Today's Read Contributor Our New Gods, Thomas Vowles’ debut novel, is an ambitious and emotionally charged psychological thriller that explores the complex web of relationships, desire, and identity within Melbourne’s queer community. Released on June 27, 2025, the novel has already garnered attention for its gripping narrative, vivid characters, and deep dive into modern queer life. With themes of obsession, self-doubt, and emotional manipulation, Our New Gods is a novel that challenges its readers to confront the darker side of love and longing.
Plot Overview: Desire, Obsession, and the Search for Identity
Ash, the novel’s protagonist, is a young gay man struggling to find his place in the world. His life becomes increasingly complicated when he meets James, a charismatic and unpredictable figure who draws Ash deeper into his orbit. As Ash’s feelings for James intensify, he becomes obsessed with James’s new boyfriend, Raf, a man whose enigmatic personality only adds to the tension.
Vowles crafts a tense narrative where the boundaries between love, lust, and obsession become blurred. Ash’s emotional unraveling is portrayed with raw intensity, making readers question what is real and what is merely a product of his desires. The novel delves into the ways in which our desires shape who we are, often in ways that can be damaging or self-destructive.
A Cinematic Experience: The Influence of Screenwriting
Having a background in screenwriting, Vowles brings a cinematic quality to Our New Gods, turning Melbourne’s urban landscape into a character of its own. The vivid descriptions of dark alleyways, gritty bars, and intimate settings add layers to the novel’s atmosphere. This cinematic quality is not just about setting the scene, but also about pacing, as each chapter builds suspense and keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The saunas, bars, and nightclubs that form the backdrop of Ash’s journey are carefully chosen to evoke both the excitement and the danger of his quest for self-discovery. These settings mirror the emotional turbulence Ash experiences as he grapples with his growing fixation on James and Raf, making the city feel as unstable as his mind.
Themes of Desire and Queer Identity
At its core, Our New Gods is an exploration of queer identity and the complexities of desire. Vowles tackles the emotional intricacies of modern queer relationships, showing how desire can sometimes become entangled with power dynamics, jealousy, and control. Ash’s relationship with James and Raf reflects the struggles faced by many queer individuals who navigate love and lust in a society that is still coming to terms with sexual identity.
The novel also grapples with themes of self-worth and validation, as Ash’s need for approval and acceptance drives him into increasingly dangerous territory. Through Ash’s journey, Vowles explores the ways in which modern queer relationships can often be shaped by insecurities and the need for affirmation.
Critical Reception and Comparisons
Since its release, Our New Gods has received widespread acclaim for its psychological depth and emotional intensity. Critics have praised Vowles for his ability to portray complex emotions with honesty and nuance. Some have compared the novel to the works of Patricia Highsmith and Donna Tartt, noting its dark, psychological edge and unreliable narrators.
For readers who enjoy contemporary queer thrillers, Our New Gods is a must-read. Vowles’ exploration of obsession and identity makes it a standout in the genre, offering a gripping, thought-provoking narrative that will linger long after the final page.
For those intrigued by the complexities of modern queer relationships and the intricacies of desire, Our New Gods offers a thrilling yet hauntingly beautiful read. Its portrayal of emotional complexity and psychological depth makes it a novel worth picking up, especially for those who appreciate a deeper, more unsettling exploration of human desire.
