Kessler creatively discusses the tough topic of mental illness in this fantasy series by having each of the four horsemen of the apocalypse represent a mental illness. This first entry has anorexia nervosa (and other eating disorders) represented by Famine. Basically, a teen finds herself saved from death, but must pay Death back by serving as a horseman of the apocalypse. It's a fun way to get teens reading about tough topics and be confronted about them without *feeling* confronted by them.
Although I was at first skeptical about the concept, I found the first entry in the series very well done. It contains a tongue-in-cheek humor that many teens enjoy, and the fantasy is understandable and enjoyable, yet Kessler never fails to present eating disorders as real illnesses with no easy solutions. She writes responsibly and in a relatable manner. I'm looking forward to the next entries in the series.
I recommend this to teen fans of fantasy as well as to those who work with teens with mental illnesses.
Check out my full review.
Although I was at first skeptical about the concept, I found the first entry in the series very well done. It contains a tongue-in-cheek humor that many teens enjoy, and the fantasy is understandable and enjoyable, yet Kessler never fails to present eating disorders as real illnesses with no easy solutions. She writes responsibly and in a relatable manner. I'm looking forward to the next entries in the series.
I recommend this to teen fans of fantasy as well as to those who work with teens with mental illnesses.
Check out my full review.
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