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The Devil May Care
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26"If loving Elysian is a sin, then I was damned when the Book of Life was written."
31 AD. Roman-occupied Judea.
A healer who never asked to be the Son of God.
A Greek stonemason who would burn Rome to the ground for him.
A love story history tried very hard to erase.
Yeshua never wanted to be the Son of God. That title belongs to his father, his tormentor, the man who built a messiah from prophecy and claimed divine visions. But Yoseph’s lies are becoming heresy. And heresy always has a way of finding Rome.
Yeshua’s only truth is Elysian, a Greek stonemason with calloused hands and a devastating smile who loves Yeshua for the man he is, not the Savior the world wants him to be. Together they have a escape the lie. Love openly. Live freely. A garden in Greece where no one knows the Son of God’s name.
Yoseph is watching. Rome is listening. The wolves are circling. But together they will go all the way to the garden.
This book contains themes of trauma, physical and mental abuse, graphic violence, and explicit MM content. Please take these into account before reading.
31 AD. Roman-occupied Judea.
A healer who never asked to be the Son of God.
A Greek stonemason who would burn Rome to the ground for him.
A love story history tried very hard to erase.
Yeshua never wanted to be the Son of God. That title belongs to his father, his tormentor, the man who built a messiah from prophecy and claimed divine visions. But Yoseph’s lies are becoming heresy. And heresy always has a way of finding Rome.
Yeshua’s only truth is Elysian, a Greek stonemason with calloused hands and a devastating smile who loves Yeshua for the man he is, not the Savior the world wants him to be. Together they have a escape the lie. Love openly. Live freely. A garden in Greece where no one knows the Son of God’s name.
Yoseph is watching. Rome is listening. The wolves are circling. But together they will go all the way to the garden.
This book contains themes of trauma, physical and mental abuse, graphic violence, and explicit MM content. Please take these into account before reading.
809 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Elian Rowe
1 book2 followersElian Rowe is an unapologetically queer storyteller dedicated to taking the stories you grew up with and asking what the historians might have gotten wrong or covered up. Probably a lot.
Elian writes fueled by espresso, spite, and far too many open tabs with a healthy dose of nonbinary-feminine rage. When they’re not dismantling the patriarchy and interrogating myths, they can be found lost in a good sci-fi or fantasy book, burrito’d in a cozy blanket with three cats in their lap.
History textbooks miss out on a lot. And they’re determined to find the truth.
Welcome to the Gospel According to Elian.
Elian writes fueled by espresso, spite, and far too many open tabs with a healthy dose of nonbinary-feminine rage. When they’re not dismantling the patriarchy and interrogating myths, they can be found lost in a good sci-fi or fantasy book, burrito’d in a cozy blanket with three cats in their lap.
History textbooks miss out on a lot. And they’re determined to find the truth.
Welcome to the Gospel According to Elian.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 23, 2026
This book is utterly beautiful and unputdownable. It healed something that I didn’t even know still needed healing. I can’t describe the thing, I just know that whenever I think about Yeshi and Lys, the warmth of them together envelopes me. Also I love Miryam. She is an absolute badass.
I love reinterpretations of classic myths, whether it’s Arthurian legends or the myth of Jesus. I have read a number of reinterpretations of the Jesus myth, but I actually think this one was the cleverest reinterpretation and is my new favourite.
It’s a beautifully written love story and the dynamics between the characters are very convincing. The sex scenes are super hot and delicious. And the comedy bits are very good too.
All the characters are beautifully drawn and the way the story weaves in and out of the gospel accounts is very clever and satisfying. I love all the little details of food, herbs, carving, and healing. I may have spotted one botanical error — are there any brambles in Palestine? But given that all the other plant lore was spot on, maybe there were.
The story of Marcus and Tiberius was a little bit ‘deus ex machina’ but it also chimes in with the gospel story.
Also the dog is a Very Good Dog. Awww.
Pagans, polytheists, atheists, people who have deconstructed *all* the way, and LGBTQ+ people will adore this book. Fundamentalists will totally lose their minds.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and BookFunnel for the ARC. This review is my actual reaction to the book. It was awesome.
I love reinterpretations of classic myths, whether it’s Arthurian legends or the myth of Jesus. I have read a number of reinterpretations of the Jesus myth, but I actually think this one was the cleverest reinterpretation and is my new favourite.
It’s a beautifully written love story and the dynamics between the characters are very convincing. The sex scenes are super hot and delicious. And the comedy bits are very good too.
All the characters are beautifully drawn and the way the story weaves in and out of the gospel accounts is very clever and satisfying. I love all the little details of food, herbs, carving, and healing. I may have spotted one botanical error — are there any brambles in Palestine? But given that all the other plant lore was spot on, maybe there were.
The story of Marcus and Tiberius was a little bit ‘deus ex machina’ but it also chimes in with the gospel story.
Also the dog is a Very Good Dog. Awww.
Pagans, polytheists, atheists, people who have deconstructed *all* the way, and LGBTQ+ people will adore this book. Fundamentalists will totally lose their minds.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and BookFunnel for the ARC. This review is my actual reaction to the book. It was awesome.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is unapologetically a smutty gay Jesus retelling. Did you frown a little at that? Or a lot? Keep walking, this book is not for you!
Still here? Good, then woo, baby, are you in for a ride. There is no slow burn here. The spice is spicing from ready, set, go. And it is... well, as the author advises, hydrate my pretties. But it is never vulgar. (Except when Elysian wants it to be and we are all perfectly happy with that).
This book is not only spice. It is the most faithful Jesus retelling I have ever read, and I have a degree in the sociology of religion so that is saying a lot. Rowe hits the major points of Jesus’s story and the prophecies in the New Testament. The use of language, Greek, Latin, Aramaic, Hebrew, are timely placed and well done from what I can tell. I only know prayer Hebrew, so can only speak to a bit of its accuracy. The religious representation of the Jewish traditions felt very authentic.
Warning, though, this book is not all easy. The trauma hits just as hard as the spice and she leaves no details out. If you know the bible, expect high level details with the violence. I am still trying to not cry anymore.
Trauma and spice are balanced well with bouts of humor. Friends teasing each other, lovers with stories and inside jokes, a few “How straight are you really?” moments (Shimon, I’m looking at you), and a very frustrating unrevealed story about snakes keeps you laughing even when it feels very, very inappropriate.
At the end of the day this is a love story. The writing of that love, not just between Yeshua and Elysian, but between a mother and son, and between friends, is potent. All of the characters, even the dog (never harmed), have so much personality, you feel like you know them. You are left hoping, yearning, despairing, questioning the whole way through even though you think you know how the story goes. He lives, right? Or lives again? Right? Right??
The only down side is the length. Every single word is needed. Every single word should be there, but it is a lot to take in. The love, the heartache, the bitterness, the hope. You may need to take a break, but you won’t want to. I would read it again. I will read it again. I’m definitely getting the dead tree trophy version when it comes out.
(For the legal people in the back, I was given a free, advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.)
Still here? Good, then woo, baby, are you in for a ride. There is no slow burn here. The spice is spicing from ready, set, go. And it is... well, as the author advises, hydrate my pretties. But it is never vulgar. (Except when Elysian wants it to be and we are all perfectly happy with that).
This book is not only spice. It is the most faithful Jesus retelling I have ever read, and I have a degree in the sociology of religion so that is saying a lot. Rowe hits the major points of Jesus’s story and the prophecies in the New Testament. The use of language, Greek, Latin, Aramaic, Hebrew, are timely placed and well done from what I can tell. I only know prayer Hebrew, so can only speak to a bit of its accuracy. The religious representation of the Jewish traditions felt very authentic.
Warning, though, this book is not all easy. The trauma hits just as hard as the spice and she leaves no details out. If you know the bible, expect high level details with the violence. I am still trying to not cry anymore.
Trauma and spice are balanced well with bouts of humor. Friends teasing each other, lovers with stories and inside jokes, a few “How straight are you really?” moments (Shimon, I’m looking at you), and a very frustrating unrevealed story about snakes keeps you laughing even when it feels very, very inappropriate.
At the end of the day this is a love story. The writing of that love, not just between Yeshua and Elysian, but between a mother and son, and between friends, is potent. All of the characters, even the dog (never harmed), have so much personality, you feel like you know them. You are left hoping, yearning, despairing, questioning the whole way through even though you think you know how the story goes. He lives, right? Or lives again? Right? Right??
The only down side is the length. Every single word is needed. Every single word should be there, but it is a lot to take in. The love, the heartache, the bitterness, the hope. You may need to take a break, but you won’t want to. I would read it again. I will read it again. I’m definitely getting the dead tree trophy version when it comes out.
(For the legal people in the back, I was given a free, advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
I've only been sobbing for the last hour of my life. Okay so look, this book is pretty intense. I mean we're talking about a gay retelling of the story of Jesus. Did I lose you? Well that's fine by me and if you're still here, then you are my people.
Not once in this entire read did I think oh this feels wrong, not one single time. In fact through most of the story I was sitting here with a huge smile on my face because it was just so beautiful. I'm talking healing. Yeshua brought so much love into the book. His suffering tugged at my heart and the way in which I wanted to protect this man. This is not the first time that I sat thinking about Jesus and thought how cruel. How cruel to put one man through so much? What father allows for this level of torment?
This book taking Yoseph and refusing to blanket his crimes was validating. Whether he was meant to represent Joseph or the idea of a cruel and vindictive God; mission accomplished. A god who turns his back and casts judgment on his children is never a god I want to follow.
And then by the grace of the gods we are given Elysian and be still my heart. I'm normally one to seek out a slow burn but how grateful I am for the full force in which we get to witness the love of Elysian. He is so dear to me, a representative of the devil through the eyes of man and how incredible to be on the side of knowing how very wrong they all are. Love one another, is there a more important stance? Is there anything more powerful than love? How can love ever be considered a sin? The love in this book radiates off the pages.
It was a rollercoaster of a ride that had me giggling in one moment and sobbing in the next. Come with an open heart, this may just heal something that religion broke in you. And in the words of Myriam "Love like you don't need to be forgiven."
Not once in this entire read did I think oh this feels wrong, not one single time. In fact through most of the story I was sitting here with a huge smile on my face because it was just so beautiful. I'm talking healing. Yeshua brought so much love into the book. His suffering tugged at my heart and the way in which I wanted to protect this man. This is not the first time that I sat thinking about Jesus and thought how cruel. How cruel to put one man through so much? What father allows for this level of torment?
This book taking Yoseph and refusing to blanket his crimes was validating. Whether he was meant to represent Joseph or the idea of a cruel and vindictive God; mission accomplished. A god who turns his back and casts judgment on his children is never a god I want to follow.
And then by the grace of the gods we are given Elysian and be still my heart. I'm normally one to seek out a slow burn but how grateful I am for the full force in which we get to witness the love of Elysian. He is so dear to me, a representative of the devil through the eyes of man and how incredible to be on the side of knowing how very wrong they all are. Love one another, is there a more important stance? Is there anything more powerful than love? How can love ever be considered a sin? The love in this book radiates off the pages.
It was a rollercoaster of a ride that had me giggling in one moment and sobbing in the next. Come with an open heart, this may just heal something that religion broke in you. And in the words of Myriam "Love like you don't need to be forgiven."
Review of advance copy received from Author
Firstly, thank you so much to Elian for the ARC opportunity! This is definitely a 6 star read for me.
As someone who grew up in the church and has major trauma regarding that, when I first heard about this book it was an absolute yes from me. A complete re-telling of the Bible, but make it gay? Sign me up.
Rowe was able to create one of the most unique and incredible stories with such a controversial topic that it had me giggling and kicking my feet throughout the story. You can absolutely see throughout the book how much love, research, and dedication was put not only into the writing, but the story building, the characters, and just every aspect of this book- even down to the glossary at the end. Yeshua and Elysian will forever be in my heart and honestly, I'd be religious if these two were the ones leading it.
The writing itself was so well done with excellent pacing and fluidity that was beautifully crafted. It is a chonker of a book, but it is so worth every single page and will leave you wanting more once you're finished. I am so, so excited for the possibility of a sequel or honestly, I am just so excited to read more from this author. An absolutely incredible piece of literature that you do not want to miss.
As someone who grew up in the church and has major trauma regarding that, when I first heard about this book it was an absolute yes from me. A complete re-telling of the Bible, but make it gay? Sign me up.
Rowe was able to create one of the most unique and incredible stories with such a controversial topic that it had me giggling and kicking my feet throughout the story. You can absolutely see throughout the book how much love, research, and dedication was put not only into the writing, but the story building, the characters, and just every aspect of this book- even down to the glossary at the end. Yeshua and Elysian will forever be in my heart and honestly, I'd be religious if these two were the ones leading it.
The writing itself was so well done with excellent pacing and fluidity that was beautifully crafted. It is a chonker of a book, but it is so worth every single page and will leave you wanting more once you're finished. I am so, so excited for the possibility of a sequel or honestly, I am just so excited to read more from this author. An absolutely incredible piece of literature that you do not want to miss.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book may have entirely ruined me in the best possible way. Every miracle explained. Every prophecy uncovered. Each individual trial had an explanation. Yeshua had so much growth, and so much LOVE that it was felt as a reader. Elysian had such passion and love for Yeshi. And his desire to protect him was only hindered by his promises. Ima is a Saint. And Yoseph….. Yoseph will forever be known as the abusive dickwad to me. I cannot wait to discuss with other readers what happens in this book, but most especially the final chapters. There is so much. This book made me cry, and that is such an incredibly rare thing for me to do. I will absolutely read this again. The spice was spicing. The banter was bantering. We all know how this story traditionally goes, and I just couldn’t help but keep turning the pages to this fantastic retelling.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ARC reading and this is my honest review….
Whew! Religion isn’t usually my thing. I don’t lean toward one or the other. In my opinion, this started off kinda slow but once the action kicked in….i was HOOKED!!! The details, the action, the smut was all amazing! If you ever wanted Jesus to be relatable, you need to read this!
Whew! Religion isn’t usually my thing. I don’t lean toward one or the other. In my opinion, this started off kinda slow but once the action kicked in….i was HOOKED!!! The details, the action, the smut was all amazing! If you ever wanted Jesus to be relatable, you need to read this!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews