I really did enjoy this book. I will be reading the rest of the horseman series simply because Laura Thalassa knows how to write one hell of a cliffhanger. I'm going to do my best to keep out spoilers.

This is an apocalypse romance (duh) and Sara is chosen by chance as the person to attempt to stay behind and try to kill the unkillable. What follows is what can only be described as dark. Pestilence intends to make Sara suffer and takes her prisoner for her (not so fucking feeble) attempt on his life. And this is where I had a hard time staying in the book. It got dark. As a survivor of bad things (including s.a.) some of these scenes were hard for me. The kicker? I couldn't stop reading. I was so invested in their tale and her survival. The book was compelling for me.

What I didn't like?

Ok, I know, not everyone needs a spice level at max, but it would have been nicer to have the moments where Pestilence and Sara were intimate with one another be more....intimate. There were several "fade to black scenes" that just needed more.

The graphic violence was compelling, and don't get me wrong there were several scenes that literally made me gasp and cry. BUT it did make it hard for me to stay connected. I will say that I mentally justified the brutality of this book by it being what it is, an apocalypse based romance. It's meant to be raw.

Ok, so what did I like about it?

This book was hard for me to rate. I bounced from 4 to 3 to 4 back to 3, even considering 4.5. Why? Because the writing itself was SO DARN GOOD! I can't even begin to describe to you how many books I DNF during the week and 9/10 the reason is bad writing or even worse, bad to no editing. This book is written very well and carefully crafted. That alone made me want to give it a 4.

The story allowed me to suspend belief. I can't even begin to explain to you how much I've been needing this. I read a lot of fantasy and you automatically go in with a suspense of belief, but this book did the work for me. I rarely felt myself going "oh come tf on," which is a normal response for me in a lot of romance novels lately. ~AW

Another amazing Laura Thalassa romance, but what else did I expect? I absolutely loved the character arcs in this book. The way the story is woven and how we see both characters develop both separately and then together is so well done. I really enjoyed this story from start to finish and I cannot wait for more from Laura’s infinitely talented mind.

Who will be the victor? Pestilence the Conqueror or Sara Burns, the firefighter? Will pestilence creep into every home, killing any who his presence touches? Or will humanity and a certain human woman wake his newly human heart? Well, as they say, love conquers all.

What a ride this one takes you on! This was a very fascinating read. I received this ARC for a republish, and I had heard about it but had never read any four horseman books. I was a little nervous after reading some of the previous reviews on Goodreads, but I was absolutely blown away by this story. I think going into it not knowing what to expect was the best way to do it. I can see how people were upset with their relationship, but that didn't bother me because I was captivated wanting to find out what was going to happen next. Very well done.

*4.5 stars*

I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book when I was going into it, as the idea of Pestilence keeping Sara as his prisoner and then them forming a connection during this time seemed to me a bit Stockholm-Syndrome-y, and I wasn't sure how it was going to work in action. However, I am happy to say that I ate my words very quickly.

Sara is such an amazing character to read from. Her inner conflict was interesting as a reader, as you can see her begin to develop feelings for Pestilence despite her knowing that he is the cause of everyone around her dying, but she can also see his troubled morality whilst doing this, so her resistance to falling for him is really interesting to watch play out.

I also loved Pestilence as a character. Him learning about human things was such a joy to experience. He was so unsure about everything, from food and drinks, to things like emotions, and he distrusted everyone but Sara. It was really beautiful watching the scenes play out at Rob and Ruth's house, as this was the first time Pestilence saw other humans to be good as well as Sara, and you can see a big shift happen in him then.

The way that Pestilence speaks to Sara is lovely, and I highlighted so many passages while reading, as the quotes that Laura Thalassa wrote were just so beautiful. I think it worked because of the mix of the more archaic language from where he is an ageless, timeless being with also his newness about all of his experiences, which gave him almost an awe-struck vibe to his speech.

I really enjoyed seeing the hints of the other brother's weaved into the story, as obviously this is the first book in a series and is setting up for the other brother's storylines. I am definitely intrigued to read those, and can't wait to read them ASAP.

I would highly recommend this book if you're a fan of romance, fantasy, brooding male love interests, and enemies to lovers.

The Four Horeseman Series by Laura Thalassa is such a fun unique genre-bending ride. It's a dystopian apocalyptipc paranormal spicy romance that skirts lightly religion for the frame work (managing to be a respectful and true to tradition), but spares no punches. While you can read them individually as quite a bit of time passes between each book, they meld together into an overarching story cherishing love and respect as central to each relationship.

Because they work so well together and when you finish one you will need to delve right into the next one I'm going to give you the four book run down. They are each similar in that you'll see an enemies to lovers arc. However, each woman and horsemen is unique in their background and worldview. We travel the world with them crossing continents and cultures.

The first to arrive is Pestilence and he is out to ravage the land.

Following is War, and it starts in Jerusalem. Appropriate. This couple is definitely different but I think I liked them even better than the first two.

After, Thalassa definitely mixes things up with Famine. In fact, it begins in a most unexpected way with a most unexpected character in South America.

Finally, Death. This one is probably best read after you've read the first three as the band does get back together to do some end of the world stuff. But, again, this book stands on its own as not only has Death come but he has found the one person who won't stay dead.

This series is completely additcting! Expect each book to be devoured in one sitting.

J'ai eu énormément de mal à avancer dans ma lecture de ce titre.

Je n'ai pas du tout aimé les personnages ni accroché à l'histoire d'amour abracadabrante entre les deux. Vu tout ce qu'elle subit comme tortures et autres, l'héroïne aurait dû mourir à maintes reprises et ce dès le 3ème chapitre. Je sais qu'on est dans du fantastique mais tout de même.

J'ai tout de même fini le roman, histoire de voir comment tout allait s'emboîter, mais sans grande conviction.

Un titre que je ne recommanderais pas malheureusement.

I loved this book so much! Laura Thalassa does not disappoint! This is a great book to start off The Four Horsemen series

Once I picked it up—I couldn’t put it down!!

Cannot wait to see what the others books of the series are like 🖤

What happens when Sara Burns, a firefighter who pulls the short match, has to kill Pestilence, the first horseman of the apocalypse? She kills him and he regenerates, all to end up his captive. This slow burn romance, I thought to be a great concept and enjoyable to read. Although, I did find the story to be a little slow and repetitive on the storyline: she gets hurt, he gets hurt, he refuses to stop killing humanity, she pleads. I also found the intimate scenes to be a little lacking, but still enjoyable. I will continue to read the rest of the series.

I always find Laura Thalassa's writing exquisite. I think it is very ingenious the premise of this book. The way she managed to create such complex and layered characters that you will inevitably end up rooting for.
Not only is the plot gripping and engaging, but the world-building will suck you in, and you will no be satisfied until you have binged all four books in the series.

Recommend this book to a few people already!
Also the bed covers are absolutely stunning, I would definitely like to pick up the physical books

Most definitely my favorite from the series!
I just love how very morally grey Pestilence is and how Sarah keeps on trying to show him the bright side of humanity, ever when we ourselves question if they should be saved.

I feel this book was an excellent introduction for the series and really captivated me throughout the book.

This is one of those books that’s not for me. The writing was ok but the story had so many plot holes and the relationship between main characters made no sense.

A Unique Take on the Apocalypse – 4 Stars

Laura Thalassa’s Pestilence is a novel and inventive addition to the post-apocalyptic romance genre. It may not be to everyone’s taste, but it provides an intriguing look at love developing in the midst of a cataclysmic event.

Pestilence

Pestilence ♦ Laura Thalassa

Opinion

You are captivated by Thalassa’s writing from the first page forward. Her evocative depictions of a world engulfed in death and disease make it simple to imagine the bleak surroundings. It is clear from the well-thought-out world-building that the author spent a great deal of time creating this gloomy, lonely setting.

The characters are deep and well-developed, particularly Sara, the main character. It’s fascinating to watch Sara’s transformation from a strong-willed survivor to someone who questions the very entity causing suffering in the world. Sara and Pestilence, who represents one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, have an unexpected but somehow seductive romantic tension.

Pestilence excels because it explores morality, atonement, and the idea that love may triumph even in the most dire situations. It’s thought-provoking and will cause you to reevaluate your personal definitions of right and wrong.

But there are issues with the book. The plot moves along at a somewhat erratic pace, with some sections dragging while others pick up speed. In addition, individuals looking for a lighthearted romance may find the plot to be too gloomy and sad.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pestilence is a gripping and inventive story that blends romance and the end of the world, providing a novel perspective on the genre. Although Laura Thalassa’s writing and character development are excellent, not every reader will enjoy the story’s fast-paced and dark subjects. This novel is well worth reading if you’re up for an unusual love story in a gloomy setting.


I received an advance review copy for free from SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This review was first published at The Art of Reading.

Laura Thalassa I love you. Period the end.

Thank you for every escape you’ve provided my debilitating anxiety, pain, and illness. You are everything I need in a perfect artist.

This book was such a fun surprise. I really enjoyed this one, and I’m glad I decided to give it a chance because usually fantasy isn’t my genre. The author really drew me in with her writing, and even had me in tears at one point. This book could’ve easily been a disaster, but the author did such a good job at making you feel so many different emotions throughout. I can’t wait to read the next in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for my free copy in exchange for my honest review.

3.85 rounded up to 4 stars!

This book really got better and better as it went on. A bit of a slow start but wow I couldn’t put it down after 35%! Who knew the four horsemen could be so hot?

Very modern writing style,
Slow burn enemies to lovers, almost felt a bit like a bully romance at first.
Strong character development in both the FMC & MMC.
Magical realism.

I will definitely continue on with these, had me giggling and laughing out loud often, swooning over banter, and smiling like a fool into my kindle. There are some triggers in there so please be sure to check those out beforehand.

Thanks so much to Netgalley and Bloombooks for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of Pestilence.
I have to say that I absolutely loved this book. I can't wait to see what is going to happen in War.
I loved the relationship that formed between Sara and Pestilence. As they both learn to see the other perspective. Especially when Pestilence learns what it is to be human.

*Thank you for the ARC!! All opinions are completely my own.** 4 stars. Thoroughly delectable slow burn enemies to lovers. I devoured this book in one night. Witty main character included.

I enjoyed this take on the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse. This one followed Pestilence (obviously) and the human woman, Sara. She sets out to kill him before he can spread his plague any more than he already has, and instead, he takes her prisoner. Forced proximity works its magic while he's stuck with her, and he has to see her humanity and compassion. And she gets to see that while spreading plague is his God-given task, he doesn't necessarily enjoy it. Love how it ended and can't wait to read War!