Read “Hell Followed With Us”!
Prepare to die. His kingdom is near. Sixteen-year-old trans boy Benji is on the run from the cult that raised him-the fundamentalist sect that unleashed Armageddon and decimated the world's population.
Desperately, he searches for a place where the cult can't get their hands on him, or more importantly, on the bioweapon they infected him with. But when cornered by monsters born from the destruction, Benji is rescued by a group of teens from the local Acheson LGBTQ+ Center, affectionately known as the ALC. The ALC's leader, Nick, is gorgeous, autistic, and a deadly shot, and he knows Benji's darkest secret: the cult's bioweapon is mutating him into a monster deadly enough to wipe humanity from the earth once and for all. Still, Nick offers Benji shelter among his ragtag group of queer teens, as long as Benji can control the monster and use its power to defend the ALC. Eager to belong, Benji accepts Nick's terms... until he discovers the ALC's mysterious leader has a hidden agenda, and more than a few secrets of his own. A furious, queer debut novel about embracing the monster within and unleashing its power against your oppressors.
#transbooks #queerbookrecs #bookrecommendations #queerreaders #lemon8bookclub
Okay, bookish friends, if you're looking for a read that will genuinely stick with you, let's talk more about 'Hell Followed With Us.' Beyond the gripping premise, what truly makes this book unforgettable is its raw, unflinching exploration of identity and survival in a world gone to hell. First off, the world-building is just *chef's kiss*. Imagine a post-apocalyptic environment where nature has started to reclaim abandoned city streets, making every journey a survival mission. The OCR description of the overgrown buildings and the need for supplies like rifles and medical gauze paints such a vivid picture of the harsh reality Benji navigates. It’s not just a backdrop; it’s a character in itself, constantly threatening and challenging our protagonist. But let's get into the heart of it: Benji's journey. As a trans boy on the run from a fundamentalist cult that raised him, his struggle is deeply personal and incredibly powerful. The cult's bioweapon isn't just a plot device; it's a metaphor for the internalized trauma and hatred that marginalized individuals often face. Watching Benji grapple with this 'monster within' and learn to harness its power against his oppressors is nothing short of revolutionary. This isn't just a story about fighting external enemies; it’s about finding strength in your authentic self, even when society (or a cult!) tells you you’re something monstrous. Then there's the incredible found family at the ALC. This group of queer teens, led by the enigmatic Nick, offers Benji a sanctuary, but not without its own complexities. The dynamic between Benji and Nick, hinted at by the OCR's romantic yet dangerous silhouette, adds another layer of tension and emotion. It's a relationship forged in the fires of apocalypse, full of vulnerability and tough choices. The themes of religious fanaticism clashing with queer resilience are powerfully depicted, especially when you consider the imagery of a 'Holy Bible' alongside a revolver – a stark representation of the conflict at play. The author doesn't shy away from the dark, but there's an undeniable glimmer of hope and fierce joy in the characters' defiance. The book's cover, with its striking winged figure, perfectly encapsulates this blend of vulnerability and nascent power. It's a visual promise of the profound transformation Benji undergoes. If you're seeking a book that combines elements of horror, thrilling action, and profound queer themes, 'Hell Followed With Us' delivers. It’s a story that will make you think, feel, and cheer for characters who dare to be themselves in the face of utter destruction. Seriously, if you're into unique narratives and powerful character arcs, you absolutely need to pick this one up!
