snowflake86's review against another edition
5.0
I cried, I laughed, I cried some more.
I was so excited for Deaths story but knew it would be the end of this amazing world.
Was a beautiful ending and way his true love ce to him was so much fun to read
I was so excited for Deaths story but knew it would be the end of this amazing world.
Was a beautiful ending and way his true love ce to him was so much fun to read
magsismagical's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
3.75⭐️ - this series was something else, let me tell ya. All four books followed a very similar formula, but that was kind of the point of the series and was written as if the formula staying the same was integral to the plot?? Basically every book is “oof he’s killing off all of humanity in TRULY horrifying ways, but let’s consider whether or not we deserve it, whether or not he enjoys it, and whether or not god requiring this makes god inherently cruel… also he’s hot and has kidnapped me and I’m gonna stop him from destroying the world with my love of humanity and bangin bod.”
It created a very predictable storyline, but that made them very easy to read. I really don’t understand how these books swung between the most soul crushing scenes you’ve ever read to mildly cringe smut to somewhat deep thoughts on the morality and role of mankind. I was getting major whiplash for sure and this specific book was the one that provoked that reaction the most. I think it was definitely a unique idea overall, and I will admit that I got teary eyed over the ending.
It created a very predictable storyline, but that made them very easy to read. I really don’t understand how these books swung between the most soul crushing scenes you’ve ever read to mildly cringe smut to somewhat deep thoughts on the morality and role of mankind. I was getting major whiplash for sure and this specific book was the one that provoked that reaction the most. I think it was definitely a unique idea overall, and I will admit that I got teary eyed over the ending.
angelica_ap's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I was a bit disappointed somewhere in the middle mostly because I didn’t like Lazarus, and really expected more from her, considering she is Death’s mate. Also, didn’t get the part with Ben, it felt off and I just skimmed it. But I liked the ending and how it all turned out.
Famine is still the best 🖤
Famine is still the best 🖤
danitrisha's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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
4.0
bte6d5's review against another edition
4.0
These books are pretty graphic, pretty smutty and very weird. With that being said, each one is a little different and I really wanted to know what happened. The other horsemen come back in this one and I was giggling at their responses to each other
porcelainheart_'s review against another edition
5.0
I've been following this series for the past three years, but it feels like it's been a lifetime. I knew I wasn't going to be prepared for the final book, but I severely underestimated just how wrong I was in that regard. Where the latest novel in the Horde King series by Zoey Draven emotionally broke me, Death effectively destroyed what was left of me. I finished this novel last night, and even as I'm typing this out, I'm getting emotional and teary-eyed recalling what came over me when I read the final scene and the final words in this book. I cried almost non-stop, but it was the best ending I could have hoped for.
I honestly don't think I can say anything about this series that hasn't already been said, but I can say what drew me to it. A post-apocalyptic Earth, with humanity eking out a dark-age-reminiscent living in the wake of the biblical horsemen's arrival. Each horseman given a purpose, and each horseman finding love along the way that makes them see that humanity is redeemable after all. For its time, it was incredibly innovative and unique. A little ballsy too, considering religion and God are referenced heavily in this series . I'm sure there are more post-apocalyptic romance series out now than there were before, or at least when Pestilence was released. But this series was the first of its kind, and the world-building, angelic language and script, character depth, character development and by God the WRITING were so ahead of its time, I know this series - and especially this book in particular - will stay with me and many others for a long time coming.
In all seriousness, I feel wistful heartbreak after this book's conclusion, but in the best way possible. Thalassa said in a newsletter that this ending was going to be "so bittersweet". Or as I like to paraphrase it: The Underestimation of the Century. I felt every emotion that came out of Death and Lazarus. Their love and happiness, after years of fighting and sorrow, was well-deserved. Death's musings at the very end about the new man he had become compared to who he was in the beginning of this book and the beginning of the series, the legacy he created in the years following the end of the last chapter, and his coming full circle as he grew older opened a floodgate inside of me that even now, I'm having a difficult time containing. I don't even think bittersweet is the right word in this context. It was profound. Maybe even beyond that. Knowing that each of the biblical apocalypse's four horsemen found humanity redeemable enough to live among them peacefully , all as the result of a single mortal woman, is almost unfathomably heartwarming.
With this conclusion, and having read the other three books previously, I can confidently say that this is my favorite in the series. And it goes without saying that it gets the full 5/5 stars too. If you're looking for a realistic romantic depiction of a post-apocalyptic Earth, but with biblical figures instead of the usual monsters, dragons, zombies and/or aliens, do yourself the biggest favor of your life and pick up this series. It's never too late to do the right thing. However, these books go chronologically, in the order that the four horsemen are presented in the bible. I was hooked after I read Pestilence over three years ago, and those hooks will stay with me for years to come. I absolutely loved Death, but let this serve as an indicator of what you will be getting yourself into with this book; after having read this, this is where I will be for the foreseeable future.
Spoiler
and especially the last three chapters plus accompanying epilogueI honestly don't think I can say anything about this series that hasn't already been said, but I can say what drew me to it. A post-apocalyptic Earth, with humanity eking out a dark-age-reminiscent living in the wake of the biblical horsemen's arrival. Each horseman given a purpose, and each horseman finding love along the way that makes them see that humanity is redeemable after all. For its time
Spoiler
Thalassa explained that she came up with the series with Pestilence in 2015, before transcribing it to print in 2017Spoiler
with the latter being referred to as She/Her through Thanatos's perspective in this bookSpoiler
Admittedly, it's been about three years since I read Pestilence. And if I'm being honest, I don't remember a majority of it (though I remember War and Famine a lot better, oddly enough). It's definitely due for a re-read on my part, but if I'm still being honest, it's probably going to take me the rest of the month to emotionally and mentally recover from Death's ending. And knowing how efficiently Death ruined me, I'm not sure I'll have the strength to get through Pestilence, the one that started it all.In all seriousness, I feel wistful heartbreak after this book's conclusion, but in the best way possible. Thalassa said in a newsletter that this ending was going to be "so bittersweet". Or as I like to paraphrase it: The Underestimation of the Century. I felt every emotion that came out of Death and Lazarus. Their love and happiness, after years of fighting and sorrow, was well-deserved. Death's musings at the very end about the new man he had become compared to who he was in the beginning of this book and the beginning of the series, the legacy he created in the years following the end of the last chapter, and his coming full circle as he grew older
Spoiler
along with his reunion with his brothers, their wives, and Lazarus in the afterlife, all of whom had passed away at ripe, old ages long before he finally didSpoiler
by relinquishing their powers and immortality, thereby living mortal lives and dying mortal deaths on EarthWith this conclusion, and having read the other three books previously, I can confidently say that this is my favorite in the series. And it goes without saying that it gets the full 5/5 stars too. If you're looking for a realistic romantic depiction of a post-apocalyptic Earth, but with biblical figures instead of the usual monsters, dragons, zombies and/or aliens, do yourself the biggest favor of your life and pick up this series. It's never too late to do the right thing. However, these books go chronologically, in the order that the four horsemen are presented in the bible
Spoiler
Pestilence, War, Famine, Death
faithsathenaeum's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
hantil's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
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
4.5
roxxie's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
5.0
A Captivating Tale of Love and Immortality
The captivating and exquisitely written book Death the final installment of The Four Horsemen series by Laura Thalassa delves into the depths of love, immortality, and the lengths one will go to in order to protect those they care about. The surprising and deeply nuanced character of Thanatos, often known as Death, lies at the center of Thalassa's captivating story.
Death ♦ Laura Thalassa
Opinion
Thalassa immerses us in a universe where death and immortality collide right away, and the mysterious character of Thanatos plays a key role in the drama that develops. The character of Death, who is surprisingly deep and multifaceted, is what makes this work unique. He shows up as a complex person/deity who struggles with both his responsibilities and the unexpected feelings that Lazarus Gaumond evokes in him, rather than being a clichéd depiction of Death.
Thanatos' emotional journey is a highlight of the work. Despite his immortality, <7>Thalassa expertly navigates the complexities of his personal issues, making him a realistic and sympathetic character. His battle with the idea of abandoning his duty, particularly for someone as compelling as Lazarus Gaumond, provides a dimension of depth to the plot that keeps the reader engaged and emotionally invested.
The female protagonist, Lazarus Gaumond, is as engaging. Her character is not a helpless damsel in distress, but rather a powerful and independent woman who confronts Thanatos in surprising ways. The two characters‘ attraction is evident, and their blossoming relationship lends a dimension of drama and passion to the overall reading experience.
Thalassa’s poetry of Death is lush and lyrical, conjuring up vivid images of both the immortal and mortal existences. The pacing is fantastic, with twists and turns that keep the reader turning pages with bated breath. The author’s ability to mix strong action scenes with emotional depth adds to the narrative’s overall richness.
Conclusion
In the end, Death is a five-star series finale that flawlessly blends fantasy, romance, and the supernatural. Laura Thalassa has created a universe and characters that will stay with the reader long after the last page is turned. If you’re looking for a book that not only defies established stereotypes but also touches your heart, Death is a must-read.
This review was first published at The Art of Reading.
The captivating and exquisitely written book Death the final installment of The Four Horsemen series by Laura Thalassa delves into the depths of love, immortality, and the lengths one will go to in order to protect those they care about. The surprising and deeply nuanced character of Thanatos, often known as Death, lies at the center of Thalassa's captivating story.
Death ♦ Laura Thalassa
Opinion
Thalassa immerses us in a universe where death and immortality collide right away, and the mysterious character of Thanatos plays a key role in the drama that develops. The character of Death, who is surprisingly deep and multifaceted, is what makes this work unique. He shows up as a complex person/deity who struggles with both his responsibilities and the unexpected feelings that Lazarus Gaumond evokes in him, rather than being a clichéd depiction of Death.
Thanatos' emotional journey is a highlight of the work. Despite his immortality, <7>Thalassa expertly navigates the complexities of his personal issues, making him a realistic and sympathetic character. His battle with the idea of abandoning his duty, particularly for someone as compelling as Lazarus Gaumond, provides a dimension of depth to the plot that keeps the reader engaged and emotionally invested.
The female protagonist, Lazarus Gaumond, is as engaging. Her character is not a helpless damsel in distress, but rather a powerful and independent woman who confronts Thanatos in surprising ways. The two characters‘ attraction is evident, and their blossoming relationship lends a dimension of drama and passion to the overall reading experience.
Thalassa’s poetry of Death is lush and lyrical, conjuring up vivid images of both the immortal and mortal existences. The pacing is fantastic, with twists and turns that keep the reader turning pages with bated breath. The author’s ability to mix strong action scenes with emotional depth adds to the narrative’s overall richness.
Conclusion
In the end, Death is a five-star series finale that flawlessly blends fantasy, romance, and the supernatural. Laura Thalassa has created a universe and characters that will stay with the reader long after the last page is turned. If you’re looking for a book that not only defies established stereotypes but also touches your heart, Death is a must-read.
This review was first published at The Art of Reading.