Queer and trans kids in a dystopian world fighting an oppressive religious fundamentalist group dead set on bringing about the end of times. I loved this dark, gritty story of a trans teenage boy (err biblically accurate bioweapon) questioning his faith and where he belongs in the world while simultaneously working to overthrow the extremely evil people who was raised by. At times he's so alone in this cruel world that I found myself so deeply emotionally traumatized for him.

Like most queer stories Hell Followed with Us has a strong found family element. I loved the ragtag group of kids from the Acheson LGBTQ+ Center; they lean on each other and fight so hard for each other in their dystopian society. Benji finally gets to be in a place where his transness isn't "wrong" and it's a heartwarming bit of love in an otherwise hateful world. Every bit of representation in this is so powerful. Andrew Joseph White is a powerhouse when it comes to terrifyingly realistic dystopian setting, and I will definitely be reading more of his works in the coming future

Read this if you like biblically accurate weapons of mass destruction, dark and gritty dystopians, found family, queer, trans, and neurodivergent representation, and taking a stand against fundamentalist sects. 

An animated adaption is in the works, and I’m seated. The theater employees are scared and asking me to leave because it’s ‘not adapted yet’ but I’m simply too seated 💀