A review by xxivo
Hell Followed with Us by Andrew Joseph White
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This book was totally awesome in the most gruesome ways.
I have to start with the fact that I love the trans rep in this book. Benji finding a group of queers where he can be himself is a trope I love seeing in books. I simply can never get enough of that feeling a character has when they finally feel a bit more safe. Totally safe they weren't though, queer groups definitely have infighting and this place just the same, so I loved to see that reflected in the book too.
Talking about rep, the Autism rep hit me deep. The way Nick behaves is something I relate to sooo much. And then when we got around his few POV chapters I bonded with him so much more by seeing his internal thoughts too. There was none of this stereotype "Autism is a superpower" thing that I absolutely hate, but it was rep that felt raw and showed the true aspects of having ASD. But then later on when Benji talks more to Nick about having Autism, gosh I totally cried.
I am not much of a horror reader, and really only have read a few books in this genre but I might really have to reconsider liking it as I previously thought I did not much. I loved how full of gore this book was, and I really loved all the dark atmospheres and themes. I really felt that this was extremely well done and I enjoyed every second of it.
Concluding this was a book I would recommend to all people who love horror and trans books.
I have to start with the fact that I love the trans rep in this book. Benji finding a group of queers where he can be himself is a trope I love seeing in books. I simply can never get enough of that feeling a character has when they finally feel a bit more safe. Totally safe they weren't though, queer groups definitely have infighting and this place just the same, so I loved to see that reflected in the book too.
Talking about rep, the Autism rep hit me deep. The way Nick behaves is something I relate to sooo much. And then when we got around his few POV chapters I bonded with him so much more by seeing his internal thoughts too. There was none of this stereotype "Autism is a superpower" thing that I absolutely hate, but it was rep that felt raw and showed the true aspects of having ASD. But then later on when Benji talks more to Nick about having Autism, gosh I totally cried.
I am not much of a horror reader, and really only have read a few books in this genre but I might really have to reconsider liking it as I previously thought I did not much. I loved how full of gore this book was, and I really loved all the dark atmospheres and themes. I really felt that this was extremely well done and I enjoyed every second of it.
Concluding this was a book I would recommend to all people who love horror and trans books.