Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the e-arc copy of this book.

Well this unfortunately doesn't happen often, but 2 stars for this book. This was just a really big miss for me.

I'll start with what I enjoyed - I loved the banter between The Divine Flesh and Jennifer. Well, really TDF and whoever. She was spunky and spicy and funny. That alone kept this book from just being a one star. I also enjoyed the plot in general- this was unique and fun in some ways. I also really loved the cover and felt it conveyed the book well. I enjoyed the body horror elements as well.

In theory this should have been a 4 star read for me, I think, but there was a lot that held it back. I love horror of all varieties so this should have been an easy win.

The main thing was how it was written. This story feels like 85% dialogue and a lot of it is internal monologue between TDF and Jennifer/Daryl. Unfortunately, it's kind of hard to keep up with WHO is talking to WHOM and so on.

Secondly, I honestly didn't care for any of the characters. They all were awful people, so it was hard to care about any of their plights. TDF excluded but that's the 'monster' so...

Thirdly, this book felt painfully long. By about 100 pages in I felt like the story had ran its course but somehow still had 177 more pages to go. It was just super long winded and I was ready to be done at about 30% but kept up since this is an ARC read and I rarely fully DNF. Alas though, as it didn't get better.

Anyway - I applaud the author for the unique horror twists, and a nice attempt with body/cosmic horror. Ultimately this would have been a little better as a novella I think, but I'm sure others will love it anyway!

Thank you again for the opportunity to read and review this title. I will be checking out the authors other works, even if this one wasn't for me.

This is a spoiler-free review! This is an ARC review - The Divine Flesh will be available on March 4, 2025. Please read trigger warnings - reader discretion is advised.

I would first like to thank NetGalley and Dark Matter INK for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. There is an insane amount of body horror in this book, and after the excellence that was The Substance (2024), I was excited to see what the genre had in store for us this year. This book was so much more intense than I expected - the author does not hold back, and brings the readers in for a ride they did not see coming. The fascinating concept of the Divine Flesh and Jennifer existing together a single body truly adds a level of self-awareness and power dynamics to their characterizations.

The internal struggle we see not only with the Divine Flesh and Jennifer, but a multitude of side characters, was a great touch by Duff. We are able to contextualize the significance their actions have on the outside world, and how their power struggle influences a domino effect on a number of people. The intensity of change in which every character had to experience, whether it being trapped, hunted, or seeking a common goal, was absolutely more than I expected. This book went places I never expected, and the author truly pushed the boundaries of body horror and everything in between.

Jennifer and the Divine Flesh being one individual while simultaneously being two entirely different beings really drove the story to its true conflict point, and without their internal battle with each other, so many consequences could have been avoided. The Divine Flesh's reasoning to be separated from Jennifer differed from Jennifer's own reasoning to be separated, and with that came the downfall of so many individuals. Daryl's involvement with both the Divine Flesh and Jennifer could be considered the major factor that lead to the explosion of events in this book, and his presence throughout the story has significant impact on Jennifer and the Divine Flesh's actions.

Horror enthusiasts will be thrilled by Huff's work, and the squeamish should proceed with caution. The tone of the book is heavy and extreme - every single action had an immediate consequence that could lead to even more potent reaction from another character. Every single page had presented with something new and absolutely unimaginable - there were so many instances where I could not believe what I was reading. Every page felt as through I was exposed to something so completely out of the park, and Huff's ability to create so many nuanced characters while still upholding the integrity of the book's main theme kept me drawn in.

Emotionally, these characters are put through the ringer, and physically, they are completely transformed by the end of this book. Much like how humans evolve and grow, these characters are challenged beyond their wildest expectations and realities in order to get to their final form. Literary fiction and body horror merge together to form a symbiotic connection, much like Jennifer and the Divine Flesh's beginning relationship.

The Divine Flesh is an absolute mind-bender of a book—one that’s weird, wild, and completely unforgettable. From the moment you dive into Jennifer Plummer’s chaotic world, you’re hooked. The premise is delightfully weird: Jennifer and the entity known as the Divine Flesh are trapped inside her body, locked in an uneasy coexistence, both despising each other, yet both somehow in love with Jennifer’s ex-husband, Daryl. It’s an absurd setup that leads to an even more absurd, but thoroughly entertaining, journey.

The plot takes off when Jennifer takes a risky experimental drug to rid herself of the Divine Flesh once and for all. But instead of freedom, she unleashes a catastrophic chain of events. Expelled from her body, the Divine Flesh becomes a cosmic, all-consuming entity capable of loving everyone to death, literally. And now Jennifer, along with Daryl (her clueless yet surprisingly capable ex-husband), must figure out how to save not just their relationship, but the entire universe from total annihilation.

Huff’s writing is darkly comedic. She seems to relish the absurd, creating an insane tale that just worked for me. The dynamic between Jennifer and the Divine Flesh is funny, tragic, and oddly relatable. And let’s not forget about Daryl, the unassuming electrician from rural Idaho, who somehow ends up in the middle of this cosmic battle. Huff does an amazing job of balancing the outrageous with the sincere. There’s humor here, but also a surprising amount of depth—especially when it comes to Jennifer’s relationship with both the Divine Flesh and Daryl. It’s a perfect storm of chaotic energy and heart.

If you’re looking for a book that’s utterly unique, wildly original, and completely unpredictable, The Divine Flesh is it. It’s a rollercoaster from start to finish, and I couldn’t put it down. Absolutely five stars—this one’s a keeper. I cannot wait till it comes out and I can buy a copy for my shelf. The cover is brilliant!

Thank you to Drew Huff and NetGalleh for the e-arc in exchange for an honest view.

I loved the premise of the book, and was completely drawn in by the synopsis and the beautiful book cover art. Unfortunately the writing style didn’t work for me - a little too choppy and disjointed. 2 stars for the concept alone. With further editing, I think it could be a solid 3.5.

DNFd at 23% -- I had an inkling at about 5% that this novel wasn’t for me, but I wanted to give it a fair chance before giving up.

The premise was interesting, the body horror cool, even The Divine Flesh is an intriguing menace (who honestly was my favorite part), but the writing style did not jive with my brain. Though the confusion and chaos added something to the narrative, I do not think I am the ideal reader to appreciate or lean into it. I felt thrown into the deep end quite a bit and the confusion between Jennifer-baby, TDF, and the other speakers didn’t help matters. If this was a novella or a graphic novel, I think maybe I would have had a chance.

All that being said, if you are someone who is into dark themes, a vague sensation of being lost, and unhinged, parasitic goddesses, this might be exactly the book you’re looking for!

Thank you Drew Huff and Dark Matter INK for sending me a copy to read and review.

So I liked the concept of this book. But It was so confusing and I had to read certain pages twice to see if I missed something. That was irritating.

I hate that this didn't satisfy me because I was hoping it to be my first 5 star read of the year. Maybe the writing style wasn't for me. But I freaking loved the Divine Flesh parts. I wished that she was more the center of the story.

Thank you so much Netgalley and publisher for this earc. I really appreciate it.

Drew Huff delivers an intense and brutal narrative that doesn’t shy away from its grotesque and visceral nature. While the unrelenting horror may be too graphic for some tastes, the story’s creativity and unapologetic approach to its dark themes are undeniably impressive. Huff crafts a chilling atmosphere that immerses the reader in a vivid and horrifying world. Though the grotesque elements pushed my personal comfort zone, I can appreciate the skillful storytelling and the unique way the author delves into this type of horror. It’s a work that will resonate with fans of extreme and boundary-pushing fiction.

The Divine Flesh started off strong. I loved the parasitic relationship between Jennifer and The Divine Flesh and the love triangle with Darryl. Even though the Divine Flesh was full of tendrils and gore, it felt erotic, disgusting, and grotesque. Then, the world got too big in Part 3 and Part 4 completely lost me. In a way, it felt very Lynchian, and you need to pay very close attention to details because everything is connected.

A cosmic body horror WTF read that will leave you reeling! From the description, I knew this would be a wild ride from the description, but I couldn't even imagine how wild! Well written with excellent world building, I highly recommend it.

The Divine Flesh by Drew Huff is a strikingly ambitious and thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of spirituality, human vulnerability, and the intersection of faith and identity. Set in a world where the physical and metaphysical are intricately intertwined, Huff crafts a narrative that challenges readers to confront profound questions about the nature of the body and soul.

The novel follows a central character who grapples with both external and internal struggles that span across religious, emotional, and philosophical realms. Huff's prose is rich and layered, and he uses vivid imagery to bring to life the complex journey of self-discovery. The text is often poetic, with moments of intense reflection that encourage readers to consider their own relationship to the divine and the material world.

One of the book's key strengths is Huff's ability to balance spiritual introspection with grounded character development. While the book certainly invites readers to consider deep existential ideas, it never loses sight of the humanity of its characters. This balance makes The Divine Flesh not just a theological exploration, but a very human one as well.

However, the novel does require patience. Its slow pacing and occasional philosophical digressions might feel overwhelming to some readers, but for those willing to invest the time, the payoff is significant. Huff’s narrative is layered, and every detail seems to serve a larger purpose in unfolding the intricate themes of the story.

Overall, The Divine Flesh is a compelling and sophisticated work that will resonate with readers who enjoy literature that challenges both the mind and the spirit. Drew Huff has written a book that is both deeply introspective and universal in its exploration of the human experience.

What a strange, grotesque story, lol.

Very splatter punk, very body horror - toeing the line of eldritch horror, very wild and confusing.

I really enjoyed the premise of this book and the writing style was incredibly unique, it's chaotic and the occasional pov change adds to the chaotic feelings in the story.

Jennifer-baby just goes from one problem to the next, with little to no reprieve in between. Damn girl, what a burden to bare.

I did however find that the subplots kind of felt "other" to the story. They were very much their own stories and I felt like they didn't add enough to the main story line and dragged down the pacing.

Overall beautifully horrifying.

This book is a freaking fever dream! So many times, I had to stop what I was doing & say to myself “WTF am I reading?!” I could NOT put this down! Forever reading anything this author puts out. The first half was full of me questioning my sanity, and trying to figure what is happening. Second half, me questioning my sanity because of how OBSESSED with this book I became.

I have already made anybody that would listen to me, sign up for NetGalley & get this book because I NEEDED TO TALK ABOUT IT WITH PEOPLE WHO KNEW WHAT THE HELL WAS HAPPENING!

This was my entry into extreme horror & I’m so happy it was. This book has every trigger under the sun but damn, the writing draws you in. I could visualize almost every word in full color.
Divine Flesh is and will be the only of its kind. Award for the most unique thing I’ve read. I originally gave it 3 stars but after thinking about this book almost every day for weeks since I’ve read it, I felt it deserved the 5 stars.

Thank you, thank you to the author, publisher & Netgalley for this eARC.

This cosmic chaos was not for me. I was excited to get this arc because the premise sounds truly intriguing, and this cover is amazing, but unfortunately I didn’t enjoy it.

What started as a fun read, quickly turned out too confusing and chaotic for me to follow. It was not a pleasant read for my brain, between the bizarreness of the narrative, the abrupt switch of POV and the numerous characters, I felt like a lost ship at sea in the middle of a storm. This was not a good experience.

I did like the visuals, and descriptions. It was extremely graphic and sometimes disgusting. It was grotesque, absurd, and sincerely not for the weak. I would say this was more on the splatter-punk side, because some descriptions were gory, but it was well written.

I know there is a solid story beneath all these layers of chaos. I could glimpse some of it, a story of control and abuse disguised as love in the most unique way. I have to say I never read anything like it, but sadly I couldn’t appreciate it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is… a garden. A beautiful, impossible garden, sprouting alveoli studded flagella, and artery laced pseudopods, glistening with a million, billion bejeweled eyes, breathing intricate fractal tapestries of living, sculpted meat which festoon the air, singing: Love, love, love… Yud-Hey-Va-Hey.

Drew Huff paints the most lurid, Cronenburgian, and disturbing scenes with language that makes them inescapably alluring. Despite the horror of what’s being described, you find yourself unable, or perhaps unwilling to look away.
This beautiful trove of forbidden delights and exquisite prose, tell a story of hopelessness, despair, love, and redemption. A self destructive woman, a deeply broken man and a shattered god.
It is a story which shows that even the most broken, unredeemable and monstrous of us can find redemption if we can but find the capacity within us for love.
If you struggle with addiction, as your humble reviewer does, I couldn’t recommend this book more highly. If I hadn’t stopped drinking six years ago, this book may very well have been the inspiration to do so.
But as someone in recovery, I found it incredibly meaningful as well. Despite whatever mistakes I may have made or stupid things I may have done, I too am redeemable.
Yud-Hey-Va-Hey

The cover is pure perfection and the book matches it cover. I really enjoyed this dark and gruesome book. The writing is nice and the pacing perfect. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the chance to read this book.

I think it's obvious from the cover, but this book is gruesome. The interesting thing is that it's gruesome in an almost casual way. Like the trauma and the gore and the horror is so non-chalant that it doesn't feel traumatizing to read. An excellent book. I will say, it felt a bit chaotic at times, it could have used a BIT more structure. But still EXCELLENT.

The premise if this book was reareally good, however I feel like it was a bit all over the place. I do really like structured books, so it could just be me. Regardless really enjoyed it.

Drew Huff’s The Devine Flesh is a wild, unapologetic dive into a world filled with gore, vulgarity, and gripping emotional intensity. Following the chaotic life of Jennifer Plummer, this book is a rollercoaster ride that doesn’t hold back, immersing readers in a dark, raw story about trauma, survival, and the divine.

The story centers on Jennifer Plummer, a woman struggling through a life clouded by drugs and alcohol. As if her existence wasn’t already a challenge, she harbors a literal goddess inside her body. Through Jennifer’s journey, readers are thrown into a world of visceral body horror, devastating despair, and moments of resilience that will leave you reeling.

One of the most striking aspects of The Devine Flesh is its rawness. This was my first introduction to a book filled with such vulgar language and gore, and it was absolutely captivating. Jennifer’s natural, almost nonchalant way of dealing with the horrific situations she’s thrown into left me flabbergasted. It opened my mind to a new type of protagonist—one whose trauma shapes their actions in believable and often shocking ways.

The characters, too, felt incredibly real. Every villain introduced had a clear and understandable reason for their cruelty, making them complex and believable rather than caricatures of evil. Huff’s ability to create characters that feel grounded, even in a world filled with divine and horrific elements, is a true strength of the story.

Jennifer is undeniably the heart of this story. Despite all her wrongs, I couldn’t help but root for her. She’s messy, flawed, and utterly human, even in her extraordinary circumstances. Her despair felt authentic, and I found myself deeply invested in her journey. She’s the kind of character you stick by, no matter how bad things get.

Then there’s Daryl. Oh, Daryl. I have such a like-hate relationship with him. Not even “love-hate”—just “like.” It’s frustrating because I want to dislike him so badly, but I can’t completely dismiss his perspective. He’s written in such a way that his actions, while often infuriating, still make sense. That kind of complexity makes him a fascinating character, even if he’s not entirely likable.

Honestly, I can’t point out any weaknesses here. This was my first foray into a book like this, and it delivered on every front. The gore, the trauma, the moral ambiguity—it all felt intentional and well-executed. For me, every element of the story felt purposeful and impactful.

At its core, The Devine Flesh explores trauma, resilience, and the complexity of human nature. Jennifer’s journey highlights the despair of living through unimaginable circumstances and the strength required to face them. It’s a story that challenges readers to empathize with deeply flawed characters while contemplating the line between humanity and divinity.

The Devine Flesh is a chaotic, gut-wrenching ride that doesn’t shy away from the grotesque or the emotional. Drew Huff has created a story that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable in its exploration of trauma and survival. I’d recommend this to readers who are ready for a dark, visceral tale with complex characters and unflinching honesty.

If you’re looking for a book that will shock you, challenge you, and stay with you long after you’ve finished it, this one is worth the ride.

4.5 rounded to 5 stars

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC for an honest review 😊
#Netgalley

2.5 stars.

While I really liked the body horror, the cosmic horror, and the Eldritch monsters, I'm not sure if this really worked out as a full-length novel.

I think a novella would've sufficed, since the main plot and subplots felt like they were dragged out to reach a word count. As much as I loved the idea of multiversal monsters like the Divine Flesh and the mirror people laying their eggs and birthing their spawn across the dimensions, we only got a glimpse of that concept because this story took place solely on present-day Earth.

Other than Jennifer and her estranged husband (who's obsessed with the Divine Flesh in a gross, yet comedic, way) going around trying to stop the Divine Flesh and the mirror people, the plot was really thin. The Divine Flesh rambled a lot, terrorized people, rambled some more, terrorized more people, and rinse and repeat.

The mirror people egg subplot was kinda cool, but like the Divine Flesh plotline, it dragged out too long after the 50% mark and I found myself eager for it all to be over.

I had fun while it lasted, and I actually wouldn't mind reading more from Drew Huff.

Thank you to Dark Matter INK and NetGalley for this arc.

**Thank you so much to Drew Huff/Dark Matter INK for providing this ARC in return for an honest review via NetGalley. Expected pub date March 04, 2025**

This novel feels like an acid induced, cosmic horror, possession nightmare- and I enjoyed every last minute of it! I couldn't put this book down!
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This 448 page novel is written in nonlinear format, which worried me at first because of the length of the novel (and quite frankly my ADHD). I feel like sometimes longer, nonlinear style novels can get confusing if they're not executed properly- and thus- you end up rereading pages and filing back through the novel trying to figure things out. That doesn't happen in this novel - Drew Huff is quite gifted at controlling the pace of the story as well as keeping you intrigued the whole way. I was invested in this story and it's characters from the very beginning. I could tell reading this novel that Drew Huff takes great pride in her craft. The novel felt polished even though it's an ARC.
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I definitely need to read all the things from Drew Huff now! I definitely recommend reading this novel if you love cosmic horror/possession horror.