Jaelyn reviewed You Weren't Meant to Be Human by Andrew Joseph White
A natural and confident shift to adult horror from AJW
5 stars
I was excited to read Andrew's first foray from YA into adult horror. It seemed like a natural jump as his tone had always erred more mature. It certainty doesn't disappoint with some heavy body horror around self mutilation and pregnancy. I've always found horror based around dysphoria - in this case trans masc pregnancy, to be so personal it is hits in such a violent way compared to other topics.
Crane works in a gas station, one of many fronts for a hive of worms and flies of unclear origin. Crane and the others working for the hive are all picked up, "saved", in moments of desperation and hopelessness. But in exchange the Hive demands loyalty, no matter the cost.
Certainly an thread of radicalisation and abuse combining with Crane's craving for abuse and abdication of control. That cult aspect is something that feels familiar from his …
I was excited to read Andrew's first foray from YA into adult horror. It seemed like a natural jump as his tone had always erred more mature. It certainty doesn't disappoint with some heavy body horror around self mutilation and pregnancy. I've always found horror based around dysphoria - in this case trans masc pregnancy, to be so personal it is hits in such a violent way compared to other topics.
Crane works in a gas station, one of many fronts for a hive of worms and flies of unclear origin. Crane and the others working for the hive are all picked up, "saved", in moments of desperation and hopelessness. But in exchange the Hive demands loyalty, no matter the cost.
Certainly an thread of radicalisation and abuse combining with Crane's craving for abuse and abdication of control. That cult aspect is something that feels familiar from his other books, though each with its own distinct tone.
