The Apocalypse has come and our female lead has the unforgotten task of killer the horseman Pestilence before he can kill everyone else.

Why I loved this book
-Forced Proximity trope came into play
-thing that is supposed to kill someone falling in love with them trope came into play
-excellent post apocalypse set up
-solid use of dialogue and action to move creating a fast paced reading experience
-very solid intimate scenes
What else I would have liked to see.
I would have loved to see Pestilence struggle a little more with his nature maybe having them respond to the world around them a bit more sans the influence of his love interest.

Who would I recommend this title for

Pestilence is an excellent start to a new series by Laura Thalassa and thus a good read for existing fans as well as an excellent entry point to her work for new readers.

Obviously, this was a quick read since it took me about a day to finish. It was an interesting concept...one of the Four Horsemen meets a human and somehow learns that humanity isn’t as bad as he thinks. Pestilence, as the male “lead,” could have been developed more. It would have been interesting to SEE him struggle with what he is here to do versus what he can be. The “heroine” definitely has a case of Stockholm Syndrome, and that is something else that could have been more developed. I’m not sure how I felt about this book. I read it to the end. Read it quickly. I read the teaser for the next book, but didn’t mark it anywhere so I remember to buy it. For something to read to fill the time, sure I did that. Would I recommend this to friends? Um...probably only if they pick it up for free like I did.

Laura Thalassa is back with her next novel, PESTILENCE, that is sure to be the romance book of Fall 2023. This book had me wanting to curl up beside the fire drinking hot chocolate, it was truly the most perfect fantasy romance. I absolutely loved her other releases, so I was so excited to see we were getting another book by her. This was filled with the most perfect story, characters, and romance that I truly could not put it down. I cannot wait to see what Thalassa writes next!

Pestilence by Laura Thalassa is a post-apocalyptic romance novel that follows the story of Sara Burns and Pestilence, the first horseman of the apocalypse. Set in a world ravaged by a deadly plague, the novel is a gripping tale of survival and love in the face of unimaginable adversity. Thalassa's writing is vivid and engaging, with well-developed characters and a fast-paced plot that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Overall, Pestilence is a solid read for fans of the genre.

What a wonderful addition to the Four Horseman series. Engaging worldbuilding and a hot romance. I enjoyed how it wasn't an insta love relationship, and throughout the book we actually got to see both the characters grow. I love strong female characters with agency!

If I were to describe my feelings about this book, they would fall somewhere in the neutrality zone. I’m typically picky about plot and this one just lagged quite a bit.

I loved the MMC, but struggled to connect with the FMC throughout the story. However, their journey and connection gave the FMC some points.

I would be interested to read the following novels in this series, but I wouldn’t say this one made it a top priority.

An amazing juxtaposition of human compassion and divine purpose. This book follows Sara the firefighter and her love/hate relationship with Pestilence after she attempts to kill him. They travel through Canada and meet every possible type of human; and while Pestilence holds the highest disdain for humanity, Sara's neverending compassion and vibrant human-ness start to sway and confuse him.
It feels like humanity has been put under a microscope and found lacking. Pestilence is just the first horseman to spread divine justice, and it's honestly nerve-wracking to see the plague travel and see how determined Pestilence is to see it through. Love may be his downfall, but it's also the best attribute humans have to offer. I just absolutely adored this book. I loved watching their relationship grow and change, their conversations were existential and enlightening. It was wild to see Pestilence fall first as Sara lives in denial because this... creature is destroying everything she has ever known and loved. A pretty much perfect rendition of enemies to lovers, and I'm so excited to see what War has in store.

I am freaking obsessed!!! OMG I loved this so much. I read Rhapsody and it was just okay for me, I didn’t love it as much as I expected it to, especially since it has more of a fantasy world aspect than this one did. But wow … Pestilence is to die for. I immediately went and got the second book and I can’t wait to read it. You can bet I will be reading this entire series in the next month.

We really get to see both Pestilence’s and Sara’s personal growth throughout the book, how they change each other for the better as they learn and get passed their prejudices. Sara learns to understand things beyond her mortal comprehension and Pestilence learns the good sides of human nature and to not judge so harshly and polarizing.

This all happens against such a dark backdrop of the world in peril. The story world is well-built. Everything they are going through is emotional and heartbreaking. I can’t wait to meet new characters and see what God has in store for the world next.

People can trash this book all they want and call it needless drivel but I truly think it brought to light some interesting concepts for discussion. And the passion is so freaking HOT. I loved everything about it - the plot, characters, world-building. I'm hooked. Yes, yes, yes, all the stars I need more!

Though this was my second time reading this book, 'Pestilence' was my first introduction to the awesome author that is Laura Thalassa. I promptly went on an expedition to read any and everything I could find by her!

"They came to earth—Pestilence, War, Famine, Death—four horsemen riding their screaming steeds, racing to the corners of the world. Four horsemen with the power to destroy all of humanity. They came to earth, and they came to end us all." This main blurb enlightens people of what is to come - this novel is not one for those faint of heart and with stars in their eyes. A dark read, it begins with us meeting the main heroine, Sara, who has drawn the short straw and now has to commit to a grisly task: killing the horseman dubbed Pestilence. Seeing disease and sickness ravage the world, she does not shy away and thinks she is successful when she seemingly easily dispatches him. Of course, it couldn't be that easy to kill a horseman...right? Sara learns why Pestilence is an entity of the apocalypse. However, their forced proximity soon develops into something they both never saw coming - love. And Sara now has an even more impossible task, getting this harbinger of doom to see why Earth may be worth saving.

I love dark romances; sprinkle in some forced proximity and kidnapping and I will happily dance! This is the main theme of the book, as approximately three-quarters of it focuses almost exclusively on Sara as Pestilence's captive. Some will see this and say, how could this be real? It's obviously called fiction for a reason, people! The relationship between the two protagonists went from hate to love, proving the old adage true - they can change with the flip of a coin.

Upon reading this again, I can see one flaw in the plot - I wish that we had gotten some more backstory at the beginning of the apocalypse. We are dropped into the story years after it has developed and this is not my favorite thing. Fantasy novels need more world-building to fully appeal to me.

All in all, this is a solid 4-star for me. While I do wish there had been a little more world-building, the overall plotline was great and the push and pull between Pestilence and Sara was amazing. This is definitely a great pick if you are into dark reads!

*A great many thanks to Netgalley, Laura Thalassa, and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for this ARC. It is important to note that I was under no commitment to provide a positive review, and all opinions are undoubtedly my own.*

I don't know what it is about Laura Thalassa's writing... but it is straight up CRACK.

Between her super immersive world building and ability to create and bring alive these multi-faceted characters I honestly just absolutely love every single thing that she writes.

Sara was a brave, badass FMC who really gave Pestilence a hard time. I loved her audacity and ability to never give up her fighting spirit.

Pestilence... oofffttt he is one delicious spicy death daddy who has the roughest, brash exterior, and the sweetest most loving heart. He owns my soul.

If you enjoy...
- fast paced action packed plot
- enemies to lovers
- forced proximity
- ONLY ONE HORSE (my absolute favourite niche trope)
- 'touch her and I'll kill you' attitude
... definitely pick this one up!

So much to enjoy with this book! The slow descent into feelings is perfect. The struggle of both characters to understand the other is just great! Overall it's paced so well, has good tension and eventually banter. Really enjoyed this book overall!

4/5

This was a great book! It has nice characters that make for an enjoyable story. The plot itself is a bit weak and there is a bit of repetition and the romance is a morally grey one. Overall, it’s not Laura’s best but it is good!

“I am your victor. You see, I came to conquer this land and its people, but instead one of its people conquered me.”

I have so many mixed emotions about this - some parts I disliked and some parts I loved. I didn't like Sara (the Stockholm syndrome-esque romance is not for me), so I would rather talk about Pestilence. For someone who brings death upon the world, I was somewhat satisfied to see him experience humanity and all its emotions. He himself was not as dark and scary as I imagined (minus the gore and well.. the deadly plague). He's also sweet-talking virgin - who would have guessed! So for me, I much more preferred MC's character then our realistic. and for some readers hilarious. FMC.

Anyways, it was entertaining enough. As I have already bought the rest of the books from the series, I will be deep into The Four Horseman world.

Thank you Laura Thalassa, NetGalley and Bloom Books, for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.

This is a complicated book to review for the fact some parts I despised, and others I loved.

What I loved was the ending. It felt satisfying for the journey. I’m usually not one for endings like this but this book executes it well. After a certain point, I got a little attached to the couple (although slightly begrudgingly). Sara was a MC I got get behind. She felt realistic to her circumstances for the most part and she’s unforgettable. She never felt too perfect, but nor did the author make her too imperfect for the purpose of giving her flaws; it felt natural.

Now onto what I didn’t get along with in this book.
Pestilence.
A few moments, I just hated him. It wasn’t even because he’s, well, Pestilence. He just had a few ick moments where I found myself falling out of love with him. I understand what the author was going for with his nature but it just didn’t quite hit with me to be honest. There were plenty of times I wanted to smack him.

This was an entertaining read regardless. I’d have loved to give it four stars but I just can’t do that if the MMC gives me the ick.

We take of in an apocalyptic environment where the first horseman has arrived, Pestilence, he’s devishly handsome and everywhere he passes through dies.
Sara won’t let that happen to her and her people so she tries to stop him, witch only ends with her being his captive.

I loved how their relationship evolved and how he saw humans through her, the end hurt soooo much to read but it was all worth it !!!!

If you’ve loved Laura’s previous work, you’ll enjoy this as much. If this is your first book of her, buckle up because this will be a wild ride ✨

The whole premise of this book is fascinating. I love the post-apocalyptic feel and storyline. The twist on the Four Horseman is unique, and while the idea is a Christian one, the book is definitely not Christian in nature. This is dark and seductive twist on the old Revelations story.

The book is a deep dive between fine line of humanity and otherness. Sara is the product of a close family and close friends, and will do everything to save those close to her. Her encounter with Pestilence proves that she is capable of way more than she ever thought possible. The book, while dark, was not as dark as I was expecting and it actually hit me in the feels a few times. Part of me wishes we would have gotten more from Pestilence, but I was happy with what I ended up with!

I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in post-apocalyptic stories and enemies to lovers romance! I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

A fun ride, I know that this was a second edition of the book. I actually have the first edition. First thing, trigger warnings are important. There was plenty of violence. Plenty of descriptions of sicknesses and coming from the COVID era, Pestilence as a concept himself might be a trigger! Sara, a firefighter, was tasked to kill Pestilence. Little did she know that he couldn't be killed but boy, he could get angry at her because he feels pain. So, he kidnaps her and tortures her. I have to admit, while reading this book, all I could think was that she was suffering from Stockholm syndrome. I also didn't feel that they particularly had much chemistry and I didn't like Pestilence much. I felt like it would have served the author and audience better if we got more insight into his mind and earlier. We were given the feeling he didn't like what he was doing but that was just breezed over. Overall, just ok in my opinion, although there were some fun spots where I liked Pestilence's character growth. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an early copy.

Pestilence by Laura Thalassa is a romance set in a post-apocalyptic world after the four horsemen come to earth. Pestilence has been riding through North America spreading the plague and killing everyone in the areas he passes through. Sara Burns is a firefighter whose mission is to kill Pestilence when he rides through her town. After shooting him and attempting to burn the body she learns that is cannot be killed. Pestilence takes Sara as his prisoner but their relationship turns into something other than prisoner and captor. I was not sure how I would feel going into this book because I thought it would be difficult to like a main character with no remorse/humanity and accept his relationship with a human (the very species he's trying to wipe out). I ended up loving this and devouring the whole book in one sitting! It's been a while since I've loved a book enough to do that. From the beginning you can tell that Pestilence does not really love his job and its more than just his will that is making him do this. Don't get me wrong, he does a lot of terrible things on his journey with Sara but he was redeemable in the end. You have to take the book for what it is so you need to be prepared to see Pestilence do bad things. I loved the romance between the characters as well. You can tell they are both conflicted and trying to fight a relationship and I was glad to see that. Its realistic that there would be a struggle between attraction and morals. I will also say this is a more character driven story because you are just following Pestilence and Sara as they travel. I did not mind it because the character development is essential for a story like this. Overall, I think Laura Thalassa did a great job taking something that should be wrong but turned right in the best way! The epilogue gave the perfect small glimpse into Pestilence and Sara's life while also making me very intrigued for the next book!
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the ARC in exchange for a review!

Thank you NetGallery for the ARC! I really enjoyed the world building leading up to when Sara and Pestilence actually meet! It gave me a clearer picture of what the book is about. I loved the enemies to lovers trope as well! I do feel like there were pieces missing that could connect a few of the events together more efficiently, but other than that it was definitely a good new read for me!

This one just wasn't for me. The broody love interest was abusive and unrepentant, and there wasn't any kind of real connection between the characters to make me believe they'd fallen in love. Those whole premise of the 4 horsemen coming to earth is interesting, and I enjoyed how the story took the fall of technology, healthcare, cars, etc. into consideration. However, it just felt like there was a huge gap about the why of it all, and I'm not interested enough to read the next 3 books to see if that ever gets resolved.