Book Review | Hell Followed with Us

Two years ago, a doomsday cult released a mutating virus called the Flood onto the world. After growing up as one of their experiments, Benji finally escapes them and finds refuge with a small resistance group of queer teens. However, he must learn how to control the virus inside of him before he destroys what's left of humanity.

Hell Followed with Us by Andrew Joseph White is a queer post-apocalyptic horror YA that packs a bite. It doesn't shy away from blood and gore and pays homage to games like Resident Evil and The Evil Within, so if you love body horror and grotesque monsters, you're in for a treat.

This story is fast-paced and throws you into the action right from the start. However, as a result, the relationships tend to feel rushed. Characters trust each other and divulge heavily personal information unrealistically quickly, which is something I would expect people to be weary of given the brutal setting.

Also, I found the worldbuilding intriguing and I would've loved to have seen it fleshed out more! For instance, there isn't really an explanation for how the virus triggers the transformation process, what dictates the virus’ incubation time, and what causes the different mutation variations (Graces, Seraphs, Abominations, etc.).

Overall, Hell Followed with Us is a messy but delightfully fierce book about found family, religious trauma, and unleashing your inner monster.

Thank you, NetGalley and Peachtree Teen, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book Details:

Publication Date : June 7, 2022

Publisher : Peachtree Teen

ISBN : 1682633241

Pages : 412

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