Set in the unforgiving maw of the Rocky Mountains, Nowhere Burning is Catriona Ward’s latest unsettling novel, blending isolation, cult dynamics, and simmering menace in a story that will appeal to fans of Yellowjackets. When Riley flees her uncle’s home with her younger brother to the ruins of an infamous movie star’s ranch, rumored to house feral children, the promise of refuge quickly twists into something far more dangerous. Nowhere is a place where adults can’t enter, loyalty is demanded, and survival comes at a terrible cost. Something dark lingers in the burned remains of the ranch, blurring the line between sanctuary and prison.

I’ve been feeling oddly conflicted lately when it comes to books and my reviews, and Nowhere Burning fits squarely into that space. On one hand, I was absolutely engrossed. I loved the switching POVs and narrators, the cultish, eerie vibes, and the overall atmosphere. On the other, I wasn’t fully sold on the “horror” aspect and wished Ward had leaned harder into that darkness, as the tension often simmers instead of truly erupting. The story also drags a bit in the middle, and while it’s just over 300 pages, some sections could have been tightened.

That said, the plot itself is unique, the writing is strong, and I’m always here for a culty, atmospheric read. The vibe feels like Children of the Corn and Lord of the Flies colliding with Peter Pan, which I genuinely enjoyed. I did wish for deeper character development earlier on. Most backstories don’t surface until the end, and I especially wanted more insight into Kimble, whose inner world and motivations remain unexplored. Overall, this was a compelling, moody read that didn’t fully meet my expectations but still left a lasting impression.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | BOOKSHOP |★★★★

Nowhere Burning comes out February 24, 2026. Huge thank you to Tor Nightfire for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.  If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books.