You Weren't Meant to Be Human

This book is enthralling and unpredictable. A killer queer experience that unsettles you and makes roots in your mind. A favourite from here on out. Sci-Fi most likely, hopeful in ways you'd never expect. It's worth pushing through the nausea that this story can induce. (positive)

You Weren't Meant to Be Human broke me. It's such a horrifying read that just gets bleaker and bleaker and with every page turned you just want it to end already because you can't take much more of it. But underneath all the horror, it feels like such a vulnerable and real story, which I can relate to in a lot of aspects. This story feels so modern and so important to the current times - and has an ending that left me ugly crying. My favourite read of 2025, probably - just incredible!

I've fallen in love with White's books from the very beginning and look forward to each and every release. This one was no exception. Unlike his past works, this one is very clearly intended for an adult audience and doesn't hold back. The trigger warnings from the first page are meant to be taken seriously, and I appreciate the diligence when it comes to them. This book is gory, visceral and disgusting, with worms and meat in abundance, but it's also human and real, providing such an intense and serious depiction of being trans and autistic. A rare treat in today's climate! I can't think of any other author depicting these stories with such care and emotions. My plan was to read a couple of chapters before bed, but I ended up staying awake until 3 am to finish the book in one go. I think that speaks for itself! It reminded me of the corruption from The Magnus Archives in the most perfect way, and I can't wait to see what White will write next. Definitely recommended, but do check the trigger warnings first.