In this queer horror novel debut, a priest falls in love with the antichrist and even God can’t stop the horror it will bring.
Dante, a protestant young man, and Jude, a sadistic pastor of a small Texas church, harbor a terrible secret from the world; they’re together. The two share a taboo and passionate relationship in hidden peace, until the dreams start.
God speaks to them in visions of smoke and fire, night after night, until the two of them come to a truth they cannot ignore; Dante is the Antichrist, sent by God and urged to start off the apocalypse.
Dante refuses to participate in the end of the world and the damnation of souls. But Jude is a loyal pastor, indifferent to the suffering of others, and is compelled to do what God tells him; even if it means killing the love of his life.
This queer horror love story hones in on the humanity of the Antichrist, a half-human entity as flawed, complex, and doomed as any other soul. With lyrical prose reminiscent of Clive Barker, blasphemy is redefined and love is tested. In Of Beasts, Worma explores if love is enough for someone born to be evil.
THE FACTS
📙 Queer horror
📘 Questions of faith, love and free will
📗 Disturbing, confronting
📕 Secret, taboo relationship
THE REVIEW
I’ve been reading a lot of horror lately. When “Of Beasts” by M. Jane Worma came across my Instagram feed I snagged a copy quickly.
Queer horror? A Pastor? Prophetic dreams? A secret, taboo relationship? So many things to wonder about after reading this novella. If you hear voices, how do you trust that you know who is speaking to you? What’s more important? Love? Faith? Prophecy? And how much ability do we have to change the course of things to come?
What if opposing forces fall in love – like say, a Pastor and the antichrist?
Dante and Jude were a little difficult to connect with – that could simply be the short length of the book. I think Dante’s character was the most intriguing. I thought the idea of a reluctant antichrist was great. Worma explored it well despite the brevity of the story.
Loved the writing style. I’ll pick up more of this author’s work.
THE LINKS
🖊 Author
I purchased my own copy of “Of Beasts” by M. Jane Worma
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