I knew when I applied for an ARC of The Huntress and the Four Horsemen that it would be a tight fit in my schedule. It’s not a short book, and I already had a few upcoming releases on my list approaching rapidly. However, I simply could not resist. We’ve got an ageless immortal FMC in a biblical apocalyptic horror setting with a lot of moral ambiguity. On top of that, it’s a slow-burn why-choose romance. The blurb didn’t go deep into detail, but I knew from first glance I’d regret not applying. That first impression was entirely correct. I need to give a very big thank you to The Nerd Fam for the ARC of this one!

The Huntress and the Four Horsemen publishes on July 1st and is currently available for preorder. It will be available everywhere books are sold, including on Bookshop.org

Summary:

Eridessa was born into The Order, a devout group of a chosen few meant to serve the god of The Good Book, which they live by. Of these few, she personally has an even greater purpose in store, reserved for her alone. At least, that’s what the Grand Minister has told her during their secret, private lessons. She alone is to rise above all others to prevent the end of the world. When the four Horsemen arrive as according to the prophecy, they will bring devastation in their wake. The world will end.

That is, unless someone stands against them as the hidden texts foretell. Not many have seen these, but Eridessa has. She has studied them diligently under the Grand Minister’s tutelage. Decade after decade, she trains and studies, believing she is the only one who can preserve the world and the life upon its surface. She will make any sacrifice necessary, as long as it means the world will endure. The four Horsemen have a very different understanding of what will happen in those final days… and what will happen after. If she is going to save anything at all, Eridessa will need to determine which version of prophecy is the ultimate truth.

My Thoughts:

To state the obvious, I am a huge fan of stories. That love applies not only to books, film, and video games, but also to folklore, mythology, and theology. Whether or not I personally believe or follow any of them, I like learning about religions. From the blurb, I knew this one would be a re-imagining of the Christian telling of the End of Days. I did not realize how much more it would bring in. I was joyously surprised.

Readers should be aware going in that this is a longer book. The most compact print version I could find information on was still over 520 pages. On top of that, it is a slow burning romance and plot. At the beginning, the pacing is very slow. I know some fellow ARC readers felt they wanted more through this part. Personally, I enjoyed having additional time to grow acquainted with the characters and the world that they inhabit. All are exquisitely crafted. They served as the primary appeal of the first half of the book, along with numerous details of foreshadowing. With a why-choose romance, it’s also important for the various personalities to become easily distinguishable.

It’s not until roughly the halfway point that the pacing begins to really pick up. After that, the rate of increase is exponential. This is where all the foundational building of the first half pays off. Establishing the characters so firmly and all the foreshadowing of their histories is necessary. Without it, the number of twists and turns in the second half would be far too confusing and chaotic. As it’s written, it feels like watching each approaching turn on a rollercoaster. Even when you know it’s coming, it will raise your adrenaline regardless.

I also really enjoyed the way that this book approached religious indoctrination and trauma. There is a distinct separation for the reader between the religion and the religious leader in question. This distinction isn’t nearly so visible to the victim. Her healing process involves self-exploration and getting in touch with her own morality rather than trying to erase or replace parts of herself. She has to learn to love and forgive herself rather than continuing to self-flagellate. During this learning period, we see differing interpretations of the same god from her and other characters of her faith. Some versions are vengeful while others love unconditionally.

And that’s before we learn that the god they worship is not the only one in this world. I absolutely cannot wait for book two on this one. The moment I finished, I sought out the author’s newsletter for updates. The Huntress and the Four Horsemen publishes tomorrow, July 1st. A teaser chapter for the next book only whet my appetite. I’m chomping at the bit for the next installment. Although I don’t usually reach for contemporary romance, I may have to reach for Darby Briar’s other series in the meantime just to tide me over. If you’re okay with your epic adventures starting off slowly, you should definitely get your hands on this one.

Content Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Violence & Injuries, Blood, Apocalyptic Destruction, Religious Abuse & Trauma, Indoctrination, Psychic/Emotional Manipulation, Captivity & Restraint, Graphic Depictions of Sex, PTSD Flashbacks, Grief, Sexual Assault, Child Abuse, Torture, Child Loss, Death of a Parent, Grooming, Re-interpretation of Actual Religions, Plague, Political & Civil Unrest, Ritualistic Self-Harm

After I Finished The Huntress and the Four Horsemen

I had hoped to finish my next read in June as well, but I didn’t leave myself enough time. This queer horror would have been a great addition to my Pride Month. That’s okay, I’m still really enjoying it so far and it won’t be on shelves until mid-August. It features the gothic horror that I’m so drawn to lately, and a queer love that even death cannot sever, thanks to necromancy! I’ve been very excited for this one and it certainly hasn’t disappointed me yet.

My next review will be for The Halls of the Dead by S.M. Hallow.