I'm forgoing my usual summary because this is the fourth book in the series and I really think you should read them all in order to understand the amazing world building that has gone into this series. I'm a huge fan of character and setting. If you draw me into one of the two of them, I'm going to finish the book, even if the plot sucks (which this plot does not).
The first three books talk about the stories of each horseman, where this one focuses on Death. Death is an intricate character in each book, but his story really comes alive in this one. Looking like Kurt Cobain and sounding wiser than any of the previous characters, I felt like this book was written for my generation. Kurt Cobain was such a heavy influence upon the world in which I grew up. I felt like the philosophical aspects, the despair in Death, and the very large issue of suicide was more for me than my students. That is not to say teens don't love this series (because they are checked out from my library more than they are in), but adults in their late twenties and early thirties will dive into this one as well.
As much as I would encourage the reading of all, this can stand by itself. There is enough substance to keep the reader going through the book without being confused. The world build itself is not as far in depth, but enough to stay entertaining and let you feel inside the book. The focus of character building is on Death and Xander, even though the others are also involved. All together, the plot line could satisfy someone that has not read any of the other three.
The first three books talk about the stories of each horseman, where this one focuses on Death. Death is an intricate character in each book, but his story really comes alive in this one. Looking like Kurt Cobain and sounding wiser than any of the previous characters, I felt like this book was written for my generation. Kurt Cobain was such a heavy influence upon the world in which I grew up. I felt like the philosophical aspects, the despair in Death, and the very large issue of suicide was more for me than my students. That is not to say teens don't love this series (because they are checked out from my library more than they are in), but adults in their late twenties and early thirties will dive into this one as well.
As much as I would encourage the reading of all, this can stand by itself. There is enough substance to keep the reader going through the book without being confused. The world build itself is not as far in depth, but enough to stay entertaining and let you feel inside the book. The focus of character building is on Death and Xander, even though the others are also involved. All together, the plot line could satisfy someone that has not read any of the other three.
I received an ARC of this book to review through the Amazon Vine program. Thanks to Amazon and Graphia for the chance to review this book. This is the fourth, and final, book in the Riders of the Apocalypse series. I really enjoyed it, especially since it features my favorite rider of the four, Death. This is the book where we learn how the Riders came to be and it is structured quite a bit differently than the previous books in this series.
Before Pestilence, Famine, and War there was Death. This is Deaths story. What happens when Death sucumbs to depression and gives up all hope? Without Death can there be life? Xander has a secret...and a bit of a drinking problem. When he finds Death on his balcony it is up to this troubled teen to talk Death down from abandoning humanity and destroying the world.
Previous books in this series have featured troubled teens who are basically given a choice between dying or taking on the mantel of one of the Riders of the Apocalypse. This book was different that those. This book switches POV between Xander, who drinks a lot and is beginning to have lapses in his memory, and Death.
For some reason unknown to the reader Death owes Xander a boon. The boon Xander asks for is Deaths story...the story of how he came to be on Earth and why he created the Riders.
This, as you can imagine, is a fascinating story. Death has always been my favorite character in this series. Death has a sardonic sense of humor but can still be very touching at times. To hear Deaths story was fantastic.
Xander was also an excellent character. He is struggling with some pretty big secrets and issues. Still when Death shows up on Xanders balcony ready to end it all, Xander sets aside his own problems and asks insightful questions that make Death rethink the path he thinks is necessary.
This was a touching and compelling read. The story was very engaging; you constantly want to know Xanders secret and what Deaths decision will be. It was very very hard to put down.
The book is wrapped up nicely and all of the Riders we have come to know and love in this series have their stories added to and enhanced some. I really enjoyed it.
Overall an excellent conclusion to this series. If you want to read a YA paranormal series that is really different you should check this out. Each book deals with social issues and part of sales is donated to a charitable organization. In this case donations go to an organization dealing with Depression. All of the books in this series are quick and interesting reads that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. Highly recommended.
Before Pestilence, Famine, and War there was Death. This is Deaths story. What happens when Death sucumbs to depression and gives up all hope? Without Death can there be life? Xander has a secret...and a bit of a drinking problem. When he finds Death on his balcony it is up to this troubled teen to talk Death down from abandoning humanity and destroying the world.
Previous books in this series have featured troubled teens who are basically given a choice between dying or taking on the mantel of one of the Riders of the Apocalypse. This book was different that those. This book switches POV between Xander, who drinks a lot and is beginning to have lapses in his memory, and Death.
For some reason unknown to the reader Death owes Xander a boon. The boon Xander asks for is Deaths story...the story of how he came to be on Earth and why he created the Riders.
This, as you can imagine, is a fascinating story. Death has always been my favorite character in this series. Death has a sardonic sense of humor but can still be very touching at times. To hear Deaths story was fantastic.
Xander was also an excellent character. He is struggling with some pretty big secrets and issues. Still when Death shows up on Xanders balcony ready to end it all, Xander sets aside his own problems and asks insightful questions that make Death rethink the path he thinks is necessary.
This was a touching and compelling read. The story was very engaging; you constantly want to know Xanders secret and what Deaths decision will be. It was very very hard to put down.
The book is wrapped up nicely and all of the Riders we have come to know and love in this series have their stories added to and enhanced some. I really enjoyed it.
Overall an excellent conclusion to this series. If you want to read a YA paranormal series that is really different you should check this out. Each book deals with social issues and part of sales is donated to a charitable organization. In this case donations go to an organization dealing with Depression. All of the books in this series are quick and interesting reads that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. Highly recommended.
