LAUNCH PARTY: Of Beasts by M. Jane Worma

Joining her in conversation will be author Christina Li (THE MANOR OF DREAMS).

About OF BEASTS:

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.

About the speakers:

M. Jane Worma is a horror obsessed queer with a BA in creative writing from a place that no longer exists. They hail from the southwest and is steadily infecting Brooklyn. Of Beasts is their debut novella

Christina Li is the award-winning author of children’s and young adult books Clues to the Universe, Ruby Lost and Found, and True Love and Other Impossible Odds, which have been selected as a Washington Post summer book club pick, one of the NPR and New York Public Library Best Books of the Year, and recognized for the Asian Pacific American Librarians’ Award for Best Children’s Literature. She graduated from Stanford University with degrees in Economics and Public Policy. She grew up in the Midwest and California, but now resides in New York. The Manor of Dreams is her adult literary debut.

Event guidelines:

Each ticket includes either a copy of OF BEASTS or a $15 Twisted Spine gift card.

Additional copies of the books will be available for purchase at the event.

A signing will follow the discussion.

If you have any questions about the guidelines or to request accessibility accommodations, please contact [email protected].

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