As someone who very recently read Rosemary’s Baby for the first time, I can say without a doubt that this is the perfect spin on that story. It’s unique and holds its own while also holding on to exactly what made RB terrifying- being completely helpless in your family’s ultimate demise.
Unfortunately, I’ll never be able to look at a gargoyle again, but such is life.

I really enjoyed Cassidy’s debut, Mary, so was pretty excited to see Nestlings available on Netgalley. Though it is admitted by the author that the reader will draw similarities for his latest work from Rosemary’s Baby, and The Shining, it was too much. The main character was “Jack Torrance” with the same transformation, and the reader will see this coming from a mile away. I also find it disturbing when an author feels they must warn you beforehand that this book contains marriage troubles, child endangerment, gaslighting, and a real racist character (just a few examples from a larger list), since when does a horror book list all the types of horror within before you begin reading?

Nestlings was a gripping and terrifying read with a heartbreaking and unsettling story. It's a slow-burn horror but then it gets more fast-paced with lots of action and has a darkly atmospheric tone from the beginning. The characters are so well-drawn and relatable, which makes their struggle against the forces of darkness even more engaging.

Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Definitely one of the best books this year.

I tried to enjoy this one, I really did. I suppose it just wasn’t for me- I couldn’t get hooked or invested in the characters whatsoever.

Author Nat Cassidy was a very requested author in my small library when “Mary” was published. This follow up novel will have a cult following as well. Very well written horror story emanating Rosemary’s Baby, this will entrance readers into a new awakening for the horror genre. Five of five strong stars. Will be purchasing this for my library.

Thank you for the ARC Netgalley!

First, I have to get it out of the way...

JUST GET TO HOME DEPOT.

Alright, I very much enjoyed this! I got into easily since I recognized the similarities to Rosemary's baby, but the ending surprised me! A great mix of atmospheric, haunting, and of course, just straight up gross. Fun!

this was such a great horror novel, it has a great tense atmosphere and I'm glad I got to read this. This has a great concept overall and I was invested in what was happening. The cover was beautifully done and I'm so glad it worked with the story inside. The characters were what I was expecting and really enjoyed every part. Nat Cassidy has a great style and I'm excited to read more.

(I received this book from the editor and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
That. Was. Brilliant. Oh my God, how do I write a review that does justice to what I just experienced?

Nat Cassidy’s latest novel is described as Rosemary’s Baby meets Salem’s Lot, but I would like to add American Horror Story: Hotel or 1408 by Stephen King to the mix if that is alright. Not because of anything in particular, but because of the atmosphere. Think of the Overlook, as well, places that are characters themselves, an intrinsic part of the story.
And then think about complex, wounded characters, full of flaws and fears inside a mouse trap. With a baby.
And one of these characters, Ana, has her own internal and external fight, dealing with a traumatized, depressed mind and a wheelchair in a world that does not always think of people that need help. But that does not mean she is helpless, either.
Reid, on the other hand, always wanted to belong, to be part of a family. And now that everything is changing around him, will he be able to meet the expectations or will he drown in his own obsessions?
I could go on and on talking about different characters and the magnificent interludes, but I need to say something about the creepiness, because it impregnates every single page of this story. You, as the reader, know something is lurking around. You kind of feel it behind the words, hiding somewhere between the paragraphs. And when it comes to light… it just does not let go.
It is going to be extremely difficult, if not simply impossible, to find another haunted place related piece at the same level in 2023.

Although this novel was inspired by the very terrible year of 2021 for the author, this is a straight up horror novel that starts out creepy, gets even creepier as it goes on, and ends with a balls to the wall conclusion that is both terrifying and heart wrenching.

Our main protagonist is not only in a wheelchair (due to complications from childbirth) but suffers from a deep postpartum depression. She blames her one year old girl for her condition and isn't really sure if she loves her or not. The husband loves both of them and tries to go above and beyond even with a full time job.

When they get chosen for an apartment lottery at an historical well to do building in Manhattan, it looks like a turning point for the better.

Yeah... not so much! The horrors that await and the secrets of the building are just waiting with open maws for this family.

I'm not going to spoil anything, of course, but this is a fantastic, well written, incredibly frightening book that you won't want to put down. From the relationship dynamics to the other residents and even an unsettling concierge, this novel wants to do for apartment dwelling what Jaws did for swimming! It's definitely a top ten horror book of the year for me, and that's saying something considering it's only April! But that's how impactful this book is.

Five big stars, highly recommend, you don't want to miss it and all that other good stuff!

4 stars
God where to start?
Another reviewer compared this to American Horror Story Hotel, and I agree, it feels more like that than a Rosemary’s Baby.

Ok now, this is an intense & claustrophobia read. The characters felt very real. I appreciate the representation of the disabled mother. I both wanted this book to end, while at the same time wanted to savor every page. If this is typical of Nat Cassidy’s writing style, count me in!

I have really mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, it reminded me of American Horror Story: Hotel, which is definitely some points in its favor. I liked the sense of paranoia that slowly mounted as the story progressed, and I think the claustrophobic feelings that Ana felt being in the wheelchair while strange things were happening was great. On the other hand, the ending bothered me, Specifically, I felt that Reid's actions and personality kind of changed purely for plot progression. Reid definitely had some issues, but he switched up so quickly that it just didn't feel realistic. The ending itself, that is, the outcome for Ana and Charlie, was very unusual and I'm not sure if I liked it or not. I also don't know how Ana managed to convince everyone that Charlie had gone to live with Ana's mother. It just didn't seem believable given that Ana's friends probably know how Ana's mother was.

Thank you Netgalley for this advanced copy in exchange for a review.
I requested this book because of the cover but I stayed for the creepiness! I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read more by this author! I love a good horror/thriller!

Another spine-tingling, heart-racing, claustrophobia-inducing horror from Nat Cassidy. Couldn't put this one down!

Fascinating, creepy, full of undeniable dread and unease. Very well-written, and the cast of characters was believable and real. I loved the atmosphere in this, kinda reminded me of Rosemary's Baby. I hope everyone reads and loves it.

Holy hell, this book was amazing! I was thoroughly creeped out the entire time: haunted building, haunted people - both our main characters and everyone else, in different ways.
From the first crunch of a cockroach to the final. scenes, I was absolutely glued to my kindle.
Cassidy's style of "interludes" from various side characters were really welcome moments to pause and take a breath from the horror, just to find that more horrors await from these characters as well!
Such smooth writing and chilling themes. I fist-pumped at the trigger warning page out of excitement for all that was to come, and I think it was a good idea for him to include it!

Happy Halloween! Too soon? Never. I was thrilled to be able to read an early copy of this gem and have my calendar marked for October 31, 2023 when I can collect a hard cover trophy for my home library.

Ana and Reid are a young couple in NYC struggling to make ends meet. Ana had a horrific labor and consequently is paralyzed. Baby Charlie is now nearly a year old. Out of the blue they win a housing lottery to rent a spectacular apartment in the prestigious Deptford building. But what exactly have they won? Soon after moving in, strange things begin to occur.

This story feels like someone took every bloody horror novel I’ve loved and threw them all in a blender and hit purée. With that said, it’s still unique and fresh at the same time. I love a good horror story, and this one delivered. Do not miss the afterward by the author detailing his inspiration.

Many thanks to @netgalley @catnassidy @tornightfire for an early digital copy of this spooky horror fest and thanks for the scare! “Bashert.”

Pub date: October 31, 2023
Pages: 304

Ana and Reid have had a very tough year. IVF struggles, a much wanted pregnancy, the birth of their daughter Charlie, a rare neurological complication that left Ana paralyzed from the waist down and the understandable severe depression that followed - they desperately need good news. They get it when they learn that they have won a housing lottery and will live in the luxurious penthouse at the Deptford, one of New York City’s iconic apartment buildings. The apartment is perfect and renovations are quickly made to accommodate Ana’s wheelchair. Yes, the apartment is perfect. The residents are not. Ana begins to feel uneasy…is she being watched? Charlie cries constantly and refuses her food…why is her window open during the night? Reid is obsessed with the history of the Deptford and excited to meet some of his neighbors. They are actors, writers and artists…and look very young for their age. Yes, the Deptford is full of mysteries and solving them will prove very costly to Reid and his young family.

Nestlings, by the talented Nat Cassidy, is horror at its best. Ana and Reid’s problems are so real that you become involved in their lives and don’t notice the dangers as they slowly pile up. The conclusion is shocking, horrific and will haunt you after you have finished the final page. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tor Publishing Group and Nat Cassidy for this ARC.

Nestlings by Nat Cassidy is a gripping and unnerving horror novel that takes readers on a terrifying journey through an exclusive New York City residential building. Ana and Reid are a couple in need of a lucky break, and they believe they have found it when they win an affordable housing lottery for an apartment in the prestigious Deptford building. But as they settle into their new home, they begin to experience strange and disturbing events that leave them questioning their sanity and the safety of their baby.

Cassidy's writing is razor-sharp, and he expertly harnesses the creeping paranoia of Rosemary's Baby and the urban horror of Salem's Lot to create a truly terrifying atmosphere. The tension builds slowly but steadily, as the couple's unease grows with each passing day. The character development is excellent, particularly with Ana, who is struggling to come to terms with the trauma of her difficult childbirth and her resentment towards her baby.

The novel is filled with vivid and disturbing imagery that will stay with readers long after the final page has been turned. The descriptions of the Deptford building and its inhabitants are both haunting and mesmerizing, and the author's use of language is both beautiful and chilling.

Overall, Nestlings is a must-read for fans of horror and psychological thrillers. It is a masterful work of suspense and terror that will keep readers on edge until the very end.