Willow Rose follows Dr. Alder Peony, a single emergency physician and recovering addict, who accepts a temporary assignment at Morningstar Falls Hospital in northern Minnesota. From the opening chapters, it becomes clear that Alder is burdened by deep feelings of guilt and self-loathing. Meanwhile, a mysterious comet has appeared in the sky just two days before the story begins, casting an ominous shadow over events to come.

As one of only two doctors serving the small town, Alder is often forced into grueling 24-hour shifts while living in a secluded cabin outside of town. When strange occurrences begin, and people start disappearing, Alder finds himself struggling to uncover the truth while simultaneously battling his own inner demons—until something far darker emerges.

Although Willow Rose is primarily a horror novel, it weaves in themes of folklore, courage, forgiveness, and love. These elements give the story depth, even as its central tension builds around both supernatural and psychological conflict.

That said, I found myself struggling to fully connect with Hayden’s writing style. At times, the prose felt uneven, which created distance between myself and the characters. This lack of connection made it difficult to become fully invested in their journeys. On the other hand, I deeply appreciated the folklore woven throughout the narrative and the overarching message of the story. With greater emphasis on these elements, they could have carried even more emotional weight.

The setting itself had great potential—northern Minnesota as a backdrop to a horror story is inherently atmospheric—but I found the immersion somewhat lacking. Similarly, the science fiction elements raised intriguing questions but left me wanting more context and world-building to support the story and enrich the reading experience.

Overall, while Willow Rose didn’t fully resonate with me, I recognize the promise in Hayden’s storytelling. I would be open to exploring more of his work in the future, particularly if he is given more space to develop atmosphere and expand on the foundational elements of his stories.

⭐ 4.1/5

‘’ Even broken souls find ways to hold each other up. ‘’

Willow Rose by M. Kevin Hayden is the kind of book that grabs you by the collar at midnight and refuses to let you sleep. I inhaled it in less than three hours, yet it has lingered with me much longer—like the phantom glow of a comet across the night sky. If horror and sci-fi had a messy little lovechild, it would look exactly like this book—and yes, I devoured it so quick, overnight, perched on the edge of my bed like some caffeinated gremlin. As a nurse, I couldn’t help but cackle at the medical ER humor sprinkled at the start—it’s like the author knew how to bait me in before sucker-punching me with cosmic dread.

From the very first pages, I could visualize everything with startling clarity: the dusty green hues of the woods, the heavy silence of rural isolation, the sterile flicker of an ER on the brink of collapse. The atmosphere isn’t just described—it’s lived. I felt like I was walking through those shadowy hallways, staring at the comet that loomed above, and holding my breath as strange and surreal events unfolded.

What makes this story unforgettable are its characters. Alder, the haunted heart of the novel, is raw, jagged, and achingly human. Haunted, resilient, rugged, carrying invisible weight. A man who looks like he hasn’t slept properly in years but still has fire in his eyes. His internal monologues drip with pain, regret, and a strange kind of poetry that keeps you perched on the edge of empathy. I found myself not just reading him but feeling him—his torment, his fleeting moments of euphoria, and the bone-deep exhaustion of a man who’s been running from shadows too long. Watching his growth—his small yet seismic shifts—felt like witnessing a storm reluctantly give way to dawn.

And then there’s Faith. Oh, Nurse Faith. She is a tether, an anchor, a steadying presence in a world where nothing is steady. The way Alder sees her—how her humor cuts through despair, how her compassion grounds his chaos—is rendered with such understated beauty. Their dynamic is not some tidy romance arc, but something richer: the collision of broken souls, the recognition of resilience in another. More like two broken humans brushing against each other’s scars, briefly holding one another up before the chaos pulls them apart again. Faith is the quiet heartbeat of the book, reminding us that in horror—both cosmic and human—there is still space for tenderness. If anything, Faith’s presence shows that Alder doesn’t have to be completely swallowed by his demons; there are people who see him, even if he can’t fully see himself.

The novel’s thematic tapestry is gorgeous: it’s about the beasts we carry inside, the haunting weight of trauma, and the fragile strength we find in unlikely places. There’s humor here too (especially for those of us who live in scrubs and understand the dark comedy of ER life). That levity keeps the dread from consuming the story entirely, but make no mistake—this is a dark, atmospheric read, at times dreamlike. Present-tense narration, which I normally side-eye, lends an uncanny, disorienting quality that mirrors the protagonist’s spiraling psyche. One line, in particular, clung to me: “Alder thought he could escape here. Vanish into some tree-covered corner of the country. Hide from the selfish, neglectful thing he used to be. But this is where his reckoning was always waiting.” That reckoning—personal, cosmic, spiritual—lingers through every page like the faint echo of a scream you’re not sure you actually heard. The horror is less about jump scares and more about the inexorable pull of reckoning, the way the past claws at you until you face it. Thematically, it’s fascinating: trauma, guilt, isolation, addiction, and the gnawing beast within us all, stitched together with imagery that feels as if it were storyboarded straight out of an anime!! Hayden doesn’t simply write about monsters—he externalizes the internal, forcing you to stare down demons that usually stay comfortably in the shadows.

Even the surreal imagery—the comet streaking across the sky, the inexplicable phenomena that shimmer and fade—serve as metaphors as much as plot devices. Chilling, sublime, and sorely underutilized. I wanted it to come crashing down not just in the sky but thematically, tying all the threads together. Instead, it’s more like a ghostly nod—haunting, yes, but unfinished. A little more time in the oven, and this could’ve been devastatingly good. They’re eerie, yes, but also strangely beautiful, leaving you unsettled and mesmerized in equal measure. Though the comet imagery begged for a fuller crescendo, the story’s atmosphere, its intricate psychology, and its haunting lyricism make it a worthy and memorable read. Dark, atmospheric, and unexpectedly humane—this novel left me equal parts spooked and spellbound.

If I had to quibble, some threads could have been tied tighter, some symbols deserved more room to explode. But even so, I was hooked. The pacing builds from a slow burn into a fever pitch, the dread creeping in quietly before swallowing you whole.

Willow Rose isn’t just horror. It’s literary cosmic horror with a human core. It’s a meditation on guilt, resilience, connection, and the strange light that flickers in the darkest places. It’s the kind of story that makes you look over your shoulder at night—not just for what might be lurking in the woods, but for what you might find in yourself. Is it perfect? No. Is it worth the sleepless night, the pulse quickening, the gnawing thought after you close the book? Absolutely.

As Hayden reminds us through his troubled protagonist: “There is a beast inside all of us.” Some stories just dare you to look it in the eye.

@arushireads 🤍 Grateful to the @mkevinhaydenauthor & NetGalley (@netgallery) for this ARC—what a ride, I absolutely loved it!

Willow Rose - An Eerie Yet Touching Read

This story focuses on Alder, a doctor, who works at a hospital in Minnesota. One night, he hears a knock at his cabin door. It's a young girl, Willow. He is drawn to her, she seems familiar. At the same time, a comet and a strange presence begin to disrupt his life and those around him. Alder must come face to face with the menacing threat in town and his past.

Hayden tells this story in an engaging way that was easy to read and full of suspense and mystery. The form and prose were beautiful, creating a clear tone and mood. I was immediately intrigued by the symbolism presented here and the characters felt relatable and familiar. Despite the thriller/horror aspect, I found the themes presented here to be incredibly thought-provoking and touching. The pacing was great, however, towards the end, some moments felt repetitive but that did not deter me from enjoying the progression of the story.

Overall, this was a heartfelt, funny, yet eerie novel that readers will enjoy and think introspectively about.

My favourite quote: "Why would anyone invite back the thing they're escaping when they've been winning?"

Review: Willow Rose

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

This horror novel is meant to be a movie, and it would be an absolutely terrifying movie. The creature is absolutely terrifying and reminds me of a scarier version of the Jötunn from The Ritual by Adam Nevill (the movie version). At least that’s the same vibe I got from this Windigo.

The cosmic horror aspect with the comet was executed so well, I really enjoyed that and it added such a good touch to the typical creature hunting people down trope. Hayden’s Windigo was also extremely unique and revolting in the best way possible. LOVED the design of the creature.

The story itself is very fast paced but I think it worked for this novel. The way that Hayden describes the scenes, especially the one with the Windigo, created such amazing imagery, it played out so well in my head.

I didn’t necessarily connect to the characters in this novel, which didn’t hurt me in this I felt like you can still really enjoy this novel without that connection.

I did however like how the main character, Adler, had such an immense personal battle with his life regrets and how it affected everything with the Wendigo. Faith and Russ are strong as hell badass women, loved how they were such strong characters.

I don’t really know what to rate this as I just don’t know how I feel about it. I finished it yesterday but I still can’t get my head around it, I found it pretty confusing if I’m honest. I did love the folklore of the Wendigo and the deaths were pretty brutal. I also found myself drawn to the characters and I really loved them all, which is rare for me. But the actual story I just didn’t really get? Maybe that’s just me though. Like who was willow and where did she come from? I wish that was explained. It was a good read but I probably would’ve enjoyed it more if I understood it.
Thank you NetGalley & M. Kevin Hayden for letting me arc read!!

This was a fast paced book and it definitely gripped you from the beginning. I always enjoy a good monster story and this one hit well. Didn't need a lot of backstory just into it and it was good to really feel the panic in the characters as they ran and fought for their lives.

This story jumps right into the action, which made for a fast-paced start, though I found myself wishing for a little more build-up and atmosphere before everything unfolded. The writing style is very straightforward, which kept the plot moving but did not always allow space for tension or for me to connect deeply with the characters. Backstory was often revealed in large chunks, and I think I would have felt more invested if those details had been woven in gradually.

The plot had a lot of different elements such as past lives, comets, windigos, and brain injuries. At times this felt a little overwhelming and left little room to pause between events. Dialogue was written in a very natural, spoken way, which occasionally felt jarring (big Andy Wier vibes, so some may enjoy!). Some of the supernatural aspects also did not land for me and pulled me out of the story at times.

Overall, while the book was imaginative and fast-paced, I wished it had been longer and given more room to let the characters and ideas fully develop.

Thank you to Muse of the Moon Books, M. Kevin Hayden, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This story, while full of gore and mystery, was so heartwarming. In dark times, books like this one remind us that empathy is a strength and not a weakness. Willow Rose is an immersive read that pulls you in from the page.

As a reader, there were some points in the story where I became confused when starting a new chapter. At times, I had to go back and read the final page from the previous chapter to make sure I understood what was happening/had happened. Overall, this was a minor issue.

Willow Rose is a gripping blend of cosmic horror and psychological tension set in the remote wilderness of northern Minnesota. Dr. Alder Peony, a weary ER doctor seeking solace, becomes entangled in unsettling events after the appearance of Comet Goodwin. His encounter with the mysterious young girl, Willow Rose, draws him into a confrontation with an ancient, malevolent entity.

Hayden’s prose is atmospheric and precise, capturing the isolation of the setting and the mounting tension with clarity. Alder’s journey from a man burdened by guilt to a reluctant protector is compelling, and the incorporation of Indigenous mythology adds unexpected depth and resonance.

I loved the way the story blends horror, psychological complexity, and a uniquely Minnesotan backdrop. It’s immersive, intelligent, and emotionally engaging from start to finish.

Thank you to NetGalley and Muse of the Moon Books for the eARC.

Willow Rose is a haunting atmospheric horror that delves into the importance of human connection and how it strengthens us. Hayden blends literary fiction, horror, and sci-fi to create a world full of potential that reads like an expanded short story. I enjoyed the novel but found the transitions between dialogue and the narrative to be a little jarring.

This is a slow build story BUT it will make you feel so tingly in a creepy icky way. Psychologically this book is complicated. It is constantly messing with your head. Eventually you catch up and you think okay I’m here and then poof something changes. Good read, you really feel in current time and place with the character.

A comet, so close to Earth. A strange little girl, Willow Rose. Dr. Alder Peony, a doctor in a rural area. Faith, a beautiful nurse. An approaching sense of evil.
Dr. Peony wasn’t meant to stay as the ER doctor in this rural town forever. It was a more of a respite from his past, a place where he could keep his head down at work and spend his off time in a remote cabin. But strange unfolding events in this small town prove to be too much to handle alone.
This book was relatively short, but it packed a punch with me. Although the premise is dark and haunting, there is a feeling of serene and forgiveness also at the forefront. The message “we must stay together always,” is a reminder that we are meant to be a community for each other; a light in the dark. When I closed the book, I immediately wanted to read more from this author.

This book is a beautifully written roller coaster. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. The imagery is phenomenal. I felt like I could feel and see everything the narrator was experiencing. The most breathtaking part of the writing in this book is that, despite its somewhat scary and gory contents, in all the moments of fear and despair there is an overtone of hope. I will be reading this again and again throughout my life.

Willow Rose is a suspenseful and eerie thriller/horror book that I couldn't put down. The main character, Dr Alder Peony, works in a hospital in rural Minnesota when a little girl named Willow Rose finds him at his cabin in the woods. They then must try to survive an ominous presence possibly caused by a comet while attempting to protect each other. I thought this book was excellently paced and well written. The dialogue is written with the dialect of the characters phonetically written out which I think adds a lot to this book. There were points where I had to take a break simply because I was too creeped out by the horror elements of this book which were done really well. My only critique of this book is the use of the Ojibwe characters. I felt like they were there to give the main character the knowledge and power that he needed to survive and then they were discarded. I don't believe that was the intention with these characters because they were introduced early in the book and had some depth to them but this was something I noticed and felt could have been done better. As a whole I thought this was a great read and would recommend it to people. Alongside Jeff VanderMeer, Nick Cutter, and Stephen Graham Jones, I think this book could also be likened to Nat Cassidy.

This was weird in the best way! I wasn’t sure whey to expect but I got horror and emotional together! It was definitely unlike any book I’ve read and that’s a breath of fresh air. The author showed vivid imagery and the entire book was very well written

It was a slow start for me but once it picked up I was hooked. A good and quick read! I look forward to reading more from this author

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC!

Willow Rose by M. Kevin Hayden is about Alder Peony, a down on his luck, self-deprecating ER doctor who is trying to find salvation, reassurance and belonging (or at least a fat check to pay off his student loan debt) in the woods of a small town in Minnesota. Alder is working 24hr shifts at Morningstar Falls Medical Center and trying his best to not look like a goof in front of Nurse Faith Linden…and well, as the story progresses…not die at the hands of a Wendigo.

Willow Rose is descriptive, atmospheric, and starts fast. If you are paying attention, you are about 10 pages in when the first paranormal incident happens to Alder, so don’t get comfortable. While this story is primarily about Alder finding his way and growing into the protector he is meant to be, I was more taken by the women in Willow Rose! As a stark contrast to how Alder sees himself and his world, he is surrounded by women with many fulfilling qualities that allowed him to develop. Mama Curlie the wise restaurateur, Nurse Faith the DV survivor and overcomer, Tech Russ - ultra competent and caring, and lastly Willow Rose…the little bean that forces Alder to care outside of himself, outside of his training, and outside of his imposed isolation. Remember, we must stay together.

Overall, this book is taking you on an emotional ride from the beginning, you will think you are experiencing the early setup for a love story. You’ll know before you get to chapter 2, you were mistaken. Big Time! Willow Rose is a ride; you will find yourself pacing and randomly holding your breath. All I can say is hang in there. Thank you, Muse of the Moon Books and M. Kevin Hayden, for this wild ride…the ending had me gasping… 👀

Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This is a short scary story and I liked it. I liked the setting - isolated, cold and predatory with a sense of unease that lingers throughout the book. And then there is the monster. The characters are well written and I loved the descriptions and word choice. I also liked the combination of a medical protagonist with an indigenous landscape.

Willow Rose by M. Kevin Hayden is a dark, atmospheric read that hooked me with its tone and overall sense of unease. The story builds slowly at first, but once it found its footing, I was pulled in and wanted to see where it was going. The imagery throughout, especially the comet, added a chilling layer that really stuck with me.

That said, my biggest hang-up was how everything tied together. There are threads that feel important and moments that seem to be building toward something bigger, but the actual connections weren’t always as clear or fleshed out as I would’ve liked. The comet in particular felt like such a powerful element, but it only gets a subtle nod at the end and is never fully tied in, which left me wanting more. I couldn’t help but think that if the book had been just a bit longer, this piece, along with a few others, could’ve been tied together in a more satisfying way.

Even with that, I really enjoyed the ride. The atmosphere, the writing, and the sense of dread running underneath the story all worked beautifully. If you don’t mind a slower start and can live with a few unanswered questions, this is a haunting read worth picking up.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This may sound a little stupid but the main reason I wanted this ARC is because my youngest cat's name is Willow Rose, lol. The majority of this book was an incredibly well-told cosmic horror novel and I kept expecting things to get tied up in the end. There were a lot of plot holes left open and a lot of questions at the end. It didn't even end with something that would make me think a sequel is coming. I feel like this book was a little bit unfinished.

I really enjoyed this one! Would definitely want to check out more from this author. Fun, exciting, weird... Everything!