This is my first dive into Laura Thalassa’s Four Horsemen series, and I had a blast reading this book! It was funny, heartbreaking, and romantic all at the same time.

You would think a story taking place during the apocalypse wouldn’t be funny, but Sara’s inner monologue and Pestilence learning about what it means to be human was hilarious at times. However, it was heart breaking at others. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I shed quite a few tears at times. Pestilence was also swoon worthy! Sara may have recited some of her favorite poems from Shakespeare and Edgar Allen Poe, but I needed a fan when Pestilence starting waxing on poetically about her and his feelings!

If you enjoy post-apocalyptic fiction and romance, this is a good mix of both!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Bloom Books, for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Pestilence is the first book in Laura Thalassa's Four Horsemen series and it is unlike anything I have ever read. Laura has a unique writing voice and it was not what I was expecting from the blurb, but it really worked for the story of Pestilence. I loved the world building in this book and found Pestilence to be fascinating. I usually love a good morally grey character, but since he is one of the 4 bringers of the apocalypse, he is way past grey in this story and yet I still found myself liking him. I do think he could've had a little bit more personality to bring him to life, but overall I really wanted to know more. I also spent pretty much all of this book outside my comfort zone since it's rather stockholm syndrome-y, but somehow Laura Thalassa brought me around. I also enjoyed the main character, Sarah, and found her situation through the entire book to be a very large moral conundrum. I loved watching her show Pestilence what humanity really is and watch him struggle through understanding but eventually come around.

I've read the entire series and while this one is not my favorite of the 4, I do think it's the best of them all!

Thank you to Net Galley and the Publisher for this Advanced Readers Copy of Pestilence by Laura Thalassa

This was a fascinating read and an interesting take on Biblical ideas. The book kept me reading by setting up the mystery of what Pestilence's mission was. The conflict between Sara's allegiance to the human race and her budding love for Pestilence and Pestilence's growing affections and acceptance for Sara and humanity and his mission or goal made for a dramatic story.

Overall I enjoyed the read and the apocalyptic-fantasy setting and I'll consider reading the rest of the series.

3.5 stars

I wasn't sure what I was going into when I started this book, but it was not this. I have to say though, I really enjoyed this story. I did find it fairly predictable, but sometimes that's what you want. It was fairly decently paced and I liked Sara's sassy mouth and the fact that Pestilence picked up the sass too. I loved the internal turmoil that both characters had to go through, it really pushed their character arcs along nicely. I did get a little tired of hearing about how beautiful Pestilence was, it was rather repetitive. Overall, a fun read and looking forward to the next in the series.

Fucking spectacular. Laura had me laughing, crying, angry, scared, and every emotion in between. Beautifully written to capture anyone who picks up Pestilence. Cannot offer enough praise.

I absolutely devoured this book. I really didn’t expect to like it as much as I did! The character development for Pestilence was so well done, he was the definition of multifaceted. I appreciated the conflict Sara felt, it gave the story a very realistic feel, but at times I just wanted to shake her and get her to accept her feelings. The ending was great, I always love the third act break up and resolution (I love the drama, let’s be honest). But the fact they change each other little by little over time just gives me such warm, fuzzy feelings.

This book was good, with a different take on the Four Horseman and this one is Pestilence. IMy expectations were different from what I read, however, I soon forgot that and became engrossed in Sara’s adventure with her kidnapper, Pestilence. The Horseman was determined to wipe out mankind and as he fell for Sara, you could only hope she proved to him not all humankind are terrible. A good book with a little surprising ending for me and I can't wait to begin the second book.

Laura Thalassa is one of my favourite authors for NA fantasy romance, I’ve read these previously when they first came out I devoured each one and I was happy to see a new release in paperback too, I will be getting these definitely as I only have ebooks. I loved my reread, the descriptions, the chemistry and her wonderful storylines. Pestilence was probably my 3rd favourite of the 4 books, but they are all 5 star reads so that’s just personal opinion and taste. You need to read these books they’re brilliant

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Wow, what a book. I love post apocalyptic movies/ TV shows and that definitely translates into books as well, so reading the blurb of this, it seems right up my street!

The story follows Sara a human who is currently living through the apocalypse. Five years ago the Four Horsemen came through Earth starting a chain reaction for the apocalypse, they then disappear. Just as the world starts moving forward again, Pestilence makes a return, and is slowly moving through the US. Sara bravely volunteers to kill the horsemen but ultimately doesn’t succeed and is held captive by the Horsemen as he makes his way through the US to complete his destruction of humanity.

This book definitely held me in its grip, and once I got more than halfway, I read the rest in one sitting! It’s not as easy read and is definitely quite dark in certain areas, but I think that is partly why this was such a compelling story. It really showed all the different parts of humanity and what happens when civilisation breaks down! I loved how you could see the disconnect between the Horsemen and how he considered humans, and how this opinion slowly changes throughout the story, as he encounters almost every aspect of humanity.

The mental resilience of Sara was absolutely amazing in this story, I definitely would have broken down way sooner than her! But she was the perfect counterpart to Pestilence, I think sometimes the main characters can be too fluffy and almost be too naive. Sara instead was rooted in reality, and recognised that there are good and bad parts to us, and I think it was good that she showed a true reflection of what we’re like as humans, which made the story infinitely more believable.

Overall, would thoroughly recommend this book to read especially if you love darker romances, or gritty stories about humanity. I wouldn’t recommend if you’re after a lighthearted book though!

DNF’ed at 14%

After reading the Bargainer’s series by Laura Thalassa I thought I should give this book a shot. It feels like it was written by a totally different author??

The Bargainer’s series is sorta half urban fantasy and high fantasy so I thought I would enjoy this one since it’s urban fantasy. Only Pestilence lacks the appeal and mystery that drew me to her Bargainer’s series. Pestilence felt like every other MMC I’ve read in rom-coms. I think with some more world building and fleshing out these characters more there could be something good on these bones. Alas, this one isn’t for me.

Laura Thalassa is one of the best writers of dystopian, apocalyptic romance. At the beginning of this story I found it hard to root for Pestilence, but Thalassa does such an excellent job at slowly introducing humanity to her characters that begin with none. Sara was a fantastic heroine and I appreciated her grit and empathy throughout the entire book. I recommend this book to so many people and am so excited that it is getting the opportunity to reach even more readers.

thank you to netgalley, the publisher, and the author for this arc.

3 stars.

i won't beat around the bush; i finished this book in a single day. it was that easy to read. i liked the slowburn of it, the pacing of the story was just right, and yet i can't bring myself to give this a higher rating.

the enemies-to-lovers in this book was good, but despite his redemption arc, i really can't see past all the fucked up things pestilence did. straight up. i'm not even talking about the literal torture he inflicted on the mc before they liked each other, but also about everything he did after. the romance in this was so toxic, i couldn't find it in myself to really enjoy it.

apart from all that, this story was just a lot of the same. and despite my love for extensive traveling in books, when i reflect on everything that went down in this one, it was a little too repetitive. and not just the way all they really did was travel from city to city, but also the events that took place. i can't go into too much detail because i wouldn't want to spoil anything, but much of the elements kept repeating themselves.

so, yes, i finished this book because that's what i always strive to do with arcs, but i don't think i will read this one again. personal taste and all that.

This was a perplexing book.
I didn’t realise it was an urban fantasy/dystopian type book. That was fine.
What threw me was the pacing.
The plot plodded along for so much of the book, then finishes in a massive rush.
I liked the questions it threw up, even if times I felt it got preachy.
But really, what was the point of pestilence? They travelled from whistler to somewhere south of Seattle. Lots of people died. I guess the love story was the story, but I wish there was more outside of that going on.

This was my first book by Laura. I like to say it was a happy accident.

Pestilence is amazing! Sara is badass. She did everything she could to make a difference, and honesty, she faired far better during the end of times than I think I ever would. Then again, if Pestilence felt some need to keep you alive, you know you're something special.

Man, what a story!!

Excuse me while I go order myself a Paperback of this, while I anxiously wait for War to wake.

I absolutely loved this book from their character development and how they grow with one another to their love story and how it ends up. It was beautifully written. The steamy parts are just steamy enough. I would highly recommend this book.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

So I’ve had this on my TBR for a minute now. I loved The Bargainer Series! So it’s no surprise to me that I loved this book!

So I never read the self published version, so my review is based solely on this version.
(I don’t know if they differ)

Sarah was a great FMC. I loved her strength. I also love how she draws lines that are hard boundaries.

Pestilence was such a sexy sweetheart. I loved watching him learn humanity! Some parts were so cute and others so funny.

Okay, I was raised in a religious school. So I found some hidden gems in this that I loved… such as the apple pie (like eve’s apple)

The spice in this was 🥵
The ending was so satisfying. I want to know about them! And OMG… war!

There’s no OW/OM drama and no cheating.

I’m definitely excited for the next book.

Five years ago the four horsemen of the apocalypse appeared, destroying power grids, crashing computers and internet, and eventually making human innovations useless. Five years of hoping humanity can redeem itself, but finally Pestilence has had enough. A deadly incurable plague infects everyone in towns where the horseman rides. Sara Burns volunteers to destroy him in order to save her loved ones. But noone knew he can't be killed, and he comes back angry, keeping her alive to make her suffer. But as they spend time together riding throughout the country Sara realizes she may be the only hope for humanity... and she might be falling for a monster.
I liked seeing the horseman develop from an unfeeling cold monster gradually to a man that could feel compassion and even love. Sara was a kicka$$ female heroine that never gave up hope on the goodness she saw in him. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Pestilence by Laura Thalassa takes readers on an enthralling ride through a post-apocalyptic world where the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse descend upon Earth. In this first instalment of the Four Horsemen series, Pestilence, the harbinger of a deadly plague, encounters a fierce and determined heroine named Sara Burns, whose actions set the stage for a captivating enemies-to-lovers romance.

Thalassa's storytelling prowess shines through in this unique and immersive tale. From the very beginning, the book grabs your attention with its intriguing premise and expertly crafted world-building. The author's ability to weave together elements of romance and fantasy while exploring themes of immortality and morality adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

The character development in Pestilence is exceptional. Pestilence, initially portrayed as a fearsome and unstoppable force, undergoes a remarkable transformation as he spends time with Sara and witnesses her compassion for others. The gradual softening of his heart and the questioning of his purpose on Earth make him a surprisingly endearing character.

The romance in the story is a slow burn that tugs at your heartstrings. Thalassa skillfully builds the connection between Sara and Pestilence, showcasing their evolving relationship with tenderness and care. The innocence of Pestilence's personality is reflected in the sweet and subtle nature of their interactions, which adds to the overall charm of the story.

The book's pacing keeps you engaged from start to finish, with well-timed twists and turns that heighten the tension and emotional impact. Thalassa's writing style is captivating, evoking a range of emotions from laughter to tears. The author effortlessly blends heartwrenching moments with passionate encounters that will leave you breathless.

One aspect that stood out to me was the book's ability to explore deep human emotions and universal themes despite its apocalyptic setting. Loss, courage, determination, and love are beautifully intertwined throughout the story, resonating with readers on a personal level.

This is my first book by Laura Thalassa and I found myself well and truly entertained from the first page. Laura's writing was easy, funny (which isn't easy for a post-apocalyptic book) and captivating.

I didn't know Plague Daddy was a thing, but clearly I've been missing out. Pestilence was such a great character and I honestly enjoyed him so much, also a lot more than the FMC Sara.

The first part of the book flew by and then it slowed a bit in the pacing for me. Not in a bad way, just it's very character driven so I felt it got a bit repetative. I do wish the conflict in the end would have been resolved more, don't want to say more about it because spoilers.. But maybe the second book gives us more on that, because I will definitely continue reading this series!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.