This was a wild ride with her team ring and inspiring moments that I won’t soon forget! I will totally read the other books in this series going forward. I loved the themes throughout the story as well as the queer & poc representation.

Alex Wise Vs the End of the World by Terry J. Benton-Walker is a fantastic adventure story with a lot of heart. It has an inventive plot full of action scenes as well as a sweet story about family, self-worth, and identity. An excellent middle grade read!

I read this book as part of the blog tour hosted by TBR & Beyond Tours. Special thanks to Labyrinth Road for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 stars rounded up!

TL;DR: Alex Wise vs. the End of the World was an emotional, action-packed and engaging MG fantasy. From start to finish, I didn't want to put it down. I loved the exploration of difficult family relationships, sibling bonds, and best friendships. The found family vibes were great and I also adored how the author explored identity and self-love. Alex’s journey toward loving and accepting himself made me feel sad at times but ultimately, so happy for him. For those kids who never saw themselves in books, especially being the heroes of said books, this one is definitely for you. A great read and recommendation for young readers but also readers of all ages!

This was my first book by Benton-Walker and I thoroughly enjoyed his MG debut! What starts as a grand summer with plans to reunite with an estranged friend and plenty of bestie adventures quickly turns into the worst summer Alex Wise could never have planned for. From a terrifying Shadow Man stalker, to an even more horrifying cruise from my nightmares, to getting up close and personal with the four horsemen of the apocalypse, I was swept up in the author's writing and fully immersed in every scene.

The focus of this story is two-fold. We have the larger plot of Alex having to save the world when he's unexpectedly put in dead centre of the apocalypse's unfolding. Alongside this action-packed plot, we also have Alex's inner story dealing with feelings of abandonment and the fear that his identity makes him unworthy or not good enough. While I loved the haunting eeriness of the apocalyptic setting—I could literally see all the scenes playing out in my head like a movie—and the action-packed fight scenes and plentiful uses of God-bestowed magic, the thing that made me love this book most was Alex's journey and all the relationships the story had to offer. The author addresses some tougher topics that I think were handled very well. From the author's note, we're told that it's loosely based on his own childhood experiences and the emotion of that really came through in the writing.

I loved Alex and Mags and their sibling dynamic is one that I can imagine many siblings of all ages will be able to relate to, both in good and bad times. Alex's love for his little sister, despite her being "mostly annoying" and somewhat of a know-it-all, was so pure and fed into his determination to rescue her regardless of the cost to himself. Both of them carry a lot of baggage related to their dad leaving following the divorce and they've internalised it in very different and heartbreaking ways. Some of the scenes involving their dad really angered me because he was a real jerk to his kids and they both deserved better. Alex was such a great kid—he's selfless, loyal and although he's going through many of his own struggles, he does his best to be empathetic and understanding, but not in a way that feels unrealistic for a kid. It wasn't at all difficult to root for him!

His best friendship with Loren, who I adored from the beginning, was amazing. She's a baddie who can knock you down with her Muay Thai moves but who's also a great listener and the best ride-or-die you can ask for. They have an unbreakable bond and their friendship is a great example of what I love most about MG stories. Joining their dynamic duo was the grumpy, lonesome demigod, Liam. It wasn't friendship at first sight and they both have their guards up and issues to work through, but they do so together and through it all, they prove that they're never alone and that they're perfectly loveable and worthy as they are.

There were some character twists that I half-predicted but also half didn't see coming and it really kept me on my toes! I knew there was something fishy going on... 😂 With the way this book ends, I'm assuming there's going to be a follow-up (like, there better be) and I'm curious to see how Alex and this awesome crew of supportive family and friends will face what happens next. It's not really a cliffhanger but you know there's more to come! I hope that in the next book we learn a bit more about the powerful entities and their origin story because that was the one thing that I wish we got more of in this one. Overall, this was a fantastic read and I can't wait to continue the story!

I read Terry’s YA book earlier this year and I met Terry at TLA earlier this year as well! Super cool guy! So when I loved that book, I knew I HAD to get my hands on Alex Wise! So imagine my surprise when I saw this come up as a tour stop! I have a “THING” for tweens that go on these questy adventures, and this one was no different.

So Alex got in trouble one last time and his mom sends him off to stay with his dad for the summer. Or so he thinks. She’s now ruined his plans and wasted the money that his mom spent on said tickets. But just as they go off on vacay, he runs into something he never thought he’d see….. The apocalypse lol And when I say it was unexpected, it was unexpected. Like I’m talking randomly deciding to jump off the side of a cruise ship to MAYBE save your sister after she goes overboard.

So as a character driven reader I have to share this. The way Terry made me think he was so emotional and then tied it into an element into the story? I was like OMG! I mean he WAS, but it was for a reason. His dad wasn’t actually a good person and he was already dealing with so much as a tween. Those years are hard for everyone. Everyone else was your typical tween. I enjoyed seeing them grow from scared tweens who were just on summer vacay to actually handling business. It was wild to think he wasn’t even a real teen yet and suddenly all these responsibilities are on him. I did feel that Alex was written realistically too. There is no way I would have jumped in after anyone. I would have stayed and kept track of her till a grown up showed lol So regardless of what I thought he was in the beginning, I also thought he was incredibly brave.

The action in this one was nonstop tho. I’m a sucker questy books with tweens lol Those always turn out to be my favorite middle grades. It started with PJO. And I’ve tried to read as many as possible since then. This one has a quest and magic and it was hella fun. I mean soon after jumping overboard they meet another boy, and then everything happens. It really was a wild story. It’s a journey you’ll have to take on your own.

Now the ending fight scene, I do think was a little abrupt. But after non-stop edge snatches I thought it was ok. It just seemed like it was really short? Idk I would have liked them to put up more of a fight after they’ve done all this extra and were so dramatic. It seemed he defeated them too easily. But also, I had to remember this was a MG and not YA so the readers usually like instant gratification.

I knew I was going to like this book, so it was definitely a treat to see them the kiddos having fun and fighting evil. I hope there’s more to this story because I really need to see if Alex’s sister keeps her hair lol

** 2.5 **
Unfortunately, this book did not work for me. It took me forever to get through it. I was highly anticipating this book simply based on the plot. I haven't read anything about the Horsemen. Even though I won't be continuing this series, I will be reading more from this author.
I received an uncorrected E-ARC courtesy of NetGalley. All opinions are my own. ( :

Alex Wise vs. the End of the World by Terry J. Benton-Walker is the queer middle grade action adventure where family comes first- whether it’s by blood or found family. Inspirational, funny, and wise quotes are scattered throughout. “I don’t even believe we should have to ‘come out’. We should be allowed to be who we are from the start.” A Shadow Man is only the start of this story that includes family drama, magic, the Horsemen, possessions and a coming apocalypse. I wish this book had been around for my childhood. Thanks to the author, Random House Children’s Books/Labyrinth Road, and NetGalley for the ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book follows 12 year old Alex Wise. The story begins at the end of the school year. He is dealing with being accepted for who he is. His own best friend acted differently towards him after he tells his secret. Alex’s mom sends him and his little sister to spend time with their dad. His Dad who makes him feel unwanted and abandoned. Not only is that not ideal he is also being chased by a shadowy monster. Death and the Four Horseman are trying to take over his world but with powers given to him by a God , Alex with the the help of his friends are ready to take them on.

I absolutely enjoyed reading this book with my 11 year old son. It’s full of action and it was something that really had his attention. I loved how Alex was determined to rescue his sister. The characters are so relatable. Alex’s mom feeling like she put too much responsibility on him after the near accident with his sister hit home from me because it sparked conversation between my son and I about feeling overwhelmed and feeling like he has a lot of responsibilities.

Thank you Random House Children's, Labyrinth Road and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I think this book needs to be a MUST READ for middle grade kids. The overarching themes of self love, strength in our emotions and feelings, to try try try again, and that our friends are one of the biggest assets we can have! I think for kids who don’t want the same story over and over with normal tropes and easy plots will LOVE this. It was quite intense, nothing inappropriate, but it really gave its all in a way you usually don’t see in this age range. It’s unique in its own way and it had me absorbed, considering I’m well out of the reader range on this one.

For 12 year old Alex Wise, the world is falling apart…his best friend Loren is out of town for the summer, his former friend (and crush), Sky, stopped talking to him after Alex revealed his sexuality, and now Alex is forced to go on a cruise with his annoying little sister Mags and the father who abandoned him. That seemed like the end of the world until Mags is kidnapped and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse begin to wreak havoc.

I know that we should never be excited for the apocalypse or the Four Horsemen wreaking absolute havoc on society, but this story was just so much fun and for the Black, queer kids that feel or have felt like they’ve never belonged or couldn’t be heroes.

When I normally read middle grade stories that center the end of the world, there’s usually more showing rather than telling. However, Terry J. Benton-Walker allows the reader to gain intimate insight into the breaking down of society and the incredibly scary consequences of an apocalypse all while still being incredibly appropriate for the intended audience. Benton-Walker’s writing is so immersive, and I truly do NOT want to experience the fights that Alex and the hero squad endure.

While I thoroughly enjoyed all of the action and adventure of this story, I also loved all of the conversations surrounding belonging and queerness that Alex has not only with himself but others (including queer adults!). There are so many incredible moments to reassure Alex that he is 1) not alone and 2) should always embrace who he is, and I was absolutely here for it!

Overall, if you’re a person who is a fan of the action and adventures of stories like Percy Jackson, but make it Black and queer…then Alex Wise vs the End of the World is a must read!

I love reading middle-grade books that I think I would have enjoyed as a kid, and this book is no exception. Although I definitely felt old considering these kids haven’t all been alive for as long as I’ve been reading Percy Jackson (and points to that being a noted favourite of the characters), it was still a fun adventure. While some of the points the book made (about being queer, about worth) were a little on the nose, I think that has more to do with the age range than anything else. Overall, if you’re looking for a middle-grade fantasy, I think this is a pretty great choice especially with the addition of multiple confirmed queer characters!

When Death and his Horsemen come to life in order to take over Alex Wise’s world, and his little sister, it kind of seems like, well, the world is over. But Alex is also possessed by a powerful god who imbues him with his powers, leading him to take on the Four Horsemen alongside his best friend, a powerful demigod, and his former fourth-grade teacher. Though this book is in some ways pretty straightforward, it never failed to keep me on my toes throughout. From plot twists to character reveals, I think it does a pretty decent job of balancing the world it’s creating without being too much to take in all at once.

While I initially wondered where this concept could go that hadn’t already been tread in this space, I think Benton-Walker did a great job of making the genre tropes and apocalypse his own, expanding the world in ways that surprised me. It’s undoubtedly my favourite book of his yet and I look forward to seeing where Alex Wise and his team go next!

Alex Wise vs. the End of the World proves that Terry J. Benton-Walker can do it all. Fresh off of his YA debut - Blood Debts - Benton-Walker doesn't miss a beat in this middle grade adventure. These are some of the most believable kids I've ever read in middle grade. I laughed, I cried, and I cheered Alex on as he and his friends face the apocalypse. This book is PERFECT for kids looking for a bridge from Middle Grade to Young Adult. More Alex Wise, please!!

A bit on the scary side for some middle grade kids. Well written. Lovely and inspirational messages subtle enough that it's enjoyable.

A fun read!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children's for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review. My favorite character in this book was Loren. I enjoyed the adventure and how Alex (MC) has to fight evil to save his little sister. Although, it's the end of the world, Alex's humor makes him a fun MC to follow. I like how he grows through the story.

Thank you, NetGalley, for allowing me to read the e-arc.

This was a great middle-grade story that has a black queer male MC. Alex Wise is tired of feeling unwanted by his father and ex-bestfriend. It is hard for him to feel confident in being queer when the people around him make him feel shame. I liked how the story talked about being a child of divorce. The effects that it has on him and his sister. I thought it was written in an approached yet realistic way. I could have used a book like this when I was a kid. I enjoyed the fact that Alex and his sister both love reading. It was their escapism from the world's tragedies. I would highly recommend this book.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I read Terry J. Benton-Walker’s YA debut earlier this year, and jumped at the chance to read more from him. With his Middle Grade debut, Alex Wise vs. the End of the World, he takes on some of the familiar tropes of the MG fantasy-adventure, seen in the Percy Jackson style, while injecting a very personal portrayal of what it means to grow up Black and queer.
I loved the concept almost immediately. The end of the world is so often portrayed in such dark and bleak terms, but I like how Benton-Walker handled the gravitas of all of the Biblical plagues coming to life and bringing their vengeance on the world, while not balancing it with humor on the characters’ part.
Alex is a compelling protagonist. Not only is he a major source of said humor, making him a delight to follow, but he’s a compelling young hero. He’s navigating trauma from his dad’s abandonment and being forced to spend time with him again, and dealing with other typical kid things, like myriad friend issues, like spending time away from his best friend and reckoning with how things stand with a former friend he might have feelings for. The story sees him processing all of his myriad issues throughout, and coming to an understanding of all of them, as well as himself.
The blurb promised the story would be “addictive,” and it very much is. I was surprised by how quickly I flew through the book, but it’s just that immersive and I couldn’t put it down.
I really enjoyed this, and look forward to what’s to come from a potential series. If you’re looking for a fun, diverse middle grade adventure, I’d recommend checking this out!

I had the privilege of reading an ARC shared by the author!

Generally I found this to be well written, unexpectedly deep and very fresh.

I was hooked very early on with the family dynamics and Alex’s struggle to define his place and feelings within the world. There were a few sucker punches in there which I wasn’t expecting, but they certainly fuelled my interest and set the tone.

The dialogue is witty and feels correct. The story is dark but also constantly has glimmers of hope for younger audiences to hold on to.

I also specifically liked the play on the Four Horsemen. It made for an original story and world within a framework that was familiar enough to anchor the emotional weight.

I recommend it!

NetGalley ARC Educator 550974


Alex is struggling. He's lost a friend that he is trying to save. His mom is tired and needs a break, which means he and his sister will need to spend time with their father.

This book is Excellent. It will have you sobbing, yelling, cheering and ready to share it with everyone.

Themes include: Divorce, LGBTQ, Friendship and family

I received an eARC of this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Five stars. FIVE STARS! Do y’all see me? 5 stars!!

I adored this book from the first word to the last! I adored this story even when it hurt my heart and made me cry. I adored this book for the reminder that other people’s actions are a reflection of themselves and not me.

I absolutely adored this book for the message that being queer is ok! It’s not bad to be gay and if other people don’t like it, that’s a them problem! Queerness is a part of who we are, and no one has the right to make anyone feel less than over it.

There were parts of this book that had been crying. I highlighted so much of it for beautiful writing. Writing that made me laugh. Messages that I need to remember as an adult. This book needs to be required reading. I don’t care how old you are.

Alex Wise is a little Black gay boy who is trying to figure out how to get his friend back when the world goes nuts. His mother, overwhelmed, says she’ll be sending Alex and his sister to be with their father over the summer. Something Alex absolutely does not want.

And I don’t blame him! His daddy is trash! Tope it off, he’s got a whole new family and is treating his new son leaps and bounds better than Alex.

It’s just Alex and his little sister Mags on the most uncomfortable cruise of a lifetime, with their teacher Dexter. He’s also on vacation, it’s summer, and he’s on the same cruise. He’s someone Alex feels he can confide in when all the other adults have failed him.

This book is wonderfully diverse and also wonderfully Black. It was so nice reading this because the language reminded me of friends and my family. So did the characters.

I think this book is an important read because the messages are so important and you are never too old to be reminded that you are enough.

I will be telling everyone I knew to read this book. I can’t wait for the rest of the series. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. A big thank you to Terry J. Benton-Walker for writing such a fantastic book.

E ARC provided by Netgalley

Alex's parents are divorced and he hasn't seen much of his father since he moved out, especially now that he is remarried and has a step son, Nick, who is interested in basketball in the same way that the father is. Now that summer break is here, Alex is hoping to invite his former best friend, Sky, to a concert. The two fell out after Alex came out to Sky, Sky admitted that he also was sometimes attracted to other boys, and a classmate, Larry, called both friends gay. After that, Sky stopped talking to Alex. When his mother cancels the concert and forces both Alex and his sister Mags to go on a cruise with their father and their new family, Alex feels like he has lost his chance to reconnect with Sky. There's also the small issue of a shadowy figure who is skulking around both him and his sister. They aren't sure what's going on, but it's frightening. On the ship, Nick, Alex, and Mags are hanging out, getting burgers, when the shadowy figure attacks Mags and drags her overboard. Alex jumps in after her, and Alex's teacher, who also happens to be on the cruise, does as well. Unfortunately, the ship is in trouble as well, and in the chaos, the three can't be helped. Still, the wake up on an island, having been saved by Liam. Liam is the lone surivor of Paradisium, a world that was destroyed by the Four Horsemen of the Apocolypse. They're back, and Death takes over the body of Mags. Alex is channeling Orin, the advisor of Liams' mother. Orin (who uses the pronouns they/them) can do magic, but Alex doesn't see a lot of that. He, along with his best friend Loren, eventually meet up at the hospital, and when they see Mags on television spouting off about the end of the world, they know they have to save her, even if it means fighting major forces of evil. THe group forms a plan, but not everything works the way they want it to, and their fights are interspersed with periods of planning and personal reflection. Will Alex be able to avert the end of the world?
Strengths: This gets bonus points for tying in to the mythology of the Four Horseman; I can't think of another middle grade book that does that. There are some good dystopian elements to this, with factions taking over supplies, people dying (there's Famine and Pestilence gadding about, after all), and worried folk pledging themselves to the Horsemen as Riders. There's also a lot of positive behavior being modeled, with people apologizing for their behavior, Alex trying to retain the idea that he "is enough" even those his father doesn't make him feel that way, and a lot of acceptance about different issues of gender and sexuality.
Weaknesses: If you fall off a cruise ship, your survival rate is only about 15%. This is just one of the reasons I've never been able to commit to going on a cruise. This bothered me; both Mags and Cam would almost surely have been killed.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like Perry's Cameron Battle or Oshiro's The Insiders, both of which are mentioned in this book.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Children's, Labyrinth Road and Terry J. Benton-Walker for providing me with an eARC of Alex Wise vs. the End of the World.

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ rounded up. Available 26 September 2023

I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I had read Blood Debts and was looking forward to this 'gods taking over kids' story so much. It didn't let me down.

Alex is a wonderful Middle Grade MC. A Black Queer Tween lost in shame that was thrown onto him by society, and even worse, his former best friend. The greatest thing that any queer kid can learn is that the shame you are feeling is not yours, it is not your burden, it is everyone else's trash that you should absolutely throw out! This story beautifully presents this process for Alex whilst he survives regular threats to his life by being turned into a previously human dust pile.

This fits perfectly into the urban grounded mythology MG/YA for teen readers, specifically like the Rick Riordan Universe. But this gives us stronger PoC and Queer representation - that isn't having a go at Uncle Rick just acknowledging the limitations of presenting diverse characters without lived experience.

Terry actually says it best in the acknowledgements with noting that Alex Wise and Cameron Battle could either be brothers or best friends. If you enjoyed the Cameron Battle books then this is a perfect next read. Highly recommend.