Castle of Flesh

by Aiden E. Messer

How cruel do you have to be to use a human being as a lamp or centerpiece?

Douglas is about to overthrow the cruel tyrant with the help of his boyfriend and the rebel army he raised. But just as the goal seems to be at hand, a brutal betrayal destroys his hopes and leaves the rebellion in shambles. Douglas is captured and given to the tyrant’s sadistic daughter to be used and humiliated as a warning to any others who might consider rebellion.

Trapped without any allies in this castle filled with decorations created out of living human beings contorted in nightmarish positions, where torture is nothing but a dinnertime amusement, Douglas is subjected to torture and degradation that pushes his limits.

But is the Princess just further tormenting his mind, or does she really have her own agenda? And what would it really mean for him if she does? Can he even endure long enough to find out?

This is a queer splatterpunk story. It contains graphic violence and gore, as well as transgender and bisexual characters, both good and bad.

173 pages, ebook

Published December 20, 2025

About the author

Aiden E. Messer does not exist. Are they an illusion, a ghost, a mere thought? No one knows. If we are to believe one of the children they seem to work with, if they were a teacher, they would be as tall as a human. They are not a teacher. According to various sources, they have studied psychology, and have always had a penchant for horror and the macabre. They like to combine these subjects in their books.

Reviews

[Shannon Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Castle of Flesh, Aiden Messer's most compelling work, is set in a post-apocalyptic world ruled by the tyrannical Leopold. The story follows Doug and his fellow rebels as they attempt to overthrow Leopold, but a traitor in their midst leads to a failed mission and Doug's capture, setting the stage for a dark exploration of human obsession.

[Kay West · Rating 5 out of 5]

my anxiety was through the roof! Is our main character going to be betrayed? will his family end up as lampshades or worse?

I had to put the book down at a certain point because I was so invested.

pick this up if you love
cannibalism
twisted medieval castle
sadistic king
rebel leader
torture
trans main characters
novella

this book is best read while wearing a collar and snorting your anxiety meds

[Renly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a wild ride in the best possible way. It kept me guessing the whole time and made me a nervous wreck. 😂 Parts of it were gross and gory and violent and I couldn't put it down.

[Andrew Wilkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a post-apocalyptic world, a tyrant by the name of Leopold has reigned terror on the land surrounding his castle, where he, his nobles, and his daughter, Beatrice, also reside. They own slaves, have servants, but, are also a sadistic bunch who have quite the collection of human furniture, and decor all throughout their nightmarish fortress. Doug, his brother and sister, Orion and Holly, his trusted friend, Camille, an informant by the name of Jerry, whom Doug had become smitten with, and an army of rebels plan to overthrow the entire kingdom. However, someone is a traitor, and this leads to a failed mission, leaving the rebel leader, Doug, a captive of the "royal" family. He is to marry Beatrice, and become her husband, and breed an heir for her, or parish. This is when the humiliation, punishment, and begin. Doug, being dressed in very feminine, and revealing clothing in an attempt to embarrass, degrade, and break him down. If Doug were to speak up, however, there would be painful consequences. Beatrice is, seemingly, as heartless, and cruel as her father, however, there appears to be more than one side to the princess. Doug soon discovers that she doesn't agree with her father's actions, and she agrees that something should be done to put an end to it, once and for all. But, can Doug really trust her words? Especially after being as betrayed as he has been? Is he still blinded by the need to be free? To be loved? This was so good! I have to place this story way up there with one of the best I have read from Aiden! There were parts of this that made me feel the despair of the main character, and Chapter 10 had me screaming with joy, internally! Cheering everyone on, and feeling the hope despite the dire situations that our protagonist finds himself in. I highly, highly recommend this story to everyone who loves the genre, and I would, absolutely reread this, again!
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤/5

[Angela Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Castle of Flesh is a dark, atmospheric dive into the shadows of human obsession—one of those books that grips you by the throat from page one and refuses to let go. Aiden Messer delivers a story that is equal parts unsettling and addictive, weaving horror, psychological tension, and raw emotion into a narrative that feels both intimate and nightmarish.

The world-building is claustrophobic in the best way: every setting drips with dread, every interaction vibrates with the sense that something terrible is only a breath away. Messer doesn’t rely on cheap scares; instead, the horror builds slowly, methodically, like a hand sliding across your shoulder when you thought you were alone.
The characters are where this story truly shines. Flawed, desperate, and disturbingly human, they push the narrative forward with a kind of doomed gravity. You don’t always like them—but you understand them, and that’s far more compelling. Messer’s exploration of desire and control is bold, sometimes brutally so, but never gratuitous. There’s intention behind every disturbing moment.

The pacing is tight, the prose sharp, and the imagery lingers long after the last page. It’s the kind of book you close and then have to sit with—because you’re not quite sure whether you want to read it again or sleep with the lights on.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you love dark fiction that doesn’t hold your hand, Castle of Flesh is a must-read. It’s haunting, visceral, and beautifully twisted—a standout entry in modern horror.

[Breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doug is gearing up to overthrow the Tyrant King, surrounded by loyal supporters and his loving boyfriend, until a devastating betrayal shatters everything. Left broken, alone, and completely at the mercy of his enemies, Doug is forced to endure torture, humiliation, and a growing confusion about who he can trust. When an unexpected alliance forms, he’s left questioning what’s real and what’s just another step in his downfall.

This was such a fun, fast-paced read. As expected from Aiden Messer, it’s gory, violent, and strangely satisfying. I loved the entire concept and especially the dynamic between Doug and Beatrice. Doug’s hopeless romantic nature makes his journey all the more heartbreaking, and sometimes painfully humiliating. A dark, gripping, and wildly entertaining story!

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was brutal.... and not just the "furniture". My heart was breaking for our MC because I wasn't sure if he was being toyed with or not! Messer never disappoints when it comes to torture and kill scenes.... just when I think they can't come up with something more fked up then the last book.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Endy V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aiden E Messer never dissapoints w these books. it was an amazing read as always and I didnt even notice i was at the end of the story already, it was just so fun.
super brutal and super awesome

tAt (transAgainstTyranny)

[Drew Moyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re in the mood for a weird, post-apocalyptic queer splatterpunk book with well-written trans lead characters, then look no further than Aiden E. Messer’s Castle of Flesh. Doug is the leader of a rebel group trying to overthrow the tyrant King Leopold who has taken lordship of what’s left of the wasteland. But Doug gets betrayed and is forced to marry the king’s diabolical daughter Beatrice. Thus begins a very toxic relationship that has Doug questioning everything. 

And true to the title, the tyrant king uses humans as living furniture. These poor souls are turned into chairs, sewn into light fixtures, and even made into living statues for the amusement of the ruling class. This book is NOT for the squeamish! Then Beatrice comes to Doug with a plan to overthrow her father. Now Doug feels the tiniest sliver of hope, but soon finds himself questioning his new bride’s intentions. 

This novella is a roller coaster ride. This book had me loving the princess, then absolutely loathing her the next chapter. Aiden does such a good job of worldbuilding in this surreal post-apocalyptic world and packs a ton of story into less than 100 pages.  

Castle of Flesh is a fast paced and completely enthralling read. Highly worth reading! Let Aiden take you on an unflinching journey into a depraved world unlike anything you’ve read before. It’s disturbing. It’s beautiful. It will stay with you long after you finish the last page. 

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is spectacular. One of the most common criticisms I hear about extreme horror/splatterpunk is "There's no plot! It's just gore porn!". Messer completely flips that stereotype on its head. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. That's not to say there isn't gore to enjoy - there definitely is, and in an exquisitely creative fashion - but everything is tied within the narrative of the book in a way that makes sense.

The characters are well fleshed out and interesting to read. A trans male protagonist who is strong and has an unbreakable will. It's incredibly refreshing to read a dystopia/horror where you don't have to worry about the trans characters being misgendered or forcibly detransitioned. Take heed of the trigger warnings included in the book, but know that the author writes in full support with his trans community.

Messer is one of the best horror authors out there right now and this book is a shining example of that.

Thanks again to him for an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Ali O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Castle of Flesh by Aiden E. Messer
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Damn!!!!! What a story!!! I’m still picking my jaw up from the floor! This extreme horror story is so intense, graphic, torturous, and brutal!
Doug is a fighter and is head of the rebellion set up to fight King Leopold. Unfortunately things don’t go as planned for Doug. He trusted the wrong person and his life takes a horrific turn. He winds up in King Leopold’s castle and it is a castle you don’t want to be in!
This story is very well written and is a true roller coaster of emotions! It reminds me how horrible some humans can be!
The imagery is amazing throughout the story!! I pictured it all, good, bad and ugly!

I was lucky to get an arc of this amazing book! It’s a fast read and there isn’t a dull moment in this novella!
This is the 2nd book I’ve read from Aiden E. Messer and I’m excited to read more!

*It comes out December 20th and I highly recommend reading this one!!*

[DJJarvisReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Castle of Flesh by Aiden E Messer is a heck of a ride reading! I loved this book. It’s set in a dystopian/post apocalyptic world where there’s a tyrant of a king that uses people as human statues and furniture. ALIVE people, not dead people. I thought that the king was a very interesting character and the way Aiden described the scene was very well written. Not to mention that I was on edge the whole time reading. Hoping that everything would be okay, and there are several times where my jaw dropped for the MMC Douglas. I think that Aiden E Messer did a really really great job with this story. It was a very compelling read!

I definitely recommend this story to any reader who likes body horror and dystopian set stories. I personally think that this is my favorite book that I have read from Aiden E Messer. If you come across this book and you’re thinking about reading, I highly encourage you to do so!

[DA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dystopian horror full of body horror, psychological torment in the form of forced feminization of a trans man, torture and plenty of gore.
I wasn't expecting the title to be literal, but indeed the villain of the story has built himself a castle full of living furniture and decor. Well, not all living. Some may consider that a spoiler, but believe me the way Messer describes those furnishings and decor is beyond anything you could imagine.
I had a hard time believing in Beatrice, and still don't. I really just can't trust her!
One of the most poignant parts of this story, for me, is how the author was able to make me, a cis hetero woman, understand the psychological damage a transgender person can experience if they are forced to present as the gender they were assigned at birth. That is something anyone who is a trans ally really needs to understand.
Great fast paced and gory read I highly recommend!

[Teddy Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Messer's work is strong with intense graphic imagery, romance that makes the reader question characters' intentions, and an amazing grasp at visual storytelling. The descriptions of the settings is wonderfully written, setting a scene that is disturbing as it is visceral. The strength of the writing lies within the simple yet effective descriptions, making the reader do an uncomfortable little wiggle every time a new body part is described.
Overall, a great read for horror enthusiasts and I look forward to reading more!

[Kei · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review:

Set in a post-apocalyptic world ruled by a tyrannical leader. Doug, the leader of the rebellion, is captured ,now a prisoner in a castle filled with the pained moans of human statues and furniture.
After being unwilling wed to the Tyrants daughter, Beatrice, he is asked to help her kill her father. But what reason does he have to believe her. What if this is all just added humiliation? Left with no real choice, he agrees.

Castle of Flesh has the perfect amount of world building, gore and sex. This novella is a tour de force.

[Nelli Lakatos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aiden E. Messer never dissapoints me when it comes to dark tales! The descriptions and every brutal detail were flawless. I had the most wonderful time with this short but phenomenal and gripping read.
At the end, at first I didn't even realize it ended, it made me want so much more of this brilliant story!

I highly recommend checking out this unique book to all horror lovers!

Thank you so much Aiden for an ARC of your wonderful book! ♡

[Kay’s Ghost · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read for me because it deviated from what I usually consume. I very much enjoyed it, especially considering that I've been looking for books in the same vein as this.
I thought it was unique, and the setting was incredibly intriguing.
It was definitely dark, but since the story very much focused on the characters and their feelings on the situation, it never got overwhelming.

[Jerry Blaze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Castle of Flesh is an enthralling book that captivates you with a strong mix of post-apocalyptic and Gothic fiction. The thrilling aspects kept me on the edge of my seat, worrying, waiting, impatient and still patient flipping pages to see what would happen next.

Aiden has done a fantastic job at crafting an atmosphere of discomfort within the walls of the castle...and the soul.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aiden had my jaw D R O P P I N G not but two pages in. From there everything took off. I didn’t know who to trust, even if a “good” side was being shown to us readers for one person. This book was full of Aiden’s splatter and gore we’ve come to know and enjoy. Definitely give this a read!

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible read!

[Delilah Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very interesting the plot was good and the characters were written very well the pace of the book was also good it didn’t feel to slow or to rushed

[sugarnsass_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tyrant, a princess, a castle, guards, servants, rebels, and torture? Not to mention the decor😳 Leaping Lepers, I absolutely adored this read!!! The writing, plot, characters, setting, and tension were terrific! I cannot think of one thing I did not enjoy about this book. Sadistically wicked🖤