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kat1105's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Child death, Confinement, Death, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
bangiebangs's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Oh this book.
So, first off: almost perfect, and the "almost" here is some iffy pacing mainly (the story of Death and Lazarus felt a little off in the first half, but recovered for the second).
This book gives all our favorite tropes (dark romance, enemies to lovers, fated mates, forced proximity, and an eons-old virgin MMC - love those!), and once more the journey is the destination.
That said, I think the middle is a bit eh. Death and Lazarus are mainly fucking (which, 3/5 for spice, that was really, really well written and better than in previous books imo), but Death's motivation to never relent and keep killing is "it's my job", and we don't get a satisfying reason. If the horsemen are here to punish humanity in ways we have used to kill each other, then what is the point of Death just dropping entire cities without even entering them sometimes?There is one scene where he explains that if God is everything, she (and it's a she in this story) is constantly being hurt by humans destroying the world, and if humans are only part of a much bigger whole, then they are like a festering sore that needs to be cut out for the whole to heal. That makes sense in principle, but even if humans are only a part of creation and seen as part of a much bigger whole, humanity's ability for redemption is portrayed much better on the examples of Pestilence, War, or even Famine.. but doesn't work for Death.
I didn't particularly like the epilogue (it gave Vampire Diaries final scen), but the ending itself is satisfying and honestly, I'd been wondering how the author would wrap up all the storylines that dragged over from previous books (yes, we see Victor/Pestilence, War, and Famine again). So that was surprisingly well done.
So, whole series review: LOVE the series, and my favorite book is still Pestilence, I think? Followed by War. I might re-read those first two, but maybe not the second two? Not entirely sure. Maybe reading them not in one go but as palate cleansers between other books makes more sense.
Wholly recommend this if you're looking for a series with well-trodden tropes where you still get surprised sometimes, especially if you relish some frustration with the characters that isn't based on miscommunication for once. Nice levels of spice throughout, mostly on a slow - medium burn.
So, first off: almost perfect, and the "almost" here is some iffy pacing mainly (the story of Death and Lazarus felt a little off in the first half, but recovered for the second).
This book gives all our favorite tropes (dark romance, enemies to lovers, fated mates, forced proximity, and an eons-old virgin MMC - love those!), and once more the journey is the destination.
That said, I think the middle is a bit eh. Death and Lazarus are mainly fucking (which, 3/5 for spice, that was really, really well written and better than in previous books imo), but Death's motivation to never relent and keep killing is "it's my job", and we don't get a satisfying reason. If the horsemen are here to punish humanity in ways we have used to kill each other, then what is the point of Death just dropping entire cities without even entering them sometimes?
I didn't particularly like the epilogue (it gave Vampire Diaries final scen), but the ending itself is satisfying and honestly, I'd been wondering how the author would wrap up all the storylines that dragged over from previous books (yes, we see Victor/Pestilence, War, and Famine again). So that was surprisingly well done.
So, whole series review: LOVE the series, and my favorite book is still Pestilence, I think? Followed by War. I might re-read those first two, but maybe not the second two? Not entirely sure. Maybe reading them not in one go but as palate cleansers between other books makes more sense.
Wholly recommend this if you're looking for a series with well-trodden tropes where you still get surprised sometimes, especially if you relish some frustration with the characters that isn't based on miscommunication for once. Nice levels of spice throughout, mostly on a slow - medium burn.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
Moderate: Genocide, Physical abuse, Blood, Vomit, Medical trauma, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
smuttymcbookface's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was a wonderful, twisted story as you might expect. Unlike with the other stories, I found I never really blamed Death for his role in all the deaths as it was clear he didn't enjoy what he did, but felt he should be doing it anyway. And unlike the others, there was always a twisted sense of care for humanity in that he truly believed he was bringing them to a much better place.
And then we have Lazarus, who's strong and flawed and resilient in her duty as well. She picked herself up, time and time again, and always accepted her lot in life, no matter what purpose she had to serve.
I loved the little short chapters with glimpses into their lives (like Death stopping mid-thrust because he wants to know what a joke is). I thought this was a beautiful balance of lightness and heaviness.
The final climatic scene left a little to be desired in my opinion, but the sweetness of the journey, and how well rounded the epilogue was, meant this had to be a 5/5.
And then we have Lazarus, who's strong and flawed and resilient in her duty as well. She picked herself up, time and time again, and always accepted her lot in life, no matter what purpose she had to serve.
I loved the little short chapters with glimpses into their lives (like Death stopping mid-thrust because he wants to know what a joke is). I thought this was a beautiful balance of lightness and heaviness.
The final climatic scene left a little to be desired in my opinion, but the sweetness of the journey, and how well rounded the epilogue was, meant this had to be a 5/5.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Child death
axkerti's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I am so bored. There is zero chemistry between Death and Lazurus, nor do I find either to have much of a personality. They're just super boring romantic leads. War and Miriam had more romantic tension, a rock and a blade of grass probably have more romantic tension.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death
booksalacarte's review
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
mrsgames2u's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
My favorite book in the entire series. I cried. I laughed. It was great and I loved the world that was created.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Sexual content and Stalking
caseygirlreads's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
5 finally finished a series this year stars!
I really loved this series. I remember Pestilence blowing me away. I am so glad I finally managed to read the conclusion of the four horsemen's story. I thought Lazarus was a really interesting character, and her inability to die was a great touch for death's book. There were so many interesting quotes about life, death, love, and humanity. I really enjoyed this book. I will say some of the plot felt a little forced (but that could be due to the creator Herself's influence), and the ending was very predictable. However, a predictable ending could be good if it's due to good writing or it could be bad if it's cliche or unoriginal. I felt like it might have been a little bit of both (reminded me of twilight -if you know you know). Overall, I think this series was fantastic and had a solid ending. I would 100% recommend this series and if you need the push to read the final book this is it. It's dark and it's lovely.
I really loved this series. I remember Pestilence blowing me away. I am so glad I finally managed to read the conclusion of the four horsemen's story. I thought Lazarus was a really interesting character, and her inability to die was a great touch for death's book. There were so many interesting quotes about life, death, love, and humanity. I really enjoyed this book. I will say some of the plot felt a little forced (but that could be due to the creator Herself's influence), and the ending was very predictable. However, a predictable ending could be good if it's due to good writing or it could be bad if it's cliche or unoriginal. I felt like it might have been a little bit of both (reminded me of twilight -if you know you know). Overall, I think this series was fantastic and had a solid ending. I would 100% recommend this series and if you need the push to read the final book this is it. It's dark and it's lovely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
tiana_king's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was by far my favorite love story of the series. It was nice to see some old faces and get to know the new ones. Not all of the questions are answered but everything was still wrapped up nicely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Child death
boomwormbrittany's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Death is the fourth and final book in Laura Thalassa's The Four Horsemen romance series which follows the Four Horsemen of the apocalypse.
This has to be the best series by Laura Thalassa that I have read out of her two. I was absolutely obsessed with every single book for different reasons. I loved seeing one human showing these horsemen the value of humanity. It was a very different romance novel series but in the best way possible. I also have to give a shout out to Laura as God is referred to with she/her pronouns and that just made me so happy.
I really loved Death and Lazarus. I thought they were so interesting, especially the dichotomy of him being Death and her being a representation of Life. Two sides of the same coin who are in a battle to see who wins. Death is truly the definition of a grumpy hero whose heart is only open for Lazarus. I thought their dichotomy was so interesting and I loved seeing them face up against each other.
As this was the end of the series, I also loved seeing Lazarus's interaction with Death's brothers and the other horsemen Pestilence, War and Famine. War is absolutely unhinged still and I loved that for him as he was my favorite horsemen. I loved seeing Pestilence being so sweet and being so caring nad understanding. Famine was ready to risk it all for Ana and his chance at the life Pestilence and War have been living and I loved it. I thought they really played an interesting role in this novel and added a lot to it especially at the final fight scene. Everything about this novel had me at the edge of my seat and I wasn't sure how they were going to stop the apocalypse but I was living for it.
The only reason this book got 4.75 is that there is a child who shows up in it. I, personally, don't mind children at the end of romance novels or if they are funny children who push the characters together. I understand the need for the child in this to put some motivation for Lazarus but I don't find children my favorite in the middle of romance novels. That is just a me thing. I also wish we would have gotten more of the other horsemen's families as I loved all their romances.
Overall, this was such a unique and interesting story. I loved this series so much and this was a perfect final book in the series. I would highly recommend picking it up.
This has to be the best series by Laura Thalassa that I have read out of her two. I was absolutely obsessed with every single book for different reasons. I loved seeing one human showing these horsemen the value of humanity. It was a very different romance novel series but in the best way possible. I also have to give a shout out to Laura as God is referred to with she/her pronouns and that just made me so happy.
I really loved Death and Lazarus. I thought they were so interesting, especially the dichotomy of him being Death and her being a representation of Life. Two sides of the same coin who are in a battle to see who wins. Death is truly the definition of a grumpy hero whose heart is only open for Lazarus. I thought their dichotomy was so interesting and I loved seeing them face up against each other.
As this was the end of the series, I also loved seeing Lazarus's interaction with Death's brothers and the other horsemen Pestilence, War and Famine. War is absolutely unhinged still and I loved that for him as he was my favorite horsemen. I loved seeing Pestilence being so sweet and being so caring nad understanding. Famine was ready to risk it all for Ana and his chance at the life Pestilence and War have been living and I loved it. I thought they really played an interesting role in this novel and added a lot to it especially at the final fight scene. Everything about this novel had me at the edge of my seat and I wasn't sure how they were going to stop the apocalypse but I was living for it.
The only reason this book got 4.75 is that there is a child who shows up in it. I, personally, don't mind children at the end of romance novels or if they are funny children who push the characters together. I understand the need for the child in this to put some motivation for Lazarus but I don't find children my favorite in the middle of romance novels. That is just a me thing. I also wish we would have gotten more of the other horsemen's families as I loved all their romances.
Overall, this was such a unique and interesting story. I loved this series so much and this was a perfect final book in the series. I would highly recommend picking it up.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, and Murder
xlaurareads's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
what a bittersweet but perfect ending to this series. i have many thoughts on this one, but let's start with the most prominent one: after the ending of famine's book, i was expecting death to be way differently than he actually was in his book. i felt like he might be the harshest, most murderous one that's connected to humanity the least and, thus, doesn't give a shit about humanity. however, in the first chapters of the book it became blatantly obvious that death is the softest of the four horseman, the one who falls for the woman (lazarus) in an instant when he sees her and needs to resist the urge to claim her from the first second on. i liked the "banter" between them and the on-off-killing situation, although it's always been clear how much death feels for her. what put me off a little was the time he "captured" her and the ongoing process of that; however, lazarus meeting the other horsemen was great and essential to the story unfolding. nonetheless, for the 500+ pages i feel like the book was a bit dragged at some points and there wasn't happening very much except laz and death trying to seduce each other and falling in love. like, don't get me wrong, I'm all here for passionate lovestories with good spice, but i was essentially bored at some points and, as the storyline of all four books was essentially somewhat the same, the ending seemed incredibly predictable to me. that's not a bad thing at all and i was prepared for it but i grew hella frustrated with death and his decisions at that. the ending was beautiful and bittersweet still, and tbh i couldn't imagine it otherwise. for me, the epilogue wasn't really needed because the real ending was, to me, perfect as it is. all in all, i did probably like this one second best of the series but it still had its weaknesses.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gore and Alcohol