The Riders of the Apocalypse series by Jackie Morse Kessler has been on my mind for a while. It just concluded with the release of the final installment Breath.
For the life of me can’t figure out why you’re all not reading this fabulous series! There was a lot of fanfare when Hunger was released but then the hype sort of died out but the writing continued strong as ever.
This is a YA series that deals with disorders that effect many teenagers today. Anorexia, cutting, bullying and depression but in a way that is action packed, not preachy and even filled with humor. In each book the protagonist is forced to confront their issues by taking over as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. For example, in Hunger Lisabeth has to deal with solving world hunger while she herself is anorexic.
The only thing I can think of is that people are afraid of *issue* books but I promise this series addresses them in such an intelligent, realistic yet witty way.
I encourage you all to give this series a shot. Below is a brief synopsis for each book with a link to the full length ones on Goodreads.
HUNGERLisabeth Lewis is seventeen, anorexic...
and the new Famine, one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse.RAGE
and the new Famine, one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse.RAGE
Sixteen-year-old self-injurer Melissa Miller exchanges her
razor blade for the sword of War, one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
razor blade for the sword of War, one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
LOSS
Fifteen-year-old Billy Ballard, the most bullied kid in school, is tricked
into becoming the new Pestilence.
into becoming the new Pestilence.
BREATH
When Death himself has given up on life, only eighteen-year-old Xander Atwood can help. But Xander has a secret--one that may be the end of everything.
Source: Jackie Morse Kessler
Full summary descriptions and add to your Goodreads shelf
Need more convincing? A portion on the proceeds from each book are donated these wonderful charities: National Eating Disorders Association, To Write Love on Her Arms, The Alzheimer’s Association.
Links:My review of Rage
Interview with Jackie Morse Kessler
Basia’s Bookshelf reviews from the series: She loves this series as much I do and has written fantastic reviews for Hunger | Loss | Breath
Interview with Jackie Morse Kessler
Basia’s Bookshelf reviews from the series: She loves this series as much I do and has written fantastic reviews for Hunger | Loss | Breath
Buy the books!
Buy RAGE at Amazon | Book Depository | B&N | Indie Bound
Buy LOSS at Amazon | Book Depository | B&N | Indie Bound
Buy Breath at Amazon | Book Depository | B&N | Indie Bound
I have the first book on my shelf and will get to reading it ASAP just because of this rec, Karen. :) Jackie was awesome at the panel I saw her at a few years ago - I really need to get on my ass and support her books!
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to see her at BEA. It's a really interesting take on serious subjects. I wish the series got more attention. It hunk they aren't a true paranormal or heavy on the romance so people aren't as interested. That's my theory anyway.....
DeleteWell it does sound really interesting, I'll give you that
ReplyDeleteTrying so hard not to begin any more books that form a series and here you are leading me into temptation.
ReplyDeleteI've had Hunger on my shelf since I purchased the paperback in January of last year, and I still haven't gotten to it yet. Maybe this will be the push I need...
ReplyDeleteIt's short...you can squeeze it in lol
DeleteThese are books I've been wanting to read. I was only leery of them not because they are issue books but because I was afraid they would make me cry. :)
ReplyDeleteThis isn't a sad/crying kind of series. They are serious topics but kind of snarky and more enlightening so it works really well. They are also very short (although each book in the series is longer than the last)
DeleteI hadn't even heard of this series before. Not really my genre, but now they are on my radar so I will take a closer look.
ReplyDeleteI swear I have been meaning to try these….
ReplyDeleteI like "issue books" and I like the fact that the author puts an original spin on them!
You can find me here: Jen @ YA Romantics
This series does sound amazing! I'm not afraid of issues books. I'm afraid of the Four Horsemen. I'm still scarred from some serious scary preaching from my childhood. lol
ReplyDeleteMaybe someday I will get my courage, b/c this seems like a great series.
Haha! These Horseman are kind of gloomy but not so scary
DeleteI saw the first two books at a Job Lot for really cheap for about a dollar or something, and ever since then I've heard a lot about these books (yet I've never heard about them before). Personally, I usually stay away from books that deal with these kinds of "issues" because I hate the way the media and what not talk about them. Still, ever since I passed up picking up these two books, I've heard a lot of good things about them, I might have to give them a try.
ReplyDeleteYou might like this series. The subject matter isn;t sensationalized in any way. The characters work throughout heir issues with the horseman who embodies those traits. It's really interesting imo.
DeleteTalk about an eye-catching headline, Karen! I've had these books on my radar for awhile, but your passion has convinced me I really need to give them a shot. Soon.
ReplyDeleteWendy @ The Midnight Garden
I'm glad you liked these books. I usually don't read contemps, but...I do like YA so...
ReplyDeleteYou know, I will admit to discounting Hunger when I first heard about it years ago because it was an issue book and I didn't do issue books. But I'm much more open-minded to issue books now and I really love concept for this series. And it's so good to hear you say that the issues are approached and handled well! I would honestly love to give this series a go! Thanks for reminding me/encouraging me, Karen!!
ReplyDeleteI originally read it more for the the Four Horseman but the issue angle ties in so well that it doesn't have an "issue book" feel. Or at least not in a preachy way.
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