Carrie Herthwell

“DON’T LET CHACHA DIE by Carrie Herthwell is a compelling dystopian novel that explores themes of identity, conformity, and resistance. Set in the oppressive regime of the God-King, the story follows Chacha, a teenager grappling with their illegal ‘bent’ gender identity in a society where deviation is punishable by death. Herthwell masterfully portrays Chacha’s internal struggle and the psychological torment of forced conformity, while highlighting the transformative power of genuine human connection through Chacha’s relationship with Setha. The novel’s rich world-building and well-developed characters immerse readers in a narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.”