Of Beasts

Name: Of Beasts
Price: 16.95 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781960988867

✍️ M Jane Worma

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$16.95

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A priest falls for the Antichrist in this queer theological horror novel set in Texas.

Worma’s debut novel examines the intersection of religious duty and forbidden love. The plot follows Dante and Jude as they navigate visions from God that threaten their existence. The story questions the nature of evil by portraying the Antichrist with human flaws and emotions. Worma uses lyrical prose to depict a world where divine commands override personal morality. The narrative does not shy away from the violence inherent in fulfilling prophecy. It offers a critical look at how faith can justify cruelty. The book stands as a study of doomed romance within a framework of supernatural terror.

Key Themes

queer horror divine intervention apocalyptic destiny

Literary Context

This 2026 debut by M Jane Worma sits within the queer horror genre. It draws on Protestant theology and Texas church culture. The narrative engages with traditional apocalyptic literature while subverting it through a modern LGBTQ+ lens. Published by Clash Books, it challenges conventional religious narratives.

Difficulty

●●● Challenging

Recommended For Fans Of

Clive Barker · Poppy Z. Brite · Tananarive Due · The Left Hand of Darkness

☣️

Apocalyptic

🏛 Clash Books 📅 2026 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781960988867

📝 Description: Of Beasts

M Jane Worma presents a queer horror debut centered on Dante, a Protestant young man, and Jude, a sadistic pastor in a small Texas church. Their hidden, passionate relationship faces divine intervention when God speaks through visions of smoke and fire. These nightly messages reveal that Dante is the Antichrist, destined to initiate the apocalypse. While Dante refuses to participate in the end of the world, Jude remains a loyal pastor indifferent to others' suffering. He feels compelled to follow God's commands, even if it requires killing his lover. Worma explores the humanity of an entity born for evil. The narrative examines whether love can withstand the weight of damnation and divine will. The prose style draws comparisons to Clive Barker, redefining blasphemy through a lens of complex, flawed characters. This story suits readers interested in theological horror and LGBTQ+ narratives who appreciate lyrical writing. It may not appeal to those seeking lighthearted supernatural fiction or traditional religious affirmations without critical examination. The book challenges the binary of good and evil by focusing on the Antichrist as a half-human soul. Worma, the author, qualifies this work through its debut status and unique perspective on sacred texts. The narrative structure follows the couple's internal conflict against external divine pressure. Readers will find a tale where faith and desire collide in a Texas setting.

💎 Our verdict on Of Beasts

“

🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Worma delivers a compelling debut that successfully merges queer romance with cosmic horror, creating a unique subgenre blend. The narrative excels in portraying the Antichrist not as a monster, but as a flawed human soul, thereby challenging traditional religious binaries. The lyrical prose enhances the emotional weight of the doomed romance, drawing effective comparisons to Clive Barker’s stylistic intensity. This book is best suited for readers who enjoy theological horror and critical examinations of faith. It may alienate those seeking straightforward supernatural thrillers or uncritical religious affirmations. Instead, it offers a sophisticated study of how divine commands can justify cruelty, making it a powerful read for those willing to engage with difficult moral questions within a terrifying framework.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate complex, character-driven horror will find value in this exploration of forbidden love amidst divine catastrophe. It offers a nuanced critique of religious authority by humanizing the Antichrist, appealing to those interested in psychological depth over simple gore. The lyrical prose and thematic focus on duty versus desire provide an intellectual engagement rare in the genre. Those seeking stories that challenge binary views of good and evil will find this text rewarding. It is ideal for fans of dark fantasy who enjoy narratives where supernatural terror serves as a backdrop for intimate, emotional conflict rather than merely a plot device for violence.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Worma delivers a compelling debut that successfully merges queer romance with cosmic horror, creating a unique subgenre blend. The narrative excels in portraying the Antichrist not as a monster, but as a flawed human soul, thereby challenging traditional religious binaries. The lyrical prose enhances the emotional weight of the doomed romance, drawing effective comparisons to Clive Barker’s stylistic intensity. This book is best suited for readers who enjoy theological horror and critical examinations of faith. It may alienate those seeking straightforward supernatural thrillers or uncritical religious affirmations. Instead, it offers a sophisticated study of how divine commands can justify cruelty, making it a powerful read for those willing to engage with difficult moral questions within a terrifying framework.