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The Four Horsemen #3
Famine
Saving a dying man might be just what Famine, the Black Horseman, needs to feed his starving heart.
Having been sacrificed by his village shaman, Famine knows what it’s like to do anything to survive. He wanders the world, sowing drought and starvation in his wake. Yet he hates being the Black Horseman more than anything in the world, except the man who ended his life all those centuries ago. Famine never stops doing his job, and never allows himself to fall in love.
Ekundayo wants a better life for himself, so he steals a diamond from the mine where he works. Nothing goes well for him after that, and he finds himself dying in the desert on his way to the border. When he’s rescued by Famine, Ekundayo isn’t sure if his luck has changed or not. The longer he stays in Famine’s company, the more Ekundayo discovers he just might be falling in love with Famine.
One bad choice of Ekundayo’s part, and a future together seems out of reach. Will Famine let his only possibility of love go or will he defy Death himself to keep Ekundayo?
Reader Advisory: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series
Having been sacrificed by his village shaman, Famine knows what it’s like to do anything to survive. He wanders the world, sowing drought and starvation in his wake. Yet he hates being the Black Horseman more than anything in the world, except the man who ended his life all those centuries ago. Famine never stops doing his job, and never allows himself to fall in love.
Ekundayo wants a better life for himself, so he steals a diamond from the mine where he works. Nothing goes well for him after that, and he finds himself dying in the desert on his way to the border. When he’s rescued by Famine, Ekundayo isn’t sure if his luck has changed or not. The longer he stays in Famine’s company, the more Ekundayo discovers he just might be falling in love with Famine.
One bad choice of Ekundayo’s part, and a future together seems out of reach. Will Famine let his only possibility of love go or will he defy Death himself to keep Ekundayo?
Reader Advisory: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series
142 pages, ebook
First published February 20, 2012
11 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
T.A. Chase
160 books892 followersThere is beauty in every kind of love, so why not live a life without boundaries? Experiencing everything the world offers fascinates me and writing about the things that make each of us unique is how I share those insights. I live in the Midwest with a wonderful partner of thirteen years. When not writing, I’m watching movies, reading and living life to the fullest.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 13, 2014
In each one of these books some complaints I had about the previous works get addressed, but unfortunately that reverts in the next book in the series. Or it actually gets worse.
Enough with the condom preaching already! It was laughable in the previous two books, but in this one it’s over the top because not only does Famine use them (even though we’re now outright told that the horsemen do not only not catch anything themselves, but they also do not transmit anything), but Famine actually lectures Ekundayo about it — maybe TA Chase read about the AIDS problems in Africa and felt moved to warn potential gay African readers, but please, there is a time and a place for safe sex talk, and it is NOT when we’re talking about a mythological creature having sex with a human. And then, even more laughably, after all the lecturing soon thereafter, they dispense with condoms anyway (no testing done, naturally), because apparently THEN it’s magically ok to just trust Famine because he says so. *Rolls eyes*.
One complaint that this book addresses was that the horsemen seem to be racked with guilt over what they had done in their lives previous to becoming horsemen while not seeming to be bothered much about what they do as horsemen. Well, Famine is bothered. He is very bothered. In fact he didn’t think he did anything wrong in his previous life — he was sacrificed so his people could have rain. It does surprise me a little that he never comments on the irony of then becoming the horseman who brings drought and famine. But yay for having an active conscience. Much more so than War and Pestilence, Famine is bothered by his job, and he questions Death about it.
I generally like Famine as a character. He’s a lot less frankensteiny than War and Pestilence, though in retrospect, the author could have made him a lot stronger; his pesonality remains somewhat scattered through different parts of the book, and I only put him together fully when writing this review.
Ekundayo, on the other hand, I don’t like so much. He comes across as a selfish little prick without the slightest gratitude for a stranger saving his miserable life. And I was predisposed to liking him because his life was made miserable by others. I don’t resent him for stealing the diamond — heck, more power to him. But I resent his diamond-über-alles behaviour towards Famine. Now, I think Famine is in the wrong for hiding the diamond from Ekundayo; he has good intentions, but he should not really be surprised that this makes him less trustworthy in Ekundayo’s eyes. But Ekundayo never stops plotting, and it rubs me the wrong way. And then when he’d just need to LISTEN, he doesn’t. He’s weak through and through, and my sympathy for him eroded while Famine’s love supposedly grew. No wonder I didn’t feel it.
So basically I am not feeling the love. From neither side. Exactly what about Ekundayo does Famine find lovable? And Ekundayo cares a whole lot more about his diamond than he cares about Famine. When the two get separated, we also don’t see how they might pine for each other; we just get told afterwards that they did. And neither actually works towards being reunited. Weak.
Inconsistencies continue to abound. So horsemen don’t get sick, but apparently they can get injured. But only a little — Famine is quite sanguine when he swims in the river and contemplates the danger of going over Victoria Falls, which apparently would not result in anything more serious than a few cuts and bruises, no more than he’d get by running through the jungle without looking where he’s stepping? Also, it is highly unusual that any mortal can perceive a horseman — but Famine worries about crocodiles in the Zambezi River. What, mortal animals other than humans can perceive the horsemen? Apparently some sort of aura tells them to stay away. Except when it doesn’t. The world building has more holes than a big, fat, swiss cheese wheel.
One gets possibly cleared up — Death always makes a big deal out of telling the other horsemen never to divulge who they are, but then seems oddly supportive when they do blurt it out to their new lovers. I am guessing that this is some kind of test Death poses to them — if their feelings are strong enough to overcome his warnings, then it must be true love. Or something. I should not have to read 3 books to cobble up an explanation for a large inconsistency. There are ways to indicate this to a reader without spelling it out. Here it’s handled clumsily, because we never feel like the horsemen actually fear negative consequences, or that they’re actually trying very hard to keep it a secret and are only moved by overwhelming love. I also think it insults everyone’s intelligence that after centuries they can’t come up with better cover stories. At least Famine tries, but he’s rather inept at it.
Once again we get to see Lam and learn another tantalizing tidbit about him. And once again it comes to nothing. I am tired of the teasing.
And I hated the ending. I do not hold much truck with the Christian concept of forgiveness. Because believe me, it is absolutely possible to move on and build a good life without forgiving somebody who has tried to ruin one’s life (and succeeded in Famine’s case). Forgiveness is commendable for people who show regret and are willing to atone, but not for evildoers who never repent. And no, you do not have to forgive such a person for your own sake. What matters here is that you will be happier if you do not hold onto feelings of anger, hatred, and revenge. But you can let go of those without forgiving. You can also let go of wishes for the perpetrator’s apology, restitution, atonement, and possible reconciliation; sometimes none of that is possible, certainly not if the perp is dead. You can practice kindness, compassion, empathy, and equanimity, and IMO those matter, while forgiveness towards people like the guy who killed Famine doesn’t matter at all. So, *bleagh* to the ending.
I am gonna read book 4 because I want to find out what Lam is up to, and I want to know why Death is different from the other horsemen. But I do so under protest.
Enough with the condom preaching already! It was laughable in the previous two books, but in this one it’s over the top because not only does Famine use them (even though we’re now outright told that the horsemen do not only not catch anything themselves, but they also do not transmit anything), but Famine actually lectures Ekundayo about it — maybe TA Chase read about the AIDS problems in Africa and felt moved to warn potential gay African readers, but please, there is a time and a place for safe sex talk, and it is NOT when we’re talking about a mythological creature having sex with a human. And then, even more laughably, after all the lecturing soon thereafter, they dispense with condoms anyway (no testing done, naturally), because apparently THEN it’s magically ok to just trust Famine because he says so. *Rolls eyes*.
One complaint that this book addresses was that the horsemen seem to be racked with guilt over what they had done in their lives previous to becoming horsemen while not seeming to be bothered much about what they do as horsemen. Well, Famine is bothered. He is very bothered. In fact he didn’t think he did anything wrong in his previous life — he was sacrificed so his people could have rain. It does surprise me a little that he never comments on the irony of then becoming the horseman who brings drought and famine. But yay for having an active conscience. Much more so than War and Pestilence, Famine is bothered by his job, and he questions Death about it.
I generally like Famine as a character. He’s a lot less frankensteiny than War and Pestilence, though in retrospect, the author could have made him a lot stronger; his pesonality remains somewhat scattered through different parts of the book, and I only put him together fully when writing this review.
Ekundayo, on the other hand, I don’t like so much. He comes across as a selfish little prick without the slightest gratitude for a stranger saving his miserable life. And I was predisposed to liking him because his life was made miserable by others. I don’t resent him for stealing the diamond — heck, more power to him. But I resent his diamond-über-alles behaviour towards Famine. Now, I think Famine is in the wrong for hiding the diamond from Ekundayo; he has good intentions, but he should not really be surprised that this makes him less trustworthy in Ekundayo’s eyes. But Ekundayo never stops plotting, and it rubs me the wrong way. And then when he’d just need to LISTEN, he doesn’t. He’s weak through and through, and my sympathy for him eroded while Famine’s love supposedly grew. No wonder I didn’t feel it.
So basically I am not feeling the love. From neither side. Exactly what about Ekundayo does Famine find lovable? And Ekundayo cares a whole lot more about his diamond than he cares about Famine. When the two get separated, we also don’t see how they might pine for each other; we just get told afterwards that they did. And neither actually works towards being reunited. Weak.
Inconsistencies continue to abound. So horsemen don’t get sick, but apparently they can get injured. But only a little — Famine is quite sanguine when he swims in the river and contemplates the danger of going over Victoria Falls, which apparently would not result in anything more serious than a few cuts and bruises, no more than he’d get by running through the jungle without looking where he’s stepping? Also, it is highly unusual that any mortal can perceive a horseman — but Famine worries about crocodiles in the Zambezi River. What, mortal animals other than humans can perceive the horsemen? Apparently some sort of aura tells them to stay away. Except when it doesn’t. The world building has more holes than a big, fat, swiss cheese wheel.
One gets possibly cleared up — Death always makes a big deal out of telling the other horsemen never to divulge who they are, but then seems oddly supportive when they do blurt it out to their new lovers. I am guessing that this is some kind of test Death poses to them — if their feelings are strong enough to overcome his warnings, then it must be true love. Or something. I should not have to read 3 books to cobble up an explanation for a large inconsistency. There are ways to indicate this to a reader without spelling it out. Here it’s handled clumsily, because we never feel like the horsemen actually fear negative consequences, or that they’re actually trying very hard to keep it a secret and are only moved by overwhelming love. I also think it insults everyone’s intelligence that after centuries they can’t come up with better cover stories. At least Famine tries, but he’s rather inept at it.
Once again we get to see Lam and learn another tantalizing tidbit about him. And once again it comes to nothing. I am tired of the teasing.
And I hated the ending. I do not hold much truck with the Christian concept of forgiveness. Because believe me, it is absolutely possible to move on and build a good life without forgiving somebody who has tried to ruin one’s life (and succeeded in Famine’s case). Forgiveness is commendable for people who show regret and are willing to atone, but not for evildoers who never repent. And no, you do not have to forgive such a person for your own sake. What matters here is that you will be happier if you do not hold onto feelings of anger, hatred, and revenge. But you can let go of those without forgiving. You can also let go of wishes for the perpetrator’s apology, restitution, atonement, and possible reconciliation; sometimes none of that is possible, certainly not if the perp is dead. You can practice kindness, compassion, empathy, and equanimity, and IMO those matter, while forgiveness towards people like the guy who killed Famine doesn’t matter at all. So, *bleagh* to the ending.
I am gonna read book 4 because I want to find out what Lam is up to, and I want to know why Death is different from the other horsemen. But I do so under protest.
January 12, 2016
Given how the author treated the first two horsemen and tied them to their jobs, I was interested to see how they would connect to this horseman. As a third book in the series, Famine was a good read. While I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as the others, it follows along nicely and throws massive hints as to events in the fourth book.
When Famine was alive, he was training to become a shaman in his village; however, severe droughts led his people to desperate measures. As a result of the jealousy of one man, he is sacrificed to the gods to end the drought, and as he dies, the rain comes. However, instead of dying, he meets Death and becomes Famine, destined to bring drought and crop failure wherever he spreads his salt. Even a single grain of salt will leave the earth it lands on bare for years to come.
Ekundayo is on the run after he steals an uncut diamond from the mine where he works. Injured and alone, Famine runs across him and saves him from certain death. But when Ekundayo recovers, all he wants is his diamond, and his actions have a devastating effect on the land.
I truly enjoyed the approach to Famine. T.A. Chase certainly is creative in this aspect, and I like that it took place in Africa. The reasoning behind Famine’s perpetual wandering of his home continent was plausible as well. What I struggled with was their relationship. Famine and Ekundayo seem to have an attraction, but I wasn’t too sure about their real feelings towards each other. It felt more like lust than love. While I can understand Ekundayo’s fixation on the diamond and his desire for a better life, I wanted to throttle him because he had the better life with Famine in the treehouse, but he refused to see it. Another aspect was the heavy-handedness on the use of condoms. While important, certainly, it seemed over-done and went into preaching territory. While this did come up in the other books, it wasn’t nearly as bad as in this one. Yes, condoms are important, and yes, they should be used, but the presentation of the topic wasn’t woven into the book well and really jarred me from the story.
As with the last two books, there are inconsistences and editing issues, and while I struggled with them, I was able to overlook them for the story itself.
Unsurprisingly—if you’ve read my previous two reviews—my favorites were Death and Lam. Even more is revealed about Death, and something really interesting about Lam that had me sitting at the edge of my seat. While I know I’ll find out Death’s story in the next book, I am now even more curious about Lam. Why does he not want the Horsemen to know what he smells like? And just why would a messenger angel smell like sulphur? I have my suspicions, but I hope more is revealed in the next book.
To fully enjoy this story, read the first two books in the series. You don’t want to miss out!
Reviewed by Jennifer for The Novel Approach
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
When Famine was alive, he was training to become a shaman in his village; however, severe droughts led his people to desperate measures. As a result of the jealousy of one man, he is sacrificed to the gods to end the drought, and as he dies, the rain comes. However, instead of dying, he meets Death and becomes Famine, destined to bring drought and crop failure wherever he spreads his salt. Even a single grain of salt will leave the earth it lands on bare for years to come.
Ekundayo is on the run after he steals an uncut diamond from the mine where he works. Injured and alone, Famine runs across him and saves him from certain death. But when Ekundayo recovers, all he wants is his diamond, and his actions have a devastating effect on the land.
I truly enjoyed the approach to Famine. T.A. Chase certainly is creative in this aspect, and I like that it took place in Africa. The reasoning behind Famine’s perpetual wandering of his home continent was plausible as well. What I struggled with was their relationship. Famine and Ekundayo seem to have an attraction, but I wasn’t too sure about their real feelings towards each other. It felt more like lust than love. While I can understand Ekundayo’s fixation on the diamond and his desire for a better life, I wanted to throttle him because he had the better life with Famine in the treehouse, but he refused to see it. Another aspect was the heavy-handedness on the use of condoms. While important, certainly, it seemed over-done and went into preaching territory. While this did come up in the other books, it wasn’t nearly as bad as in this one. Yes, condoms are important, and yes, they should be used, but the presentation of the topic wasn’t woven into the book well and really jarred me from the story.
As with the last two books, there are inconsistences and editing issues, and while I struggled with them, I was able to overlook them for the story itself.
Unsurprisingly—if you’ve read my previous two reviews—my favorites were Death and Lam. Even more is revealed about Death, and something really interesting about Lam that had me sitting at the edge of my seat. While I know I’ll find out Death’s story in the next book, I am now even more curious about Lam. Why does he not want the Horsemen to know what he smells like? And just why would a messenger angel smell like sulphur? I have my suspicions, but I hope more is revealed in the next book.
To fully enjoy this story, read the first two books in the series. You don’t want to miss out!
Reviewed by Jennifer for The Novel Approach
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
January 12, 2016
This book was another really good addition to this series!
So with this book we get Famine who was sacrificed by his village Shaman along time ago and on his death he became Famine. Ekunday works in the diamond mines and has stolen one of the diamonds. On his escape he falls and hurts himself which is were Famine finds him.
This book was definitely a slow burn and did honestly take me a little bit for me to get into but otherwise I thought it was a very good book!
I loved the authors pretense of this story and the way the characters were written in this book! This was a short read so I do not want to give away any spoilers so I will leave this review with I really liked this story and I would recommend this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
So with this book we get Famine who was sacrificed by his village Shaman along time ago and on his death he became Famine. Ekunday works in the diamond mines and has stolen one of the diamonds. On his escape he falls and hurts himself which is were Famine finds him.
This book was definitely a slow burn and did honestly take me a little bit for me to get into but otherwise I thought it was a very good book!
I loved the authors pretense of this story and the way the characters were written in this book! This was a short read so I do not want to give away any spoilers so I will leave this review with I really liked this story and I would recommend this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
April 22, 2019
M M Romance 2019 Re-Reading Challenge
An intriguing paranormal/fantasy premise that is masterfully supported by fleshy background and world building construction. The main characters, Ekundayo and Famine are loveable and real as their romance slowly builds in a beautiful natural way.
An intriguing paranormal/fantasy premise that is masterfully supported by fleshy background and world building construction. The main characters, Ekundayo and Famine are loveable and real as their romance slowly builds in a beautiful natural way.
June 14, 2020
Creo que esta fue la historia que menos me gustó. Entiendo el por qué del actuar de la pareja de Famine, pero no hizo que llegara a simpartizar del todo con él.
April 29, 2016
Reviewed by Tams Kelly for QUEERcentric Books
Famine is the third story in the four book series – The Four Horsemen by acclaimed author, T.A. Chase.
Famine started life as Kibwe, an apprentice to a medicine man in Africa. During a severe drought, this medicine man called for a sacrifice – which turned out to be Kibwe.
KIBWE LATER AWAKENS AS FAMINE, THE BLACK HORSEMAN OF THE APOCALYPSE
While bleeding out and cursing the man with his last breath – Kibwe later awakens as Famine, The Black Horseman of the Apocalypse. His job in life is to also keep balance in the world. By killing plants, creating drought conditions and ruining the ground – for generations to come.
Ekundayo is a young man working in a diamond mine, but he is more a slave than a free man. Having enough of the awful living/working conditions – he decides to steal a diamond and flee.
Unfortunately, if caught, that would surely mean death, but to have the money to free his people – he’d try. Try he did, but he stumbled and fell down an embankment. Now trapped – he was truly in trouble.
NEITHER TRULY TRUSTS THE OTHER
While on a mission – Kibwe hears Ekundayo crying out. Upon releasing him, he sees an arm is broken and feels he can’t abandon the younger man. Neither truly trusts the other, but the attraction is mutual. Can they save each other’s souls or are they doomed to wander the earth alone?
After devouring the books Pestilence and War – I found Famine a bit of a disappointment. Again, I have to remind myself about movie sequels. Not all work. Sadly, I simply didn’t enjoy this one quite as much, but it did have some good points.
Like the other books in the series, we get to see the other Horsemen again. We also get to see Lam and we can really tell he is under a lot of stress. Loving someone the world feels you shouldn’t – isn’t always easy. As the Four Horsemen find out, as well.
It took me longer to take to Ekundayo then it did any other character. I don’t know if it was his immaturity but he annoyed me. Even at the end, I only tolerated the character. I might not truly comprehend what his life must have been like, but to me – it’s not always an excuse.
THEY DIDN’T SEEM LIKE A TRUE LOVE MATCH
Also, as a couple – they didn’t seem like a true love match. It seemed more physical than anything to be truthful (at least on Ekundayo’s part). Of all the couples represented in this series – they left me a bit cold.
I continued reading and I am glad I did. Kibwe deserved happiness and I am glad the younger man could bring that for him. Maybe other readers will not find Ekundayo this way. Perhaps, being a bit disappointed after the first two books tarnished my outlook.
I know by book four – my next review – I was wary to start reading. Glad I did and yes – I am glad I read this book too. I loved Kibwe’s tree house and how he climbed around like Tarzan. Someday, I would love to see those falls that he lived by too. It sounded truly magical.
Though a bit discouraged by Famine – I must still give the author kudos for her research. The story was believable for those into fantasy and the paranormal. She has amazing writing skills and kept me interested in the storyline.
I SIMPLY FOUND THE BOOK LACKING THE ROMANCE OF THE OTHERS
I simply found the book lacking the romance of the others, and Ekundayo only seemed to care about himself. Yes, he did seem worried about his fellow villagers, but at the end he didn’t really seem to do much for his fellow man.
The story did let me down a bit at the end – for Kibwe. He had been training as a medicine man in his first life. Except for how he died – he seemed to excel at it. So I thought for sure he would try to continue that as a mortal. Something medical-wise anyway, as some tribes still have medicine men.
I can’t ruin the end for you, but their jobs aren’t anything like you’d imagine. Yes, they liked their solitude and I know that, but Kibwe and Ekundayo could have been so much more. Lack of education or not – skills are still employable.
I can only give Famine by T.A. Chase – a 4 star rating. For in my heart – it doesn’t deserve a 5. Unlike the other two books in the series – this one simply didn’t earn it.
Please note this series is best read in the sequence intended by the author. I wouldn’t recommend this as a stand-alone book.
Famine is the third story in the four book series – The Four Horsemen by acclaimed author, T.A. Chase.
Famine started life as Kibwe, an apprentice to a medicine man in Africa. During a severe drought, this medicine man called for a sacrifice – which turned out to be Kibwe.
KIBWE LATER AWAKENS AS FAMINE, THE BLACK HORSEMAN OF THE APOCALYPSE
While bleeding out and cursing the man with his last breath – Kibwe later awakens as Famine, The Black Horseman of the Apocalypse. His job in life is to also keep balance in the world. By killing plants, creating drought conditions and ruining the ground – for generations to come.
Ekundayo is a young man working in a diamond mine, but he is more a slave than a free man. Having enough of the awful living/working conditions – he decides to steal a diamond and flee.
Unfortunately, if caught, that would surely mean death, but to have the money to free his people – he’d try. Try he did, but he stumbled and fell down an embankment. Now trapped – he was truly in trouble.
NEITHER TRULY TRUSTS THE OTHER
While on a mission – Kibwe hears Ekundayo crying out. Upon releasing him, he sees an arm is broken and feels he can’t abandon the younger man. Neither truly trusts the other, but the attraction is mutual. Can they save each other’s souls or are they doomed to wander the earth alone?
After devouring the books Pestilence and War – I found Famine a bit of a disappointment. Again, I have to remind myself about movie sequels. Not all work. Sadly, I simply didn’t enjoy this one quite as much, but it did have some good points.
Like the other books in the series, we get to see the other Horsemen again. We also get to see Lam and we can really tell he is under a lot of stress. Loving someone the world feels you shouldn’t – isn’t always easy. As the Four Horsemen find out, as well.
It took me longer to take to Ekundayo then it did any other character. I don’t know if it was his immaturity but he annoyed me. Even at the end, I only tolerated the character. I might not truly comprehend what his life must have been like, but to me – it’s not always an excuse.
THEY DIDN’T SEEM LIKE A TRUE LOVE MATCH
Also, as a couple – they didn’t seem like a true love match. It seemed more physical than anything to be truthful (at least on Ekundayo’s part). Of all the couples represented in this series – they left me a bit cold.
I continued reading and I am glad I did. Kibwe deserved happiness and I am glad the younger man could bring that for him. Maybe other readers will not find Ekundayo this way. Perhaps, being a bit disappointed after the first two books tarnished my outlook.
I know by book four – my next review – I was wary to start reading. Glad I did and yes – I am glad I read this book too. I loved Kibwe’s tree house and how he climbed around like Tarzan. Someday, I would love to see those falls that he lived by too. It sounded truly magical.
Though a bit discouraged by Famine – I must still give the author kudos for her research. The story was believable for those into fantasy and the paranormal. She has amazing writing skills and kept me interested in the storyline.
I SIMPLY FOUND THE BOOK LACKING THE ROMANCE OF THE OTHERS
I simply found the book lacking the romance of the others, and Ekundayo only seemed to care about himself. Yes, he did seem worried about his fellow villagers, but at the end he didn’t really seem to do much for his fellow man.
The story did let me down a bit at the end – for Kibwe. He had been training as a medicine man in his first life. Except for how he died – he seemed to excel at it. So I thought for sure he would try to continue that as a mortal. Something medical-wise anyway, as some tribes still have medicine men.
I can’t ruin the end for you, but their jobs aren’t anything like you’d imagine. Yes, they liked their solitude and I know that, but Kibwe and Ekundayo could have been so much more. Lack of education or not – skills are still employable.
I can only give Famine by T.A. Chase – a 4 star rating. For in my heart – it doesn’t deserve a 5. Unlike the other two books in the series – this one simply didn’t earn it.
Please note this series is best read in the sequence intended by the author. I wouldn’t recommend this as a stand-alone book.
December 1, 2015
(Originally Reviewed for Love Bytes Same Sex Book Reviews. 3.5 out of 4.0 stars)
Today I’m bringing you my review of the next installment in The Four Horsemen series from T. A. Chase. I’m not sure if it is because this installment was set in Africa, so had less cultural inconsistencies that I would notice, or if it is because this was edited better than the first two in the series, but I found myself liking this one a little more than the first two.
In this, the third installment in the series, we focus on Famine. In the beginning of the story, a young man named Kibwe is sacrificed to the Gods to bring rain. The only problem with the scenario? The man who orders his sacrifice is the very man who has been training him to take his place eventually as the village shaman. The elder shaman is jealous of the boy’s power, so he convinces the village to stake him down on a hill top and sacrifice him. To make sure he dies, the elder also viciously knifes him in the side.
When the young man awakens, he finds he has become Famine, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. For the next thousand plus years he wanders the Earth, salting the ground and causing famine and drought leading to the deaths of untold thousands or even millions of humans.
Then one day he finds another young man, who is trapped in the desert. This young man, Ekundayo, has run away from a diamond mine, where as an employee he had been treated as little more than a slave. Underfed and given little water, his plight was hopeless. To save himself, he stole an uncarved diamond from the mine and ran into the desert, where he fell into the ravine and trapped his arm. Luckily someone hears his faint cries for help. Or will it be lucky, since the one who found him is Famine?
I enjoyed the back and forth distrust between Ekundayo and Famine. Even once Ekundayo accidently drops one drop of Famine’s salt on the island that they have been staying on and it begins to kill everything on the island, Ekundayo still does not quite believe Famine’s story.
When Ekundayo returns to civilization, against Famine’s advice, to sell the uncarved diamond and runs into very bad men, can Famine, with the help of Death, save him?
While this one still had some inconsistencies and a few minor issues here and there in editing, overall it was better than the previous two. I again didn’t like the harping on condom usage. This series is about immortal beings that can’t get, or give, any human diseases. Enough already with the preaching about condoms. Even with my 30 plus years involved with the HIV field, I still found it to be too much. Frankly, it sounded quite a bit preachy.
I’m rating this one as “Liked it / Above Average”. I think the series is headed in the right direction, and I can’t wait for Death’s story next!
Today I’m bringing you my review of the next installment in The Four Horsemen series from T. A. Chase. I’m not sure if it is because this installment was set in Africa, so had less cultural inconsistencies that I would notice, or if it is because this was edited better than the first two in the series, but I found myself liking this one a little more than the first two.
In this, the third installment in the series, we focus on Famine. In the beginning of the story, a young man named Kibwe is sacrificed to the Gods to bring rain. The only problem with the scenario? The man who orders his sacrifice is the very man who has been training him to take his place eventually as the village shaman. The elder shaman is jealous of the boy’s power, so he convinces the village to stake him down on a hill top and sacrifice him. To make sure he dies, the elder also viciously knifes him in the side.
When the young man awakens, he finds he has become Famine, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. For the next thousand plus years he wanders the Earth, salting the ground and causing famine and drought leading to the deaths of untold thousands or even millions of humans.
Then one day he finds another young man, who is trapped in the desert. This young man, Ekundayo, has run away from a diamond mine, where as an employee he had been treated as little more than a slave. Underfed and given little water, his plight was hopeless. To save himself, he stole an uncarved diamond from the mine and ran into the desert, where he fell into the ravine and trapped his arm. Luckily someone hears his faint cries for help. Or will it be lucky, since the one who found him is Famine?
I enjoyed the back and forth distrust between Ekundayo and Famine. Even once Ekundayo accidently drops one drop of Famine’s salt on the island that they have been staying on and it begins to kill everything on the island, Ekundayo still does not quite believe Famine’s story.
When Ekundayo returns to civilization, against Famine’s advice, to sell the uncarved diamond and runs into very bad men, can Famine, with the help of Death, save him?
While this one still had some inconsistencies and a few minor issues here and there in editing, overall it was better than the previous two. I again didn’t like the harping on condom usage. This series is about immortal beings that can’t get, or give, any human diseases. Enough already with the preaching about condoms. Even with my 30 plus years involved with the HIV field, I still found it to be too much. Frankly, it sounded quite a bit preachy.
I’m rating this one as “Liked it / Above Average”. I think the series is headed in the right direction, and I can’t wait for Death’s story next!
November 28, 2015
So I am now just under 600 pages in to this roughly connected series, and there are more questions and less clarification for my time than is actually acceptable. Centering on Famine (or Fami as he is called – gag) his past life pre-horseman was virtuous, instead he was a character that seemed to have been bullied and mistreated, and then sacrificed as part of a ritual to bring rain. Without irony, his job now is to bring famine and drought, and apparently that is best done in Africa. I will say that Fami does actually kick-back some with Death’s orders, even as this seems to be a weak knee-jerk reaction that has little to no follow through.
Now – a diamond thief, also mistreated in his own village is introduced to Famine by Death. Could Death’s job be to find his comrades a way out? No clue. Not a One. Just as we aren’t told why Death’s reaction to the rule that the horsemen are not allowed to share who or what they are with their new human companions goes unpunished. Or perhaps the cameo appearances from Lam (Lamb of God) that drops a hint as to his actual purpose and who he is / might be – but nothing is ever conclusive. Oh – and there is Death – a total juxtaposition that doesn’t answer questions but seems to provide just what everyone needs of the moment.
I’m frustrated and rather more than slightly disappointed in the lack of consistency in these stories that travels further than horseman meets human, relationship and sex ensues, story ends. Because the premise offered by both the choice of these four as protagonists, as well as the opportunities for a climactic conflict that would address one (or more) questions that are consistently and constantly hinted at. I won’t even discuss the ‘relationship’ in this – I found Ekundayo to be dislikable and generally lacking in any appeal whatsoever.
This series is starting to suffer from inconsistencies and incomplete ideas hinted at and dropped, with little to grab onto beyond the wish that some concept would be developed and concluded in a satisfactory manner. I’ve committed to read all the series, and I shall do so, steadily hoping that Archer brings some answers that remedy all the issues.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher for purpose of honest review for The Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Now – a diamond thief, also mistreated in his own village is introduced to Famine by Death. Could Death’s job be to find his comrades a way out? No clue. Not a One. Just as we aren’t told why Death’s reaction to the rule that the horsemen are not allowed to share who or what they are with their new human companions goes unpunished. Or perhaps the cameo appearances from Lam (Lamb of God) that drops a hint as to his actual purpose and who he is / might be – but nothing is ever conclusive. Oh – and there is Death – a total juxtaposition that doesn’t answer questions but seems to provide just what everyone needs of the moment.
I’m frustrated and rather more than slightly disappointed in the lack of consistency in these stories that travels further than horseman meets human, relationship and sex ensues, story ends. Because the premise offered by both the choice of these four as protagonists, as well as the opportunities for a climactic conflict that would address one (or more) questions that are consistently and constantly hinted at. I won’t even discuss the ‘relationship’ in this – I found Ekundayo to be dislikable and generally lacking in any appeal whatsoever.
This series is starting to suffer from inconsistencies and incomplete ideas hinted at and dropped, with little to grab onto beyond the wish that some concept would be developed and concluded in a satisfactory manner. I’ve committed to read all the series, and I shall do so, steadily hoping that Archer brings some answers that remedy all the issues.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher for purpose of honest review for The Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
January 15, 2013
Famine was sacrificed by his village shaman. He now wanders the world leaving drought and starvation in his wake. He hates what he is. He hates the shaman even more for doing this to him. But he does his job no matter what. He never expects to find love. His job was to maintain balance not find happiness.
Ekundayo was sure the mine guards were looking for him. He stole a diamond from the mine. Sixty hours of work a week and little food had convinced him to this and better himself. Famine finds him in the desert. He is hurt and Famine helps him. The more they stay in each other’s company, the more Famine finds himself falling in love with Ekundayo.
But Famine is a Horseman and Ekundayo is far from perfect—can they be together? Will the Gods let them?
Famine is my first journey (but the third book) in T.A. Chase’s The Four Horsemen series. I found this journey really interesting and I am going to go back and see what I missed because I felt like there was something I should know but didn’t. My advice is read the stories in order; perhaps that lost feeling won’t be with you if you do that.
This story really is heart touching—the loneliness and outright sadness inside of Famine when we meet him made me really want him to have a happy ending. Ekundayo is equally sad. This is not a fluffy read but a more intense one for a reader who really likes to sink into a story. The concepts are very good and characters well done. I am going to look for all the stories in The Four Horsemen series now.
Ekundayo was sure the mine guards were looking for him. He stole a diamond from the mine. Sixty hours of work a week and little food had convinced him to this and better himself. Famine finds him in the desert. He is hurt and Famine helps him. The more they stay in each other’s company, the more Famine finds himself falling in love with Ekundayo.
But Famine is a Horseman and Ekundayo is far from perfect—can they be together? Will the Gods let them?
Famine is my first journey (but the third book) in T.A. Chase’s The Four Horsemen series. I found this journey really interesting and I am going to go back and see what I missed because I felt like there was something I should know but didn’t. My advice is read the stories in order; perhaps that lost feeling won’t be with you if you do that.
This story really is heart touching—the loneliness and outright sadness inside of Famine when we meet him made me really want him to have a happy ending. Ekundayo is equally sad. This is not a fluffy read but a more intense one for a reader who really likes to sink into a story. The concepts are very good and characters well done. I am going to look for all the stories in The Four Horsemen series now.
April 25, 2023
The third book in the series features Famine, otherwise known as Fami. Apart from Death, he is probably the busiest horseman but he seems to concentrate more on Africa, although he does go to different places too. Ekundayo has stolen a diamond from the mines in Botswana, but injures himself in the process, resulting in a visit by Death, who then instructs Famine on where to go. Famine rescues him and takes him back to his treehouse near Victoria Falls, where Death plays Devil's Advocate in telling Famine to leave Ekundayo alone and not tell him anything. The twist in this book isn't that Famine needs to forgive himself. He feels that he did nothing wrong as he was sacrificed by the village shaman to bring rain. Instead, he has to forgive the shaman instead.
This book is slightly different from the other two, in how Famine may return to being mortal, in the fact that he and Ekundayo argue and split up, going their own ways.
Still well-written and with few grammatical errors that I found, it has a smooth pace and leads nicely onto Death's book. I am also hoping that we will find out more about Lam and why he not only smells of Christmas but also of sulphur! Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 17, 2015
This book is slightly different from the other two, in how Famine may return to being mortal, in the fact that he and Ekundayo argue and split up, going their own ways.
Still well-written and with few grammatical errors that I found, it has a smooth pace and leads nicely onto Death's book. I am also hoping that we will find out more about Lam and why he not only smells of Christmas but also of sulphur! Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 17, 2015
Did Not Finish
May 5, 2014I started reading this but wasn't much into it to tell the truth...so I went back to read the premise. I hadn't before 'cause it was part of a series I'd been following so, why bother? I'll tell you why I should have. This book has the most clichéd premise I've read this year. In the first book, Pestilence falls in love with Bart while treating him for an unknown disease. Not great but I liked the plot well enough to finish. In the second book, War finds a soldier dying and saves him. While helping Russel recover they fall in love. Better written so I was kind of hopeful but still...
* Pestilence falls for a man dying of a unknown disease;
* War falls for a soldier dying in a war;
Way too clichéd for this author to make Famine fall for a starving man, right? Wrong. That's exactly what this story is about.
And I have to admit, while I have some morbid curiosity trying to push me to finish this, I'm not doing it. It's not worth my time. Not really.
* Pestilence falls for a man dying of a unknown disease;
* War falls for a soldier dying in a war;
Way too clichéd for this author to make Famine fall for a starving man, right? Wrong. That's exactly what this story is about.
And I have to admit, while I have some morbid curiosity trying to push me to finish this, I'm not doing it. It's not worth my time. Not really.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2015
Read for The Novel Approach. Review to come soon.
March 28, 2017
Another great, heartwrenching book by T. A. Chase. Really exited to read the next two.
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