Famine? Nah, Fa-MINE 🔪🌿

5🌟 No notes.

“You shouldn’t have been there.” (...)
“And where should I have been?”
“With me.”

Well, I am now certified trash for a wicked, mürd3rous plant daddy called Famine. I love his blunt, rude and sarcastic a$$ so dang much 🫠 I mean, he can grow plants at will and use them for whatever he wants (😏) AND he may hate humanity but is so gentle with and careful to never hurt any horses. You see how I was doomed from the start, right?

There are honestly no words to fully capture how much I loved reading this book. The darker post-apocalyptic atmosphere we’re used to from the other books–this time thanks to Famine k!lling in an often quite cruel and macabre way with his plants (why did I find this hot?!)–was beautifully interwoven with a deep, heart-wrenching vulnerability that ultimately connects Famine and Ana. Thankfully, their dynamic, which is mostly both of them fighting for power through sarcasm, and Ana constantly nagging Famine (and succeeding since he’s so easy to wind up) brings much needed airiness that balances everything out perfectly.

No but seriously, the BICKERING, the ANGRY GLARING, the LITTLE WICKED SMIRKS, the POWER PLAYS, the TENSION… Chef’s kiss! And I haven’t even touched on how every. single. one. of my favorite (micro)tropes was used in this book and it all worked so well for the characters. I snorted, I laughed out loud, I swooned, I teared up, it was perfect!

I love watching the horsemen struggle against their task thanks to women challenging their morality. Famine was no different, though I love that he kept his rough edges but mellowed in smaller ways. His love for Ana was so fierce, and I loved that he struggled so much with his feelings for her all along but couldn’t help himself to still increasingly care for her - both emotionally and physically. His POVs broke me in so many ways.

The ending had me holding my breath and I am very curious to see how Thalassa will wrap up the series. Although she has her work cut out for her, because Thanathos and I have beef after the stunt he pulled.

*I received a free copy from Bloom Books through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine*

I loved this book. I loved the whole series, and this was my favorite of all of them. I loved the different interpretation of Famine and his ability to manipulate nature in so many different ways, as well as the way she depicts all of them as forces that can be just as much healing as they are able to hurt.

I actually had to put this book down for a while then come back to it later. I think the first time around I just don't think I was in the right head space for it.
I finally finished and I enjoyed it.
This just was not my favorite out of the series that spot still goes to Pestilence.
Famine was just so brutal and sadistic. At first you think he is a cold bastard until you notice how he is with Ana.
I can't wait to see dark and twisted Death's book will be.

The first half was a three for me. It was too long and too repetitive. The same arguments and the same plot. Arrive in place, kill people, be sickened, attracted anyway, rinse, repeat. It was also too similar to War, where the same thing had happened, but with lots of dead zombie guys involved.

But the second half had me hooked. I just found the banter, the development, the relationship, the plot, everything was just so much more engaging and pacier.

Famine was - and I'll grant you, this not a sentence that I thought I'd ever write - by far my favourite horseman of the apocalypse - because he wasn't this naive being that had to be taught, he was sassy and funny and he had a genuine reason for his mass murder rather than it just being his god given purpose.

Loved the final half so much that I immediately want to get to Death. Again, not something I thought I'd be writing.

“I’m Famine, the third horseman of the apocalypse, and I’m here to kill you all.”
...

5 stars. This is, without a doubt, my favorite in the Four Horsemen series.

Pestilence was cute and angsty, War was an entitled ass, but Famine? A traumatized soul on a brutal revenge campaign. I couldn't even hate him for trying to kill off humanity because out of all the horsemen so far, he's the only one where I get his reasoning. He saw us at our worst, and he doesn't believe there's any redemption for humanity. To Famine, this is personal. He's also the least human of the horsemen so far and I loved it just as much as Ana did.

Ana was also a delight to read. She's hilarious and badass and so different from Sara and Miriam. It was refreshing that she didn't try to change Famine and accepted him as he is, vindictive murder spree and all. Not every main character needs to try to save the world. In fact, it's more interesting when their goals aren't entirely altruistic.
...

"Your smiles make me feel more like my true self."

...
Famine and Ana's relationship was so sweet. He was so gentle with her while also being such a grump. Their innuendos, jokes, teasing, and banter had me smiling and laughing so much. Also, his plants?? Unexpectedly adorable. I love them so much, especially the rose bushes.

I cannot recommend this book enough!
...

Huge thank you to the author, Laura Thalassa, and publisher, Bloom Books, for providing me with an ARC of the new edition of one of my favorite books. Rereading it was just as much fun as it was the first time. This review expresses my own thoughts and is left voluntarily.

This damn book. SOOOOOOO good!!! I seriously think this is a new favorite series that I’ll be reaching for again and again when I need a series where I’m equally entertained and swoony throughout all of the books. And I say this fairly confident even though I haven’t read Death’s book yet… I just *know* his book is going be something else to me.

Once again, Laura delivers an incredible and captivating story set in this dark and disturbing world. I am head over heels in love with each of these books individually and my love for the whole series is on another level. I just have these characters on my mind all day every day!!

I am unbelievably excited for Death because his book is the one I’ve been waiting not-so patiently for!!! Bring it on!

*Thank you Bloom Books and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

This damn book. SOOOOOOO good!!! I seriously think this is a new favorite series that I’ll be reaching for again and again when I need a series where I’m equally entertained and swoony throughout all of the books. And I say this fairly confident even though I haven’t read Death’s book yet… I just *know* his book is going be something else to me.

Once again, Laura delivers an incredible and captivating story set in this dark and disturbing world. I am head over heels in love with each of these books individually and my love for the whole series is on another level. I just have these characters on my mind all day every day!!

I am unbelievably excited for Death because his book is the one I’ve been waiting not-so patiently for!!! Bring it on!

*Thank you Bloom Books and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

Who hungers more than Famine?

Who hungers for revenge? For pain? For love? Famine is the devourer. And he'll do anything to keep Ana alive, the only human who's ever shown him sympathy. And just like the flower he calls her, her time may be too brief, plucked from the vine.

'Famine' is another solid addition to the The Four Horseman series, although it definitely didn't steal my top spot in the series. I found the concept of Ana ending up in this motherly position to be an interesting and unexpected turn for her and Famine. The way she fights back against him is awesome, as there's nothing worse than a love interest who caves to their beliefs just for the sake of love. She stands strong, but so does he. It's the same formula for all the titles in this series, but somehow Thalassa keeps things interesting while continuing to provide spice, spice, and more spice.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book was a really good experience. The writing and plot were very original and exciting. Definitely recommend.

This series just keeps getting better and better. So glad that I have all of these because this series just has to be binge read!! This one This one was slow burn and it was so very yummy!

I gotta say this is the 3rd romp in the sheets for me and its not refreshing anymore. It is like the MC just becomes less enjoyable or desireable and the female MC as well .. both just get less and less redeeming and now the chemistry for how little is .. is also less believeable. Lets do it here and there and everywhere and put zero emotion behind the words being said.. and would you believe it ends just like the first two?

I received this book for free for an honest unbiased review from Netgalley.

I wish more books were this well written. Characters were witty and the setting fantastic.

Love everything by this author and this was another example of why. Can’t wait to finish the series.

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.

A Captivating Tale of Love Amidst Desolation – Famine by Laura Thalassa

The third book in Laura Thalassa’s compelling series about The Four Horsemen of the apocalypse, Famine, presents an original and captivating interpretation of the enemies-to-lovers cliché. In this bleak and forlorn land, where Famine wreaks havoc and misery, Thalassa deftly crafts a story of passion, survival, and a surprising bond.

Famine ♦ Laura Thalassa

Opinion

The intricate bond between Famine and Ana, two characters who perfectly capture the terrible reality of their post-apocalyptic world, is what makes this book so strong. Readers are kept on the edge of their seats by Thalassa’s deft handling of the delicate balance between their competing positions. Every exchange between Famine and Ana is emotionally fraught because of the enemies-to-lovers dynamic, which heightens the intensity and unpredictability of their interactions.

The unique quality of Famine is Thalassa’s ability to humanize a character that appears to be the epitome of destruction. Famine is portrayed as both vulnerable and menacing, but as the story progresses, it takes on a profoundly different meaning. Ana, who is just as captivating, shows herself to be a strong and tough heroine who challenges the horseman and their desolate surroundings.

The post-apocalyptic landscape is vividly and evocatively described by the author, drawing readers into a world of desperation and deprivation. Also, the world-building done by Thalassa is exquisite and eerie, providing a setting that deepens the protagonists‘ emotional journey.

The novel moves along at a good clip, with thrilling passages that hold the reader’s attention throughout. Famine and Ana’s connection builds gradually in a way that is both convincing and alluring, providing a rewarding slow burn that culminates in a stirring and moving finale.

Famine delves into somber subjects, yet in the end, it conveys a message of redemption and hope. Readers are left feeling satisfied and eagerly awaiting the conclusion of this gripping series by Thalassa’s deft handling of the thin line between hopelessness and resiliency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, readers who enjoy dystopian fiction and paranormal romance should not miss Laura Thalassa’s Famine. This novel stands out in the genre because of the author’s ability to combine a distinctive love tale with the harsh reality of a post-apocalyptic society. The witty arguments and sarcastic verbal slug fest was very entertaining.

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

This review was first published at The Art of Reading.

This was a difficult book for me to read…
When Laura announced the the FL was Brazilian, I was over the moon, but the execution felt a little flat for me. Ana sounded too much of a stereotype and in some parts too vulgar.

Ana’s character aside, Famine, from all the horseman, was the most cruel and vile, which made the book a little too dark for my taste. And for that reason, it took me the longest to read Famine.

Not all bad, but not my favorite.

<b><i><u>please note that the trigger warnings and topes/themes may contain spoilers</b></i></u>
<i><u>I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. </i></u>
<b>HEA:</b> yes (HFN)
<b>spice:</b> several open-door spicy scenes
<b>TWs:</b> graphic depictions of murder, graphic depictions of torture, death, gore, kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, attempted murder, attempted SA, SA (recounted, nongraphic), child abuse, (mostly unwilling) sex work, underage sexual encounters (recounted, nongraphic), captivity, Stockholm syndrome vibes
<b>standalone:</b> book 3 in The Four Horsemen series – could be read as a standalone, however there is a HFN (happily for now) cliffhanger which I think will be satiated in book 4 Death
<b>final thoughts</b>: 3.4⭐ bumped up to a 4. a quick read with moderate world building, lots of banter, and a dark and brooding MMC that only has eyes for the FMC. The tension between the MCs was so good that I didn’t mind some of the eh banter they had. It was fun to watch Famine struggle with being confined to a human body and have curiosity for human customs while also hating humanity and wanting to hate the FMC.
The FMC was both hit and miss for me. I loved that she read as (mostly) age-appropriate with her responses to murder, torture, and suffering. I liked how she was salivating over the guy/God/Reaper that she knew she shouldn’t and wasn’t shy about her flirting. However, the flirting itself was kind of one-note for most of the book. That being said… I’ll be reading book 4 and I intend to go back and read books 1 and 2 and some point too.
The MMC was a big hit for me and was ruthless, cold, and unapologetic and we got to see a lot of small growths throughout the book (and we even got some snippets of his POV!!). I loved seeing him reluctantly falling for the FMC and becoming increasingly possessive over her as the book went on.

read this book if you love

🏝️ forced proximity (captivity)
💓 slowburn
☠️ “touch her and die”
🔮 supernatural creatures- Reaper/Horseman
🪄 magic
💖 paranormal romance
🌍 world building
🥰 nicknames
🫡 big MMC
🤜 enemies-to-lovers
🖤 dark romance

3 ⭐️

I really enjoyed this book, which, while keeping the basic plot intact, spices things up a bit. Famine is currently the meanest of the Cavaliers, but you can understand his cruelty from the rough life he's had dealing with people. On the other hand, Ana is a real charmer, funny, and genuine to the core. She's been through her fair share of hardships but never took the path of cruelty. These two characters? They make a great team, their personalities just click.

I really enjoyed this book! I took a break from the series after finishing the second book, and I’m really glad I did. I found the start of the book to be a bit slow and hard to get into, but I quickly got into it. I also like how the author deviated a bit from the first two books and the the main characters had a prior connection to the start of the book. I also felt like we spent more time with the characters before we started getting the “I love you” and admitting to their feelings. I really enjoyed the fact that the “spice” doesn’t come in until the last third of the book. I also felt like these characters had more to their personalities and how they learned to heal and overcome their past traumas. I will definitely recommend this book to others.