Description:

Contrary to popular belief, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse aren’t just harbingers of doom—they actually keep life in balance. But what happens when their leader and creator, Death, becomes suicidal? Before the first living thing drew its first gasping breath, he was there. He has watched humanity for millennia. And he has finally decided that humanity is not worth the price he has paid time and again. When Death himself gives up on life, a teenager named Xander Atwood is the world's only hope. But Xander bears a secret, one that may bring about the end of everything. This heart-pounding final installment of the Riders of the Apocalypse series looks at the value of life, the strength of love, and how a small voice can change everything . . . forever. ** ### From Booklist In the fourth and final title in the Riders of the Apocalypse series, Death is suicidal. Because his soul mate did not follow him into the world of sadness and dying, the Grim Reaper has decided to end it all, a decision that will mean the end of humanity. Fortunately, he doesn’t consider the fact that high-school senior Xander Atwood, although similarly depressed, might worm his way into Death’s heart and provide insight that could change his mind. Kessler once again highlights a common teen affliction, this time depression, in her allegory of hopelessness turned to hope. The three Riders featured in the other books—Famine, Pestilence, and War—intervene in Death’s (and Xander’s) deep sadness and decision to take his own life. The series is a strong and unique attempt to encourage troubled teens to consider their options and accept the help they need, while exposing all readers to the pain their friends may be experiencing. Grades 7-10. --Frances Bradburn ### Review **PRAISE FOR THE RIDERS OF THE APOCALYPSE SERIES** **Praise for* Hunger:*** An ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers * "Realistic and compassionate. . . . the writing is never preachy, and it allows an interesting exploration of both intensely personal food issues and global ones." **—*SLJ, *starred review** "Jackie Morse Kessler does a fine job of taking a critical issue that has been explored in writing no small number of times, and putting a new and thought provoking spin on it. . . . Sheer genius." **—*New York Journal of Books*** "Powerful, fast-paced, hilarious, heart-wrenching. . . . This story will grab the reader and never let go." —***Romantic Times Magazine*** "*Hunger* is not just a good book. It is a great book. It is funny and sad, brilliant and tragic, and most of all, it speaks truth. . . . I adore it." —**Rachel Caine, author of *The Morganville Vampires*** "A fantastic and gripping read that never shies from its difficult subject matter. . . . This book is a knockout." —**A.S. King, author of *Everybody See the Ants* ** **Praise for* Rage:*** A Junior Library Guild Selection An ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers "*Rage* is raw and real, a truly dark, honest look at self-harm and the teenage psyche. Kessler left me breathless." —**Heather Brewer, author of the New York Times bestselling series, The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod** "The elegant mix of dark humor, brilliantly developed characters, and just enough moral threads to lead readers to make their own conclusions is impressive." —***Bulletin* ** "Raw, visceral, pulling no punches, this story strikes home like a razor blade. It’s unforgettable, heart wrenching, and enlightening." —***Realms of Fantasy*** **Praise for* Loss:*** "Kessler blends fantasy, history, humor, and hard reality into a gripping tale." **—*SLJ* ** "Jackie Morse Kessler has a keen eye for capturing the awkward uncertainty of adolescence, which she wraps quite deliciously in a coating of mystery, fright, and suspense. *Loss* is a treat for readers, a one-of-a-kind, twisty turny carnival ride. . . . I loved this book." **—Andrew Smith, author of *The Marbury Lens *** "Whip-smart and elegant." **—Saundra Mitchell, author of *The Vespertine*** "Gritty and raw with powerful truths. An addictive read." **—Sophie Jordan New York Times bestselling author *of Firelight* ** **Praise for *Breath*: ** A Junior Library Guild Selection  "A riveting read." ***—Kirkus Reviews*** "Kessler has crafted a complex and gritty story that is a fitting end to a series. . . [Breath] will leave readers thinking." **—*VOYA*** "The series is a strong and unique attempt to encourage troubled teens to consider their options and accept the help they need, while exposing all readers to the pain their friends may be experiencing." ***—Booklist*** "A fast-paced story that captures the darkness of young adulthood while effectively weaving in supernatural elements. . . . This quartet comes highly recommended."--***RT Magazine***