Degenerate

By: Matt Casamassina

Narrated by: Phillip Nathaniel Freeman

The latest novel from Matt Casamassina, author of Sophistication, which Kirkus Reviews called "Ambitious. Well-paced. Riveting. [Casamassina] occasionally reaches moments of lyricism.”

Mason Kowalski, a twenty-four year-old copywriter for a San Mateo startup, is on the verge of a nervous breakdown when he inexplicably suffers widespread vision loss in one eye. The doctors say it’s macular degeneration triggered by overwhelming stress, but he wonders if it’s something more, especially when the shadows in his peripheral vision begin to take shape and whisper wonderful and horrible things to him. Is it madness or destiny? The answer could destroy everything and everyone he holds dear.

Journey into the absurd beating heart of Silicon Valley as Mason and his lovable friends try to stop a demented serial killer from murdering more children. Degenerate mashes horror and sci-fi into a twisted, dark, violent and funny pulp drowned in tentacled nightmares. Featuring infamous hijacker DB Cooper and more twists than you can imagine, the genre-breaking story is designed for fans of Stephen King, Blake Crouch, Peter Clines, Keith Rosson, Chuck Wendig and John Scalzi.

©2025 Matt Casamassina (P)2025 Matt Casamassina

Critic reviews

“As ambitious as it is unpredictable.” - Kirkus Reviews

“A resolutely unclassifiable epic from Casamassina that blends genres into the wildest of elixirs.” - Publishers Weekly

Original. Intense. And Downright Crazy!

I’ve been a longtime fan of Matt Casamassina’s work - Dead Weight was a fantastic post-apocalyptic debut novel, Sophistication a futuristic dive into our world Dark Mirror style - and Degenerate makes it 3 for 3.

This is a standalone story that brings the best of Casamassina’s trademark style: Outrageous characters? Check. Genre-bending plot? Double check. Absolutely insane moments that blindside you with zero warning? Triple check.

Audio design is spot on, with music, sound effects, audio distortion elements, and narrator Phillip Freeman blends authentic narration while channeling multiple, diverse characters with distinct cadence. It’s a fantastic listen.

A must-read for any sci-fi, fantasy or thriller fan. And you’ll be thinking twice next time you notice something strange out of the corner of your eye…

Genre-Bending Thrill Ride—Casamassina is the Master of Flow

If you are looking for a story that refuses to be boxed in, Degenerate is it. Matt Casamassina has crafted a visceral, high-octane mashup of sci-fi, horror, and dark comedy that grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go.
From the very first chapter, it is clear that Casamassina is the master of flow. The pacing is relentless, seamlessly shifting between the absurd culture of Silicon Valley and a gritty, tentacle-drenched nightmare without ever losing its rhythm. He balances the high-stakes terror of a serial killer hunt with genuinely funny, human moments between Mason and his friends. It’s cinematic, propulsive, and incredibly smart.
A special shout-out must go to the production of the audiobook. It is an immersive masterpiece. The narration by Phillip Nathaniel Freeman is top-tier, but it’s the sound design that truly elevates the experience. The audiobook effects are subtle perfect—using just the right amount of audio distortion and atmospheric music to enhance the creeping dread without ever distracting from the story.
This isn't just a book; it's an experience. Whether you're a fan of Dead Weight or new to his work, Degenerate is an absolute must-listen.