The book was ok. It’s not one of my normal reads. The writing was alright. I would like to see different diversity writing from the writer. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!

Laura Thalassa has a knack for writing men that for a moment there we’re like “he can’t come back from that, right?” and then he DOES!

Like this a four horseman of the apocalypse. He’s war. He’s literally pillaging cities and killing EVERYONE. She’s only spared because he noticed a mark on her and knew that she was his heaven sent wife. How can a man like that be saved?

But that’s the thing. He’s not a man. But as War goes on, he finds faults in his purpose as it hurts his wife, Miriam. He finds he cannot have both his love and war and must make a choice.

Miriam herself is a little firecracker. She fights him at every turn, desperately trying to save humanity from War himself. She knows the sway she has over him, and utilizes it, but finds herself surrendering too as with each plea from her, she sees War changing.

Pestilence was stopped before because of his love for a woman. Will the same happen to War?
Miriam is desperate enough to die trying.

Thank you NetGalley for the read!

"War" is an explosive continuation that ramps up the stakes. The characters are deeply developed, and their tumultuous relationship is both captivating and emotional. Thalassa expertly blends action and romance, creating a fast-paced narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you loved the first book, this one will not disappoint!

Laura Thalassa continues her Horsemen series with War. It is the second book and could be read as a standalone, but I do recommend reading the first book in the series before this one.

I think Laura's writing style is unique and interesting. It's almost more thoughtful and lyrical. What I struggled with, though, was trying to get behind these characters and their romance. It was a difficult read to see him mistreat so many including Miriam for so long. Also, many scenes felt too similar and repetitive within this story as well as very similar to the progression of Pestilence's book. I do think the story could have been tightened up a bit. After reading a couple of the books, I think this series is maybe just not for me. I don't think I will continue with it.

*War* by Laura Thalassa is an exhilarating and breathtaking addition to the series. The novel masterfully blends intense action with deep emotional stakes, following a fierce protagonist through a tumultuous landscape of conflict and love. Thalassa’s evocative writing and intricate world-building make every page compelling, while the dynamic character development adds layers of depth to the story. With its gripping plot and powerful romance, *War* is a standout read that will captivate fans of epic fantasy and leave them eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for this title.
Compared to the first book, this one is slightly better. But still didn’t like the story, or the characters. Or how it was settled. For me is a big Nope!.
It took me a while to write a revew, because i wanted to re-read it, but still wasn’t for me.

I think I have found a new favorite author. Thalassa is a master of writing her characters in a way where the inner turmoil feels real and not self depreciating. I love the character growth she writes into both Miriam and War and how they grow to accept certain parts of each other while also growing enough in themselves to change for the better. It isn't perfect, but love never truly is. It's hard and messy and often a little painful.

Miriam is forced to leave her ravaged home of Jerusalem to join War's horde of soldiers, but even though she refuses to pledge allegiance and should be put to death - War keeps her instead claiming her as his 'wife'. But what does that mean? Miriam doesn't really know. But she has a horrible feeling she is going to find out...and she might even like what she finds.

War has been alone for centuries. That happens when you are a harbinger of the end of the world and immortal and not really a person. And he's finding that he might have to change for better or for worse whether he likes it or not.

I loved it so much! And I can't wait to read the next one!

In this gripping novel, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse—Pestilence, War, Famine, and Death—arrive on Earth, each with the power to bring about humanity's end. The story centers on War and Miriam, whose relationship initially made it challenging for me to fully engage, as I found myself more invested in Miriam’s character alone. Unlike Thalassa's other works, which often highlight a secondary, endearing couple, this book lacks that additional dynamic, a gap I felt keenly after enjoying similar elements in "Pestilence." Despite this, the story captivated me from start to finish, with a thrilling, roller-coaster of an ending that made it difficult to put down.

I'm far behind on netgalley reviews but I'm trying to catch up. Man, is it rough. Anyway, this book was really good. I liked that it took place in another country. Usually here in the US when we read or watch things about the apocalypse, it's through the eyes of an American or European. So it was definitely nice and different. I liked the main characters, I thought the main female lead was a little slow on her feelings for war. I also understand why...but still. I liked how they got a decent ending. I'd be curious to know where this couple went after it "ended". But did it really end? So many questions.

4⭐️ 3🌶️

Overall, this was a solid read even though I did feel a little letdown after how much I enjoyed Pestilence. But this series has me intrigued and I’ll definitely be reading the next to see if I feel more connected in Famine. I really enjoy Laura’s writing style and her characters were once again great--Miriam and War were everything I look for in a main character. I love the strong FMC vibes (a fighter who makes her own weapons? Sign me up.) and the fierce, brutal MMC on the outside wrapped around a compassionate inside always makes me swoon. The book did drag for me a little in the middle but overall, I really enjoyed this and I’m excited to see what comes next.

this is the second book in the Four-Horseman series. While each story centres around a different couple, I would strongly advise reading them in order to fully appreciate the overarching narrative. In particular, the events of the final book would likely be confusing without the context provided by the earlier instalments.

Once again I was drawn into the world-building and mythology surrounding the Horsemen and it was interesting to see how different each horseman is from his brothers. with each book, the world becomes more apocalyptic.
The author delivers well-crafted characters and intriguing stories and while the horsemen may have elements of the anti-hero the author provides a compelling case for why their actions are necessary but showcases how love can soften even the hardest men.
I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for the copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am obsessed with everything Laura Thalassa releases at this point. She has stellar world and character building skills.

This is book 2 in The Four Horsemen series and I would absolutely read them in order as these events build upon each other. 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. The day Jerusalem falls, Miriam Elmahdy knows her life is over. Houses are burning, the streets run red with blood, and a traitorous army is massacring every last resident. There is no surviving this, especially not once Miriam catches the eye of War himself. But when the massive and terrifying horseman corners Miriam, he calls her his wife, and instead of killing her, he takes her back to his camp. Now Miriam faces a terrifying future, one where she watches her world burn town by town, and the one man responsible for it all is her seemingly indestructible “husband”. But there’s another side to him, one that’s gentle and loving and dead set on winning her over, and she might not be strong enough to resist. However, if there’s one thing Miriam has learned, it’s that love and war cannot coexist. And so she must make the ultimate choice: surrender to War and watch humankind fall, or sacrifice everything and stop him.

I absolutely loved this story!! Miriam is an awesome character!! She doesn't ever back down, even when she knows that it isn't going to get her anywhere. She knows she needs to keep trying. I loved that about her. And even when she starts caring about War, she knows that she needs to do what is right for her conscience. War is most definitely the type of character I pictured when I hear his name. He fights hard, plays hard, and rules hard. He doesn't abide by betrayal's at all and will not hesitate to kill someone who he perceives a threat from. But he finds his humanity in Miriam. And learns that sometimes, war and brutality isn't everything. That there are other things that are worth more than that. I loved everything about this story!!

Laura Thalassa creates such a fun, dark, twisted and sexy world with a fun cast of characters, interesting dynamics, and a very well written world-building. It’s a must read for people that love both dystopian and romance mashed up together in a fast paced and intriguing series.

These are such great slow burns! My favorite type of apocalyptic literature is the kind that focuses on the best and worst of humanity and these absolutely do that. Loved War and Miriam and their story. Can't wait for the next one

“You are mine wholly and completely—and I am yours. For now and always it will be this way.”

All the stars for my favorite horsemen! I cannot even begin to describe how much I loved this book. Now as someone who normally stays away from really long books, I couldn’t put this book down! This story had me in chokehold from beginning to end. There was just something about this story and the relationship between War and Miriam that completely captured my attention.

It’s been a long time since a book has kept me at the edge of my seat and War definitely did that for me. Unlike the previous book, War was filled with more angst, heartache, suspense and steamy goodness! I also felt that the connection and emotional tug of war between War and Miriam was so much more deeper and raw. I loved every bit of it. For me, there’s nothing better than a morally grey hero/villain fall first for the heroine and change his ways for her. Seeing the ways War would care for Miriam just made my heart swoon every time. Honestly I cannot recommend this book and series enough. There’s just something about Laura’s storytelling that always has a way of drawing you in and not letting you go until the very end. And she completely knocked it out of the park with this book!

“Husband and wife pitted against one another—now that’s the true war.” He backs away. “I’m interested to see who will win.”
...
My rating: 3.5 stars

War is the second book in Laura Thalassa's Four Horsemen series and it lives up to its name. Action packed and full of tense moments, I was on the edge of my seat for most of this book.

Unlike Pestilence, War enjoys his purpose. He thrives on it, even. It was interesting to see him embrace so much of humanity while striving to eradicate it. That being said, it was hard to like War when he is, in fact, the embodiment of war itself: brutal, violent, and uncaring of the carnage he leaves in his wake.

Miriam stressed me out with some of the choices she made, but I have to admire her bravery. She fought like hell to save as many people as she could, however she could. I cannot imagine a better character to match the horseman of the apocalypse that is War.

Miriam and War's relationship was fascinating to read about, as he believes they're meant to be together but she can't understand how she could be meant for someone hell-bent (heaven-sent?) on killing off the rest of humanity. Their chemistry was off the charts, however, making them have a great enemies-and-lovers dynamic.

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of War. This review contains my honest thoughts and was posted voluntarily.

Oh my goodness! I have no words! I’m immediately getting the next book and reading it! This series was spectacular!

Ahhhhhhh I am beyond obsessed with this series!!!! I already knew I’d be based off of my love for Pestilence, but the love truly does just keep going and going! This was an incredible next installment to this series. Laura delivered another incredibly fascinating story with characters that were captivating and lovable. The tension was top tier and the plot was insanely attention-grabbing.

I again just adore the way Laura combined fantasy with this type of romance. I was in awe the entire time with how she wrote this story. I was just enthralled the entire time and wanted this story to go on forever. I absolutely CAN’T wait for the next one even though I am now halfway through this series that I don’t want to ever end!!!

*Thank you Bloom Books and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

Ahhhhhhh I am beyond obsessed with this series!!!! I already knew I’d be based off of my love for Pestilence, but the love truly does just keep going and going! This was an incredible next installment to this series. Laura delivered another incredibly fascinating story with characters that were captivating and lovable. The tension was top tier and the plot was insanely attention-grabbing.

I again just adore the way Laura combined fantasy with this type of romance. I was in awe the entire time with how she wrote this story. I was just enthralled the entire time and wanted this story to go on forever. I absolutely CAN’T wait for the next one even though I am now halfway through this series that I don’t want to ever end!!!

*Thank you Bloom Books and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*