⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely Phenomenal—A Haunting, Imaginative Masterpiece

When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy is nothing short of spectacular. From the very first page, I was hooked—completely immersed in its deeply imaginative world, chilling atmosphere, and masterful storytelling. Cassidy weaves a tale that is both haunting and exhilarating, filled with intricate layers, emotional depth, and a narrative that grips you until the very last word.

One of the things I adored most was how seamlessly Cassidy ties in Easter eggs and references to his other works, making this novel feel like part of a larger, interconnected universe. Fans of his previous books will appreciate the nuances, but even if this is your first experience with his writing, you’re in for an unforgettable ride.

The theme of the novel resonated with me on so many levels, and Cassidy’s author’s note at the end added an extra layer of meaning that made the journey even more powerful. It’s clear that this book was crafted with passion and precision, and I have no doubt that it could translate beautifully onto the big screen—I would love to see it as a film adaptation!

For those who enjoy audiobooks, I highly recommend experiencing When the Wolf Comes Home that way. Helen Laser delivers an absolutely stunning performance, breathing life into the story in a way that only the best narrators can. Her voice work adds an extra dimension to the experience, making it even more immersive and unforgettable.

This book is a must-read for horror and dark fiction lovers, and I cannot wait for more people to experience this masterpiece. Nat Cassidy has once again proven why he’s one of the best voices in modern horror fiction.

Time of death 55%. I had to DNF at that point and just wasn't enjoying it at all. Which is a disappointment since I loved the first portion of the story. Sure, the MC was a bit irritating right from the start, but I could overlook that for the gruesome descriptions that would make any horror lover happy. The author really shines when it comes to gorey scenes. However, around 30% I felt like the rug was pulled out from under me and the storyline did a complete shift and became too silly for my personal taste. It never recovered from that point, unfortunately, and I just couldn't anymore. I think some fans of Grady Hendrix or Rachel Harrison books may enjoy the fine line this author walks between horror and humor, though. The writing itself is great, just not the story for me. The narrator was excellent though and did an amazing job acting out the role and providing tons of inflection. I would recommend that route for those interested in this book.

(5.0 Stars)

I don't know how to describe this book without giving away the plot. But if you like horror and/or psychological thrillers, you will absolutely love this book. The narrator(s) are great (Helen Laser and Nat Cassidy). Even the afterword is excellent.

The world has depth and layers. The Characters are unique and perfectly played out. The plot and story are just wonderfully wicked. I cannot wait to read more by this author!

Special thanks to #NetGalley for making this audiobook available for me to read, in exchange for an honest review.

I am a huge Nat Cassidy fan and this book is no exception! This was such a great horror story on family and fathers and I was not expecting that ending. I love how well-written this is and the humor.

Well, I'm disappointed. And a little surprised at the same time.
Surprised because I was not expecting such a sad, touching and heartfelt story. Nat Cassidy delivers a heavy-drama and traumatic story about 2 people (a young woman and a 5-year old boy) with 'daddy issues' that seem so realistic and they connect to each other through their own struggles in life. The boy has something 'more' about him, that makes him the centre of the narrative. In general, this is a story about two young people trying to move on with their lives and finding balance and positive connections in life. The relationship between the young woman and the kid is stunning. So raw and real that you can't help but root for them. And I was not expecting that.

On the other hand, I got very disappointed because I thought, and wanted, this book to be a werewolf horror novel. And even though there is a werewolf, this is not a werewolf horror book. The wolf barely appears in 1/3 of the story. So, I got a little upset because I felt I was fooled by the cover.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator is really good, especially when she voices the young kid, and throughout all the dialogues.
I do recommend this book, and the audio, for any readers who enjoy close-to realistic stories about people struggling in life and trying to survive the horrors that life throws at our way. Just be very aware that this is NOT a 'werewolf horror novel'.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for allowing me to listen to a free advanced audio copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

This is the kind of audiobook that I take issue with because it sets such a high bar for audiobooks that I have trouble listening to other productions. From the intro and the heartfelt afterward read by the author to the inflection and feeling injected into the performance by the narrators, this is one of my favorite audiobooks in a long time. The book itself had obvious influence from multiple works, as Cassidy acknowledges, but the one that most struck me was Stephen King’s Firestarter but When the Wolf Comes Home has very modern sensibilities, with complex familial relationships and imperfect heroes - made obvious from an in-character conversation about another work: Who is the hero? I don’t want to give anything way, but Wolf either had multiple or none, but that’s okay because we were on their side anyway.

This book was absolutely unhinged, and I loved every minute of it. Jess, a waitress and actress, comes home one night to find a boy who is scared. She brings him into her apartment, and that is when all hell breaks loose. A large wolf or bear attacks people in her complex, and from then on, she is on the run with the kid from many strange horrors. First of all, I love the FMC because she is hilarious and sarcastic, and she is trying to face each problem with braveness and in stride. Jess and the boy are both dealing with daddy issues. While helping the boy deal with his fears, she is also working her past out for herself. So many strange things happen, which I am learning is Nat Cassidy's style. I absolutely loved this book!

STANDING OVATION! What a story…what a concept. This is a book about transformation and I mean that in every aspect of the word.
Be prepared to love these characters and be prepared to be shattered time and time again.
Arghh! I just want to discuss this so badly but I don’t want to give anything away. This was so fun to go into with no clue as to what it was about. I hope you can do the same.
I was seriously clapping at the end. I wish Nat was in the room with me so I could give him the biggest hug…right after I punched him wicked hard in the arm.
WHEN THE WOLF COMES HOME by Nat Cassidy publishing April 22 from Tor Nightfire
I listened to the audiobook from macmillan.audio and it was wonderful. Narrated by Helen Laser plus a wee bit by Nat himself. Helen did such a great job and I was captivated

I both listened to and physically read this story. I was loving the ebook but wanted to be able to listen and see how it translated to audio.
I did enjoy the narrator, but personally do not enjoy narration of children. As this story does have a child and the narration involves different voices at times for different characters, I didn't enjoy it as much in audio form.
The story itself is amazing, and I highly recommend someone read this is one form or another. Just personally I preferred the physical read.

5 star story.
4.5 star narration

This book wrecked my day (in a good way). Strips down the werewolf concept to its basic elements, and then does something totally different with it.

Thanks to Tor Nightfire and NetGalley for an advance audiobook copy.

When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy was a pleasantly creepy and thrilling story about a young boy living with strange powers and a whole lot of fear. While this is a horror, and some scenes were definitely horrific, this seemed more like a thriller with a dash of science fiction mixed in. I generally expect more fear and discomfort from horror novels. That being said, this was stoll really good! I loved the complex dynamics between the boy and his father, the boy and the fmc, and the fmc and her mother. This was unique and attention grabbing. And the ending! What an unexpected twist! The audiobook narration was fantastic. It brought so much emotion to the story. You can really feel the fear of the young boy when you hear his voice.

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review

Such a great audiobook. Couldn't stop listening to it. Thank you for the advance copy. Loved the narrators voice.

4.5 stars but I'll round it up to 5.

I received an advance audiobook copy of When the Wolf Comes Home By Nat Cassidy. Thank you netgalley.

The narration was great! The beginning trigger warning from the author was a definite draw in for this book. If the author has that type of humor, it has to be a fun book, right?

And yes, this was a fun listen. What an interesting take made into a funny (dark humor)/horror/suspense.

I really feel bad for the main female character, what an awful time she's having.

Definitely recommend this book, and prepare for a wild ride.

Be sure to stick around for the heartwarming afterward.

Cassidy has great, smart writing… that can also be incredibly dark and gruesome. I REALLY enjoyed this one.

What would you do if your fears came to life? That is really what is showcased here in this book. Our protagonist, Jess is joined by a young boy, scared and running for his life. After a terrifying encounter with the boy’s father, whom he is trying to escape, Jess is only just beginning to understand the depth of mess she is in right now.

Just like in Nat Cassidy’s previous book, Nestlings, this book parallels various horrors and difficult situations with the vulnerability of caring for children. In both books, what the protagonist would do for the love and protection of the child adds such a heartfelt gravity to the stories. That speaks to me.

After running with the boy, trying her best to get him and herself to safety, she discovers they may not be safe anywhere… not when the boy’s fears begin to manifest, creating danger and mortal peril at every turn.

This was just really fun. I loved the audiobook narration.

Nat did it again! Truly a horror novelist for the ages. When the wolf comes home is the kind of pull-on-your-heartstrings tale that only comes around once in a blue moon. A beautiful blend and homage to the horror stories before him and the lives in which we all need some kind of honor to or closure from— dads.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

Yet again, Nat nails it out of the park. The narrator did an incredible job and the Nat cameo was the cherry on top. I was riveted by this story and felt every emotion along the way. Some of the imagery was stomach curdling, the tension was palpable, AND I cried. What else can you ask for from a book?? My ridiculous daddy issues were nervous to read this one, but Nat tackled the themes incredibly. This may seem like a fictional wolf/monster story on the surface, but it’s so much more than that. Amongst other things that I don’t want to get into in attempts to avoid spoilers, I believe it’s a look into how we can let our fears control and overtake our lives and perseverance through that. I would quite literally read nat cassidys chore list. Another five star added to the list.

Imagine your darkest fears become reality. This book was well written but very disturbing. It’s very dark with family trauma. I appreciate the trigger warnings at the beginning of the audiobook. I did listen to this in one day. It’s been a while since I’ve listened/read a good horror book that had my adrenaline pumping.

I’m looking forward to checking out more books by Nat.

Thank you NetGalley, Nat and Macmillan Audio for the eALC!

Publication Date: April 22 2025
Rating: 🩸🩸🩸

What a fricken knock out!
Oh my god, I loved this book. This was disgusting, hilarious, brutal, heartbreaking, and uplifting all wrapped up in one perfect little fairytale. Jessa's character development is by far one of my favorites that I've ever read. Even though she had the option of giving up the entire time, her resilience and need to protect the little boy shone through. I loved the little boy, 'kiddo', and so many times wanted to give him a hug. The abilities he has in such a chaotic and wild world would make anyone crazy. Their bond, shared traumas, and adventures together felt so pure.
Nat's writing style is superb. His ability to tell such a unique story that will hit you in every single feel is truly incredible. This is one of those books that I wanted to pick back up and reread right away. I loved how much this book made me feel a little bit of everything.
Nat Cassidy quickly made his way into my top 5 authors list with my first arc of his, Mary, and he is no doubt holding that position strong.
Thank you so much TorNightfire and Netgalley for my ALC and ARC.

I just finished this audiobook and I know this one will stick with me for a while. It was incredibly well written and full of disturbing detail/imagery, but it was also emotionally wrenching at times. Author @catnassidy has a unique way with words that allows the story he’s telling to burrow deep into your mind, and When the Wolf Comes Home was no exception.