Of Beasts is such a short read, but it was a slog to get through. The number of times I had to hype myself up to continue was unreasonable, and I don't think the characters did queer experience justice. I would not recommend this book, unfortunately, and I believe an edit and a rethink may be beneficial. To have not only a queer couple as the main focus, but in a compromising relationship (Preist x Parishoner). and there's an age gap with one character being an actual minor, and having one character being a literal demon/devil is harmful to the community. Queer stories deserve better than to be shoved into the toxic narratives that people assume in society. I think it was just too much.

I was stoked for a queer horror story, but this left me feeling icky.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for this advanced copy.

Queer horror fantasy at its finest. I loved the tension, and build to the tragic end. It had me from the first page

Of Beasts is a bold, unsettling novella with a unique premise and powerful themes, but it didn’t fully land for me. The blend of queer horror, religious trauma, and apocalyptic prophecy is compelling, and the writing is lyrical and atmospheric. Dante’s role as a reluctant Antichrist caught in a forbidden relationship with a tormented pastor is emotionally intense and deeply layered.

However, the story’s short length left me wanting more development—especially with the characters and their motivations. The pacing felt rushed at times, and some of the more disturbing elements (especially the age dynamic) were difficult to sit with and could have used more nuance or reflection.

That said, it’s a memorable read with a lot to say, and I admire its ambition. Readers who appreciate dark, provocative queer horror may find it more impactful than I did.

A pastor falls in love with the antichrist and it's gay. That was the only thing I needed to know about this to be desperate to read it, but it didn't quite hit the spot. The concept was A+ but I really just wanted more from it than I got. The romance had a lot of potential, but I felt like the relationship and it's development were mostly told and not shown. There is some background information and by the time something horrible happens I think I could feel the emotion behind the loss, but it took awhile to get there and by that point I was mostly angry at one of the characters in particular. I also felt like the plot wasn't developed enough and the solution was kind of lackluster. Like, we hear about the nightmares and there is some stuff to lend credibility to it, but they seemed to accept that this was a command from God with almost no proof. There wasn't any actual exploration of their individual faith and devotion, so it's weird that they would be so willing to accept this command was coming from God and that it has to happen. I know Jude is a pastor and Dante goes to church regularly, but that in itself doesn't mean they're devout. In fact, Jude seemed ready to go along with it despite the terrible nature of the commandment (and we're only told that he's resisting but there isn't much to imply that he's really struggling with it). Dante also doesn't seem as bothered by everything as he should be. And the ending felt too easy.

To be fair, it's rare that I finish a novella and think "that was perfect, nothing else needed to be added" so I'm not surprised that I wanted an actual novel with this concept - but I was still a bit let down.

This story had a lot of promise but fell flat in a few ways. It was hard to connect with the characters and the plot felt rushed, it needed another 50 pages or so to really develop the setting and to give our characters time to accept that one of them is the antichrist. As it stands they both have a weird dream and just accept it as truth immediately. More tension / grappling with the truth of those dreams would have made for a more compelling story.

Additionally, one of the main characters, Dante, is seventeen and in a relationship with an adult man. Their relationship is sort of presented as normal and it feels that their love story is supposed to be sympathetic. Unfortunately, the whole time I was focused on this adult man in a sexual relationship with a teenage child. I'm not sure why Dante was 17 since his age didn't affect the plot very much. There was little to no commentary about the age difference or power imbalance in the relationship. Again, with more space to develop the story it could have been an interesting commentary on this type of predatory relationship, but the story never quite got there.

Of Beasts is an interesting take on religious horror; what would happen if a Priest fell in love with the Antichrist?

Jude and Dante were both compelling characters and I was hooked on their romance and power dynamics from the start. However, their age-gap was slightly problematic with Dante being a minor (which could be commentary on the church). Once Dante became the Antichrist, I was hoping the power dynamics would switch from pastor and congregant to the Antichrist having the power, but not much changed.

I was also a bit lost on the point of the plot, the dreams felt a bit contradictory—why would God be telling Jude to kill Dante if it was going to trigger the apocalypse? Or was someone else sending the dreams (this could have been explored in the ending). There was also so much build up to a very anticlimactic ending. I felt that it needed to be at least 30 pages longer to give it a proper conclusion.

Worma had some great visceral descriptions that will stick with me, and I enjoyed this as a quick read. However the ending was incredibly disappointing to me.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

oooof I was really excited for this one and to be fair, it was written quite well especially for a novella.

However, the entire time I was sitting and questioning the age gap and it unfortunately made things feel so icky. (older teen and young adult) I'm not sure if this was the author's goal because Dante was a very vulnerable character especially considering the abuse he faced from the very beginning?? If the author's intentions were to make the reader uncomfortable, it definitely did its job.

Overall the storyline was fascinating, perhaps a bit repetitive but I think if you've ever experienced any sort of religious paranoia or psychosis the characters' experiences with repetition of dreams would probably make a lot of sense. It really did add to the looming fear between Dante and Jude. I definitely was held in suspense till the end.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

It was the best book of July, and I am so impressed with Worma's skills and the world-building in the 120 pages. I took a chance on this novel because the premise sounded intriguing, and the cover is stunning. I am so glad I did because it was everything I wanted in a religious horror novella. Dante was an incredible Antichrist, and I loved the idea of the Antichrist coming back time and time again, and it's what you decide to do with this power.

Of Beasts is a lot about power and the dynamics we have with one another, and it completely blew me away. At just 120 pages, Worma packs in more atmosphere, character, and worldbuilding than many novels three times its length. I took a chance on this book because the premise intrigued me, and the cover was absolutely stunning. I’m so glad I did. It delivered everything I want in religious horror.

Dante is an unforgettable Antichrist, not just a symbol of doom, but a character full of nuance, rage, and longing. I was captivated by the idea that the Antichrist returns again and again, not as a force of pure evil, but as someone faced with a terrifying inheritance and the question of what to do with it. That tension, between fate and agency, is at the heart of the novella.

Of Beasts is ultimately a story about power: who holds it, how it’s used, and how our choices are shaped by the people and systems around us. Worma explores these themes with incredible skill, never sacrificing momentum or mood. This is one of those books that lingers long after you finish it. I’m already looking forward to rereading it, and whatever Worma writes next.

Of Beasts is not necessarily the type of book I would pick up generally but the premise had me intrigued. The story follows Dante, a young man who attends the church that Jude is a pastor of. They are throughout the book together, not necessarily as a couple but more so as friends with benefits, until they both start sharing a dream of fire and smoke. I absolutely tore through this book and really enjoyed it, while also wanting more from the end. With this being a debut I'd love to get more of Dante and Jude's story if that's in the stars!

This book had a lot of layers to it and I think well-read readers will really enjoy dissecting it for the deeper meaning it has to offer. It is heave on the church/queer trauma which I think many LGBTQIA+ readers will understand and identify with. While the ending will leave the reader thinking, I think there's a lot more that this book could have explored but the open-endedness of this story was likely intentional for the the reader.

Of Beasts is an immensely enjoyable read, with one of my personal favorite depictions of an Antichrist. It is a unique and unapologetically queer exploration of the struggle between faith in a higher power, and faith in love, and what happens when one threatens to compromise the other. In this book is doubt, denial, grief, guilt, panicked cruelty and a profoundly steadfast devotion to everything that can make humanity wicked or beautiful or both. Dante’s conviction and Jude’s devotion craft an eerie, thought provoking tale that will leave you wondering what kind of faith is worth the end of the world.

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I LOVED this novella! I thought the concept was interesting and so different than other m/m stories that I've read. I liked that it was fast paced, concise, but still prioritized beautiful writing. It is a spicy little treat!

To be honest I have no idea what the ending was supposed to mean and I was so incredibly lost.
This was interesting but nothing about it necessarily stood out much. Can’t really elaborate without spoiling but for a little bit I thought this was actually not a supernatural horror, rather a commentary on religious psychosis and where it can lead people. Alas it wasn’t 💔
I think this was very promising and did at times make me feel a bit uneasy. I feel that had it been a bit longer and had some things been explored more (Dante’s and Jude’s relationship, Jude’s relationship to God and faith etc) I would’ve liked it better.

My favourite sub genre of horror is a gay love story set in a church with the Antichrist and a sadistic pastor.

Honestly, I didn’t love this. I thought it was a fine, quick read with some moments of good writing. I did really like the direction this took and I think the final couple chapters are the strongest.

What I did appreciate was how much it got me thinking of just how horribly growing up in the church can impact queer relationships. (I’m aware there are welcoming and inclusive churches out there but I didn’t experience it)

The guilt that’s shoved down your throat from such a young age, that casts a shadow over the love in that relationship. The fear that forces you to hide. How difficult it is to unlearn that, move past it, and in some cases, leaving the church completely.

This book threw me for a loop. I love the twists and turns, but I definitely was not ready for what this book had to offer. I would definitely reread this book!

I picked this up purely for the cover and had no clue what I was getting into and honestly? No ragrets.

Dark, queer, and unhinged in the best way. A priest falls for the Antichrist?? Wild. Dante’s young age did make me a bit uncomfy, but overall I was hooked.

Would love to read more from M. Jane Worma! Big thanks to @ClashBooks and @NetGalley for the gifted eARC! this one will stick with me.

Of Beasts was an interesting short story that focused on religious trauma and guilt. The plot twist was definitely a shocker, but it didn’t seem so to the characters. I wish the story dug into the religious imagery and parallels. Everything felt a bit surface and rushed, but I do understand that it is a short story. I do think the author should consider a full novel adaptation of her story to allow for more exploration of these characters, their connection, and strengthen the religious aspects.

Of Beasts by M. Jane Worma

challenging dark hopeful fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75

Romance at the end of the world between two people who have roles to perform in armegeddon.

What I loved 💕
💕 tender moments between Danté and Jude
💕 You can escape your destiny
💕 Unique concept to reinvent the harbinger of Armageddon
💕Spicy opening scene
💕 Queer horror written by a queer author

What wasn’t my cuppa tea ☕️
☕️ the fast pace because I would have loved more development

Fav Quote🔖
🔖”It wasn’t until Dante was back in his bed, wrapped under his arms, that Jude dreamed again.”

Thanks to the author, NetGalley and Clash books for ARC copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Conceptually, Of Beasts works for me: a priest falls in love with the antichrist, horror ensues, etc. etc. What I expected going in to this was horror, weird and messed up romance, gore maybe, but mostly heavy on the dark romance judging by the description and the stylization of the cover.

What I got was something like it, but the taboo was less "oooh I'm the antichrist and he's a priest, ooo it's so sexy," and more so, "I'm a high schooler, only 17, and the priest is ambiguously an adult, and also there's some religious themes and musings." Now don't get me wrong, I've read my share of Poppy Z Brite and Eric LaRocca, I am no stranger to the genre and the relationships contained in their material, but somehow I still felt a little jump scared by this dynamic. I will, however, give Worma points in that they didn't linger on their sex scenes, and it wasn't done for pleasure or to excite the reader. Their relationship just is.

That said, the writing is fairly solid, though I do feel that the impact of the story is greatly lessened by the length of the work. Coming in at around 120 pages, this book took me less than an hour overall, and unfortunately I did finish the final pages with a furrowed brow thinking, "Was that it?" There's moments sprinkled in where I felt it was wonderfully weird or horrible, and sometimes thoughtful, but somehow they managed to be far between despite the length. The setting and characters felt hollow, and I really do believe the book could have benefited by being longer. The cast outside of Jude and Dante felt like cardboard set dressings, and I found myself being not terribly invested in what was going on, despite the supposed urgency and reality of their situation.

Thank you to NetGalley and CLASH books for this free eARC in exchange for my honest review!

The only downside to this novel is that it isn’t much longer haha.

I loved it from the very beginning, how bits and pieces of the story slowly came along; how, after reading, the first few chapters and Jude and Dante’s relationship and the way they acted made more sense.

It’s such a short read that I was able to run through it in less than an hour, but I don’t regret it. Every page turn leaves you in shambles, wondering how much worse life can get for these two characters, that have been damned from the very beginning.

The ending is bittersweet, left in a cliffhanger, which I believe is perfect. These are the kinds of guys that aren’t meant for a concrete ending.

Overall, it’s a nice read for anyone wanting a quick, mysterious and thrilling horror novel.