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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I wish there was a bit more development for some of the other characters, but I dug this a lot!
Want to preface that whatever critiques I have with the book does not take away from the fact that I still enjoyed it, and I think its presence in the YA genre is important! I’m really glad to see more queer and trans rep in books, and I hope this one in particular reaches the kids that need it.
I think my overarching issue with the book was that I never felt very situated in the world or the characters. On the surface it seemed like I was getting a lot, but none of it made any sort of impression and generally felt a bit lacklustre. The plot wasn’t super compelling, and by that I mean that nothing really happened until the last section. There were quite a few repeat descriptions (snarling, howling, throat bobbing) but that’s kind of a nonissue. Still happy for the autistic rep
I think my overarching issue with the book was that I never felt very situated in the world or the characters. On the surface it seemed like I was getting a lot, but none of it made any sort of impression and generally felt a bit lacklustre. The plot wasn’t super compelling, and by that I mean that nothing really happened until the last section. There were quite a few repeat descriptions (snarling, howling, throat bobbing) but that’s kind of a nonissue. Still happy for the autistic rep
better in theory than in practice - but still pretty damn good.
From the Kirkus review:
In the aftermath of a plague, a furious transgender boy seeks to end the movement that plans to wield him for their genocide in the name of salvation.
When the book opens, Benji is escaping his extremist Christian group and lands right in the crosshairs of some members of a resistance group who have been hunkered down in an old LGBTQ+ community center. There is action immediately from page one. Death, fights, more death and extreme violence. While Benji tries to make a home with this new group, he is also counting down until his body is taken over by Seraph, a mutation of the virus known as Flood. This virus seems to be causing Benji to rot from the inside out, or mutate from human into this Seraph creature, which comes with its own descriptions of viscera and gore. Add to that the roaming Graces who have been afflicted by the Flood (that ended the world as we know it) and you have humanoid creatures that are truly the stuff of nightmares. Gaping mouths that open from ribs, limbs pointing every which direction, and skin stretched over displaced bones. With zombies and every variation thereof that usually populate the well-trod apocalypse trope, the Graces are a refreshing take on post-apocalypse monsters.
Within all the blood, guts, and humanoid monstrosities is a story about "good" versus "evil," found family, and fighting for acceptance as who you are.
There is trans, queer, and neurodivergent representation.
As a cisgender woman, I found the protagonist's inner dialogue about being trans, and being accepted as trans, to be enlightening. There is also a character using xe/xem /xyr pronouns, which I had never heard of, but once you're used to it the new pronouns easily roll off the tongue. That shows, for me, that it just takes some understanding and respect for the person to use the appropriate pronouns.
The character Benji felt like a real teen, but at the same time wasn't too naive.
I'm in my 40s, so it is getting harder to relate to teens in a YA novel, but Benji's actions made sense while also being relatable.
I loved the action, pacing, characters, and plot, but my main struggle was with the details about the virus Flood. I wasn't sure how it happened and how the mutation Seraph was different than the initial virus... and why it only worked on Benji (as there were some failed "experiments" before him). I was left with a lot of questions in that respect, but this may be a me problem. I am not sure if it wasn't explicit enough or it was a little too complex for me to remember.
Other than that, Hell Followed With Us is an amazing book for readers looking for a fresh take on the post-apocalypse / dystopian story with consistent action, violence, gore, and strong LGBTQ+ representation.
Definitely skip this one if you scare easily or are averse to violence and gore.
In the aftermath of a plague, a furious transgender boy seeks to end the movement that plans to wield him for their genocide in the name of salvation.
When the book opens, Benji is escaping his extremist Christian group and lands right in the crosshairs of some members of a resistance group who have been hunkered down in an old LGBTQ+ community center. There is action immediately from page one. Death, fights, more death and extreme violence. While Benji tries to make a home with this new group, he is also counting down until his body is taken over by Seraph, a mutation of the virus known as Flood. This virus seems to be causing Benji to rot from the inside out, or mutate from human into this Seraph creature, which comes with its own descriptions of viscera and gore. Add to that the roaming Graces who have been afflicted by the Flood (that ended the world as we know it) and you have humanoid creatures that are truly the stuff of nightmares. Gaping mouths that open from ribs, limbs pointing every which direction, and skin stretched over displaced bones. With zombies and every variation thereof that usually populate the well-trod apocalypse trope, the Graces are a refreshing take on post-apocalypse monsters.
Within all the blood, guts, and humanoid monstrosities is a story about "good" versus "evil," found family, and fighting for acceptance as who you are.
There is trans, queer, and neurodivergent representation.
As a cisgender woman, I found the protagonist's inner dialogue about being trans, and being accepted as trans, to be enlightening. There is also a character using xe/xem /xyr pronouns, which I had never heard of, but once you're used to it the new pronouns easily roll off the tongue. That shows, for me, that it just takes some understanding and respect for the person to use the appropriate pronouns.
The character Benji felt like a real teen, but at the same time wasn't too naive.
I'm in my 40s, so it is getting harder to relate to teens in a YA novel, but Benji's actions made sense while also being relatable.
I loved the action, pacing, characters, and plot, but my main struggle was with the details about the virus Flood. I wasn't sure how it happened and how the mutation Seraph was different than the initial virus... and why it only worked on Benji (as there were some failed "experiments" before him). I was left with a lot of questions in that respect, but this may be a me problem. I am not sure if it wasn't explicit enough or it was a little too complex for me to remember.
Other than that, Hell Followed With Us is an amazing book for readers looking for a fresh take on the post-apocalypse / dystopian story with consistent action, violence, gore, and strong LGBTQ+ representation.
Definitely skip this one if you scare easily or are averse to violence and gore.
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
I am struck the most by White’s world-building. While the post-apocalyptic genre has seen an influx of content in recent years, I cannot think of a single media piece that has monsters similar to the Graces/Seraph. There was an interesting interplay between finding the creatures beautiful and holy, while also being terrifying and grotesque. I am not sure if White grew up religious, if he didn’t he had to do a lot of research for this book which I appreciate.
All of White’s characters felt authentic and well thought out. I think this was partly due to White’s own identity being explored in the characters.
My only gripe with the book is pieces of dialogue (especially in the beginning) felt heavy handed and borderline edgy. The book slaps you in the face with the one side being clearly good and the other being unabashedly evil. Sometimes the angels felt like caricatures consistently choosing the worst possible things to say in every moment. Theo is the only character who consistently seems trapped between the two before choosing the angels. For me, this made him the most interesting character to see develop. I would have liked to see a similar depth in some of the other characters followed by less overt dialogue. I will say because of this direction the ending was extremely satisfying.
All of White’s characters felt authentic and well thought out. I think this was partly due to White’s own identity being explored in the characters.
My only gripe with the book is pieces of dialogue (especially in the beginning) felt heavy handed and borderline edgy. The book slaps you in the face with the one side being clearly good and the other being unabashedly evil. Sometimes the angels felt like caricatures consistently choosing the worst possible things to say in every moment.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My first AJW novel and one that had me crying around every corner. Such a good book, soul shattering in a way that helps you rebuild yourself, maybe with a few more eyes and sharper teeth than the world thinks you should have, but who are they to tell us what we should do anyways?
queer religious horror with trans rage and found family?? yes please
i love benji, nick and all of their friends so much
i love benji, nick and all of their friends so much
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I would give this book 10 fricking stars if I could. Emotional, painful, hopeful, gory, beautiful.
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Judgement Day has passed, but a religious group called The Angels still has big plans for the future. A vicious illness called The Flood has killed and mangled many, leaving few survivors. Follow a young transgender boy named Benji as he waits for the infection to take him, and tries to be good before he goes.
For being a YA book, this still had a good amount of horror and gore. The descriptions were so creepy and visceral. Benji’s POV chapters really put the reader into the headspace of someone faced with such a fate.
While I did wish there was a little more backstory on the world and characters, I did appreciate the society established within this story. It felt grounded, while still being new and different.
Overall, I thought this book had some good concepts and loved how the theme of identity was apparent throughout. This would be a great read for anyone who is new to the horror genre.
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No