Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. I had such a hard time getting into this, it fell flat for me. I was intrigued by the thought of a wolf monster. But the story just didn't pick up for me; it didn't give me the scares or chills. I wasn't too happy with the ending either; it seemed like it needed a smidge more to it. Some may like this but it wasn't for me.

**Review: *When the Wolf Comes Home* by Nat Cassidy**

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

*When the Wolf Comes Home* is a gut-punch of a horror novel, a relentless, blood-soaked thriller wrapped in raw emotion and existential dread. Nat Cassidy proves once again that he’s a master of blending terror with deeply human storytelling, crafting a narrative that is as heart-wrenching as it is horrifying.

At its core, this is a story about fear—both the kind that lurks in the dark and the kind we carry inside us. Jess, a struggling actress with a life in freefall, finds herself entangled with a terrified five-year-old boy hiding outside her apartment. What begins as an instinct to protect quickly spirals into a desperate, nightmarish chase as Jess realizes the child’s fears have a terrifying power of their own—one that manifests in gruesome, violent reality.

Cassidy subverts expectations at every turn. What at first seems like a classic werewolf tale mutates into something much more harrowing and unique. The horror isn’t just in the bloodshed (though there is plenty of it), but in the psychological and emotional devastation that fear can wreak on a person’s soul. Jess is a phenomenal protagonist—flawed, real, and completely compelling. Her dynamic with the boy is the beating heart of this novel, equal parts tender and tragic.

Beyond the tension and terror, *When the Wolf Comes Home* is a meditation on trauma, parental legacies, and the inescapable weight of our pasts. The writing is razor-sharp, the pacing breakneck, and the horror utterly unrelenting. And when the ending finally lands? It’s nothing short of devastating.

This is horror with teeth—visceral, thought-provoking, and unforgettable. If *Mary* and *Nestlings* put Cassidy on the map, *When the Wolf Comes Home* cements him as one of the most exciting voices in horror today. Absolutely unmissable.

This book is dark and big. Perfect for those moods when the weather is bleak, and you need to lose yourself in something depraved.

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 hit 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.

I know it’s only March, but I can already say this is one of the best books I will read this year.

When the Wolf Comes Home grabs you from the very beginning and never lets go. It’s fast paced and twisty, taking you places you don’t expect. Once I started, I absolutely couldn’t put it down.

I suggest going in as blind as you can and prepare for a great story all the way through until it’s emotional ending. Nat Cassidy has written a thrilling, imaginative, and poignant horror story, which hits upon universal truths and feelings. It got to me as a child, as a parent, and just as a person in this crazy world. This was not the book I was expecting in the best way, and it got me with all the feels. Be sure to read Cassidy’s Afterword because just as in Mary, Nat’s afterword is perfect and adds so much depth to the experience of this book.

This is my second Nat Cassidy book, and after loving Nestlings, I knew I’d be in good hands going into this one. It absolutely did not disappoint.

As always, Nat brought the classic horror element but also gave us so much depth in this book with the deeper themes of parenthood-especially fatherhood and fear. This really is a story about fear itself in all of its forms. He crafted such a clever and thoughtful story utilizing fear as our horror theme here in both metaphorical and literal uses within this book that I just know I’ll be thinking about it long after finishing. I enjoyed the high stakes, chase-style plot, along with the character development. Several moments, I found myself taken aback with visceral fear from what was developing on the page and that’s such a testament to his writing. I honestly have no notes, this book was utter perfection.

Thank you so much to Tor and NetGalley for this early copy.

“When the Wolf Comes Home” by Nat Cassidy is a masterful blend of visceral horror and profound emotional depth that left me utterly captivated. From the moment struggling actress Jess discovers a terrified five-year-old boy outside her apartment, the narrative propels readers into a relentless journey where the boundaries between fear and reality blur ominously.

Cassidy’s storytelling is both ferocious and tender, delving deep into the complexities of protection, intention, and the shadows that lurk within our own minds. The boy’s harrowing ability to manifest his fears into reality introduces a chilling exploration of the power of imagination and the monsters it can conjure. As Jess assumes the role of protector, her character’s evolution mirrors the story’s escalating tension, making her plight both relatable and heart-wrenching.

The author’s vivid prose crafts scenes that are both cinematic and intimate, reminiscent of classic 1980s action horror yet imbued with a contemporary sensibility. The relentless pacing, unexpected twists, and unflinching portrayal of gore and brutality keep readers on the edge of their seats, while the underlying themes of fear, family, and survival resonate on a deeply human level.

“When the Wolf Comes Home” is not just a horror novel; it’s a profound exploration of the ties that bind us and the lengths we’ll go to protect those we love. Cassidy has crafted a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is terrifying, cementing his place as a standout voice in modern horror. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a story that challenges the imagination and confronts the primal fears that reside within us all.

Thank you to Tor Nightfire and Netgalley for the advanced readers copy!

I truly, truly love Nat Cassidy. I've adored every single one of his books, so I was pumped to see When the Wolf Comes Home available here. I'm happy to say, I was not disappointed. It is an absolute masterclass in horror and suspense; I can’t recommend it enough.

From the moment struggling actress Jess finds the five-year-old runaway outside her apartment, you're hooked, desperate to figure out just what the hell is going on. What seems like a simple (but terrifying) rescue from an abusive father turns into a nightmarish struggle for survival as they’re chased by the boy’s violent, unhinged father, who may or may not even be human anymore. But trust me, this is just the beginning of a much darker, more complex story. One that is unhinged in the best way possible.

Cassidy’s writing is top-notch, as usual. As the story unfolds, it takes a supernatural turn that was insane yet so well-written that it was completely believable. The way Cassidy layers tension, terror, and mystery is brilliant.

What really makes this book stand out is how well-developed the characters are. Jess is relatable and complex— her survival instincts are razor-sharp, and you can’t help but root for her as she faces unimaginable horrors. The relationship she forms with the boy, and the bond that grows between them, adds so much emotional weight to the story amidst the chaos and bloodshed. And the supernatural elements are done so well, ar so eerie and unpredictable that my jaw was on the floor many times. I never knew what to expect next, and every twist was both terrifying and exhilarating.

This book is everything I love about horror—it’s intense, beautifully written, and terrifying as hell. An easy 5-star read for me, and if your taste is anything like mine, you need to pick this one up asap. It’s easily one of the best and most creative horror novels I’ve read in a long time. Phenomenal.

When the Wolf Comes Home is both a pulse-pounding and tense horror novel and a thoughtful and raw portrayal of the unspoken fears and frustrations in our relationships with our fathers.

Jessa is a struggling actress, grieving for the recent death or her estranged father and taking shifts at a nasty late night diner. After one particularly bad shift, Jessa comes home to find a 5 year old boy, dirty, scared and alone, hiding in the bushes outside her apartment. She convinces this strange and battered boy to come into her home, but Jessa soon learns he is being hunted by a ferocious beast.

Cassidy successfully created gripping plot lines and sympathetic characters in his novels Mary and Nestling. In his new novel, Jessa, the boy, FBI agent Santos and even the monster are, once again, fully fleshed out and deeply engaging characters. His books are personal and intimate, his writing engaging and interesting, his pacing is tight and exciting.

A heart-pounding and heartbreaking read.

Thank you @NetGalley and @tordotcompub for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I thought this was gonna be a werewolf story. It is so much more than that. The swings that Cassidy takes in writing this are as admirable as they are absurd, with the biggest thing being how well he connects the two. It creates a home run of a horror novel with a beating heart made of daddy issues and fear. Can’t recommend this highly enough. It’s a feat of modern horror rarely seen outside of the legends of our time (guess where that puts Cassidy now).

This book is hard to describe. It is a horror novel, but it is more than that. When Jess finds herself taking care of a young boy while on the run from her werewolf father, things quickly spiral out of control. I loved the storytelling in this novel. The overall plot is fascinating and the book flies by. There were some gruesome parts, but it's a horror novel. So I was expecting it. Overall a really good book. Would recommend for those who like gory horror with a little dry humor thrown in.

Nat Cassidy and I have a weird relationship, I wasn’t a fan of Mary or Nestlings but I absolutely loved Rest Stop which gave me hope about his new release. However, it just didn’t work for me. Maybe I’ll stick to just reading his horror novellas in the future.

The story wastes no time sinking its teeth in and plunges the reader into nightmares we all feel. The story has a strong dose of adrenaline and fear, so hold on. We meet Jess, a struggling actress working in a diner, when the unthinkable happens. Her life takes a brutal turn when she discovers a five-year-old boy hiding outside her apartment and the thing chasing him. After a harrowing confrontation, Jess and the boy flee for their lives. Their horror gives chase, and they must get out of this blood-soaked torment, where every step forward reveals a deeper layer.

The pacing is a standout feature, maintaining a relentless momentum that refuses to let up. Each chapter ramps up the storyline, and you can't stop turning the pages. There's a doomed claustrophobic intensity to the way the narrative unfolds—like being trapped in a room that keeps shrinking. Jess and the boy forge a raw and authentic bond, grounding the supernatural elements with human emotion. This book excels in blending psychological horror with visceral, stomach-churning, grotesque scenes. The concept of fears manifesting into reality is probed with a suspenseful, unflinching, and horrifying creativity. The atmosphere is oppressive and eerie, turning the mundane into potential death traps. Beneath the gore and terror lies an exploration of trauma, survival, and the primal fears that live in all of us.

While the ending was satisfying, the mercilessness of the story preceded no easy resolutions, just the stark reality of survival. It was a savage, pulse-pounding ride, and I will be thinking about this book for years to come.

Thank you, NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group, Tor Nightfire, for the opportunity to review and provide my honest feedback.

This book offered a captivating exploration of fear and the grip it can have on our lives. It kicks off at an electrifying pace and barely slows down. The vividly described scenes, relatable characters, and witty dialogue had me chuckling to myself more than once.

For me, it was an enjoyable and light read, which came at the perfect time since I was stuck in a major reading slump.

Part 4 and the Afterword really stood out as highlights. They were the sections that truly helped pull me out of my slump. The author masterfully ties everything together, drawing from personal experiences to illustrate how fear can manifest—and, more importantly, how it can be conquered.

Thank you NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for this ARC!

I absolutely loved this. I was sobbing by the end of it, so points for getting so much emotion out of me. I love seeing an adult and a child try to bond during times of distress. I can't explain it, it just does something for the child within me and the mother I am. It's part of why I loved Mistborn so much. This book has such an interesting dynamic of a woman trying to protect and young boy and growing to care for him while also being terrified of him the entire time. This is a book about grief. About parents and how they fail even when they think they might be doing what's best. It's about a girl and boy who try to find some semblance of family while on the run from the government, police, and an angry father. Definitely a five star read.

“When the Wolf Comes Home” was a riveting work with two great characters at the center of the book. While the book seemed to start off as either a werewolf or an updated Little Red Riding Hood, it veered into more interesting territory and reminded me as a darker, scarier updating of the Twilight Zone episode “It’s a Good Life.” Some of the set pieces showed real creativity, but given the stakes of the setup, I thought there could have been a bit more zaniness or chaos offered. The real treat of the book is the emotional afterword that Cassidy writes, which really brings the story to a fulfilling and thoughtful purpose.

4.25 stars (Tiktok link coming soon)
It's no secret that I am a massive fan of all books by Nat Cassidy and this was no exception.

Once again, he has delivered a novel that is equal parts:
*Entertainment via good ol' horror trope goodness (this one is werewolves...duh)
*Homage to some of your other favorite horror books (I picked up on Stephen King's "Firestarter" the most this go round)
*Soul-crushing but also somehow soul-affirming? Healing even? commentary on the darkness you carry with you and travel through every day. (This one deals blows re: abandonment and the complicated relationships between fathers and their children.)

I love the layers of this narrative and all of the fun pop culture references. I'm happy to say; this one didn't mess me up on a personal level quite as hard as a few of his others, but Godspeed to you if your father was more or less lacking. This might pack a little extra punch.

Thank you so much to Tor Nightfire and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

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!

this is a wicked twist on a werewolf story, and i was really rooting for and scared for our main characters.

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.