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Coming Out at the End of the World
Have you ever had a secret so big you’d rather the world just ended than having to tell anyone?
Alex has one. Then the world actually ended!
When his city is overrun by the undying (reanimated, bloodthirsty corpses) Alex realises that simply surviving the apocalypse is not enough. To truly live, he must finally come out to his tough and distant big brother, Brody, before it’s too late.
But it’s not exactly the kind of thing you bring up while dodging death, fighting your way through hordes with a huge, living-dead beast on your trail. Then Alex glimpses a boy with a beautiful smile out there, all alone in a world full of monsters and he knows…If he stays silent, he’ll be no better than the walking dead.
But what if Alex speaks up and loses the only family he has left?
The world may be over. But Alex’s story is just beginning.
Alex has one. Then the world actually ended!
When his city is overrun by the undying (reanimated, bloodthirsty corpses) Alex realises that simply surviving the apocalypse is not enough. To truly live, he must finally come out to his tough and distant big brother, Brody, before it’s too late.
But it’s not exactly the kind of thing you bring up while dodging death, fighting your way through hordes with a huge, living-dead beast on your trail. Then Alex glimpses a boy with a beautiful smile out there, all alone in a world full of monsters and he knows…If he stays silent, he’ll be no better than the walking dead.
But what if Alex speaks up and loses the only family he has left?
The world may be over. But Alex’s story is just beginning.
- GenresQueerYoung Adult
168 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2026
About the author
Ben Ryan
2 books7 followersBen Ryan is an Australian writer and filmmaker who tells genre-bending stories for young readers about the monsters we fight and the ones we carry with us. He was a finalist in the American Fiction Awards and received an honourable mention at the Eric Hoffer Book Prize.
As a screenwriter, Ben has been supported by Screen Australia and Screen Queensland. His latest film project is now in development with Magpie Pictures.
Ben’s short film The War, which he wrote, directed and produced, received an Honourable Mention at the International Film Awards Berlin. His scripts have featured on Coverfly’s Red List and placed in the Other Worlds Film Festival (Austin, TX), the Page Turner Screenplay Awards and the Emerging Screenwriters Competition.
Ben loves tropical islands, urban jungles and Dutch canals. He now lives on Australia’s Gold Coast, which he describes as the perfect mix of all three.
As a screenwriter, Ben has been supported by Screen Australia and Screen Queensland. His latest film project is now in development with Magpie Pictures.
Ben’s short film The War, which he wrote, directed and produced, received an Honourable Mention at the International Film Awards Berlin. His scripts have featured on Coverfly’s Red List and placed in the Other Worlds Film Festival (Austin, TX), the Page Turner Screenplay Awards and the Emerging Screenwriters Competition.
Ben loves tropical islands, urban jungles and Dutch canals. He now lives on Australia’s Gold Coast, which he describes as the perfect mix of all three.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 4, 2026
Coming Out at the End of the World by Ben Ryan is an exceptionally gripping and moving book that hooks you right from the very first page. The blend of a compelling, apocalyptic backdrop with a raw, deeply emotional journey toward self-discovery and identity makes this story truly unique and unforgettable.
Ben Ryan’s writing style is phenomenal, striking a perfect balance between suspense, vulnerability, and a much-needed sense of hope. The characters are so richly drawn and authentic that you can't help but become completely invested in their journey.
This is the kind of book you devour in one sitting, yet its powerful impact stays with you long after turning the final page. Highly recommended for anyone looking for fun read, immersive read with real heart.
Ben Ryan’s writing style is phenomenal, striking a perfect balance between suspense, vulnerability, and a much-needed sense of hope. The characters are so richly drawn and authentic that you can't help but become completely invested in their journey.
This is the kind of book you devour in one sitting, yet its powerful impact stays with you long after turning the final page. Highly recommended for anyone looking for fun read, immersive read with real heart.
Read
September 4, 2026This is a fast paced read, centering on the relationship between two brothers fighting for their lives.
Highly recommended for lovers of action fiction with a twist.
So engrossing, I hope the story has a sequel.
Highly recommended for lovers of action fiction with a twist.
So engrossing, I hope the story has a sequel.
September 12, 2026
Read it strait through!
August 27, 2026
Happy Publication Week to Ben Ryan’s YA debut Coming Out At the End of the World. A coming of age zombie apocalypse novel that was incredibly action-packed and addictive.
Alex and his brother Brody are just trying to survive the apocalypse, but Alex has a big secret. As his tough and distant big brother fights zombies and tries to protect him, Alex starts to realise that just surviving is not enough. To actually live his life he needs to come out to Brody. The thing is there’s never a right time for heartfelt confessions when you’re dodging danger and have a huge zombie beast hunting you.
Coming Out at the End of the World was so incredibly suspenseful and full of heart pounding danger, but at the same time it had plenty of funny moments. Ben has written his MC with a great sense of humour and this balanced out what could have become some pretty dark reading. The relationship between Alex and his brother Brody was also intriguing to watch. They had never spent a lot of time together, so seeing how they interacted under pressure made for fantastic reading.
Although this book is set when the world as we know it has ended, there were some beautifully heartwarming and tender moments which got me right in the feels.
Coming Out at the End of the World is a must read for teens and adults alike, especially if you’re a fan of coming of age stories, zombies or pulse pounding tales of survival.
Alex and his brother Brody are just trying to survive the apocalypse, but Alex has a big secret. As his tough and distant big brother fights zombies and tries to protect him, Alex starts to realise that just surviving is not enough. To actually live his life he needs to come out to Brody. The thing is there’s never a right time for heartfelt confessions when you’re dodging danger and have a huge zombie beast hunting you.
Coming Out at the End of the World was so incredibly suspenseful and full of heart pounding danger, but at the same time it had plenty of funny moments. Ben has written his MC with a great sense of humour and this balanced out what could have become some pretty dark reading. The relationship between Alex and his brother Brody was also intriguing to watch. They had never spent a lot of time together, so seeing how they interacted under pressure made for fantastic reading.
Although this book is set when the world as we know it has ended, there were some beautifully heartwarming and tender moments which got me right in the feels.
Coming Out at the End of the World is a must read for teens and adults alike, especially if you’re a fan of coming of age stories, zombies or pulse pounding tales of survival.
September 7, 2026
I found this to be the perfect bed time fiction read. Compelling engaging and relaxing. Highly recommend.
September 4, 2026
A fun, emotional and exciting read! Great mix of humor, adventure and heart. I really enjoyed the story and couldn’t put it down!
September 4, 2026
Loved it!
September 17, 2026
What an impressive story, I really liked it and I was hooked from the very first page to the last! I would definitely recommend to read this wonderful book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I don't usually read zombie books, so I wasn't sure what to expect from Coming Out at the End of the World. But I ended up loving it.
The chapters are short, the writing is easy to read and I found myself completely immersed in the story. What stood out for me, was how you really feel like you know Alex.
While the book is a coming out story, I don't think you need to be gay/queer to connect with it. At its core, it's about carrying a secret, wondering whether people will accept the real you, and finding the courage to be yourself. That's something everyone can relate to.
I also liked that the story is about masculinity and positive male role models. The zombies create plenty of tension, but for me the heart of the book was the characters and their relationships.
A gripping, heartfelt story that stayed with me long after I finished it. Highly recommended, even if, like me, you don't normally pick up zombie books.
The chapters are short, the writing is easy to read and I found myself completely immersed in the story. What stood out for me, was how you really feel like you know Alex.
While the book is a coming out story, I don't think you need to be gay/queer to connect with it. At its core, it's about carrying a secret, wondering whether people will accept the real you, and finding the courage to be yourself. That's something everyone can relate to.
I also liked that the story is about masculinity and positive male role models. The zombies create plenty of tension, but for me the heart of the book was the characters and their relationships.
A gripping, heartfelt story that stayed with me long after I finished it. Highly recommended, even if, like me, you don't normally pick up zombie books.
November 6, 2026
A story of two brothers surviving an apocalypse. Their journey will have you laughing, gripping your seat and crying several times!!
The younger brother has to hide in a barrel, because his older brother doesn’t think he is strong enough to fight. And this becomes a fantastic analogy for hiding who you are and being too scared to “come out” (of the barrel in this case)
It is such a simple and brilliant premise that I dont know why it hasnt been done before!
An easy 5 star read.
Ben is a wonderful storyteller that knows how to write a compelling and gripping story about acceptance and love.
The younger brother has to hide in a barrel, because his older brother doesn’t think he is strong enough to fight. And this becomes a fantastic analogy for hiding who you are and being too scared to “come out” (of the barrel in this case)
It is such a simple and brilliant premise that I dont know why it hasnt been done before!
An easy 5 star read.
Ben is a wonderful storyteller that knows how to write a compelling and gripping story about acceptance and love.
September 4, 2026
Loved this! Fast-paced, funny and surprisingly heartfelt.
The mix of a zombie apocalypse with a coming-of-age story works incredibly well. Beneath all the action, it’s really about family, brotherhood, courage and finding the confidence to be yourself.
Original, addictive and full of heart. Definitely recommend!
The mix of a zombie apocalypse with a coming-of-age story works incredibly well. Beneath all the action, it’s really about family, brotherhood, courage and finding the confidence to be yourself.
Original, addictive and full of heart. Definitely recommend!
September 7, 2026
Great read, a real turn pager. As per the title it is a coming out story but it’s also a lot more than that. Brothers fighting to stay alive against all odds while the world falls apart around them..
September 4, 2026
Pageturner!
September 4, 2026
Such a great book!
September 4, 2026
A gripping YA mashup of zombie apocalypse and coming-out story, where survival means nothing without honesty. Fast-paced, heartfelt, and easy to recommend.
September 8, 2026
I didn’t think zombies and coming out would be my kind of story. But it was full of action and laughs. Great characters. Totally enjoyed the read! I highly recommend this book!
September 12, 2026
Recently discovered this author and I love his style! This one is an absolute pageturner!!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews