Publishers Weekly
11/16/2015
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse ride forth to save the world from demons in this paranormal adventure, first in a series from Rossi (the Under the Never Sky series). After would-be Army Ranger Gideon Blake dies in a freak parachuting accident, he returns to life wearing a strange bracelet and rapidly heals from his grievous injuries. Gideon is promptly recruited by the mysterious Daryn Carter, who informs him that he is now the incarnation of War. Together, they set out to gather the manifestations of Famine, Death, and Conquest in order to thwart the malevolent plans of the demonic Kindred. Rossi has a solid handle on Gideon’s voice, who recounts the story as a flashback while being interrogated by members of the intelligence community, though this framing device tends to impede momentum and undermine the more exciting moments. A fairly standard romance between Gideon and Daryn plays to the human element of the premise, but lacks power. While a strong initial installment, it falls short of its potential. Ages 13–up. Agent: Josh Adams, Adams Literary. (Feb.)
From the Publisher
Rossi has laid the groundwork for an intense new series sure to be loved by the author’s fans. Intense enough for reluctant readers yet sophisticated enough to entice those who enjoy books with a military background and lots of action.”—School Library Journal, starred review, on Riders
School Library Journal
12/01/2015
Gr 8 Up—Gideon Blake worked all of his life to become a U.S. Army Ranger. However, when he regains consciousness after what seemed to be a fatal accident, he finds himself healing instantaneously and branded with a strange cuff on his wrist. Along with his superpowers, Gideon seems to be feared by many—even after his attempts to be friendly. After a mysterious girl named Daryn finds him, he discovers that he has become War—one of the legendary Horsemen of the Apocalypse. He and three others—Conquest, Famine, and Death—must save the human race from an emerging evil from the past. Unfortunately, they fail, and Gideon is left to convince the U.S. government that the human race is still at risk. Rossi has laid the groundwork for an intense new series sure to be loved by the author's fans. Told from Gideon's point of view with a tone that makes him seem like a real character and not the superhuman that he is, this novel will engage teens. VERDICT Intense enough for reluctant readers yet sophisticated enough to entice those who enjoy books with a military background and lots of action.—Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI
Kirkus Reviews
2015-11-03
Bickering boys slouch toward something in this semi-apocalyptic action tale. Feeling helpless after watching his father die, and longing for brotherhood and belonging, Gideon Blake joined the Army Rangers. When he falls from grace—and a plane—and temporarily dies, he returns as red-cuffed and rage-filled War, though he's afraid of his fiery horse. Inexplicably abandoning his family and Ranger unit, he partners with hot but helpless Seeker Daryn on a road trip to collect the other horsemen: Sebastian/Famine, Marcus/Death, and Jode/Conquest. The seemingly interminable trip and Gideon's painful flirtation with Daryn are punctuated by bloody encounters with the Kindred, seven former allies of Satan who now seek a realm and slaves of their own. Typical demonic villains, the Kindred are grotesque, ridiculously named, and prone to terrible dialogue. While God and spirituality are repeatedly mentioned, actual religion and Revelation are of little relevance here. Rossi relies on an interrogation as an intrusive framing device to explore all aspects of Gideon but leaves the fellow horsemen underdeveloped, though each boy gets to show off his weapon and steed. Gideon may not be great at flirting, leading the horsemen, controlling his temper, or horseback riding, but he will try to save the world with hooah and some hubris. Not a lot of plot or subtlety, but plenty of explosions in this macho, military story. (Fantasy. 14-20)
