4.5 star read.

This book is dark, gritty, and such a one-sitting book. Gillespie nails the Southern Gothic vibe. The writing is sharp, the pacing is tight, and the characters are flawed in the best way. It’s a story where you know things won’t end well, but you can’t stop reading anyways.

If you like your reads heavy, haunting and a little biblical in tone, this one’s worth your time.

Brandon Gillespie has crafted something special with God's Gonna Cut You Down, a science fiction novel that doesn't shy away from difficult themes while delivering the world-building and character development that made Atom Bomb Baby so compelling. Don't worry if you haven't read the first book; this works perfectly as a standalone story.

What Works: Diego is an incredibly well-developed protagonist. At fourteen, he's dealing with depression, isolation, and being marked as an outsider on Serenity Orbital. Gillespie captures the authentic voice of a teen struggling with mental health in ways that feel real rather than preachy. The transformation Diego undergoes throughout the story is both believable and deeply satisfying.
The world-building continues to impress. Serenity Orbital feels lived-in and dangerous, with its different rings creating distinct environments that serve the story. The void creatures (growlers) are genuinely unsettling, think zombies in space, but with eerie human traits that make them far more disturbing.

Gillespie's pacing is excellent, especially considering much of the early story focuses on Diego alone. Just when things risk slowing down, new characters appear to shift the dynamic. The author knows exactly when to reveal information and when to hold back.

Content Notes: The author includes a thoughtful letter acknowledging this book's exploration of depression and isolation. There's discussion of mental health struggles, some violence involving the creatures, and themes of abandonment. It's handled with care and ultimately offers hope, but sensitive readers should be aware.

Who Should Read This: Perfect for YA readers (14+) who enjoy character-driven sci-fi, especially those who feel like outsiders or are navigating mental health challenges. Adult readers who appreciate thoughtful exploration of difficult themes will also find value here. If you enjoyed Pierce Brown's Red Rising or Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games, this should be on your list.

Final Thoughts: God's Gonna Cut You Down proves that YA science fiction can tackle serious subjects without sacrificing hope or adventure. Gillespie has created a story that will resonate with young adults facing similar struggles while entertaining readers who simply want quality sci-fi. The emotional authenticity combined with solid world-building makes this a standout in the YA genre.

Highly recommended for teens, parents, educators, and anyone who believes science fiction can be both entertaining and emotionally meaningful.