4.75

setting: West Virginia
Rep: mute autistic trans protagonist

hahahahahahaha what the actual fuck

seriously

what the fuck

this is one gory, messed up little shit of a book and I loved it. it is DARK. it is brutal. it is ruthless. that ending???? holy shit. I really felt for crane as I read this. poor dude just couldn't catch a break

You Weren't Meant to Be Human by Andrew Joseph White was fantastic.
Really enjoyed this one and will definitely be recommending it!
The characters we superbly written and the plot was so gripping.
I loved the characters and the world they live in.
Andrew Joseph White creates and writes such fascinating horror.
That keeps you hooked until the turn of the last page.

Overall, I liked this title but I wish it was more horror and not "horror as a metaphor for trying times in todays society"

THIS BOOK WAS INSANE. ABSOLUTELY HORRIFYING. A MUST READ. A mixture of body horror, gore, and so so much more. The story follows a trans character named Crane who lives in a world plagued by an alien invasion in rural West Virginia. Crane lives in a hive, an entity that is made of insects that consume fresh corpses and offers struggling humans salvation... but there is a price. Crane lives with his fellow hive followers... but things begin to off the rails when Crane ends up pregnant... and the hive demands the child's birth despite how much Crane doesn't want it. This is a visceral book that left me stunned until the very last page. Every chapter was insane. This book is a gut punch. It's just the perfect horror read that will have your skin crawling.

Release Date: September 9, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Saga Press | S&S/Saga Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

I wasn’t going to give feedback on this because I didn’t make it very far, but I want to give it now. I did read the trigger warnings (after getting approved) but I was in utter shock at the r*pe on page 3? 4? It was too much. I can stomach a lot, but I can’t stomach that.

I truly do sometimes wonder about people who can write it so vividly and carelessly.

Andrew Joseph White is one of my favorite authors, and this book hasn’t changed that opinion; if anything, it only affirms my position. If you’ve wondered if writing adult LGBTQ+ horror has drastically changed White’s writing style, put those worries to rest: YWMtBH reads just like his previous books, just with more taboo matters and explicit scenes. What do you end up with? A book that managed to devastate me just as much as The Spirit Bares Its Teeth, while also managing to anger me even more than that book did (and that book made me so mad).

This book isn’t for the faint-of-heart, and it’s definitely going to upset a lot of people. I say: good. Too many people walk around numb and apathetic to issues affecting both reproductive rights and the transgender community. (Keep in mind, this book addresses both of these topics in depth). I can’t ever know what it’s like to be transgender, but White paints a narrative portrait filled with all of the confusion, pain, anxiety, rage, jealousy, despair, yearning, and myriad other emotions that come with the growing realization you were born in a body that doesn’t match who you are inside and the emotional and mental tumult that arises as a result. The further discourse in the book surrounding gender-affirming care and reproductive abuse truly shine a light on the mental health struggles transgender persons face every day.

This morbid and fascinating book holds onto you tightly as you bear witness to the trials Crane is forced to endure in the name of being forced to carry and give birth to a baby he didn’t consent to being impregnated with or keeping. It’s a world where choices are only for the cisgender white men of the world…and apparently the worms commanding them. 5⭐️



I was provided a copy of this title by the publisher and author via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: 5 Star Review/Body Horror/Cosmic Horror/Disability Rep/Horror/LGBTQ Horror

Alien and Midsommar are two of my favorite films so upon reading the blurb I knew this would be for me. This book is extremely dark but so gripping! It’s going to stay with me for a long time. As a woman I know all of the horrors that pregnancy can involve and put women through. This really hit home for me in many ways. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC.

Andrew Joseph White is one of my favorite authors and the ending of " You weren't meant to be human" has left my skin crawling.

When I requested this book on NetGalley, I knew that it was going to be an uncomfortable horror read. Uncomfortable in the sense that it I knew it was going to explore issues and topics that are so timely and speak of current events. But that’s what I love about horror - it changes to match the zeitgeist and touches on things that maybe we wouldn’t have otherwise explored.

For me, “You Weren’t Meant To Be Human” did just that.

Crane is such a great main character! He’s not perfect, and not all of his decisions are ones I would endorse, but you can’t help being so tuned into him. From the first sentence of this book, you immediately know you want to see the story to the end.

While the story wasn’t hard to understand, I did read it a little slower than others - mainly because I found that I had to give myself breaks while reading. Some of the content is pretty intense and I do recommend doing a little research on the content warnings before picking this book up.

Overall Rating | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank You to NetGalley and Saga Press for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to Saga Press and NetGalley for the E-ARC

4.25 stars

Wow, this put a new spin on body horror. First, pregnancy used in body horror is one of my favorite things to read. However having a trans man protagonist that gets pregnant unwillingly and is forced to carry and deliver a baby as a sacrifice to the hive goes so above and beyond any body horror I've ever read.

Crane's pain was visceral. Watching each person that had been a safe space for him turn on him to do what's best for the hive made me want to rage. Especially Levi, fuck that guy so hard.

I loved watching Crane's transformation through pregnancy. From the little we knew of him before, it seemed he was just getting by, head down, in the world. While the pregnancy was not his choice, it helped him come into his own strength and power and realize exactly what he wanted and what he deserved.

The ending was such a chef's kiss. I loved Crane's decision, as hard as it was to read, because it was one I think a lot of us would make in the same situation. This is such a good dystopian horror story.

This was definitely another case of it's just not for me. I've been hearing such great things about this one and I can definitely see the appeal so take my DNF with a grain of salt. I wouldn't discourage anyone who thinks it sounds like something they would enjoy from reading it. It just sadly wasn't for me. Since I DNF'd I won't be leaving a rating anywhere else to be fair.

Andrew Joseph White never ceases to astound me with his releases. This was deeply disturbing and emotional, but in all the ways you somehow look for in a book. His first adult horror novel has me wanting MORE adult horror, I love his YA books very much but there's something different and more personal with this adult release. I loved this and I'll love anything else AJW releases in the future!

An autistic trans man gets pregnant and is forced to keep his baby… a nightmare post Roe V Wade. Andrew Joseph White’s You Weren’t Meant to be Human is his first adult novel and it’s powerful upon impact.

As a nonbinary AFAB person, pregnancy has been a big fear of mine since I was a little kid. Skirts were suffocating, my quinceañera a nightmare — when motherhood was brought up to me, I drowned in a mental anguish I couldn’t ever explain. This novel brings up all of those fears, (and validly at that) during a time when our government is seeking to silence the existence of queer and trans folks. Rendering bodily autonomy for folks with vaginas as a privilege not allotted to you because you were born to breed.

Following Crane, a mute autistic man, we view life within the cult he lives within. Poor, isolated from the world, broken down, but hey, at least the worms are gracious even to give Crane his own life. The worms let him exist on his own terms, the first time Crane has ever been allowed that freedom until his not boyfriend gets him pregnant.

We then follow this man as he experiences the gender dysphoria of carrying this child. Throughout the story, though triggering and heavy at times, I find a lot of catharsis through Crane. Topics such as intrusive thoughts, late adulthood autism, self harm, degradation, are woven into this character in ways that feel tangible to me. This book carries the weight of some of our most politically vulnerable and doesn’t give answers or solutions, but instead bleakly endures.

Cults and family, two topics that have previously been incredibly depressing for me to think about in relationship to my gender identity and Crane helped me face a lot of those unearthed and uncomfortable thoughts. Religion and not speaking to my parents for roughly 8 years took its toll on me. Lost time that can never be replaced but was at its odds with itself. Cults don’t have reasons that make sense to the outside world sometimes and I think AJW captured the essence of being chained to those who give you even a semblance of freedom makes you feel indebted to them.

This book is disgusting, a feat that I’m surprised was put into my hands as a ARC reader. Thank you so much Saga Press Books to granting me an early copy. It’s gnarly, squelchy, bloody, and fucked up. There are scenes in this book that I will think about for a very long time. I highly recommend folks take care of themselves with this title.

Horror as a genre is at its best when it captures the real world fears of the current sociopolitical landscape and turns those fears into some of the most rebellious art. You Weren’t Meant to Be Human is that.

This book is filthy and gross and violent and disgusting and I loved it and couldn't put it down! 🪱 🪱 🪱

Andrew Joseph White has written two of my favorite books I've read so far this year (The Spirit Bares its Teeth and this one: You Weren't Meant to be Human). YWMTBH is a standout adult horror debut! We follow Crane, an autistic trans man forced to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term, all under the unsettling and watchful "eyes" of alien worms.

This book had me in a chokehold from the beginning and didn't let go until the very last page. YWMTBH is psychological and body horror at its most grotesque and raw, laying everything bare on the page. It tackles very real, very heavy, and very important topics, including loss of bodily autonomy, toxic relationships, and abuse. But it also manages to be empathic and hopeful at times too, despite all the blood and guts on the surface.

I loved every minute of it. But it's also not for everyone. Please read the trigger/content warnings before diving in. For those of you that take the plunge, I hope you love it as much as I did!

And the ending! Y'all THE ENDING WAS EVERYTHING! And that's all I can say without spoilers 🫣

This story is short, but absolutely insane. I could not predict that ending and that’s what I love about this. There are multiple warnings to look at before you decide to read this, but an excellent read.

Thank you @sagapressbooks #sagasayscrew and @simon.audio for the early copies of You Weren’t Meant to Be Human.

I read Andrew Joseph White’s Compound Fracture earlier this year, and I instantly felt compelled to read more of his work. I have been eagerly anticipating his adult horror debut for months!

This book is incredibly dark! I highly recommend checking trigger warnings before diving in. Although the trigger warnings did give me pause, I’m glad that I read this one. I survived. This isn’t an easy read, but the story is an important one.

Emotionally raw and viscerally terrifying — the exploration of bodily autonomy is so compelling. I felt claustrophobic while reading Crane’s inner thoughts. This book simultaneously destroyed me emotionally and disturbed me.

What to expect:
🪱 body horror and visceral gore
🪱 emotionally raw and deeply disturbing
🪱 hill-country, Appalachian setting
🪱 themes of reproductive abuse, loss of agency, and self-destruction
⚠️ CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS

Not everyone will be able to stomach this book, but I highly recommend it for those who can. Andrew Joseph White is an incredible writer.

It feels more important than ever to read stories from trans and autistic voices like Andrew’s. Andrew notes that much of the trauma written into this story is drawn from his own experiences, especially in the wake of Roe v. Wade’s fall in 2022. ‘You Weren’t Meant to Be Human’ is his first adult horror novel, centering around a cult of worms and flies overtaking Appalachia, preying on struggling humans for loyalty and food (fresh corpses).

We follow Crane, one of the hive’s followers, who traded his servitude for the chance to transition, remain mute, and live life without fear, finding a fragile sense of peace. When he becomes pregnant, the hive demands he carry the child to term, no matter the cost. The hive wants Crane’s baby; Crane wants his bodily autonomy back. What follows is his desperate struggle against the loss of agency and choice as he searches for a way to save himself before his life spirals out of control.

I picked this book up for the ‘Midsommar’ x ‘Alien’ vibes, and while this horror wasn’t anything like what I was expecting, I wasn’t disappointed in how the story unfolded. This horror isn’t what you might initially expect. It’s deeply metaphorical, echoing what we face today: lack of abortion access, men controlling women’s bodies, and a government that continues to oppress basic human rights and choice. This book is gross and gory, but also layered with emotional undertones of grief, loss, and trauma.

Thank you @sagapressbooks and @netgalley for this arc.

TW: reproductive abuse, suicidal/self-harm ideations, domestic abuse, graphic violence, body horror

I went into You Weren’t Meant to Be Human with high expectations, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite work for me. The premise is undeniably unique and ambitious, and there were moments where Andrew Joseph White’s writing shone with intensity. However, the execution often felt uneven, and sometimes overwhelming with too many threads, and other times, it dragged when I wanted the story to move forward.

I also struggled to connect with the characters, which made it harder to stay invested. The themes were powerful, but the delivery left me feeling more distanced than engaged.

That said, I can see how readers who enjoy raw, visceral, and experimental storytelling might appreciate it much more than I did. It just wasn’t the right fit for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Characters: 4⭐️
Setting: 4⭐️
Plot: 4⭐️
Themes: 4⭐️
Personal enjoyment: 4⭐️
Emotional Impact: 3⭐️
Overall rating: 3.75/5⭐️

Horror exploring alienation and survival.

Crane, a trans autistic man discovers he is pregnant with an infestation called “the hive.” The hive is an alien creature that provides shelter to those seeking a fresh start.

There’s a lot to unpack. It’s heavy with themes. This book made me feel rage, disgust, fear and utter sadness.

Thank you to NetGalley & Saga Press for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review

I have a feeling this is one that's gunna sit with me for a bit.

This book was gross, fascinating, terrifying, and yet hopeful at times. The worms were gross - but surprisingly, I wasn't as grossed out as I thought I would be by them, or by the hive - I do think it's because I refused to let myself fully imagine those parts, I don't need anymore nightmare fuel.

Crane, I don't even know where to start with him. He's one of those people that knows his dark thoughts are just that, dark, messed up, abnormal, but he can't stop them. He knows that he could tell his parents, who are kind and loving, and would be supportive, yet he can't bring himself to do it. He knows his "relationship" with Levi is toxic, and yet, Levi gives him what his dark screwed up parts want, Levi doesn't care that he doesn't speak, Levi treats him like a man in all the ways that matter. So he stays. He knows the things the Hive asks of him are wrong, yet they accept him, they helped him, so he stays.

Then the Hive asks him to keep the baby. And yeah, he could probably have found extreme ways to get rid of it, but he doesn't. So, what does that say about him and what he actually wants.
At times, this book got a little dull and I found myself setting my kindle down to doom scroll. So, while I'm giving it 4.5 stars, I'm rounding down to 4 on GRs.

I do think that if this book intrigues you at all, you should read it!

But please, for all that is good in this world, please read the CWs and take them seriously. This book is heavy in these topics, and at times, you find yourself just in the middle of a CW, yet it doesn't feel that way. Which honestly, it more dangerous. That's how well this book is written. That with Crane's dark thoughts and everything, you sorta forget how bad it all is. Then you step aside from the book and realize this is how the author has felt at times, and it's gut wrenching.

Thanks to NetGalley & Saga Press for the e-arc!