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A review by wyabook234
When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Nat Cassidy's When The Wolf Comes Home isn't a werewolf story. The bodies of reality are far more torn up than the actual human bodies within the narrative. Nevertheless, reality-warping doesn't dissuade the amount of visceral violence within the journey of Jess and "kiddo" as they seek a place of serenity and deal with their separate daddy issues. It is a journey that suddenly erupts once the "wolf" appears at Jess's apartment complex, and it is a road trip that continues to get crazier and crazier after revealing the root of that craziness. That root turns out to be "kiddo," and as much as Jess hates to consider it, she then realizes that there could be no way of restricting his unstable superpowers.
It's a book with a plot that isn't different from any science fiction and horror stories from the 1980s, such as Firestarter. Supernatural forces and special agents intermingled in a cat-and-mouse chase across America. However, having this cliche framework doesn't make the story's heart hollow. The book's heart is apparent from the developing relationship between Jess and the "kiddo" as they bond within their predicament. Cookie and Uncle Pepsi also bring heart to the story as they fill Jess's anguished void left by her absent father. These loving relationships help balance out the horrific wake of "kiddo's" abilities.
The scope of "kiddo's" abilities is emphasized by how he brings cartoon weasels and Halloween decorations to life. Nonetheless, one of the most horrifying examples of "kiddo" powers is how he makes sure that Agent Michael Santos never exists when "kiddo" suffers a fear-induced breakdown. It starts with a vision of a thread before it spins off into a complete agony of Agent Santos having his organs and his soul removed from the fabric of reality. That pain is passed on to his wife in the next chapter or in the new reality, just Emmaline, permanently removed from the role of Santos's spouse.
While the ending can be bothersome because we don't know how Jess suddenly absorbs the excess of power from "kiddo". The ending doesn't take away from Cassidy's novel being entertaining and emotionally moving.
It's a book with a plot that isn't different from any science fiction and horror stories from the 1980s, such as Firestarter. Supernatural forces and special agents intermingled in a cat-and-mouse chase across America. However, having this cliche framework doesn't make the story's heart hollow. The book's heart is apparent from the developing relationship between Jess and the "kiddo" as they bond within their predicament. Cookie and Uncle Pepsi also bring heart to the story as they fill Jess's anguished void left by her absent father. These loving relationships help balance out the horrific wake of "kiddo's" abilities.
While the ending can be bothersome because we don't know how Jess suddenly absorbs the excess of power from "kiddo". The ending doesn't take away from Cassidy's novel being entertaining and emotionally moving.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Gun violence, Death of parent
Minor: Drug use, Vomit, Medical content