Ahoy there mateys! I started this in October 2023 and thought I would finish it quickly.  This book is short and yet it stalled at 30%.  I really wanted to know about the creepy New York City apartment building.  What I got instead were unpleasant characters and a plodding plot.  The mother hated her baby because the birth paralyzed her.  I get why she struggled but her voice was unpleasant.  The husband was worse.  I did ruin the ending for meself on purpose.  Yup glad I didn't finish this.  Arrr!

Thank you Netgalley, author, and the publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this e-arc. I look forward to reading more.

Nestlings is a masterpiece of literary motherhood horror. Ana and Reid win the apartment rental lottery and score a reduced-price apartment in the Deptford, a prestigious and exclusive New York building. But right away, things aren’t as idyllic and serene as they’d hoped. Their one-year-old baby, Charlie, cries incessantly. Ana has been in a wheelchair ever since her daughter’s birth, and she struggles with the apartment’s accessibility.

The author’s writing style is unparalleled, and I was hooked right from the very first pages. The story takes its time, leisurely weaving a story full of tension and grotesque metaphor, masterfully blending real-world struggles, like paying bills and navigating a new disability, with paranormal horror. The plot is slow, but the narrative is rife with a rich history for the Deptford, backstory for the characters, and eerie imagery.

The book is broken up into parts, with chapter titles and breaks in the chapters, which gives little sneak peaks in the horrors to come.

The entire narrative is told in the third person, and we get multiple characters’ POVs throughout. I didn’t particularly like Reid, the husband, as he makes some poor choices, and I never managed to connect with him. Ana, on the other hand, is a far more compelling character. She’s a mother, but she resents her child for the hardship she’s brought on her. She wanted to move to the Deptford, if only while yearning for a lifestyle that had always been just out of reach, but she has doubts and regrets almost instantly after moving in. Something is very, very wrong with the Deptford and its residents. I adore stories that present a place as its own character, and the Deptford, with its breathing walls and organic warmth, fails to disappoint.

All in all, I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for an atmospheric motherhood horror that’s equal parts psychological warfare and creature feature.

A masterclass in new age vampirism. Nat Cassidy not only managed to absolutely terrify me with their King-esque vampirian monsters but also was able to craft an incredibly powerful story about the Jewish-American experience, loss, and disability all while wrapping it up in a beautiful heart wrenching little postpartum journey of motherhood. I have also never had a reader who has made me hate a man more in my life. Love that. I also can ONLY see the baby’s looking like the baby’s in Dead Space. So… that’s Terrifying… Nat is a true horror craftsman and I can not wait to see what he does next.

As always, shout out to NetGalley for providing me with this e-arc. I am a little late to the game but I am happy I finally got around to reading this one. After reading Mary by Nat Cassidy, I knew I had to get my hands on Nestlings. Mary was one of my favourite reads from 2023 so I had high hopes, and I will say I was slightly disappointed in Nestlings. It wasn't bad! Trust me, it is still worth a read but I didn't really enjoy the pacing (personal preference). The story itself was everything I look for in horror/thriller though. It was very creepy and had a great story line about human experience. I would definitely recommend this book.

I found it creepy and sometimes disgusting and shocking. I was also bored at some points. I think it was a very unique book and I’d be curious to check out another book by this author.

Nat Cassidy is a power house in the horror genre and I am so excited to continue reading stories from him. As a follow up to one of my favorite reads, Mary, Nestlings is a Rosemary's Baby inspired haunted tale depicting postpartum, depression, family, and motherhood. Nat Cassidy is an auto-buy author for me now and I will be reading anything he writes.

what a thrill ride of a novel this is ! Ana and Reid with newborn Charlie leave their old apartment for the mysterious and glamorous Deptford . Ana paralyzed and traumatized after the birth of her baby needs a fresh start. .what starts out as adjusting to their new apartment and life
Ends with horror . One of the best horror novels of the year . Original, unique and definitely creepy and scary

This one is a challenge to review, because I really hate the trope of a married couple moving into a house/apartment where supernatural things occur and cause strain on their marriage. Hate it. Nestlings does deploy this trope, but executes it quite well. There's also a turn in this book that I found very surprising (a turn that I forgot was telegraphed by the tags on Tor Nightfire's website as well as Goodreads) and a good twist on that horror subgenre. The ending will not be for everyone, but I appreciate when books really *go there*.

Nat Cassidy always brings something new to horror. This book combines spectacular writing with commentary on difficult pregnancies, parenthood, disability and so much more. All while being an incredibly interesting story with very dark and terrifying moments. I love the fresh take on vampire-adjacent trope and I love the idea of moving into a new place in New York and finding out that something is off about the neighbours and the building itself.

I missed the notification that i was approved for this ARC, and ended up buying a physical copy, which after reading i wouldve done any way. This book is amazing. I will forever buy any Nat Cassidy book now, and he may just be my favorite author. I dont know if i prefer this book or Mary more.

This book was such a wild ride. I'm just gonna put it out there, I will 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 move to a building that has a lottery for people to move in. Not after this book! And don't get me started about the babies....

For all the parents out there, take heed before reading this one. 𝑫𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏'𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖.

They said in the synopsis that it was 𝑹𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒚'𝒔 𝑩𝒂𝒃𝒚 meets 𝑺𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒎'𝒔 𝑳𝒐𝒕 and I 100% agree. It's like if you smooshed a story about changelings with a story about vampires and creepy buildings with gargoyles, disguised as luxury.

I thought the disability rep was done really well. It showed the range of anger and resentment, but also the strength and capability. I loved Ana's character as well as the other "characters." Everything fit together so nicely for one hell of a no thanks 👀

I recently had the pleasure of delving into this book, and I am beyond impressed with the mesmerizing world that the author has crafted. From start to finish, the intricate plot weaves a tapestry of suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

One of the standout features of this book is undoubtedly its characters. Each one is meticulously developed, breathing life into the narrative with their unique personalities, motivations, and flaws. The protagonists are not just names on paper; they are relatable, complex individuals with whom readers can form a genuine connection. The antagonist, too, is not a mere foil but a multi-dimensional force that adds depth to the story. The author's ability to create such well-rounded characters is a testament to their storytelling prowess.

The plot unfolds seamlessly, drawing the reader into a richly layered narrative that expertly balances tension, drama, and moments of poignant reflection. The pacing is impeccable, maintaining a perfect rhythm that keeps the reader engaged without sacrificing the depth of the story. The author skillfully navigates through various plot arcs, interweaving them with finesse to create a cohesive and satisfying whole.

What sets this book apart is its ability to tackle profound themes while maintaining an accessible and engaging narrative. The book seamlessly combines suspense and emotional depth, making it a truly immersive experience. The author's prose is both elegant and evocative, painting vivid imagery that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.

As I reached the conclusion, I found myself yearning for more from this talented author. Their ability to craft a gripping plot and bring characters to life is truly commendable. I eagerly anticipate future works and would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any reader who appreciates a masterfully told tale. If you're searching for a book that seamlessly blends captivating characters with a compelling plot, this is a shining example. I can't wait to explore more literary worlds crafted by this exceptional storyteller.

It's been a bit since I've come across a really good creature horror, and this book presented such a compelling perspective! The creatures were intriguing, and I found the lore surrounding them really interesting. Beyond the creatures, what stood out to me was Cassidy's willingness to tackle the challenging themes of parenthood, disability, and mental health with honesty and depth.

Ultimately, "Nestlings" is a compelling and emotionally charged horror story that delves into the complexities of motherhood against the eerie backdrop of an exclusive New York City residential building. As a reader who thoroughly enjoyed the book, I highly recommend it to those seeking a dark and thought-provoking narrative.

Thank you to NetGalley, Nat Cassidy and Tor publishing group for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. I feel like this is a book that I’m going to be thinking about and digesting for a while. My first thoughts when I finished where wtf did I actually just read and wow. Take that as you will. It was an easy and addicting read with lots of trigger warnings. It’s so unique and twisted.

Thank you NetGalley for sharing this book with me early to read and review. This book wasn’t my favorite but I do love bits of it and know others will too!

Nat Cassidy has done it again. I was scared and disgusted, and I loved every minute of it. Ultimately, not my favorite of his books (shout out to Mary), but I really enjoyed this and loved the setting and the nods to Rosemary's Baby. I couldn't put it down!

Motherhood is a NIGHTMARE in the Deptford! This book is FLAWLESS!

Ana and her husband Reid win an apartment in the New York in Manhattan's exclusive Central Park area. It is over 100 years old and is known for the exquisite but SO SO creepy Gargoyles that grace the rooftops and corners. What they do not know....is what is lurking inside this apartment building!

Forget the references to 'Salem's Lot'! Take Jeffrey Konvitzs' "The Sentinel" and Levin's "Rosemary's Baby" and throw in a bit of Del Toro "The Strain" and you give birth (no pun intended here...lol) to "Nestlings" by Nat Cassidy.
I listened to the audio book and I noticed that it is narrated by the author....so, naturally I thougth that the author was going to be a woman. Wrong!

I have been reading horror for over 55 years, and NEVER have I been so scared and creeped out by a tale of horror that lurks in the darkness and flows thru the veins of EVIL as this one did and does! It is a flawless tale of a young couple getting ready to celebrate their young baby girl; Charlie's first birthday, and it is a day they are soon to never forget! What happens in this book is so well and perfectly written that it is one that I place on my shelf of Horror Classics! And to think that I had never heard of this author until I had seen the creepy as hell cover come across my Everand account and HAD to listen to it! It was released on Halloween of 2023 and let me tell you you MUST read or better yet, listen to it! You will never forget it. It is one that takes on vampires, horror and the darkness unlike any others. It was Flawless!! And with me not being a fan of the vampire lore; this is one that I will read again and again!

Whatever you do, MAKE SURE you read or listen to (in his own voice) the Authors Note at the end of the book. Made me cry.

5 🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸All the WAY!!!

I read MARY by Nat Cassidy some years back. I loved it. The homage to CARRIE by Stephen King was evident and now, back with NESTLINGS, there are homages to AMITYVILLE, SALEM'S LOT, and even sprinklings of the OMEN. This book is a dark and horrific read but the emotions are palpable and the underpinnings of care make this linger with you long after the story is over.
Nat Cassidy is a writer to watch and most importantly a writer to read!

Alright, buckle up, folks! Nestlings by Nat Cassidy takes you on a wild ride—gripping, shocking, and seriously creepy! From the hooking synopsis to the immersive listening experience, I was legit blown away. Trying to set this book aside was like wrestling a grizzly bear because I was fully sucked into this expertly crafted page-turner.

Ana and Reid are in the thick of major life changes and stress. Ana, post-wheelchair after popping out their daughter Charlie, leans heavily on Reid, who's now juggling the caretaker gig for both his wife and the little one. Bagging an apartment in the swanky Deptford building seems like a dream—stunning architecture, Central Park views, the whole shebang. Sure, the other residents are a tad quirky, but dream location and affordable housing? Count them in.

Moving is a pain on its own, but Deptford? That's a whole new level of bonkers...

WOWZA! This is horror cranked up to eleven. The tension, the creeping dread, that feeling that something's off—it had me hooked. I'm all about books that make my hair stand on end, and Nestlings delivers. Deptford sets the stage perfectly for this modern horror with a hint of old-time spookiness.

If you're after amazement, spooks, shocks, and top-notch entertainment, you've struck gold! Seriously, it's that darn good. The writing is top-notch, with vivid descriptions that threw me right into the thick of it, and the pacing is on point. Nestlings played out like a blockbuster in my mind, and no surprise there given the author's background in the entertainment biz.

I went for the audiobook, and the narration? Pure magic. Don't sleep on the author's personal and moving note; it's a must-read.

Well-crafted, shocking, had me gripping the edge of my seat, entertaining, and good luck trying to pry it from your hands! Nat Cassidy should absolutely be on your radar.

4.5 stars