War

I ended up enjoying this one a little more than [b:Pestilence|41831210|Pestilence (The Four Horsemen, #1)|Laura Thalassa|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1563320544l/41831210._SY75_.jpg|59407276] only because the female character felt more three-dimensional and realistic plus War seemed really cool. The first 3/4 of the book was great with a lot of action, ZOMBIES, descriptions of the Middle East and their camp, and some decent background characters. However, as soon as she gets pregnant it all gets a little sappy - "women trying to change men instead of just finding one they actually like" is such a trope and her constantly ragging on War to be nice is ridiculous. He's a Biblical being with a show more mission from God but oh nooo don't kill these people. It was like if Thanos suddenly decided to only snap 20% instead of 50% because he got his tip wet. Honestly, I was rooting for War because he was a BAMF and maybe he's here to purge humanity for a good reason, but then a pretty lady let him come inside her and that all changed. Now let's see how Famine fucks it up because of a pretty lady in the next book: [b:Famine|46837437|Famine (The Four Horsemen, #3)|Laura Thalassa|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|71882276]. show less

10 years after Pestilence abdicated his role, War, the second horseman of the Apocalypse, is raging through Jerusalem when he sees Miriam. Wife he calls her and she is swept up into his camp and the terrors he brings to the countryside. But War has a tender side and Miriam is drawn to him, if not all his killing.
This book is richly written and highly engaging. Miriam's strugles with the nature of War and her own attraction to him seem genuine and authentic. She's an impulsive heroine and puts herself in danger for the sake of the towns War rampages through, and all of mankind. I am definitely continuing the series to see how Famine appears.

There is a reason there is a fine line between love and war

I knew going into this that there would be moments that my heart would break like it did in Pestilence. I mean, how could it not? After all, this is a store about the Four Horsemen. Even if someone doesn't read and follow the words of the bible still have a sense of foreboding at the thought of what they mean. I was right to worry. because this book grabbed onto my heart and squeezed to the point that I almost thought it would burst.

Miriam. Sweet LORD. this fiery, stubborn, and dedicated woman. I loved her sass and will power, and ultimately her faith. She truly was a gift from God. War. This man was both infuriating and captivating. When he bantered with Miriam it became show more endearing. Together, these two showed how and why there is a yin and yang in all things whether it be light and dark, hot and cold, or love and war. They needed each other. Neither truly wanted to surrender and it wasn't until they both realized that compromise didn't mean defeat did that truly resonate.

I liked the overall message in this one showing the importance of having faith, regardless of what religion, and trusting that everyone could be redeemable. I CANNOT wait for the next book or to see what is in store for Death after it. I know they will both be amazing since the first two of this series has been. Bravo to this author for knocking me on my behind yet again. show less

So, I found Miriam ridiculously annoying at times, but when I finished the book and collected my thoughts, I realized...she's human. Laura wrote a flawed, annoying, human character and for the world, she's utterly perfect.

And, that ending! I'm so happy it wrapped up like that. Love, love, love this book. This series is easily moving into my top five!

I was sooooo excited to get to this second book in Laura Thalassa’s four horsemen series!! Squee! I’ve read several series by different authors featuring the horsemen, and this is definitely one of my favorites as LT’s guys are HOT STUFF. After Pestilence in book one (yum) we’re moving on to War and his sacking of Jerusalem and the Middle East/Egypt. I love our heroine, Miriam, the daughter of an Israeli mother and a Muslim father. She’s fierce, makes weapons, and even after War declares her his wife, takes her captive and tries to seduce her to his side, doesn’t give up fighting. It’s a fine line to walk with the horseman’s task to destroy, a dose of Stockholm’s syndrome, and a romance, and Thalassa manages to make it show more work beautifully. I eagerly await Famine…

Trigger Warnings: sexual assault, Stockholm syndrome

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader. show less

This is the second book in the Four Horsemen series, and it didn't disappoint. While it didn't match the first book's awesomeness, it kept me hooked. The focus on War's character was intense, and the chemistry between the characters was electric. The post-apocalyptic world-building was vivid, and the action scenes were thrilling. Although the pacing was a bit off at times, overall, it was a compelling addition to the series. I can't wait to see what comes next in this dark and captivating world!

War & Miriam Elmahdy

Review:
I tell myself that I read this one for the plot. The story is amazing and the characters are so complex and human. But it would be a disservice to Thalassa to not mention how hot this book is! War is a prime example of walking testosterone and I loved it so much that I went on a slow burn with the FMC! A delightful, spicy story that I absolutely devoured!

Quotes:
“It’s hard to remember what you loved without also remembering what you hated.”
“God didn't send me a wife," he says under his breath. "He sent me my reckoning.”
“My child has been in you that entire time. No wonder you’ve been so bloodthirsty.” Oh God.”