point your finger at the "bad guys" before ripping your opinion apart. The narrative keeps you on your toes and is unrelentingly tense.

But it's also terrifying! Once you start to get an inkling about what's going on you realize this is much more than just a werewolf story. So much more.

Suffice it to say the author hits it out of the park. This is one of my favorite horror books of the year and I don't care if it's only January when I'm writing this review. It's going to be hard to top! I highly recommend this one.

I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.

This was a cool book. I really enjoyed the wolf part of the. He's pretty bada** werewolf. Like dog soldiers type werewolf. There is alot of fun other monsters as well. I just don't want to give too much away.

The most useful things I can tell you about this book are:
1. The less you know about synopsis going in, the better. Seriously, I roll my eyes when people say go into a movie/novel knowing as little as possible, but go into this one knowing as little as possible.
2. It's the best thing Nat has written... so far.
When the Wolf Comes Home revels in Cassidy's trademark over-the-top, balls-to-the-wall goodness, without sacrificing any emotion and depth of character. It's an entertaining thrillride that goes to more unexpected places than some authors manage in an entire career, and never skimps on the creeptastic imagery. Five easy stars for When the Wolf Comes Home. As always, never skip a Nat Cassidy afterword.

Equal parts high speed chase thriller and truly terrifying monster story. Then thoroughly seasoned with expertly crafted characters that you can’t help but fall in love with, along with a brilliantly subversive plot, sprinkled with the perfect touch of wacky. Oh, and lots of gore. Think Terminator 2 meets Twilight Zone meets Stephen King’s It.

As someone who’s already lost both of her parents, who hasn’t even hit 40 yet, and has also lived with the boogeyman that is fear for her entire life, this story absolutely gutted me. It chewed me up and then spit me out anew. Every story from Nat Cassidy just gets better and better. Bloody delicious.

4.5 stars

DAMN! This was excellent. Nothing at all like what I was expecting. If I wasn’t already a fan this would’ve definitely made me one!

💀 A Jaw-Dropping, Heart-Stopping Masterpiece 💀

Holy hell, Nat Cassidy has done it again! When the Wolf Comes Home is not just a book, it’s a full-throttle, white-knuckle, no-holds-barred descent into pure, unadulterated terror. From page one, Cassidy grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go, delivering a story so raw, so intense, and so deeply emotional, it’s impossible to put down. The premise alone hooked me, a little boy whose fears manifest into horrifying, tangible reality? Absolute genius. But what truly sets this book apart is the relationship between Jess and "Kiddo." It's stunningly real, heartbreakingly tender, and so beautifully nuanced. Watching their bond evolve as they navigate a hellscape of fear and survival had me sobbing one minute and gripping the edge of my seat the next. And let’s talk about the pacing, Cassidy knows exactly when to twist the knife (sometimes literally), building tension to the breaking point before delivering visceral, gut-punching payoffs. The horror here isn’t just blood and guts (though there’s plenty of that, trust me); it’s deeply psychological, feeding off primal fears in a way that left me lying awake at night.

Also, the writing! Cassidy’s prose is vivid, evocative, and laced with an electrifying energy that makes every page practically sizzle. By the end, I was emotionally wrung out, utterly terrified, and strangely... hopeful? The afterword was the cherry on top, a poignant, deeply personal moment that just wrecked me. When the Wolf Comes Home isn’t just one of the best horror novels of 2025 and it’s one of the best horror novels ever. Nat Cassidy is a once-in-a-generation talent, and I’ll read anything this man writes.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ All the stars, all the chills, and all the love.