Willow Rose” by M. Kevin Hayden
(Expected 10/28/25) ☄️

A little tale of cosmic horror with a lot of heart

“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—this is where his reckoning was always waiting”

There is a beast inside all of us. Self-doubt, guilt, past trauma, addiction, and the rumination that goes along with them. And when it rears its ugly head, we tend to isolate. It is so hard to break free of this cycle of thought, that we are unable to see the world and the loved ones around us in the same light. The main focus of this book is the strength and resolve we find in one another as human beings. A force that can help to pull us from our own hell. If we’ll allow it.

These internal demons are embodied externally as an entity that haunted me after I read “Pet Sematary” (I don’t really know why it affected me like it did). But the choice really drove the imagery home for me.

At first I struggled with the present tense writing style, but, as the story progressed, I found it lent a sort of dreamlike quality that added to the mystery and unreality of the story. I thought the length and pacing were ideal. It was engaging, unsettling, and left a lot to think and reflect on. Marks of a worthy book.

This is a sort of cosmic horror/creature feature featuring a windigo, a comet, a girl with no past, and a Doctor at a medical center. But it's also about...well...how we are all one with the universe and the power of love and forgiveness. I think.

A comet appears across the sky that scientists did not see coming. It's seen day and night and is the closest comet ever to earth. A doctor has a creepy encounter with a bull elk and, later, a knock on his cabin door where a seven year old girl named Willow appears and seems to never want to leave his side.

And then a mythological creature begins slaughtering people and eating them whole leaving only a pool of blood behind. How are these things related? That's difficult to answer.

While the horror aspects of this book are exciting and terrifying, they sometimes get bogged down with a philosophical angst about past guilt, the universe, and a burgeoning love story. I'm not sure if this was a more literary book with horror elements thrown in or a horror story with a bit too much extra curriculars to stay on course.

That's not to say it's bad or anything. But it needs to find the right readers to appreciate the author's effort he put into it. And I'm sure there will be plenty. I do recommend it overall if you want something more "heady".

This book was very nicely written; as soon as I started reading it grabbed me. I enjoyed the development and the fast pace. You get to know the main character, Dr. P very quickly and I liked how it wasn't just about him but focused on other characters as they came up as well. This would be an excellent book if you are a fan of the "end of the world" type books, although this isn't truly in that genre, but it does have a weird, sci-fi, bent-timelines feeling that is reminiscent. I also love reading books that use some sort of astronomical event to make weird stuff happen on Earth. It's a fun way to frame a story in a specific timeframe and it's fun to read. I like the way that the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

Overall, I enjoyed all the characters and the weaving of traditional Indigenous culture into the story. I'm curious to read the author's previous book since I enjoyed this one so much!!

Thank you, NetGalley, and Muse of the Moon Books, for allowing me to read this book early. The opinion in this review is my own.

Alder is an ER doctor at a small critical access hospital. He’s exhausted and driving home when he experiences an event. Then later in the night a little girl shows up at his door. There are many other-worldly things going on and it’s a tale of survival while working through some past guilt for Alder

This book had an interesting but vague premise.. I was confused at first because I thought the book was one thing and it took me a bit to get on board with what it’s actually about. The pacing was decent and it kept me invested. It is a short book and can be read quickly. Overall, I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to people who enjoy reading weird things with a lot of introspective thinking.

Willow Rose pulled me into its snowy, remote setting and didn't let go. The pacing hits a steady rhythm slow enough to breathe in how worn down Alder is, but brisk when the unease and supernatural tension kick in. I liked how the mundane and the uncanny blended, one moment you're settling into Alder’s exhaustion, the next you're jolted by eerie cosmic events triggered by the comet. The writing strikes that rare balance of poetic without being showy and sharp without losing the emotional thread.

Alder’s character felt deeply human. He's not meant to be heroic he's tired, weighed down by guilt and grief, and not sure he deserves connection. But as the story unfolds, his determination to protect Willow and find meaning again anchored everything for me. The relationship dynamics especially the quiet, almost fragile bonds he forms, carried a lot of emotional weight. When the horror hits, whether through the comet’s cosmic influence or the unsettling appearance of Willow, it’s effective because I already cared.

I noticed the story doesn’t offer easy answers or neat resolutions. That ambiguity, especially around the comet’s influence and Willow herself, kept me wondering and it stayed with me after I closed the book. This one stands apart from Hayden’s earlier work in setting and tone. Unlike the slow burn unraveling of reality in An Old Soul, Willow Rose doesn’t just twist the familiar, it fractures it. It moves from emotional subtlety to something eerily surreal, all while staying grounded in human vulnerability. It’s more atmospheric, more unsettling, and more willing to dwell in the unknown than what came before.

This book is one of those strange little gems that somehow manages to be a cosmic horror and a love letter to humanity at the same time. On the surface, you’ve got the windigo, a mysterious comet, a girl with no past, and a tired doctor at a medical center. But underneath? It’s really about connection, forgiveness, and the way we’re all tangled up with the universe.

Hayden’s writing hit me in that sweet spot—confident but never trying too hard. There’s a rhythm to it: sometimes sharp as a scalpel, sometimes soft and poetic. The balance between the everyday and the cosmic was seamless. One page had me smirking at the blunt honesty, and the next left me sitting in silence, reeling at what just unfolded.

And then there’s Alder. He’s not your shiny, flawless hero. He’s lonely. He’s bitter at times. He’s bone-tired in that way that feels almost too real. But he’s also kind—achingly so—and watching him stumble, get back up, and try to do the right thing made me care more than I expected.

The heart of the book, though, lives in the quieter moments with Faith and Willow. Those little pauses between the chaos—the almost-whispered pieces of humanity—were the ones that hit me hardest. Few books manage to consistently strike that emotional note, but this one did. And it stayed with me.

This book started off with so much promise. I was hooked. I loved the Ojibwe, MIIGWETCH!

I really loved the comet. I loved the mysterious Willow. The Sheriff meeting the Mindingo.

Here is where it went off the rails....how is the comet, Williow, and the Mindingo all connected? There was no cohesion. What did the comet have to do with any of them?

Why did Williow come and what happened to Claire?

I loved the first 50% of the book, the last 50% of the book, needs more explanation, needs more character building. Needs more.

Willow Rose surprised me in a good way; I don’t think I’ve read anything quite like this story before. If you are a horror fan looking for something a bit different, you need to give this one a try!

As the world fearfully tracks a potentially world-ending comet passing through earth’s atmosphere, Dr. Alder is just trying to survive one more exhausting shift as the doctor in a rural ER. But when a little girl he saw near his home is brought to the clinic covered in her parents blood, with no traces of their bodies to be found, he is thrust into a nightmare. What is hunting his town? And can he step up and protect others when he’s battling his own demons?

I love horror that touches real emotion and life struggles, and Willow Rose does that very well. I also enjoyed the combination of cosmic horror with Indigenous myth; those are two themes I always love, but rarely see together, and it made the story so unique. Commonly for cosmic horror, some elements of the story remain ambiguous; I never mind that, but be aware going in if you prefer everything wrapped up at the end of a book. Overall, I loved Willow Rose; it’s a perfect read for a cold, dark winter’s night, and I think I will reread it in a few months when the nights get longer.

I would recommend Willow Rose to fans of cosmic horror, winter-settings, and indigenous mythology.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc! All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

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

An unforeseen comet that baffles scientists, an eerie presence in a small town with a nearly nonexistent population, and a doctor who stumbles upon a young girl who always needs to be nearby….this book was chilling and deep all at the same time.

I loved the themes that were weaved in throughout the book, especially of redemption. Alder was written so well and his past slowly brought to light to give the reader insight into why he’s where he’s at. I honestly didn’t see that element coming in the plot. That part was well done.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. When the plot picked up and the antagonist was revealed, I had to turn on a light. That was another thing I didn’t see coming, but enjoyed it!

My only issue with the book, other than the slow build in the beginning, was the lack of explanation of everything tying together. I felt like the comet was a chilling touch, but don’t feel like the author quite nailed how it all tied together aside from a paragraph that subtly nods to it at the end.

But this book kept me thinking. It was written to create vivid imagery in your mind. A quick read, it was worth it.

Thank you to Muse of the Moon Books and M. Kevin Hayden for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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?"

⭐ 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!

Enjoyed! Weird at parts. Slow paced at some. Fast paced at others. Didn’t connect with the characters like I would have liked. Still throughly enjoyed it. Recommend

First of all, I need a novella about Willow Rose and her backstory! Where is she from that Donkey Kong is Jumpman, Superman is Ultra Guy, and ketchup is called something different. How did she end up knocking at Alder’s door at three a.m.?

And most importantly, to M. Kevin’s Hayden:

I wanted to share how deeply Willow Rose resonated with me. This is one of those rare books that feels both cosmic in scale and achingly human at its core. From the opening pages, the arrival of Comet Goodwin sets everything into motion, and that image of the comet’s green tail becomes such a powerful thread that was haunting and luminous, weaving together Alder’s journey with the uncanny events that follow.

Alder is a remarkable character precisely because of his flaws. He feels real: weighed down by debt, regret, and a past riddled with addiction and guilt. The grotesque monster that stalks him is terrifying on the surface, but what truly stayed with me was how it mirrors the darkness Alder carries inside. That duality- external horror feeding off inner turmoil- was rendered with such precision that I found myself pausing often to reflect.

What I loved most was how you balanced the surreal and the intimate. The comet doesn’t just bring chaos; it forces fragile connections to surface. From the green-eyed girl who binds Alder to others, to the nurse whose presence radiates serenity, to small comforts like pancakes, music, and fleeting moments of kindness- these details grounded the story in humanity. They reminded me that even in the darkest places, people find ways to tether themselves to life and to each other.

Willow Rose struck me as a raw, courageous exploration of survival and connection. It lingers long after the final page, glowing like the aftertrail of a comet across a night sky. Thank you for writing a story that is both unsettling and profoundly moving.

With gratitude,

Jackie Lomeli
Jackielomeli@me.com

I loved the message and the story itself, but I'll admit, some of the stylistic choices for narration took me out of it a bit. There's got to be a better way to indicate excitability without typing in all caps, no? And the overuse of em-dashes cannot be overstated. Not even in a "is this AI?" way, but more like "give it a rest, buddy".

Wow! This is definitely a different approach to a popular folklore tale. I quite enjoyed this story. The character development is okay, especially for the main characters. I did begin to feel hopeful for Willow and Doctor P! The descriptions of the action scenes did give a clear visual in my mind

My only complaint would be the very long chapters. But other than that, a great story to read in a day!

#NetGalley #WillowRose

"Everything is badness until proven otherwise."

When Willow Rose opens, a giant comet has just appeared, and it looms over Earth, casting a greenish glow. Alder Peony is a doctor working in a remote part of Minnesota, and strange things keep happening - communication cuts out, bright lights overwhelm the landscape, he hears ear-piercing, window-shattering sounds. Then out of the blue he meets 7-year-old Willow, setting into motion a wild ride that plays out over the course of a few days.

I thought M. Kevin Hayden's writing style was very vivid, and I was really rooting for all the characters. He gave the main characters enough backstory to give them depth, but not enough to feel redundant or spell out every little detail for the reader. The premise and world-building was also very good, with enough atmospheric details to make me shiver like I was there in the frigid middle of nowhere in a car or cabin with its windows blown out. The unsettling feeling startied in the first few pages and never let up. And another way Hayden successfully brought the reader into this world was through song references. Being able to imagine some of the tracks mentioned, like Sister Nancy's Bam Bam or Ill Wind, brought so much to the story.

I also appreciated the Ojibwe spirituality woven throughout the story. Without giving too much away, what I took as a near-death experience towards the end definitely gave me a lot to think about, without feeling too heavy-handed. And I liked the way the relationship between Aldi and Willow was developed, and what their connection ended up being, as well as how the author resisted giving the reader a neatly-resolved ending.

The only thing I wanted more of was Comet Goodwin itself. I was curious and would have liked more details about the effects of this unprecedented comet and how it had already started affecting lives beyond bungling communication. What were scientists saying? How were animals reacting? Even though we get a glimpse of this on the first few pages and from the broken-up bits and pieces of broadcasts Alder sees on TV, some of the details he must have heard in the days leading up to the book's opening would have been nice.

If you're a fan of speculative horror (think Stephen Graham Jones), I would recommend picking this book up. It was an immersive story with a lot to say about human connection, preseverance, trauma, and letting go of past mistakes.

Many thanks to M. Kevin Hayden and NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Willow Rose is an atmospheric and emotional novel that blends mystery with an undercurrent of haunting beauty. M. Kevin Hayden captures a strong sense of place, with writing that feels vivid and cinematic, pulling me straight into the world of the story. The characters are layered and engaging, and their journeys feel both tense and heartfelt.
The pacing is deliberate, which may not appeal to every reader, but I found that it allowed the atmosphere to really sink in. By the end, I felt like I had lived alongside these characters, carrying their secrets and struggles with me.
Overall, it’s a gripping, thoughtful read that balances suspense with emotional depth—a novel that lingers in the best way.

This book has the perfect amount of horror but also has deep elements that are emotionally moving. The guilt, trauma, recovery, and grief that the characters carried made them very relatable. Their struggles and past experiences alter the way they perceive themselves and their self worth. I loved the development of their self reflection and redemption. The relationships and bonds these characters formed was so beautiful.

The combination of the isolated cabin and the snow storm created an eerie and unsettling atmosphere. I loved reading about the mythology used. The monster was scary. The action wasn’t too gory.

The ending left me with some questions but it worked really well for this story.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Willow Rose by M. Kevin Hayden
4.25 rounded down to 4 🔮🔮🔮🔮 orbs
Est. Pub. Date: Oct. 28, 2025
Muse of the Moon Books

In a rural area in Minnesota…

💡Orbs Prologue: Referred to by some as a “dirty snowball,” I zoom across the naked sky. I am a wondrous sight for some; for others, I am an apocalyptic nightmare coming to fruition. The tail streams from my body, comprised of ice, dust, and various other materials. Let it be known I am beautiful, but I come with a bite. Comet Goodwin, they call me. Those electronic transmissions you humans are so reliant on have been rendered useless. What will you do, people of Earth?

Willow Rose is the name of a little girl who appears out of nowhere to change the landscape of Dr. Alder Peony’s life. As an ER doctor, people might think Dr. P’s life is in perfect order; however, they would be mistaken. Is Alder running from the past? His skeletons awaken from the closet with plans to sabotage the future.

As Comet Goodwin floats overhead, life in this old backwoods town will never be the same. A reckoning is here in the form of a beast. Hunting, capturing, and devouring its prey is the only mission. Why? Why here? Why Alder? Haunted by the shrieking sounds emanating from the forest around his cabin, Alder seeks comfort. Faith, his co-worker, stands idly by, with alert eyes ready to help if a hand is extended. A love interest, perhaps? No, this story’s savior might reside in someone far less predictable; a small, giggly package awaits to be loved.

After devouring M. Kevin Hayden’s first novel, An Old Soul, I was more than ready to dive into his latest novel, Willow Rose. Upon entering our world, it is clear that M. Kevin Hayden’s prose resonates with me. He is 2 for 2, batting 100%. Laced with horrendous intentions, Hayden takes us on a journey into a dark forest infused with grim imagery. Jagged windows splinter, airwaves stutter, and our minds are bent; there is no law here. As with his first novel, there is a strong sense of connection, or lack thereof, yet Hayden has decided to awaken the fear that lingers within all of us.

An underlying message is being told. One that I won’t spoil for you, dear reader, but just know that while this is a cosmic horror tale on the surface, there is more to be discovered lying gently below. Perhaps this is Hayden’s magic. A subtle complexity without seeming, well, complex. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the beast, Windigo. Hayden’s depiction is utterly brilliant, breathing life into a monster sent straight from the gates of hell and thus puncturing any sense of me having a good night’s sleep.

🔚 Like a plane vapor, my tail is a constant reminder of how peculiar life has become. A society left in paranoia, wondering the whys and hows in which life might be altered. I am screaming through the sky, invoking my wrath. People’s thoughts will turn inward as they begin to atone for those they have wronged, for what else is there to do when life is out of control? What if it is too late to make amends? How will those inner demons dissipate? I will leave my friends, and when I depart, I hope that humanity will understand my message: to be kind to one another.
Recommended!

Many thanks to Muse of the Moon Books for the ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Willow Rose is a blend of folklore and horror with paranormal and otherworldly elements, set against the stark backdrop of rural Minnesota. The story takes its time at the beginning, focusing on character development and Alder’s inner struggles before the tension sharpens; especially once Willow appears on his doorstep and later turns up bloodied in the hospital. From there, the unsettling atmosphere and horror elements take center stage, and the writing does a great job pulling the reader into both the supernatural and the personal stakes. Description is a strong suit here, I could see every scene, the author does a fantastic job at giving each character an element for you to attach to.

That said, the book left me wanting a bit more in terms of resolution. Some unanswered questions felt like they needed at least a hint or allusion by the end. While the conclusion delivered unease, it also veered into something slightly cheesy and uncertain. Still, this was a compelling, atmospheric read that fans of folklore horror will appreciate.

I’m excited to read more from this author!

"Empathy isn't weakness. In this world, it's resistance.
If we are willing to take hold of another hand, we can face anything that sneaks out of the void"

M. Kevin Hayden (afterword to Willow Rose)

I think that sums this novel up better than anything I can say, but let me give it a try.

Willow Rose is a book full of heart, a comet and a windigo. Its main protagonist is a rural doctor with a troubled past; he's only here temporarily but has started to make connections to those he works with, in particular, a nurse, Faith Linden. Above the world rides an eerie green comet which seemingly appears from nowhere, and in the midst of this appears a young girl, Willow Rose.

Can I just say here that as an avid tree hugger, I absolutely adore all these tree names for our characters?? There's a deeper meaning to it, and the roots run deep, but still, it's awesome.

Aside from the horrors described (which had me feeling sad at times rather than terrified, although there were feelings of anxiety too), there's also lots of action in this novel. A lot of the action toward the end had me reading the sentences as fast as I could in the hopes that these characters I'd grown to really like would somehow get out of it alive.

This is a horror novel of many levels and in fact I'd say its more than a horror novel since it's about human connection and a universal undercurrent of power that binds us all together in this cosmic dance of life.

If Jared K Anderson tells us "Something in the Woods Loves You," Willow Rose tells us something in the UNIVERSE loves you, too.

5 stars!

Thanks to Negalley for the e-arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed some of the SF, paranormal element blending. Maybe the folklore not so much. At times it had some good gore scenes that fit well with the atmosphere. The writing style was good, easy and quick to read. Overall, though, it was just an ok book for me, the story and characters didn't grab my attention enough to give it a higher rating. 3*

Alder is a doctor working in rural Minnesota. One night, he is sleep deprived driving home from a long shift. All he wants to do is get home. Then, an elk comes out of nowhere shattering his car windows. This is just the first of strange occurrences that started with a near-earth comet, Comet Goodwin, including a little girl knocking on his door in the middle of the night.
I enjoyed this book so much. I love a character-focused book. Alder’s inner dialogue is hilarious. He is a black man, new, in a rural town, recovering from gambling and alcohol addiction. You can see he wants a fresh start and genuinely wants to be a good person and make his deceased adoptive mother proud. He struggles with forgiving himself for the pain he put her through. He’s also lonely, but doesn’t want to pursue a relationship, because he doesn’t feel worthy.
The sequences of fighting the Wendigo were a bit long for me, but I think that’s a matter of personal taste.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who love horror and a bit of sci-fi. This book had a little bit of everything, compassion, humor, crushes, monsters, wendigo, comet, and some gore. It’s also a short read. It packs a lot in, but it’s a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed it.

this was an awesome book! the author created a great atmosphere of suspense and horror! The relationship between Aler, Faith and Willow was great and loving. Totally recommend this!

For fans of horror and sci-fi, I highly recommend this book, which showcases an impressive array of elements and employs an effective writing style, making it a fast-paced and engaging read.

5⭐️
Edited

Willow Rose is an atmospheric horror story that combines cosmic horror and Indigenous legend , and a whole lot more…. while also dealing with more human issues such as guilt and connection! It’s deep, dark, and strange in a good way! It’s an engrossing story that will keep you thinking and guessing about things!

it’s definitely worth picking up if you like a mix of drama, suspense, and horror with emotion.

Edited:
I originally had this as a 4 ⭐️ just because I couldn’t figure somethings out . But then the Ah Ha moment happened and it just made me love Willow Rose even more! I was being smacked in the face with the answer but I was so engrossed with the story, the characters, the atmosphere that I missed the answer to my biggest question!! If you have read it , read it again!!! If you haven’t read it then you are missing out. Definitely one of my favorite Horror stories I have read this year!!!!!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Author M. Kevin Hayden for the Arc. This review is my honest opinion ❤️

This book merges together a science fiction comet magnetic fields plot line with a Native American gory folk horror plot line. My brain had a hard time reconciling the two at times. There was a lot going on. It was two genres I’ve never really seen combined. If a blend of those two genres sounds perfect to you, definitely check this one out.

I enjoyed the descriptive writing style. I felt like I was in the snowy woods small town myself. The moral lessons were a bit heavy handed but I enjoyed the book. It was a very unique scifi horror.

Willow Rose is an eerie, atmospheric horror that blends cosmic weirdness with folklore and survival. It follows Dr. Adler, a rural Minnesota doctor, whose haunting encounter on a snowy road spirals into a night of survival against a mythological evil lurking in the woods.

I loved the characters, especially Dr. Adler. His flaws, his struggles, and the way his bond with Willow grows over the story made him really compelling. You feel his pull between despair and hope, which makes his arc stand out long after the horror fades.

The opening was super strong and pulled me in right away. The horror is tense and unsettling, but some of the mysteries don’t fully land—the comet and Willow’s origins in particular felt underexplored.

Still, I really enjoyed it. It’s creepy, emotional, and different from a straightforward creature feature. A great pick if you want horror with atmosphere, strong characters, and a touch of the unknown.

What an entertaining and short easy read with an intriguing premise full of tension and suspense. I thought the writing was good, and the story held my attention. Overall, I really enjoyed this, although I think it could have done a few things better. I loved all the characters, but I felt the character development needed a lot of work. I also thought the pacing was off, and some parts of the story felt very stilted. And the ending left you with more questions than it answered.

The eerie setup is excellent: a tired doctor driving through rural Minnesota collides with something strange under the glow of a comet, and things quickly spiral into a mix of cosmic horror and psychological survival. The atmosphere is intense, filled with cold air, isolation, and a creeping sense that something unseen is watching.

That said, while the premise hooked me, the story doesn’t quite keep up the momentum. The middle sections drag a bit, and some of the horror feels more mysterious than meaningful. Still, the writing is vivid, and the frozen wilderness makes for a perfect backdrop for a story about fear, guilt, and survival.

Overall, it’s an interesting and eerie read with flashes of genuine tension—even if it never fully delivers on its haunting setup.

The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I'm not used to reading cosmic horror. This is actually my first book. But I love the movie genre! This was maybe not a good first read because it was a little bit all over the place. The writing is very good and I liked a lot of it, but you have to be in the right mood.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

— 4.25/5 ★ //

“You cannot do this alone. If you must always try alone… then you must accept that you will always fail — alone. Connection builds. Seperation destroys. Energy is to be given, received… and shared. Alone, it burns. Alone, it consumes.”

(I’d like to thank the publishers for contacting me and offering me the chance to read this arc, as well as Netgalley for allowing me to download and read it in exchange for an honest review ♡)


When I saw that Hayden had authored a horror novel and that it was due for release in late October, I immediately knew that I had to read it. Just earlier this year I read his debut book, The Old Soul, and found it not only incredibly unique artistically but also an enjoyable experience. It’s because of this that I instantly knew that this story was sure to be as creatively thrilling as its predecessor.

What I found within this novel was pretty much everything that I personally missed in his debut. The world felt fully fleshed out, the pacing felt perfect, and the plot captured me just as I hoped it would. I was intrigued throughout, presented with so many different happenings and variables that I wasn’t sure just where the narrative was going to go until much later on in the novel. I did feel as though the ending was left quite ambiguous, and I did have some leftover questions, but I believe that Hayden wanted it to be left open, whether it’s like this so that readers craft their own theories and let their imaginations wander, or for the possibility of a sequel, I’m not sure, but I did enjoy the energy of the ending.

Furthermore, the writing was just superlative… I can’t fully express just how much I loved it. The descriptions added to the atmosphere and thrill of the book flawlessly, and there were definitely several moments where I went “Wow!” because of how captured I was by it. The horror of the novel is felt through the ghastly descriptors of the creature, the gruesomeness of the injuries, the potency of the fear and anxiety that the characters continuously feel, as well as the eerie mysteries of the otherworldly happenings that loom threateningly over the world of Willow Rose; it all falls perfectly together, creating an atmosphere that, in my opinion, excels in the horror genre.

Despite only being a little over 200 pages, the story feels like it continues on for much longer, thoroughly exploring all avenues that the novel wanders into. There’s romance, healing, growth, and found families interweaved amongst pain, loss, guilt, and misery, creating a layered novel of nuance and engagement.

In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and am very grateful for having had the chance to read it because it simply just worked for me. I found it a great read for the spooky season, especially with its inclusion of indigenous folklore (something that I’m very interested in and wish to learn more about in the future). I’m very eager to see where Hayden goes next; he’s a promising author indeed!


(PS. Again, M. Kevin Hayden has managed to create another hard-hitting afterword that touches me deeply. The beauty of his writing, here specifically, caught me completely off guard; I personally think it’s unfair to leave such a powerful, heartfelt message at the very end directly from the author — it always leaves me feeling too seen and emotional.

It’s a deeply thoughtful message that emphasises not only the importance and value of human connection but also the necessity of it in a world so heavily filled with darkness and division. It’s a message that I believe to be truly poignant, especially in today’s social and political climate. It also captures a part of the story that I forgot to emphasise in my review: the power of connection, communication, and relationships. As Hayden says, “Empathy isn’t a weakness. In this world, it’s resistance.”)

eerie, intense, and interesting horror novel with a great sense of plotting and a goodvibe throughout. has a happy ending. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

I think this book could have been better if it was a bit more fleshed out. It's a very short read (the digital version I had was 148 pages), and the characters felt less fleshed out. It was a lot of telling instead of showing and a bit of a rushed along time. Overall, still a worthwhile read but not quite what I had hoped for.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel.

I enjoyed this book, but mostly just wish it was longer and more fleshed out! The story and atmosphere were engaging, and it really pulled me in when I was in the right mood for it. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

A comet, previously undiscovered, is passing close to earth. Its green, glowing tail is both fascinating and frightening. Magnetic fields affect cell phones, television and social media, causing frequent interruption.

It is night in Morningstar Falls, Minnesota. Dr. Alder Peony has worked for twenty four hours straight. He’s exhausted. On his long drive home, he dozes off and hits an elk. This begins the horror novel Willow Rose, a mix of Native American legends and predictions, science fiction, delirium and romance. This is a quick, fast paced read. The action moves so quickly that you don’t question anything that happens. While characters other than Dr. Peony are somewhat one dimensional, that doesn’t really matter. The plot and action dominate. I could not put this book down. I know you won’t be able to either. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Muse of the Moon Books and M. Kevin Hayden for this ARC.

An introspective and unique horror/sci-fi story with a lot of heart. Coherence meets Stranger Things with a little bit of The OA thrown in. At no point could I guess where this book was going to go, and I've read a lot of horror. If you're looking for something out of the ordinary in a genre that often repeats the same tropes, WILLOW ROSE is a good choice for you!

This was a very fascinating book.
There was a monster in the book. And he wrecked havoc on everybody. The doctor's driving home and he thought it was an elk. And then a little girl showed up his door. We talked about his past and this was interesting because it was tied into the book. There was a comet across the sky and this would pop the creature to Earth. The title of the book was based on the Little girl name. Ending will surprise you

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

3.5 stars - What a fun read! Love how fast paced and plot driven it was, and the theme’s explored (without giving too much away, I enjoyed them). Not a fan of horror but the characters were loveable and diverse, plot was also good. Love stories like these with Indigenous culture woven in and an astronomical event happening that causes some weird (interesting) things

📚Willow Rose
✍🏻M.Kevin Hayden
Blurb:
For lovers of Stephen Graham Jones, Jeff VanderMeer, and Nick Cutter, Willow Rose is a compulsively readable, literary ode to the terror of the unknown that comes for all of us in the depths of night.

A knock on the cabin door on indigenous land in the wintry woods of Minnesota.

Tap tap tap.

Driving down the boreal roads of rural Minnesota to his one-room cabin after a long ER shift, Dr. Alder’s eyes snap open, his old Civic screaming to a stop in front of a massive bull elk, its head tilting back unnaturally, its maw open. Comet Goodwin, the closest comet to Earth in history, lights up the sky in an otherworldly greenish tint with its long, jagged tail of fire.

Tap tap tap.

Alder’s world ignites in a blinding white flash. The car windows shatter inward. The elk is gone.

If he can get the car started again and get back to his cabin, maybe he can make sense of all this…but first he must survive the frozen silence of the night and the evil that stalks within it.

We must stay together always.

My Thoughts:
Kevin Hayden A burned-out ER doctor finds the wilderness far more terrifying than the city he left behind in Hayden’s gripping supernatural thriller. Dr. Alder Peony escapes to the remote wilderness of Minnesota, hoping the stillness of snow and trees will quiet his past. The peace does not last. When a green-tailed comet streaks across the sky, the air itself seems to shift. Soon after, a bloodied child arrives at his cabin. Willow Rose, with her eerie presence and unearthly eyes, appears to be bound to the strange cosmic force stirring....Definitely interested in reading more by this author.
Thanks NetGalley, Muse of the Moon Books and Auther M. Kevin Hayden for the complimentary copy, I am leaving my review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#MuseoftheMoonBooks
#M.KevinHayden
#WillowRose
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I don’t read a lot of horror but I’m glad I chose to read this one. It’s a very interesting read. The entire book has an uneasy feel to it that kept me on edge until the monster finally reveals itself. Then it’s pretty straight horror while you’re helpless to do anything but read on to see how everything turns out. Some really cool twists and turns throughout adds to the wonderful world building and you truly care for these characters in a very short time. Definitely recommend.

I mostly enjoyed this one!! it was a little campy at times but usually in a good way. I could see it as a movie. that said, it did feel a little underdeveloped for me at times, especially when it came to the characters. they mostly felt one-dimensional, and I wasn't particularly surprised by any of the developments. that said, I still thought it was a fun read, love some good cosmic horror. probably 3.5 stars for me, rounded down!

I really wanted to love the story. It started very strong. The protagonist is fully drawn and believable. The sense of something coming was palpable. And then it came and I’m not sure I fully understood what was happening. It was like there was a chapter or two missing in the middle that explained what I was reading and why it was happening. It was still a good story but I think there needs to be more for it to be a great one. Thanks to Mr. Hayden for the advanced copy.

Willow Rose by M. Kevin Hayden was a great story. With it’s atmospheric writing, rich character depth, and unique blend of psychological and supernatural horror.
It effectively evokes a chilling sense of dread while exploring themes of resilience and human connection.
The tension is well crafted, with a slow reveal that kept me hooked without overwhelming it.
The layered storytelling and haunting setting made it a memorable read. If you enjoy literary horror and suspense you’ll really enjoy reading Willow Rose.

This is the second book I’ve read by M. Kevin Hayden, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The storytelling and world-building are so detailed that it feels like I’ve been transported right into the book. I love that because it makes the reading experience feel real and immersive.

I also appreciated the playlist at the end. Even though I can’t listen to music while reading, it was such a nice touch to hear the soundtrack afterward—it pulled me back into the world of the story all over again. The ability to fully immerse readers like that is no easy task, and I truly applaud Hayden for doing it once again.

This book was a total surprise and not my usual genre. With that being said, it took me a chapter or two to get into it, but ended up being a very good read. It blends horror with indigenous lore which makes it very unique. I found myself rooting for the good guys and really liking Willow. I wish it had gone a little farther than the last chapter. I needed to know what happens-unless there is a possible sequel to this book.

Absolutely beautiful. This story perfectly blends horror and reflection in way that is utter perfection. I became very quickly invested in our main character and whatever journey he appeared to be on. The story slowly unraveled the threads of his story and wove them back together into a lovely picture. Covering so many topics and themes, it seamlessly joined them all together into one cohesive story. A unique and enchanting tale that leaves me hungry for anything else this author can write.

This book delivers a striking mix of atmosphere, tension and emotion as it follows Dr Alder Peony through one terrifying night in the frozen woods of Minnesota. The opening scene is vivid and unsettling, setting the tone as Alder encounters an elk beneath the eerie glow of Comet Goodwin before everything erupts into a blinding flash. From that moment, the story moves with a sharp sense of unease as he tries to make sense of what he has seen while battling the cold, the dark and the strange presence that stalks him.

Alder is a compelling character. His exhaustion, loneliness and self doubt create a strong emotional core that makes his fear feel real. The internal reflections are well handled and the author gives a clear sense of who he is, why he came to this isolated place and how much he is trying to hold himself together. Faith, the nurse he works with, offers a steady and comforting contrast, and their scenes highlight the human connection that runs through the book.

The atmosphere is excellent. The rural setting, the folklore elements and the creeping dread blend together beautifully. The descriptions are sharp and easy to picture, and they carry the story forward with a sense of urgency. Although the book is short, it contains plenty of emotional weight alongside the faster paced action. It balances horror with resilience, connection and courage, and the ending feels satisfying while leaving a few ideas to think about.

This is an engaging, fast and memorable read that stands out for its mood, imagery and heart.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

I received this ARC from NetGalley.

This book was way out there, just like I like them. I really loved reading it. It runs you through so many different emotions. I didn't want to put it down. There was the right amount of horror, with beautiful moments in between. I was on edge so many times, screaming in my head when a character was obviously doing something stupid or that wouldn't end well. It was great from start to finish. I too feel we are all connected and should treat each other and our planet much better.

I couldn't figure out what genre this was. Horror. Suspense. Sci Fi. I kept waiting for the story to reveal itself, but the ending left me wanting. Maybe it was just too short for the character development I was wanting. 3.5 stars.

Many thanks to Muse of the Moon Books and NetGalley for the e -ARC in exchange for my honest review. This was a great read for me. Quick, thriller, mystery in a cozy yet spooky setting. I liked all the characters and felt that it was just an interesting, sci-fi story. Definitely gave me some Stranger Things vibes but I loved the inclusion of Native American heritage and culture tied in. Some of the more mystical elements really resonated with me personally as well. Solid 3.5-4 stars! Very happy to have the opportunity to read and share this new novel with potential readers!

The opening section set the scene for the tension and unease maintained throughout the book. I found much of the book graphic and disturbing and had hard time connecting with the characters. I think that the author wove too many plot lines into the story - Willow Rose, who appeared about the same time as the Wendingo. I never really figured out how the monster was incorporated into indigenous folklore and why it appeared.
There must have been a tie in between the strange green comet that disrupted the earth's electronics and technology, the monster, and Willow (a 7 year old child), but I don't think it was spelled out. The author set up the atmosphere well- an isolated cabin in Minnesota's North Woods, on a snowy night-creepy without a monster! I think that the story hinted at the importance of human connection, but the concept was not developed.