What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fifth Horseman: a Comic Fantasy that Rides Roughshod over the Rules of Life… and Death
Internationally published bestselling author Jon Smith makes his adult debut with The Fifth Horseman , a modern comic fantasy that rides roughshod over established mythology and the rules of life… and death.
The Fifth Horseman is a darkly comic tale of two thirty-somethings caught between our world and the afterlife, who must embrace their role as reapers to prevent the End Times.
Death is just a day job you can’t quit…
Emma and Mark had a bad day. The worst part of it was dying. But, according to Death, the Rider on the Pale Horse and first horseman of the apocalypse, things aren’t that simple. Turns out the sand in their hourglass is stuck in place. Somewhere between life and death, they’re put to work as Death’s assistants, reaping the souls of the living until it’s time for their final clock out…
To compound matters, despite their omnipotence, the four horsemen are facing an existential threat – one they’re ill-equipped and ill-prepared to combat.
Emma and Mark must reap like their afterlives depend on it, to help prevent the End Times – even if it means scuppering the one opportunity they have at being granted a second chance at life.
Filled with humour, romantic tension, and suspense, Jon Smith utilises a witty, lightly sarcastic ensemble of flawed but loveable characters. It will appeal to mainstream fantasy readers and hopeless romantics, as well as those who enjoy a good story and a good laugh.
The Fifth Horseman is a darkly comic tale of two thirty-somethings caught between our world and the afterlife, who must embrace their role as reapers to prevent the End Times.
Death is just a day job you can’t quit…
Emma and Mark had a bad day. The worst part of it was dying. But, according to Death, the Rider on the Pale Horse and first horseman of the apocalypse, things aren’t that simple. Turns out the sand in their hourglass is stuck in place. Somewhere between life and death, they’re put to work as Death’s assistants, reaping the souls of the living until it’s time for their final clock out…
To compound matters, despite their omnipotence, the four horsemen are facing an existential threat – one they’re ill-equipped and ill-prepared to combat.
Emma and Mark must reap like their afterlives depend on it, to help prevent the End Times – even if it means scuppering the one opportunity they have at being granted a second chance at life.
Filled with humour, romantic tension, and suspense, Jon Smith utilises a witty, lightly sarcastic ensemble of flawed but loveable characters. It will appeal to mainstream fantasy readers and hopeless romantics, as well as those who enjoy a good story and a good laugh.
- GenresFantasyUrban Fantasy
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
71 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Jon Smith
25 books15 followersJon Smith is the bestselling, internationally published author of 20 books for children, teens, and adults. His books have sold more than 500,000 copies and are published in seven languages. A Liverpool native, Jon has four children and lives in the Wirral with his wife and two school-age daughters. To find out more, visit www.jonsmith.net or follow @jonsmith_author on Instagram & Twitter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
February 2, 2023
4.5★s
The Fifth Horseman is the first adult novel by award-winning screenwriter and best-selling British children’s author, Jon Smith. When Emma and Mark fall off the Royal Liver Building, they would have died, but for Death on his pale horse scooping them up before they hit the ground. And that is due to some cheap, clearly shoddy hourglasses. So here they are, at Death’s quaint little white pebble-dash cottage, on the wrong side of the River Styx.
Emma had been ending it all, and her flatmate Mark was trying to save her when they fell. Now, Emma wants to be dead, and Mark doesn’t. It’s all academic anyway: Charon refuses to ferry them across, because a. body and soul, they’re too heavy and b. they don’t have a gold coin to pay him.
While Death tries to rectify things with the hourglasses, his assistant, Veronique explains how overworked he is. Death is tired and under a lot of stress “More people die, and he has less time to find the ones who are worth his reaping.” She’s organising a party to cheer him up, so soon enough, War, Pestilence and Famine arrive for the festivities.
While Pestilence and Famine complain about the state of affairs: medical advances, new technologies, well-digging and crop growth are reducing their own impact, War feels things have never been better, although she’s soon in for a bit of a surprise: treaties and agreements, who would have thought?
Veronique suggests that if Emma and Mark give Death a hand, maybe he will be persuaded to find a way to help them die (Emma) or have a second chance at life (Mark). Death reluctantly acquiesces: “Your success will be my success, and your failures will be your failures”, something with which Emma is too familiar in the job she just lost.
They go into training to become reapers. Scythemanship, horsemanship, sandmanship (management of hourglasses), anatmanship (reassembling spirits post-scything) are all studied or practiced. Eventually, Emma is riding a fine stallion (Princess Die) while Mark gets around on Stormrider (his Shetland pony, see cover art) and they’re getting a lesson from Death on how to make a tear in the veil between the worlds: they are apprentice grim, bringing in a set quota of souls on a trial basis.
One tiny complication is that, just before their fall, Mark confessed his undeclared love for Emma, and he hasn’t abandoned hope that they might live out their lives together. He feels they are a good match, each bringing their unique talents to their encounters with the spirits of the dead, be they sad, angry or disbelieving, acquiescent or resistant, argumentative, bent on delay or escape: between them, they seem to have it covered.
Will they manage to put themselves in Death’s good books, and what then?
There’s plenty of laugh-out-loud humour in this tale: Mark’s inner monologue and candid comments are often hilarious. “He was an organiser. A list writer. It wasn't on his radar if it wasn’t scrawled on a Post-it note. Plunging off a tall building and hurtling towards the street whilst embracing his roommate wasn’t even on this month’s additional goals”. The dialogue is often darkly funny, and other little inclusions like Death’s pantry, the Horsemen’s abodes, Charon’s coin tossing and Death’s improvisation with a tractor will likely amuse. A very entertaining read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Balkon Media.
The Fifth Horseman is the first adult novel by award-winning screenwriter and best-selling British children’s author, Jon Smith. When Emma and Mark fall off the Royal Liver Building, they would have died, but for Death on his pale horse scooping them up before they hit the ground. And that is due to some cheap, clearly shoddy hourglasses. So here they are, at Death’s quaint little white pebble-dash cottage, on the wrong side of the River Styx.
Emma had been ending it all, and her flatmate Mark was trying to save her when they fell. Now, Emma wants to be dead, and Mark doesn’t. It’s all academic anyway: Charon refuses to ferry them across, because a. body and soul, they’re too heavy and b. they don’t have a gold coin to pay him.
While Death tries to rectify things with the hourglasses, his assistant, Veronique explains how overworked he is. Death is tired and under a lot of stress “More people die, and he has less time to find the ones who are worth his reaping.” She’s organising a party to cheer him up, so soon enough, War, Pestilence and Famine arrive for the festivities.
While Pestilence and Famine complain about the state of affairs: medical advances, new technologies, well-digging and crop growth are reducing their own impact, War feels things have never been better, although she’s soon in for a bit of a surprise: treaties and agreements, who would have thought?
Veronique suggests that if Emma and Mark give Death a hand, maybe he will be persuaded to find a way to help them die (Emma) or have a second chance at life (Mark). Death reluctantly acquiesces: “Your success will be my success, and your failures will be your failures”, something with which Emma is too familiar in the job she just lost.
They go into training to become reapers. Scythemanship, horsemanship, sandmanship (management of hourglasses), anatmanship (reassembling spirits post-scything) are all studied or practiced. Eventually, Emma is riding a fine stallion (Princess Die) while Mark gets around on Stormrider (his Shetland pony, see cover art) and they’re getting a lesson from Death on how to make a tear in the veil between the worlds: they are apprentice grim, bringing in a set quota of souls on a trial basis.
One tiny complication is that, just before their fall, Mark confessed his undeclared love for Emma, and he hasn’t abandoned hope that they might live out their lives together. He feels they are a good match, each bringing their unique talents to their encounters with the spirits of the dead, be they sad, angry or disbelieving, acquiescent or resistant, argumentative, bent on delay or escape: between them, they seem to have it covered.
Will they manage to put themselves in Death’s good books, and what then?
There’s plenty of laugh-out-loud humour in this tale: Mark’s inner monologue and candid comments are often hilarious. “He was an organiser. A list writer. It wasn't on his radar if it wasn’t scrawled on a Post-it note. Plunging off a tall building and hurtling towards the street whilst embracing his roommate wasn’t even on this month’s additional goals”. The dialogue is often darkly funny, and other little inclusions like Death’s pantry, the Horsemen’s abodes, Charon’s coin tossing and Death’s improvisation with a tractor will likely amuse. A very entertaining read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Balkon Media.
February 3, 2023
Ever want to take over ferrying people across the river Styx? Then all you have to do is accidentally/on purpose fall off a tall building after declaring your love for someone. Easy peasy.
So in here we have Emma and Mark. Emma was having a really bad day and decided to jump off the building while Mark has been into Emma and tried to stop her. Both went over the edge.
That starts the hijinks of working for death. Death, who just wants to retire and loves the past.
I have to say that parts of this book was much smoother than others. There was a lot of humor yes, but it seemed forced? I am not sure if that is the correct word, but it's what I felt when reading.
I did enjoy this over all and I do want this in audio. I think this is a book made for audio.
So in here we have Emma and Mark. Emma was having a really bad day and decided to jump off the building while Mark has been into Emma and tried to stop her. Both went over the edge.
That starts the hijinks of working for death. Death, who just wants to retire and loves the past.
I have to say that parts of this book was much smoother than others. There was a lot of humor yes, but it seemed forced? I am not sure if that is the correct word, but it's what I felt when reading.
I did enjoy this over all and I do want this in audio. I think this is a book made for audio.
January 22, 2023
Being a fan of dark humour and the three greats being mentioned Gaimen, Pratchett and Aaronovitch, I thought that this was the book for me. Boy I was so wrong. Emma and John don't quite die and find themselves working for Death's assistants as apprentices as you do. There are few good one liners but for a book that promised so much I was left feeling flat. This book was trying to hang on the coat tails of the great three and it didn't work.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
November 11, 2023
Rather good to be honest, certainly well written!
There was scope for more here, the middle of the book was rather stretched out and more could have been done with both the beginning and the end but, so well told that it was very entertaining.
Another where the book cover almost put me off before I started. Who is responsible for selecting all these atrocious pieces of artwork?
There was scope for more here, the middle of the book was rather stretched out and more could have been done with both the beginning and the end but, so well told that it was very entertaining.
Another where the book cover almost put me off before I started. Who is responsible for selecting all these atrocious pieces of artwork?
November 19, 2022
3.5 flying pony stars
I love comic fantasy, but Terry Pratchett set the bar really high and Mort is one of my favorite books. You can really feel his influence in this book and it makes it really difficult not to compare.
Overall it's a fun book and I enjoyed the humor and all of the characters. Emma and Mark both felt real and complicated. The reaping chapters could have been shorter and go lighter on some of the pseudo-phylosophical tirades. On the contrary I would have liked more of Veronique. She's a main character of the book and we don't know that much about her in the end. She feels a bit underdeveloped.
I didn't see the big twist coming and really enjoyed the last 25% of the book (except the romance part - ironically).
I'll be watching for the next books of this (new to me) author.
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for the review copy of this book.
I love comic fantasy, but Terry Pratchett set the bar really high and Mort is one of my favorite books. You can really feel his influence in this book and it makes it really difficult not to compare.
Overall it's a fun book and I enjoyed the humor and all of the characters. Emma and Mark both felt real and complicated. The reaping chapters could have been shorter and go lighter on some of the pseudo-phylosophical tirades. On the contrary I would have liked more of Veronique. She's a main character of the book and we don't know that much about her in the end. She feels a bit underdeveloped.
I didn't see the big twist coming and really enjoyed the last 25% of the book (except the romance part - ironically).
I'll be watching for the next books of this (new to me) author.
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for the review copy of this book.
January 1, 2023
I received an ARC copy of this book from Balkon Media and the author and this is my fair and honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this book! The book was easy-going in terms of reading and I could really relate with Emma’s character the most.
Both she and Mark were amusing characters and I enjoyed the comedy element to the comedy fantasy that this book is.
I would recommend reading this book if you’re into this genre or simply want to read something that’s a little different to your usual!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this book, I devoured it in a few days!
I really enjoyed reading this book! The book was easy-going in terms of reading and I could really relate with Emma’s character the most.
Both she and Mark were amusing characters and I enjoyed the comedy element to the comedy fantasy that this book is.
I would recommend reading this book if you’re into this genre or simply want to read something that’s a little different to your usual!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this book, I devoured it in a few days!
November 11, 2022
The Fifth Horseman by Jon Smith is the supernatural story of Emma, a woman who is fed up with how her life is going. She decides to end her troubles by jumping off a building. Sadly, her flatmate Mark shows up attempting to get her to rethink things, as well as delivering an unwanted declaration of love. Instead of hitting the sidewalk, the pair are suddenly whisked away by a skeletal being on a pale horse, Death.
Something has caused their life’s hourglasses to freeze in their final moments. Not knowing what to do with this duo caught between life and death, Death takes them home to Limbo, where they eventually become his apprentices. These unlikely reapers soon learn not all is well in the order of death, and if the issues progress, it could end the world. Can Death’s problems be the salvation of their existence?
Jon Smith has crafted a beautiful world that is easy to imagine yourself transported into. It gives a unique twist on the afterlife. I liked the blending of ideas like the Christian horsemen and Greek ferryman. I love that Death has a cottage by the River Styx where the dead trends of yesteryears are his décor and food options. This is a similar case we find with the other horsemen, whose homes also collect items of their area of expertise from the bygone era. This humorous fantasy novel has entertaining humor throughout. Readers experience things like a curmudgeon Death, who’s getting too “old” for the job, and a gold-obsessed ferryman, Charon, who bemoans the lack of gold coin on modern souls. We even have Pestilence, who’s so into his job of creating illness he tests his new diseases on himself sometimes. The book, while funny at times, also had great thought-provoking moments that make you contemplate life.
If I have one recommendation for this novel, it is to add some translations of some French phrases. Some you can guess, but some are not entirely clear about what is being said. I think a footnote for these would be helpful for readers less familiar with the phrases.
The Fifth Horseman by Jon Smith is a comical fiction novel that readers who love a good spin on death will enjoy. This book created an exciting story of the afterlife and what happens when its delicate balance is upset. It had great depictions of the horseman, the ferryman, and just two average joes who are caught in the middle of the game of life and death.
Something has caused their life’s hourglasses to freeze in their final moments. Not knowing what to do with this duo caught between life and death, Death takes them home to Limbo, where they eventually become his apprentices. These unlikely reapers soon learn not all is well in the order of death, and if the issues progress, it could end the world. Can Death’s problems be the salvation of their existence?
Jon Smith has crafted a beautiful world that is easy to imagine yourself transported into. It gives a unique twist on the afterlife. I liked the blending of ideas like the Christian horsemen and Greek ferryman. I love that Death has a cottage by the River Styx where the dead trends of yesteryears are his décor and food options. This is a similar case we find with the other horsemen, whose homes also collect items of their area of expertise from the bygone era. This humorous fantasy novel has entertaining humor throughout. Readers experience things like a curmudgeon Death, who’s getting too “old” for the job, and a gold-obsessed ferryman, Charon, who bemoans the lack of gold coin on modern souls. We even have Pestilence, who’s so into his job of creating illness he tests his new diseases on himself sometimes. The book, while funny at times, also had great thought-provoking moments that make you contemplate life.
If I have one recommendation for this novel, it is to add some translations of some French phrases. Some you can guess, but some are not entirely clear about what is being said. I think a footnote for these would be helpful for readers less familiar with the phrases.
The Fifth Horseman by Jon Smith is a comical fiction novel that readers who love a good spin on death will enjoy. This book created an exciting story of the afterlife and what happens when its delicate balance is upset. It had great depictions of the horseman, the ferryman, and just two average joes who are caught in the middle of the game of life and death.
May 28, 2024
the cover: drew me in immediately- perfect depiction of a dark humor book… and look at that cute little pony!!!
FMC: Emma- we enter this book with Emma ready to take her life. As a 30-something with an unfulfilled life, a boatload of debt, and a dead-end job that takes her for granted she longs for a purpose- will she find one in her afterlife?
MMC: Mark- after some attempts at talking Emma off the ledge… literally… he instead pushes them both to their death. Except they don’t quite die. They offer to help Death by agreeing to reap souls in exchange for a second chance but those second chances look very different for Emma and Mark. Will they find common ground? Will they get their second chance?
POV: 3rd person, multiple perspectives
HEA: yes
spice: there are a couple fade-to-black or suggestive scenes, but this book does not focus on a true romantic relationship, so they are very minimal
TWs: death, suicide (multiple characters, nongraphic), murder, child death (nongraphic)
standalone?: yes
final thoughts: Death, Veronique, Charon, and the Four Horsemen were funny, interesting, and were very interesting to read. They were great side characters (and we get most of their POVs at different times throughout the book) that added different layers to this novel. I loved nearly everything about this book except a few concepts that were introduced toward the end (I’ll block the spoilers below if you want to read)
read this book if you love
☠️ depictions of Death/the afterlife
😆 dark humor
⚔️ adventure
🔮 fantasy/magical elements
😈 supernatural characters
FMC: Emma- we enter this book with Emma ready to take her life. As a 30-something with an unfulfilled life, a boatload of debt, and a dead-end job that takes her for granted she longs for a purpose- will she find one in her afterlife?
MMC: Mark- after some attempts at talking Emma off the ledge… literally… he instead pushes them both to their death. Except they don’t quite die. They offer to help Death by agreeing to reap souls in exchange for a second chance but those second chances look very different for Emma and Mark. Will they find common ground? Will they get their second chance?
POV: 3rd person, multiple perspectives
HEA: yes
spice: there are a couple fade-to-black or suggestive scenes, but this book does not focus on a true romantic relationship, so they are very minimal
TWs: death, suicide (multiple characters, nongraphic), murder, child death (nongraphic)
standalone?: yes
final thoughts: Death, Veronique, Charon, and the Four Horsemen were funny, interesting, and were very interesting to read. They were great side characters (and we get most of their POVs at different times throughout the book) that added different layers to this novel. I loved nearly everything about this book except a few concepts that were introduced toward the end (I’ll block the spoilers below if you want to read)
read this book if you love
☠️ depictions of Death/the afterlife
😆 dark humor
⚔️ adventure
🔮 fantasy/magical elements
😈 supernatural characters
February 7, 2023
When Emma decides that she is going to jump off the Royal Liver Building, she doesn’t expect her flatmate, Mark, to turn up… especially when she left him a note specifically telling him not to open it until after 7pm hours from now. Mark joins her on top of the building and tries to talk her down, without much luck. A passerby sees the figures on top of the building, and decides to run up to try and talk them down, resulting in Mark stepping backwards off the building in surprise and falling to his death with Emma. Instead of hitting the ground as expected, they end up on the back of a horse. Not any old horse, but the horse of one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Death. But Death now has a problem, he picked up Emma and Mark before their last grain of sand fell, and it now seems to be stuck in their hourglasses and not moving. Death takes them home, where they meet his French maid, Veronique, who makes the suggestion that Death puts the two of them to work helping Death by reaping the souls of the dead.
This book was full of the northern sarcasm that I love, ridiculous situations to find yourself in (a soul throwing a trowel whilst on the run) and a little bit of a love story (even if it is only one sided). It also personifies the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse - Death, War, Famine and Pestilence as well as Charon the boatman to ferry souls across the River Styx. We see a little bit into what makes them tick, whilst watching Emma and Mark learn the ways of Death.
It definitely gave me a Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett vibes and I could definitely see this becoming a TV show similar to Good Omens. I think it would transfer really well to screen and could stay true to the book.
I have really enjoyed the journey with Emma and Mark, and really enjoyed Jon Smith’s writing style. I will definitely be looking into reading more of his books in the future.
This book was full of the northern sarcasm that I love, ridiculous situations to find yourself in (a soul throwing a trowel whilst on the run) and a little bit of a love story (even if it is only one sided). It also personifies the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse - Death, War, Famine and Pestilence as well as Charon the boatman to ferry souls across the River Styx. We see a little bit into what makes them tick, whilst watching Emma and Mark learn the ways of Death.
It definitely gave me a Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett vibes and I could definitely see this becoming a TV show similar to Good Omens. I think it would transfer really well to screen and could stay true to the book.
I have really enjoyed the journey with Emma and Mark, and really enjoyed Jon Smith’s writing style. I will definitely be looking into reading more of his books in the future.
October 31, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC.
The Fifth Horseman has wit, charm, and entertainment all wrapped up with just the right level of dark humour. It's engaging enough not to drag but slow enough to let you enjoy the characters as they navigate this strange new situation they find themselves in.
Emma and Mark engage in some funny banter, and at times Death feels like a tired professor watching his students rip up the syllabus and submit a dance piece for thier final essay. It's a fun relationship that also knows when to throw the punch about the fragility and temporary state of living. Death, the reality, is terrifying for many, and Jon Smith doesn't shy away from that, but instead lets it thread this story together.
The Horsemen were fun and also depressing in the way they really exposed some of the horrors we often think of but fail to realize the shadows they cast, like just how severe starvation and disease are in the world and the boasting of the Horsemen feels like a jab at the system rather than a mockery of the situation which I appreciated.
I found this overall lighthearted and upbeat with quick humour that didn't overstay its welcome. A little over the top at times, but in the way that gave me sitcom vibes in the good way. Mark has some lines I was less fond of towards Emma which felt a bit tired and old but I also feel Emma was assertive in her boundaries with him.
I think the comparison to Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman is always a gamble. I didn't find as much delight in Death which I think is primarily a Me issue, as Death in Pratchett's books holds such a dear place in pop culture. But the presence of both authors is felt in this story without being overwhelming.
Overall this was a fun ride and I think offers an easy read.
The Fifth Horseman has wit, charm, and entertainment all wrapped up with just the right level of dark humour. It's engaging enough not to drag but slow enough to let you enjoy the characters as they navigate this strange new situation they find themselves in.
Emma and Mark engage in some funny banter, and at times Death feels like a tired professor watching his students rip up the syllabus and submit a dance piece for thier final essay. It's a fun relationship that also knows when to throw the punch about the fragility and temporary state of living. Death, the reality, is terrifying for many, and Jon Smith doesn't shy away from that, but instead lets it thread this story together.
The Horsemen were fun and also depressing in the way they really exposed some of the horrors we often think of but fail to realize the shadows they cast, like just how severe starvation and disease are in the world and the boasting of the Horsemen feels like a jab at the system rather than a mockery of the situation which I appreciated.
I found this overall lighthearted and upbeat with quick humour that didn't overstay its welcome. A little over the top at times, but in the way that gave me sitcom vibes in the good way. Mark has some lines I was less fond of towards Emma which felt a bit tired and old but I also feel Emma was assertive in her boundaries with him.
I think the comparison to Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman is always a gamble. I didn't find as much delight in Death which I think is primarily a Me issue, as Death in Pratchett's books holds such a dear place in pop culture. But the presence of both authors is felt in this story without being overwhelming.
Overall this was a fun ride and I think offers an easy read.
March 5, 2023
This was a very different read, and I mean that in a very good way. I really like British humour (see what I did there?), and this book has it.
This book is a tiny bit genre bending. I would call it a dark comedy. There are aspects of romance, on a minor level. A VERY minor level. There are certainly paranormal elements. Mythological elements. It has the feel of an "epic" in the Greek and Roman sense.
All of these are good bits. There are some real nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout, as well. There eventually is a struggle of good vs. evil, with oddly, the four horsemen of the proverbial apocalypse acting as quasi-heroes.
There are, however, deeper questions pondered about life and death and what it means to be alive or dead. I LOVE books that make me think and this one did, in spades. As I was reading it, I was thinking, "5 stars, all the way."
You will note, however, that I did NOT rate it that way. I was really tempted to. But for me, the ending seemed a bit rushed and contrived. It is difficult to say more without spoilers. Let me just say that several of the main characters "die" and then are somehow NOT dead in the end. It is never explained how that happened and why. Yet for another, death somehow IS death, and there is no coming back from that. While that seems a good thing, in some sense, from a fairness perspective, it is not fully baked and so the ending just felt thrown together.
For most of the rest, however, it was a "fun" journey through the afterlife.
This book is a tiny bit genre bending. I would call it a dark comedy. There are aspects of romance, on a minor level. A VERY minor level. There are certainly paranormal elements. Mythological elements. It has the feel of an "epic" in the Greek and Roman sense.
All of these are good bits. There are some real nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout, as well. There eventually is a struggle of good vs. evil, with oddly, the four horsemen of the proverbial apocalypse acting as quasi-heroes.
There are, however, deeper questions pondered about life and death and what it means to be alive or dead. I LOVE books that make me think and this one did, in spades. As I was reading it, I was thinking, "5 stars, all the way."
You will note, however, that I did NOT rate it that way. I was really tempted to. But for me, the ending seemed a bit rushed and contrived. It is difficult to say more without spoilers. Let me just say that several of the main characters "die" and then are somehow NOT dead in the end. It is never explained how that happened and why. Yet for another, death somehow IS death, and there is no coming back from that. While that seems a good thing, in some sense, from a fairness perspective, it is not fully baked and so the ending just felt thrown together.
For most of the rest, however, it was a "fun" journey through the afterlife.
September 19, 2023
When I saw in the synopsis that this book had that satirical humor that Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy had, I instantly wanted to read this. I was so happy to be given an ARC (Thank you!).
The beginning was great and I think the ending really sold the entire concept. Some parts in the middle get a little muddled. I liked how Time was represented in the book because it was even hard to figure it out throughout the entire book how long they had be "dead" and how that was just a reference to the whole Time is just a human invention. One thing I wished that had been flushed out a little more was the characterization with the romance subplot of this book. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed and that although you saw they had a great friendship, you didn't get to see the budding romance aspect as well. It felt like it was kind of just plopped into the story to make a certain audience interested. I think the two were a great match, they were humorous and I think they really made this book but that one aspect just needed a little more attention. The overall characterization was amazing and I love the talk of Money controlling the world as a plot point.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys books like Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy or someone who has a morbid sense of humor.
The beginning was great and I think the ending really sold the entire concept. Some parts in the middle get a little muddled. I liked how Time was represented in the book because it was even hard to figure it out throughout the entire book how long they had be "dead" and how that was just a reference to the whole Time is just a human invention. One thing I wished that had been flushed out a little more was the characterization with the romance subplot of this book. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed and that although you saw they had a great friendship, you didn't get to see the budding romance aspect as well. It felt like it was kind of just plopped into the story to make a certain audience interested. I think the two were a great match, they were humorous and I think they really made this book but that one aspect just needed a little more attention. The overall characterization was amazing and I love the talk of Money controlling the world as a plot point.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys books like Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy or someone who has a morbid sense of humor.
February 3, 2023
OK so The Fifth Horseman has been compared to the works of Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, Douglas Adams, and more. That's some hefty competition there.
And whilst I see why these comparisons would be made, it's also a little unfair. Yes, the similarities are there but come on, you are comparing a relatively new author to absolute masters in the class.
So is this up there with the likes of Mort, Hitchhikers Guide and American Gods? Well, no. Honestly. But it IS good. Smith borrows ideas from all these authors but also pulls them into something quite new.
It is a story you need to stick with - it really gets going quite near the end, when the reason for the whole thing finally comes to light.
There is humour, there are plot twists and there's also a fair bit of heart, too. It deals with some touchy subjects such as suicide and infant death along the way and manages to do so with both care and humour.
So in short... it's not the greatest work of British Fantasy Humour, but it doesn't have to be the best. It's a fun, entertaining little read and well worth your time if you are a fan of the other mentioned authors above.
Here's the disclaimer - I received an Advance Reader Copy of this title from Balkon Media. This is my fair and honest review.
And whilst I see why these comparisons would be made, it's also a little unfair. Yes, the similarities are there but come on, you are comparing a relatively new author to absolute masters in the class.
So is this up there with the likes of Mort, Hitchhikers Guide and American Gods? Well, no. Honestly. But it IS good. Smith borrows ideas from all these authors but also pulls them into something quite new.
It is a story you need to stick with - it really gets going quite near the end, when the reason for the whole thing finally comes to light.
There is humour, there are plot twists and there's also a fair bit of heart, too. It deals with some touchy subjects such as suicide and infant death along the way and manages to do so with both care and humour.
So in short... it's not the greatest work of British Fantasy Humour, but it doesn't have to be the best. It's a fun, entertaining little read and well worth your time if you are a fan of the other mentioned authors above.
Here's the disclaimer - I received an Advance Reader Copy of this title from Balkon Media. This is my fair and honest review.
April 2, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Jon Smith and RABT Books Tours and PR. I'm excited to be a part of this tour.
This is my first comic fantasy. The plot piqued my curiosity and I’m glad I picked this one up. The Fifth Horseman is a darkly comic tale of two thirty-somethings caught between our world and the afterlife, who must embrace their role as reapers to prevent the End Times.
Emma and Mark had a bad day. The worst part was dying but things are quite so simple. The sand in their hourglasses is stuck in place. Somewhere between life and death. They are put to work as Death’s assistants, repeating the souls of the living until the final clock runs out.
This book is well written full of humor and an element of sarcasm. The characters are well developed, though I would have liked to know more about Veronique. Emma and Mark are likeable yet complex. Their dynamic kept me in stiches. The author does a great job of building suspense while also keeping the reader guessing. I did not see the final twist coming. The descriptions were spot on, and the reaping chapters added a humorous level of depth. Despite this book being about death, it reads easily.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
This is my first comic fantasy. The plot piqued my curiosity and I’m glad I picked this one up. The Fifth Horseman is a darkly comic tale of two thirty-somethings caught between our world and the afterlife, who must embrace their role as reapers to prevent the End Times.
Emma and Mark had a bad day. The worst part was dying but things are quite so simple. The sand in their hourglasses is stuck in place. Somewhere between life and death. They are put to work as Death’s assistants, repeating the souls of the living until the final clock runs out.
This book is well written full of humor and an element of sarcasm. The characters are well developed, though I would have liked to know more about Veronique. Emma and Mark are likeable yet complex. Their dynamic kept me in stiches. The author does a great job of building suspense while also keeping the reader guessing. I did not see the final twist coming. The descriptions were spot on, and the reaping chapters added a humorous level of depth. Despite this book being about death, it reads easily.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
November 30, 2022
The Fifth Horseman by Jon Smith follows Emma, who is fed up life, and decides that chucking herself off of a building is definitely the way to go. And then we get fucking Mark. Her flat mate. Also standing on top of this building trying to convince her to rethink her decisions and maybe being like "Don't do it I love you!!" which who does that?! Mark falls from the building on accident... and Emma definitely made the jump. Instead of hitting the sidewalk, the pair get picked up by Death... on a horse because he is cool like that.
Their hourglass froze, with just enough life in those final moments. They are now literally caught between life and death, and Death has no freaking idea what to do with them. Naturally he takes them to limbo, and makes them his apprentices.
I love that Death was living his best afterlife in his cottage by the River Styx, and that he was pretty much living in nostalgia of the past. How does death become to old to do his job? He was definitely getting too old for this shit. Jon Smith did a great job finding humor in death, and creating a fun and imaginative world. it has been a whole mess of fun. The cover drew me in, but the humor kept me reading.
Their hourglass froze, with just enough life in those final moments. They are now literally caught between life and death, and Death has no freaking idea what to do with them. Naturally he takes them to limbo, and makes them his apprentices.
I love that Death was living his best afterlife in his cottage by the River Styx, and that he was pretty much living in nostalgia of the past. How does death become to old to do his job? He was definitely getting too old for this shit. Jon Smith did a great job finding humor in death, and creating a fun and imaginative world. it has been a whole mess of fun. The cover drew me in, but the humor kept me reading.
November 15, 2023
Emma feels her life isn't worth continuing and that she's achieved all she'll ever achieve. She decides to off herself by falling from the top of a high building. She's left a goodbye message for her roommate and friend, Mark. While trying to save her from this decision, he accidentally knocks them both off to their seeming death. Just before they are about to hit the ground, Death rides in and scoops them up. However, there is a hitch! Both of their hourglasses still technically contain some sand, which means they are now stuck between life and death.
I really enjoyed this book. It hit at a time when I needed to read something humorous, even if it is death. I loved the author's sense of humour that flowed through their writing. The characters are funny, and there is good banter between them which makes this an easy weekend read. Sometimes you just need to read something that makes you giggle.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the review copy of this book.
I really enjoyed this book. It hit at a time when I needed to read something humorous, even if it is death. I loved the author's sense of humour that flowed through their writing. The characters are funny, and there is good banter between them which makes this an easy weekend read. Sometimes you just need to read something that makes you giggle.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the review copy of this book.
February 10, 2023
3.5 ⭐
I really enjoyed this book, but I also went into it with no expectations - not in a bad way, mind you, but I wasn't comparing it to Terry Pratchett and the like, which I believe helped with the enjoyment factor that other readers may have found lacking. Although this book does seem heavily influenced by Pratchett, it has its own voice, and Jon Smith weaves an interesting and hilarious story with a number of one-liners that will definitely live in my brain rent-free. I did find it a bit muddled in the middle, needing to go back a page or two to get my bearings while reading once again, and the ending felt a tad bit too rushed for my personal liking, but for a debut novel from a new author it was certainly enjoyable and a fun read.
Thank you to Jon for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review :)
I really enjoyed this book, but I also went into it with no expectations - not in a bad way, mind you, but I wasn't comparing it to Terry Pratchett and the like, which I believe helped with the enjoyment factor that other readers may have found lacking. Although this book does seem heavily influenced by Pratchett, it has its own voice, and Jon Smith weaves an interesting and hilarious story with a number of one-liners that will definitely live in my brain rent-free. I did find it a bit muddled in the middle, needing to go back a page or two to get my bearings while reading once again, and the ending felt a tad bit too rushed for my personal liking, but for a debut novel from a new author it was certainly enjoyable and a fun read.
Thank you to Jon for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review :)
August 28, 2023
-I received an Advance Reader Copy of this title from Balkon Media. This is my fair and honest review.
Thank you to Jon for sending me an advance copy of the book. I was immediately intrigued by the Death aspect, being a fan of Discworld.
And while it doesn't quite live up to a DW story, I still enjoyed this book and it's well worth reading!
The setting and story reminded me of Mort, and has many a funny comment and situation intertwined throughout the pages.
The pacing felt a little off, slightly meandering in the middle before abruptly entering the finale. But that's about the only criticism I had.
Thank you to Jon for sending me an advance copy of the book. I was immediately intrigued by the Death aspect, being a fan of Discworld.
And while it doesn't quite live up to a DW story, I still enjoyed this book and it's well worth reading!
The setting and story reminded me of Mort, and has many a funny comment and situation intertwined throughout the pages.
The pacing felt a little off, slightly meandering in the middle before abruptly entering the finale. But that's about the only criticism I had.
November 30, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and it did indeed remind me of Neil Gaiman’s writing but also that of T.J. Klune, who I have been reading voraciously.
The British humour was brilliant and appealed to me, and I also liked getting to know the four horsemen and seeing what the author’s take on them was. His depictions of them and how death works was interesting and humorous.
I think the romance could have been woven through the book a little more but then again, romance is my go-to genre!
Thank you to the author for this advanced reader copy. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend to those who enjoy books like the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy as the humour is similar.
The British humour was brilliant and appealed to me, and I also liked getting to know the four horsemen and seeing what the author’s take on them was. His depictions of them and how death works was interesting and humorous.
I think the romance could have been woven through the book a little more but then again, romance is my go-to genre!
Thank you to the author for this advanced reader copy. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend to those who enjoy books like the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy as the humour is similar.
December 10, 2022
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book and give my opinion of it.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It was a very easy read. The humour is on the darker side but not to the extent it’s distasteful. I found myself laughing as the characters were reacting and saying things I know I would be thinking myself.
This book also didn’t shy away for the harder realities of death and I felt it dealt with these with a good balance of humour and empathy.
5 stars from me and I would happily recommend this book to family and friends.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It was a very easy read. The humour is on the darker side but not to the extent it’s distasteful. I found myself laughing as the characters were reacting and saying things I know I would be thinking myself.
This book also didn’t shy away for the harder realities of death and I felt it dealt with these with a good balance of humour and empathy.
5 stars from me and I would happily recommend this book to family and friends.
February 8, 2023
--I received an Advance Reader Copy of this title from Balkon Media. This is my fair and honest review.—
4.5*
Didn't think this was my type of book, but I gave it a shot and really enjoyed this book, it was light-hearted and fun, while also making you really think about the impact (or lack of) you have on the world. The British humour was fun and I liked how current events in the real world were included. The characters were relatable and the ending wrapped it all up nicely.
4.5*
Didn't think this was my type of book, but I gave it a shot and really enjoyed this book, it was light-hearted and fun, while also making you really think about the impact (or lack of) you have on the world. The British humour was fun and I liked how current events in the real world were included. The characters were relatable and the ending wrapped it all up nicely.
October 19, 2022
After reading the blurb I did expect a story similar to Terry Pratchett's books. So I must admit I am a bit disappointed. It might be only me, but I did not find this novel as fun as I had hoped for. However, it might be really enjoyable for other readers.
January 12, 2023
A tale as old as time….well, as old as Death
Comparisons to Terry Pratchett are obvious but a little unfair. The is not a Discworld novel, and the last third felt a little rushed, but it is a thoroughly enjoyable read
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the review copy of this book.
Comparisons to Terry Pratchett are obvious but a little unfair. The is not a Discworld novel, and the last third felt a little rushed, but it is a thoroughly enjoyable read
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the review copy of this book.
February 7, 2023
- I received an Advance Reader Copy of this title from Balkon Media. This is my fair and honest review.
- Please be advised that this review also contains spoilers, though nothing too essential, for The Fifth Horseman -
The Fifth Horseman is a foray into the world of adult fantasy by Jon Smith, typically an author of children's and young adult books. Smith's story primarily follows Emma and Mark, friends and housemates since their university days and now braving the corporate world in their early 30s - until Emma loses her job and decides life just isn't for her. Marks' valiant attempt to save her ends in both of them being whisked off to the underworld by Death himself.
The trouble - and the comedy - comes with Death's announcement that the last bits of sand in their hourglasses just refuse to fall, so even though they can't go on living they're also not truly dead. Stuck in the spare room of Death, and under the care of his housekeeper, Veronique, the pair quickly set about becoming Death's apprentices - Charon won't let them ride across the river without any gold for payment, so what else are they going to do?
The two humans are likeable because they're so fallible and prone to missteps, and their relationship is believable and fully realised. Likewise, the long-gestating longings in Charon, Death, and his fellow horseman - War, Pestilence, and Famine - are easily established without having to be spoon-fed to us. Charon in particular develops beautifully from an irritant who barely impacts the story into something more foreboding, the occasional focus on him building suspense and tension without ever giving away what the climax of the story will be.
Smith is a gifted writer - always capable and stellar when in his stride - and brings to life (or death...) the hilarity of two longtime friends learning the ropes of collecting souls. Emma and Mark's sometimes lacking bedside manner and shared instinct to fall back on sarcasm and witticisms makes for fun reading in the chapters that return them to the land of the living to gather the newly-deceased.
The comedy is often strong, but the drama of the narrative is also well-presented. Emma is working for Death in the hope that she can get on with her own afterlife, while Mark is hoping their success will give them both a second chance at life. His buried resentment for her landing them in literal Hell is weighed against her own anger at his for involving himself in her suicide when she was the only one supposed to die.
Without going too deeply into detail, Smith's world-building is simple but incredibly effective, drawing without pomp or circumstance the often quiet lives the horsemen lead. He has also created a clearly outlined, easy to understand imagining of how life is measured and death confirmed and completed. Smith's vision of the afterlife stops just shy of wherever it is that Charon's boat leads once you offer him a piece of gold, but purgatory and its surroundings are smoothly outlined and easy to comprehend.
Fairly brisk and generally well-paced, this is a fun, thoughtful little novelty of a book that likely find an audience of fantasy fans who don't want something too over-inflated or needlessly detailed. Emma and Mark's story, and the story of Death himself, is whimsical, occasionally moving, and a hell of a ride.
- Please be advised that this review also contains spoilers, though nothing too essential, for The Fifth Horseman -
The Fifth Horseman is a foray into the world of adult fantasy by Jon Smith, typically an author of children's and young adult books. Smith's story primarily follows Emma and Mark, friends and housemates since their university days and now braving the corporate world in their early 30s - until Emma loses her job and decides life just isn't for her. Marks' valiant attempt to save her ends in both of them being whisked off to the underworld by Death himself.
The trouble - and the comedy - comes with Death's announcement that the last bits of sand in their hourglasses just refuse to fall, so even though they can't go on living they're also not truly dead. Stuck in the spare room of Death, and under the care of his housekeeper, Veronique, the pair quickly set about becoming Death's apprentices - Charon won't let them ride across the river without any gold for payment, so what else are they going to do?
The two humans are likeable because they're so fallible and prone to missteps, and their relationship is believable and fully realised. Likewise, the long-gestating longings in Charon, Death, and his fellow horseman - War, Pestilence, and Famine - are easily established without having to be spoon-fed to us. Charon in particular develops beautifully from an irritant who barely impacts the story into something more foreboding, the occasional focus on him building suspense and tension without ever giving away what the climax of the story will be.
Smith is a gifted writer - always capable and stellar when in his stride - and brings to life (or death...) the hilarity of two longtime friends learning the ropes of collecting souls. Emma and Mark's sometimes lacking bedside manner and shared instinct to fall back on sarcasm and witticisms makes for fun reading in the chapters that return them to the land of the living to gather the newly-deceased.
The comedy is often strong, but the drama of the narrative is also well-presented. Emma is working for Death in the hope that she can get on with her own afterlife, while Mark is hoping their success will give them both a second chance at life. His buried resentment for her landing them in literal Hell is weighed against her own anger at his for involving himself in her suicide when she was the only one supposed to die.
Without going too deeply into detail, Smith's world-building is simple but incredibly effective, drawing without pomp or circumstance the often quiet lives the horsemen lead. He has also created a clearly outlined, easy to understand imagining of how life is measured and death confirmed and completed. Smith's vision of the afterlife stops just shy of wherever it is that Charon's boat leads once you offer him a piece of gold, but purgatory and its surroundings are smoothly outlined and easy to comprehend.
Fairly brisk and generally well-paced, this is a fun, thoughtful little novelty of a book that likely find an audience of fantasy fans who don't want something too over-inflated or needlessly detailed. Emma and Mark's story, and the story of Death himself, is whimsical, occasionally moving, and a hell of a ride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2023
There were so many things that I enjoyed about this book. It was such a fun, funny, and unique story that made something we usually see as sad and depressing, jovial.
I mean this story is so unique and has so many fun and twisted ideas about what death is and what we think the after life will be. This author took all the myths and ideas that we could possibly have ever had and twisted them in such a fun way. I have never read anything close to this hilarity and I had a fun time reading it.
THIS BOOK WORLD IS JUST SO FUN. I mean Charon is just a pure delight and I was so in love with the fact that War was a fierce Amazonian like female and Death was a depressed grump..... Although some of the characters turned out to be villains, I loved them all equally and I enjoyed getting to know all their points of view.
ALSO the start of this book was a very very interesting one and it just sucked me in to the story immediately and I couldn't wait to read more. The way these main characters meet the world of death is definitely one that some people might find triggering, but it made a unique start to the book so I appreciated it.
The only thing I had a little issue with is that I feel like the story dragged a little.... it kind of hit a lull in the middle of the book and I had a take a couple breaks in order for me to continue.
BUT... the ending was so cute and what I hoped for for the entire book!
Overall, I did really enjoyed the book, the book world, and its characters, but I just wish it was maybe more exciting all the way through.
I mean this story is so unique and has so many fun and twisted ideas about what death is and what we think the after life will be. This author took all the myths and ideas that we could possibly have ever had and twisted them in such a fun way. I have never read anything close to this hilarity and I had a fun time reading it.
THIS BOOK WORLD IS JUST SO FUN. I mean Charon is just a pure delight and I was so in love with the fact that War was a fierce Amazonian like female and Death was a depressed grump..... Although some of the characters turned out to be villains, I loved them all equally and I enjoyed getting to know all their points of view.
ALSO the start of this book was a very very interesting one and it just sucked me in to the story immediately and I couldn't wait to read more. The way these main characters meet the world of death is definitely one that some people might find triggering, but it made a unique start to the book so I appreciated it.
The only thing I had a little issue with is that I feel like the story dragged a little.... it kind of hit a lull in the middle of the book and I had a take a couple breaks in order for me to continue.
BUT... the ending was so cute and what I hoped for for the entire book!
Overall, I did really enjoyed the book, the book world, and its characters, but I just wish it was maybe more exciting all the way through.
February 28, 2023
Book Review
Title - The Fifth Horseman
Author - Jon Smith
My Ratings - 4.8/5
The Fifth Horseman by Jon Smith is a modern comic fantasy that takes a unique and humorous approach to established mythology and the rules of life and death. The story follows two thirty-somethings, Emma and Mark, who find themselves caught between our world and the afterlife and are forced to embrace their roles as reapers to prevent the End Times.
Despite their initial shock and confusion at being stuck between life and death, Emma and Mark quickly adapt to their new day job as Death's assistants. However, they soon find themselves facing an existential threat that the four horsemen of the apocalypse are ill-equipped and ill-prepared to combat. To make matters worse, Emma and Mark must reap souls like their afterlives depend on it, even if it means scuppering their chance at being granted a second chance at life.
Smith's writing style is witty, lightly sarcastic, and filled with suspense, making the story both entertaining and engaging. The characters are flawed but loveable, and the romantic tension between Emma and Mark adds a layer of depth to the story.
Overall, The Fifth Horseman is a fun and enjoyable read that will appeal to mainstream fantasy readers, hopeless romantics, and anyone who enjoys a good story and a good laugh. Smith's unique take on established mythology and the afterlife makes for a refreshing and entertaining read that will keep readers engaged until the very end.
Title - The Fifth Horseman
Author - Jon Smith
My Ratings - 4.8/5
The Fifth Horseman by Jon Smith is a modern comic fantasy that takes a unique and humorous approach to established mythology and the rules of life and death. The story follows two thirty-somethings, Emma and Mark, who find themselves caught between our world and the afterlife and are forced to embrace their roles as reapers to prevent the End Times.
Despite their initial shock and confusion at being stuck between life and death, Emma and Mark quickly adapt to their new day job as Death's assistants. However, they soon find themselves facing an existential threat that the four horsemen of the apocalypse are ill-equipped and ill-prepared to combat. To make matters worse, Emma and Mark must reap souls like their afterlives depend on it, even if it means scuppering their chance at being granted a second chance at life.
Smith's writing style is witty, lightly sarcastic, and filled with suspense, making the story both entertaining and engaging. The characters are flawed but loveable, and the romantic tension between Emma and Mark adds a layer of depth to the story.
Overall, The Fifth Horseman is a fun and enjoyable read that will appeal to mainstream fantasy readers, hopeless romantics, and anyone who enjoys a good story and a good laugh. Smith's unique take on established mythology and the afterlife makes for a refreshing and entertaining read that will keep readers engaged until the very end.
January 2, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This book was a completely different genre to what I usually read , but it still made an okay read.
The whole concept of death & the afterlife was interesting & the wit of the characters regarding those topics added to that.
Although, I was expecting slightly more dark humour that what was given based
*see TW*
Merged review:
3.5 ⭐️
This book was a completely different genre to what I usually read , but it still made an okay read.
The whole concept of death & the afterlife was interesting & the wit of the characters regarding those topics added to that.
Although, I was expecting slightly more dark humour that what was given based
*see TW*
This book was a completely different genre to what I usually read , but it still made an okay read.
The whole concept of death & the afterlife was interesting & the wit of the characters regarding those topics added to that.
Although, I was expecting slightly more dark humour that what was given based
*see TW*
Merged review:
3.5 ⭐️
This book was a completely different genre to what I usually read , but it still made an okay read.
The whole concept of death & the afterlife was interesting & the wit of the characters regarding those topics added to that.
Although, I was expecting slightly more dark humour that what was given based
*see TW*
February 7, 2023
A fabulously entertaining read. Reminiscent of Mort by Terry Pratchett, this book was delightfully funny and had just the right amount of sarcasm. Descriptive without overloading the reader and unexpectedly thought provoking, I really enjoyed this book. I have to say I identified with Mark for most of it, but I appreciated all the character view points and thought they were cleverly delivered.
I also found the Everton dig exceptionally funny, as a toffee fan, it struck a chord 😂
I'd recommend this to all fans of British humour
I was lucky to receive this as an ARC read from the author in return for my honest review.
I also found the Everton dig exceptionally funny, as a toffee fan, it struck a chord 😂
I'd recommend this to all fans of British humour
I was lucky to receive this as an ARC read from the author in return for my honest review.
February 7, 2023
The concept of this story is brilliant. two friends end up in the after life together. death is a being with a job to do. i wont say more on the story as I dont want to give too much away… but
I really like how creative and unique the story is. The humour is dark and yet fun 👌
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this title from Balkon Media, this is my honest review
I really like how creative and unique the story is. The humour is dark and yet fun 👌
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this title from Balkon Media, this is my honest review
February 2, 2023
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this title from Balkon Media. This is my fair and honest review.
Funny and philosophical. A light hearted book for people who enjoy the likes of Neil Gaiman. Loved grumpy death and the Shetland pony.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews