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A review by exteenawreads
The Divine Flesh by Drew Huff
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I think I may be obsessed with this book? Has the Divine Flesh Herself gotten Her loving tendrils into me and assimilated me? Maybe?
This book is an absolutely unhinged, deranged wild ride, following a junkie and her ex-husband as they combat - but also love - a cosmic Eldritch murderess monster goddess called the Divine Flesh. Although truly horrific and disturbing, I often was laughing out loud and could not put this book down. I also had no idea what was happening or where it was heading - though it does eventually make sense in the end and wrap up nicely (?). There were several points I was thinking "my God, this is insane, this must be the finale" but then I'd realize I was only 38% or 56% through, and it only got more insane as I went.
The Divine Flesh, who is trapped inside Jennifer the Junkie's body and fighting for control, talks like a silly little kawaii princess who just wants to PLAY with FLESH please Jennifer let her OUT! TEEHEE! it was just so ridiculously silly and I dunno, I just love her. Flesh abominations and brutal murder sprees and all.
It is absolutely not for the squeamish or faint of heart - there is gore, body horror, sexual violence, violence against children, drug addicts, religious zealous, racists, homophobic hillbillies - truly check your trigger warnings before diving in. It reminded me a bit of Chuck Palahniuk's early writing (Guts, Invisible Monsters, Snuff). But also like, if Venom and Men in Black had a crazy meth horror baby. Take that how you will.
I was happy to receive a review copy / ARC from Netgalley, thank you NG, Drew Huff, and Dark Matter INK!
This book is an absolutely unhinged, deranged wild ride, following a junkie and her ex-husband as they combat - but also love - a cosmic Eldritch murderess monster goddess called the Divine Flesh. Although truly horrific and disturbing, I often was laughing out loud and could not put this book down. I also had no idea what was happening or where it was heading - though it does eventually make sense in the end and wrap up nicely (?). There were several points I was thinking "my God, this is insane, this must be the finale" but then I'd realize I was only 38% or 56% through, and it only got more insane as I went.
The Divine Flesh, who is trapped inside Jennifer the Junkie's body and fighting for control, talks like a silly little kawaii princess who just wants to PLAY with FLESH please Jennifer let her OUT! TEEHEE! it was just so ridiculously silly and I dunno, I just love her. Flesh abominations and brutal murder sprees and all.
It is absolutely not for the squeamish or faint of heart - there is gore, body horror, sexual violence, violence against children, drug addicts, religious zealous, racists, homophobic hillbillies - truly check your trigger warnings before diving in. It reminded me a bit of Chuck Palahniuk's early writing (Guts, Invisible Monsters, Snuff). But also like, if Venom and Men in Black had a crazy meth horror baby. Take that how you will.
I was happy to receive a review copy / ARC from Netgalley, thank you NG, Drew Huff, and Dark Matter INK!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail