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The Four Horsemen #1
Legacy
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
What's worse than being pursued by the Four Horsemen?
Discovering you're the Fifth.
Verity Jameson's day switches from mundane to disastrous when she runs down a stranger with her car. Fortunately for Vee, she can't kill Death.
Death, who just happens to be one of the Four Horsemen, and he's looking for her.
The Four Horsemen spend life preventing the end of the world, not bringing on an apocalypse. As gatekeepers of the portals which exist between the human world and other realms, the team fight to keep the portals closed and the supernatural forces under control. Without their fifth member, the Four Horsemen are losing the battle.
Now they've found Verity and what they tell her goes far beyond the conspiracy theories Vee spends her free time investigating.
A new life with four dark, sexy and dangerous men fighting demons, vampires and fae? Not what Vee had planned, but a hell of a lot more interesting than her boring job in tech support.
So what happens when the unbreakable bond of the Five takes control in a way none of them expected?
The Four Horsemen: Legacy is the first novella in an exciting new paranormal REVERSE HAREM series from USA Today bestselling author, LJ Swallow.
What's worse than being pursued by the Four Horsemen?
Discovering you're the Fifth.
Verity Jameson's day switches from mundane to disastrous when she runs down a stranger with her car. Fortunately for Vee, she can't kill Death.
Death, who just happens to be one of the Four Horsemen, and he's looking for her.
The Four Horsemen spend life preventing the end of the world, not bringing on an apocalypse. As gatekeepers of the portals which exist between the human world and other realms, the team fight to keep the portals closed and the supernatural forces under control. Without their fifth member, the Four Horsemen are losing the battle.
Now they've found Verity and what they tell her goes far beyond the conspiracy theories Vee spends her free time investigating.
A new life with four dark, sexy and dangerous men fighting demons, vampires and fae? Not what Vee had planned, but a hell of a lot more interesting than her boring job in tech support.
So what happens when the unbreakable bond of the Five takes control in a way none of them expected?
The Four Horsemen: Legacy is the first novella in an exciting new paranormal REVERSE HAREM series from USA Today bestselling author, LJ Swallow.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2017
1686 people are currently reading
2972 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Swallow
125 books746 followersLJ Swallow is a paranormal romance and urban fantasy author who is the alter-ego of bestselling contemporary romance author Lisa Swallow.
Giving in to her dark side, LJ spends time creating worlds filled with supernatural creatures who don’t fit the norm, and heroines who are more likely to kick ass than sit on theirs.
Giving in to her dark side, LJ spends time creating worlds filled with supernatural creatures who don’t fit the norm, and heroines who are more likely to kick ass than sit on theirs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews
October 4, 2017
Insta love is so boring. I'm sick of these books that just have girls "knowing" that this guy is *the one*.
March 7, 2018
I must say I'm into the Four Horsemen phase right now. Give me any book related to them, and I'll give it a try.
This novella has a very interesting premise: the existence of a 5th horseman (or a 5th horsewoman to be precise). This leads to complications, as the horsemen are tied by an unbreakable bond, one that makes them all hot for each other. Unlike other reverse-harem stories, where the group starts having sex almost right away, Legacy brings something new. They guys are unsure whether to share Vee or not. She is unsure whether she wants just one, or all of them. So, now I'm curious as to what will happen. Will she settle for one, or take them all? Decisions, decisions...
P.S. I'm unsure if the ending qualifies as a cliffhanger or not. It's just abrupt. :/
What's worse than being pursued by the Four Horsemen?
Discovering you're the Fifth.
Verity Jameson's day switches from mundane to disastrous when she runs down a stranger with her car. Fortunately for Vee, she can't kill Death.
Death, who just happens to be one of the Four Horsemen, and he's looking for her.
The Four Horsemen spend life preventing the end of the world, not bringing on an apocalypse. As gatekeepers of the portals which exist between the human world and other realms, the team fight to keep the portals closed and the supernatural forces under control. Without their fifth member, the Four Horsemen are losing the battle.
Now they've found Verity and what they tell her goes far beyond the conspiracy theories Vee spends her free time investigating.
A new life with four dark, sexy and dangerous men fighting demons, vampires and fae? Not what Vee had planned, but a hell of a lot more interesting than her boring job in tech support.
So what happens when the unbreakable bond of the Five takes control in a way none of them expected?
This novella has a very interesting premise: the existence of a 5th horseman (or a 5th horsewoman to be precise). This leads to complications, as the horsemen are tied by an unbreakable bond, one that makes them all hot for each other. Unlike other reverse-harem stories, where the group starts having sex almost right away, Legacy brings something new. They guys are unsure whether to share Vee or not. She is unsure whether she wants just one, or all of them. So, now I'm curious as to what will happen. Will she settle for one, or take them all? Decisions, decisions...
P.S. I'm unsure if the ending qualifies as a cliffhanger or not. It's just abrupt. :/
April 22, 2018
meh, i had high hopes for this because reverse harem and horsemen like how could you go wrong! but it did go wrong.
November 29, 2023
It’s a friggin mess of words.
Oh my god, this is so freaking frustrating!!
It’s filled not just with typos, but continuity issues, incorrect names, world building all over the place!!
We get info and answers dumped on us, way, way, after the question has been asked, and we’ve been thrown out of the story [again], trying to make sense of it.
Locations change, we get no notice or awareness, just have to figure it out [going back over the words 🤬], and then a page later we get the explanation for when, how, [maybe] why.
I spent at least half of the time it took me to read this, going back and forth over sections in an effort to sort it all out.
There may be a really good story here, but without a massive edit, I’m not sure I can be bothered?
The supposed attraction? A compulsion they all feel to each other, that means nothing , as stated by several of the guys. It’s physical only, according to them.
There’s no seduction, no real romance, no reason to want them together.
The ending is not a cliffy, it’s more a stop in the middle of the story. Absolutely nothing resolved, no climax, no conclusion, not even an end to the current scene.
This is a complete hot mess, and not in a good way.
Oh my god, this is so freaking frustrating!!
It’s filled not just with typos, but continuity issues, incorrect names, world building all over the place!!
We get info and answers dumped on us, way, way, after the question has been asked, and we’ve been thrown out of the story [again], trying to make sense of it.
Locations change, we get no notice or awareness, just have to figure it out [going back over the words 🤬], and then a page later we get the explanation for when, how, [maybe] why.
I spent at least half of the time it took me to read this, going back and forth over sections in an effort to sort it all out.
There may be a really good story here, but without a massive edit, I’m not sure I can be bothered?
The supposed attraction? A compulsion they all feel to each other, that means nothing , as stated by several of the guys. It’s physical only, according to them.
There’s no seduction, no real romance, no reason to want them together.
The ending is not a cliffy, it’s more a stop in the middle of the story. Absolutely nothing resolved, no climax, no conclusion, not even an end to the current scene.
This is a complete hot mess, and not in a good way.
November 20, 2017
I've been on a reverse harem binge lately, and I have to say, this book really hit all the right points for me. Loved the fast pacing, great writing, hot guys, interesting world building, intriguing plot, and the refreshing take on The Four Horseman legend.
A fantastic start to a great new series.
A fantastic start to a great new series.
February 1, 2021
The Four Horsemen reviews:
#1 Legacy ❤❤❤❤❤ See below!
#2 Bound ❤❤❤❤❤ here
#3 Hunted ❤❤❤❤❤ here
#4 Guardians ❤❤❤❤❤ here
#5 Chaos ❤❤❤❤❤ here
#6 Descent ❤❤❤❤❤ here
#7 Reckoning ❤❤❤❤❤ here
Bonus books:
#3.5 Tricked ❤❤❤❤❤ here
This is the very first Reverse Harem book, and series, that I’ve read. I found this book whilst scouring through multiple book websites to find something about the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
L.J. Swallow manages to breathe new life into this very old Biblical legend about the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. I love Lisa’s interpretation and the way she puts a modern spin on their powers. I mean, who would have thought, that Pestilence would be behind all the viruses, that any office employee knows too well? Or that the Truth doesn’t always set you free, sometimes you end up wrapped around her finger instead!
Meet the four smoking hot Horsemen:
Heath aka Death
Ewan aka Pestilence
Joss aka Famine
Xander aka War
When the guys take over the gig they don’t remember much from their former lives. So, when they wake up together with no memories and only a limited amount of information in the books left in the house, they have their work cut out for them. All they know for certain is, that their job is to prevent the apocalypse, not start it. After some time, it starts to become clearer for them, that the truth they’re looking for might very well be a person and thus, begins the search for the fifth horseman, or in this case, horsewoman. The Truth is meant to strengthen their powers and help them succeed at their task.
Verity Jameson, or Vee, seems like a lonely girl. She lives with her cat, doesn’t have any close friends or family. She works in an IT office where she has a hard time getting by socially as she has severe issues with lies. She can’t tell any herself and she really can’t stand it when other people do. This makes it harder to handle social interactions, as always telling the truth hardly gets you on people’s good side.
Vee’s world gets turned upside down when she, runs Death over. Or Heath as he prefers to go by. Like that’s not enough, some guy named Fae tries to kill her.
What happens when each of the Horsemen share an unbreakable brotherly bond, but the fifth turns out to be a woman who also happens to have a piece of each of the men inside her? The attraction is instant and none of them are capable of walking away. Instead the guys agree to keep their distance, which is easier said than done when their entire beings crave the opposite.
Full disclosure: the book contains steamy content but I think Lisa manages to walk the line and keep it from being sleazy. The sex scenes are well written and suit the moments, it doesn't seem forced and the words are well chosen.
#1 Legacy ❤❤❤❤❤ See below!
#2 Bound ❤❤❤❤❤ here
#3 Hunted ❤❤❤❤❤ here
#4 Guardians ❤❤❤❤❤ here
#5 Chaos ❤❤❤❤❤ here
#6 Descent ❤❤❤❤❤ here
#7 Reckoning ❤❤❤❤❤ here
Bonus books:
#3.5 Tricked ❤❤❤❤❤ here
This is the very first Reverse Harem book, and series, that I’ve read. I found this book whilst scouring through multiple book websites to find something about the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
L.J. Swallow manages to breathe new life into this very old Biblical legend about the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. I love Lisa’s interpretation and the way she puts a modern spin on their powers. I mean, who would have thought, that Pestilence would be behind all the viruses, that any office employee knows too well? Or that the Truth doesn’t always set you free, sometimes you end up wrapped around her finger instead!
Meet the four smoking hot Horsemen:
Heath aka Death
Ewan aka Pestilence
Joss aka Famine
Xander aka War
When the guys take over the gig they don’t remember much from their former lives. So, when they wake up together with no memories and only a limited amount of information in the books left in the house, they have their work cut out for them. All they know for certain is, that their job is to prevent the apocalypse, not start it. After some time, it starts to become clearer for them, that the truth they’re looking for might very well be a person and thus, begins the search for the fifth horseman, or in this case, horsewoman. The Truth is meant to strengthen their powers and help them succeed at their task.
Verity Jameson, or Vee, seems like a lonely girl. She lives with her cat, doesn’t have any close friends or family. She works in an IT office where she has a hard time getting by socially as she has severe issues with lies. She can’t tell any herself and she really can’t stand it when other people do. This makes it harder to handle social interactions, as always telling the truth hardly gets you on people’s good side.
Vee’s world gets turned upside down when she, runs Death over. Or Heath as he prefers to go by. Like that’s not enough, some guy named Fae tries to kill her.
What happens when each of the Horsemen share an unbreakable brotherly bond, but the fifth turns out to be a woman who also happens to have a piece of each of the men inside her? The attraction is instant and none of them are capable of walking away. Instead the guys agree to keep their distance, which is easier said than done when their entire beings crave the opposite.
.
📚 As a lover of the fables and sagas from mythology and religion I was intrigued.
📚 As a romance fanatic I was a sceptic.
📚 As a reader I was blown away
Full disclosure: the book contains steamy content but I think Lisa manages to walk the line and keep it from being sleazy. The sex scenes are well written and suit the moments, it doesn't seem forced and the words are well chosen.
March 24, 2018
3.75 stars
Although the book was really good, I do wish it was longer because to me it was more like a serial installment or a novella than an actual book. And I'm also super glad I'm reading this right now because that cliffhanger at the end is brutal!
Although the book was really good, I do wish it was longer because to me it was more like a serial installment or a novella than an actual book. And I'm also super glad I'm reading this right now because that cliffhanger at the end is brutal!
September 5, 2017
The Four Horsemen is a different take of the Biblical 4. This is a very promising start to a new Reverse Harem where the Horsemen return in cycles to prevent the apocalypse, not to bring it on. This time they return with a twist, a fifth Horseman or rather Horsewoman, Truth. Verity Jameson's day had been typical; going about her job doing IT work, upset a co-worker by telling her too much truth about her appearance, and a planned night at home with her cat. That all goes sideways when she hits a man on the way home. The man isn't harmed, but then he is Death. The Horsemen Death (Heath), Pestilence (Ewan), Famine (Joss), and War (Xander) have been looking for their fifth. Now they have found her. She will make them stronger, allow them the chance to succeed this time. She will also bring a mess of trouble. They all share a piece of each other; the connection makes the guys as close as brothers, the effect is different with Vee. There's a physical attraction that is overwhelming and can only cause problems. This connection does not allow for any of the five to walk away.
This is a great premise and the writing is solid. It's fast paced, but short. The characters are definitely not cookie-cutter stereotypes. Verity is hard to label. She lacks friends, the truth doesn't always make people love you and she can't tolerate anyone who lies. She's understandably overwhelmed by the truth of her life and her attraction to the Horsemen. Plus, demons are trying to kill her. It's been a rough few days! I look forward to watchng her come into her own power. The guys are all gorgeous, but are all trying to keep a distance from Vee to keep things from getting more complicated. It's cruel! I'm so used to the main female being the center of lavish attentions and in this case she's ignored, sent mixed messages, and even gets some meanness thrown her way. Heath has given into his attraction a couple times, but then backtracks in a hurtful way. Normally I would hate this, but it fits the story nicely, builds anticipation for a future where the Horsemen all give into her, and there are no other girls involved. Still, I feel for Vee and can't wait for the eventual togetherness.
I am eagerly anticipating the next book. Luckily I don't have to wait too long. I want to see how Vee's powers work and what powers she has. I want more of the mystery of this earth cycle with the portals and demons. I want to see the five working together, the conflicts, and the boys fall. Vee will have her pony boys!
This is a great premise and the writing is solid. It's fast paced, but short. The characters are definitely not cookie-cutter stereotypes. Verity is hard to label. She lacks friends, the truth doesn't always make people love you and she can't tolerate anyone who lies. She's understandably overwhelmed by the truth of her life and her attraction to the Horsemen. Plus, demons are trying to kill her. It's been a rough few days! I look forward to watchng her come into her own power. The guys are all gorgeous, but are all trying to keep a distance from Vee to keep things from getting more complicated. It's cruel! I'm so used to the main female being the center of lavish attentions and in this case she's ignored, sent mixed messages, and even gets some meanness thrown her way. Heath has given into his attraction a couple times, but then backtracks in a hurtful way. Normally I would hate this, but it fits the story nicely, builds anticipation for a future where the Horsemen all give into her, and there are no other girls involved. Still, I feel for Vee and can't wait for the eventual togetherness.
I am eagerly anticipating the next book. Luckily I don't have to wait too long. I want to see how Vee's powers work and what powers she has. I want more of the mystery of this earth cycle with the portals and demons. I want to see the five working together, the conflicts, and the boys fall. Vee will have her pony boys!
August 10, 2017
Well, this is all very confusing, but I'll try to make some sense out of what I just read.
So, Verity is the Truth. She can sense when people are lying and is obsessed with uncovering the truth - any truth, but especially the conspiracy theories.
Enters Heath, who works at the same company as Vee and who she run over with her car one night. He introduces her to his other friends - Joss and Ewan, and later on - Xander. That's when the fun (and confusing) part begins. Through a series of events, Vee ends up learning that these four guys are the Four Horsemen. You know - Famine, Death, War and Pestilence. But the real kicker is that she's the Fifth - she's the Truth.
So, we are told about what they are, but not why. Like, what is their purpose? Protect the world? How? From who? What is this mysterious Order? And what the hell is going on? Then there were some facts thrown at the end about Vee that I absolutely do not understand.
“I place my elbows on the table and run hands through my hair. "This is exhausting. Please tell me what's happening”.”
So, to sum things up, I'm confused. The relationships between the characters were weird, because I don't understand the behavior of the guys toward Vee. The plot itself was confusing, because nothing was properly explained. I have no idea what is going on or what will happen next and I really don't like it.
So, Verity is the Truth. She can sense when people are lying and is obsessed with uncovering the truth - any truth, but especially the conspiracy theories.
Enters Heath, who works at the same company as Vee and who she run over with her car one night. He introduces her to his other friends - Joss and Ewan, and later on - Xander. That's when the fun (and confusing) part begins. Through a series of events, Vee ends up learning that these four guys are the Four Horsemen. You know - Famine, Death, War and Pestilence. But the real kicker is that she's the Fifth - she's the Truth.
So, we are told about what they are, but not why. Like, what is their purpose? Protect the world? How? From who? What is this mysterious Order? And what the hell is going on? Then there were some facts thrown at the end about Vee that I absolutely do not understand.
“I place my elbows on the table and run hands through my hair. "This is exhausting. Please tell me what's happening”.”
So, to sum things up, I'm confused. The relationships between the characters were weird, because I don't understand the behavior of the guys toward Vee. The plot itself was confusing, because nothing was properly explained. I have no idea what is going on or what will happen next and I really don't like it.
November 17, 2018
Started off slow, got weird, and then it ended.
Legacy was an okay kind of book. I'm hoping that the next one will be better because then I'll probably end up disappointed if it isn't. In it, you will meet Verity. She's an okay kind of character that ends up searching for her own identity. Who is she? Is she even real? How long has she existed? What exactly fucking happened to her life?
Oh wait, those are my questions. Either way, one she meets the four delicious horseman.. well, they tell her she's their fifth. They will be stronger together and who knows what will come next. Of course, that happens to be a shit ton of information for this girl to handle so she kind of freaks out.
Throughout the book, she seems to be in danger. I don't know why everyone seems to want this girl.. but they do. So now the horseman have to man the hell up and protect her. Or maybe she needs to protect them since she's basically more powerful?
Out of all the guys, which I purposely didn't mention, Xander was my favorite. There's something about him and I want to know more.
Legacy was an okay kind of book. I'm hoping that the next one will be better because then I'll probably end up disappointed if it isn't. In it, you will meet Verity. She's an okay kind of character that ends up searching for her own identity. Who is she? Is she even real? How long has she existed? What exactly fucking happened to her life?
Oh wait, those are my questions. Either way, one she meets the four delicious horseman.. well, they tell her she's their fifth. They will be stronger together and who knows what will come next. Of course, that happens to be a shit ton of information for this girl to handle so she kind of freaks out.
Throughout the book, she seems to be in danger. I don't know why everyone seems to want this girl.. but they do. So now the horseman have to man the hell up and protect her. Or maybe she needs to protect them since she's basically more powerful?
Out of all the guys, which I purposely didn't mention, Xander was my favorite. There's something about him and I want to know more.
August 12, 2017
Abrupt end -cliffhanger
October 4, 2019
She is one of the biggest introverts I’ve ever read about. What a mood! As a person who is also naturally blunt, I can relate to her. Sometimes my mouth can get me in trouble even though I’m just trying to be honest. Nothing good comes of lies. Verity also seemed to have this philosophy.
The story really does go from 0 to 100 real quick. She is thrust into this world she had no idea existed, and she really has no other choice but to join the horsemen or die. The boys said it themselves. If it wasn’t for the bond connecting them and forcing these emotions on them, they wouldn’t have stayed together and done the job. That honestly makes me really sad. They have a lot of growing to do as people.
“Why the hell did whoever created this make the Fifth a woman.”
Because they wanted this relationship to get spicy! You’re immortal; have some fun!"
Overall, it's an ok series for me. I already knew it was a pretty short book, but it just didn't seem like a lot happened. None of the romance has started yet. Right now, it's just the attraction from the bond and some pent-up lust. There was a major plot twist at the end that completely changed Verity's life. It's a good idea for a story. The characters are interesting, but I'm not in love yet. That might change, and my feelings may grow when I read the next book. Right now, it's a three star for me. Good, but don't have a strong desire to read again.
The story really does go from 0 to 100 real quick. She is thrust into this world she had no idea existed, and she really has no other choice but to join the horsemen or die. The boys said it themselves. If it wasn’t for the bond connecting them and forcing these emotions on them, they wouldn’t have stayed together and done the job. That honestly makes me really sad. They have a lot of growing to do as people.
“Why the hell did whoever created this make the Fifth a woman.”
Because they wanted this relationship to get spicy! You’re immortal; have some fun!"
Overall, it's an ok series for me. I already knew it was a pretty short book, but it just didn't seem like a lot happened. None of the romance has started yet. Right now, it's just the attraction from the bond and some pent-up lust. There was a major plot twist at the end that completely changed Verity's life. It's a good idea for a story. The characters are interesting, but I'm not in love yet. That might change, and my feelings may grow when I read the next book. Right now, it's a three star for me. Good, but don't have a strong desire to read again.
October 5, 2019
Pages: 154
My rating (stars): 3
Read other books from this author in the future: yes
I did not like the beginning of the book, something felt off. But it get’s better and at the end I was happy that I finished the book and wanted to go on with the next one. But have to wait, because of br’s with the #cakeeaters!
I can only recommend to read Tiffany’s review (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), because she said it all and I would basically repeat a lot she said already.
August 16, 2017
Different 4 horsemen story
This series has tons of potential! I really enjoyed it! As a newer RH fan, this one was great. The storyline is unique and interesting. I can't wait for the next installment! I wonder about what the intense chemistry between her and the four really means as Truth. Five glittery stars for a great start!
This series has tons of potential! I really enjoyed it! As a newer RH fan, this one was great. The storyline is unique and interesting. I can't wait for the next installment! I wonder about what the intense chemistry between her and the four really means as Truth. Five glittery stars for a great start!
May 7, 2019
Because I've blitzed through the first few of these very quickly, this is a review of the first 4 books.
This is an interesting series about the 4 Horsemen. Or in this case, 5. Some of it is reminiscent of Kristy Cunning's Dark Side series, also about the 4 Horsemen ... but I think that's somewhat inevitable in any series about the 4 Horsemen. But there are other similarities too - these are people who don't entirely know who they are, or what the situation is.
I love watching them figure it out.
These are all novellas, and the pacing is really really fast. But don't let that fool you - the story development, character development, and world building are solid. I'm pretty captivated, and halfway through the series, pretty unable to put it down.
This is an interesting series about the 4 Horsemen. Or in this case, 5. Some of it is reminiscent of Kristy Cunning's Dark Side series, also about the 4 Horsemen ... but I think that's somewhat inevitable in any series about the 4 Horsemen. But there are other similarities too - these are people who don't entirely know who they are, or what the situation is.
I love watching them figure it out.
These are all novellas, and the pacing is really really fast. But don't let that fool you - the story development, character development, and world building are solid. I'm pretty captivated, and halfway through the series, pretty unable to put it down.
Read
January 20, 2018DNF
February 23, 2018
Legacy was a good start of this series. It's fast past and gives a good introduction to this series, but at the same time it failed to fully pull me into the story yet. Although that also could be due to my weird reading mood and not knowing what to read. And the more I read the better it got. Legacy follows the story of Verity, who can tell when someone lies and hates lying. She's living a normal life until she meets 4 new boys and finds out they are the horsemen and she's the fifth.
I liked the idea of how the horseman are real, but instead or harbingers of the apocalypse, they actually protect and guard this world against the paranormal creatures who want to take it over. The book feels very much like a start of a series book with how we're introduced to the characters and get a feel for the world, but at the same time it just leaves you wanting to know more as you don't get quite enough of everything.
For some reason I had a bit of trouble fully getting the story at first. I liked Vee's quirk of always telling the truth, but then the first chapter was a bit weird and I kept wondering what she was doing in that bathroom anyway. Shortly after the start she already meets Death and then things start moving. The further I got in the book the better it got.
I did had the mistaken idea that she would get to know she was the fifth the moment she first meets Death, but he actually pretends to be a normal human for a while and ask her to go to the pub and meet his friends. But quite quickly something happens and they have to tell her what's going on. I did like how quite quickly they tell Vee what's going on or at least the main points, as I do have the feeling there's a lot they aren't telling yet.
I am not too sure about the set-up for the romance so far. The four boys and Vee are all connected and I didn't really care for the whole connection/ energy thing and how it compelled them to stay together. It just felt a bit off to me. And I would've liked a bit more getting to know each other and less of the connection type of romance. So far it's mostly a lot of attraction to each other and there's a bit of drama about how they can't be together. Which didn't really make much sense to me. So I am not fully feeling the romance yet, but I do like the characters so far.
I liked how each boy was pretty different and had a different personality. Even while we only know a bit of them so far, their different personalities shone through and it was easy to remember who was who. There are also a few chapters from some of the boys their point of view. And it was neat how the horseman thing was worked into their powers. I also liked Vee for the most part. Her quirk of telling the truth and how that was also her power was interesting. I thought it was realistic how she freaked out a bit and had trouble dealing with what she learned.
There is only a little bit we learn about the world so far in this book. We get to know they are the horseman and that different type of paranormal creatures exist and different worlds. But it only feels like the tip of the iceberg and a few things were just a tad confusing due to not knowing everything yet and the world building doens't fully come alive due to that yet. But I am sure that's something that will change as the series progresses.
To summarize: This was a good start of this series. It does very much read like the start of a series and introduction to the characters and world. I did enjoy this book, but for some reason I didn't get fully pulled into the story at first. It did get better and better as I continued. The writing was well done and I liked the characters so far and they all had their own personality. But I didn't really feel the romance yet, as so far it's mostly a lot of attraction and this connection thing they have to each other. There's only a bit we learn of the world so far, but I am sure that's something that will be expanded on over the course of the series.
I liked the idea of how the horseman are real, but instead or harbingers of the apocalypse, they actually protect and guard this world against the paranormal creatures who want to take it over. The book feels very much like a start of a series book with how we're introduced to the characters and get a feel for the world, but at the same time it just leaves you wanting to know more as you don't get quite enough of everything.
For some reason I had a bit of trouble fully getting the story at first. I liked Vee's quirk of always telling the truth, but then the first chapter was a bit weird and I kept wondering what she was doing in that bathroom anyway. Shortly after the start she already meets Death and then things start moving. The further I got in the book the better it got.
I did had the mistaken idea that she would get to know she was the fifth the moment she first meets Death, but he actually pretends to be a normal human for a while and ask her to go to the pub and meet his friends. But quite quickly something happens and they have to tell her what's going on. I did like how quite quickly they tell Vee what's going on or at least the main points, as I do have the feeling there's a lot they aren't telling yet.
I am not too sure about the set-up for the romance so far. The four boys and Vee are all connected and I didn't really care for the whole connection/ energy thing and how it compelled them to stay together. It just felt a bit off to me. And I would've liked a bit more getting to know each other and less of the connection type of romance. So far it's mostly a lot of attraction to each other and there's a bit of drama about how they can't be together. Which didn't really make much sense to me. So I am not fully feeling the romance yet, but I do like the characters so far.
I liked how each boy was pretty different and had a different personality. Even while we only know a bit of them so far, their different personalities shone through and it was easy to remember who was who. There are also a few chapters from some of the boys their point of view. And it was neat how the horseman thing was worked into their powers. I also liked Vee for the most part. Her quirk of telling the truth and how that was also her power was interesting. I thought it was realistic how she freaked out a bit and had trouble dealing with what she learned.
There is only a little bit we learn about the world so far in this book. We get to know they are the horseman and that different type of paranormal creatures exist and different worlds. But it only feels like the tip of the iceberg and a few things were just a tad confusing due to not knowing everything yet and the world building doens't fully come alive due to that yet. But I am sure that's something that will change as the series progresses.
To summarize: This was a good start of this series. It does very much read like the start of a series and introduction to the characters and world. I did enjoy this book, but for some reason I didn't get fully pulled into the story at first. It did get better and better as I continued. The writing was well done and I liked the characters so far and they all had their own personality. But I didn't really feel the romance yet, as so far it's mostly a lot of attraction and this connection thing they have to each other. There's only a bit we learn of the world so far, but I am sure that's something that will be expanded on over the course of the series.
April 28, 2021
Reverse Harems are my guilty pleasure, light, fluffy reads. Because sometimes you just want to a bunch of hot men you don't have to choose between. No love triangles. The start of this series is okay, I am going to read on because I happened to buy all of the books in the series when they were on sale for 99 cents each and plus this first book ends on a cliffhanger so you kind of have to read book 2 if you want any type of closure.
August 3, 2017
I was given an advance unedited copy of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review. That said, it will be available on Kindle Unlimited so i would have been able to read it for free anyway.
First thing to note is that this is a moderately short book, being that it is the first in a series of novellas due to be released in fairly quick succession. It is not however a serial. The story is far from being resolved at the end of this book, but it doesn't end before it really gets going as is the case with many serials (not knocking serials, i just find them a little frustrating.)
It is a Reverse Harem or RH book, meaning it contains a main female character who is romantically involved with 3 or more men (in this case, as you might guess it consists of 4 men). So far, there is a lot of supernaturally boosted attraction, but very little action, apart from a couple of kisses, but it paves the way nicely for things to move on and heat up in future books. I found the characters well written and we are already starting to see the different strengths and weaknesses they each bring to the party. Personally i enjoyed it immensely, it has a nice mix of action and explanation (given that the main female character Verity previously had no idea that the supernatural world existed)
Verity is an IT support worker in a small town in England. she has few close friendships due to her unfortunate aversion to lying (both from herself and others) and spends most of her free time chatting on message boards with other conspiracy theorists. Her whole world gets turned upside down in this book, and for the most part she copes extremely well, while still struggling to come to terms with the weirdness that has suddenly become her life.
As i said, it is based in the UK and so uses UK English terms and spellings which may seem incorrect to US readers (but aren't). While my unedited copy contained a few errors and incorrect words, it was actually far less prevalent than many fully (poorly) edited released books so i can only assume that any errors that make it to the final release will be minimal.
All in all an enjoyable short read, and i am very glad that i only have to wait until September 11th for book 2!
First thing to note is that this is a moderately short book, being that it is the first in a series of novellas due to be released in fairly quick succession. It is not however a serial. The story is far from being resolved at the end of this book, but it doesn't end before it really gets going as is the case with many serials (not knocking serials, i just find them a little frustrating.)
It is a Reverse Harem or RH book, meaning it contains a main female character who is romantically involved with 3 or more men (in this case, as you might guess it consists of 4 men). So far, there is a lot of supernaturally boosted attraction, but very little action, apart from a couple of kisses, but it paves the way nicely for things to move on and heat up in future books. I found the characters well written and we are already starting to see the different strengths and weaknesses they each bring to the party. Personally i enjoyed it immensely, it has a nice mix of action and explanation (given that the main female character Verity previously had no idea that the supernatural world existed)
Verity is an IT support worker in a small town in England. she has few close friendships due to her unfortunate aversion to lying (both from herself and others) and spends most of her free time chatting on message boards with other conspiracy theorists. Her whole world gets turned upside down in this book, and for the most part she copes extremely well, while still struggling to come to terms with the weirdness that has suddenly become her life.
As i said, it is based in the UK and so uses UK English terms and spellings which may seem incorrect to US readers (but aren't). While my unedited copy contained a few errors and incorrect words, it was actually far less prevalent than many fully (poorly) edited released books so i can only assume that any errors that make it to the final release will be minimal.
All in all an enjoyable short read, and i am very glad that i only have to wait until September 11th for book 2!
August 3, 2017
A solid FOUR STARS
First Things First :
I was given an advanced unedited copy by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
It's a fast read at 2 hours ..... as part of a novella series which will be released in fairly quick succession.
It's Reverse harem: for those unaware of this genre that means one female lead character with 3 or more guys..in this instance 4
Despite being warned this was unedited I found very few errors so that bodes well for final copy. Grammatical and other errors missed in editing often put me off so when I read something that flows well I kind of cheer.
The author is British so this book is not written in American English (which as an Australian I appreciate)
Now the good stuff :
"What's worse than being pursued by the Four Horsemen?
Discovering you're the Fifth"
Verity who prefers to be called Vee works in tech support at a company called alphanet, what she doesn't know is the hot new guy who's arse she's been checking out is one of the Four Horsemen ..death in fact. what ensues is a quick succession of events that leads Vee to discover that she isn't who she thought she was.
I LOVE the premise, seriously these horsemen are not the traditional portents of the end of the world, Our 4 boys Heath/Death, Joss/ Famine, Ewan/Pestilence and Xander/War, protect the world from other paranormals.
Any uneasy truce keeps the fae and vampires living hidden in plain sight among the humans,but there is an element (enter demons) who would see this truce destroyed..after all humans are a food source/playthings ...right?
But the boys with the help of our fifth horseman in the form of Vee/truth are there to protect and defend....if they can keep the growing physical attraction between her and them at bay.
Well that would be boring..thank the Gods they won't fall into the lets just be friends trap hahahahahaha. The growing attraction was foretold and as things heat up you can see where this is heading ;)
There are several interesting developments throughout which I didn't see coming and the ending which isn't so much an ending as an intermission left me really wanting more..right now.
Thankfully LJ Swallow plans on book 2 being a September release so I'll just sit here counting down the days.
First Things First :
I was given an advanced unedited copy by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
It's a fast read at 2 hours ..... as part of a novella series which will be released in fairly quick succession.
It's Reverse harem: for those unaware of this genre that means one female lead character with 3 or more guys..in this instance 4
Despite being warned this was unedited I found very few errors so that bodes well for final copy. Grammatical and other errors missed in editing often put me off so when I read something that flows well I kind of cheer.
The author is British so this book is not written in American English (which as an Australian I appreciate)
Now the good stuff :
"What's worse than being pursued by the Four Horsemen?
Discovering you're the Fifth"
Verity who prefers to be called Vee works in tech support at a company called alphanet, what she doesn't know is the hot new guy who's arse she's been checking out is one of the Four Horsemen ..death in fact. what ensues is a quick succession of events that leads Vee to discover that she isn't who she thought she was.
I LOVE the premise, seriously these horsemen are not the traditional portents of the end of the world, Our 4 boys Heath/Death, Joss/ Famine, Ewan/Pestilence and Xander/War, protect the world from other paranormals.
Any uneasy truce keeps the fae and vampires living hidden in plain sight among the humans,but there is an element (enter demons) who would see this truce destroyed..after all humans are a food source/playthings ...right?
But the boys with the help of our fifth horseman in the form of Vee/truth are there to protect and defend....if they can keep the growing physical attraction between her and them at bay.
Well that would be boring..thank the Gods they won't fall into the lets just be friends trap hahahahahaha. The growing attraction was foretold and as things heat up you can see where this is heading ;)
There are several interesting developments throughout which I didn't see coming and the ending which isn't so much an ending as an intermission left me really wanting more..right now.
Thankfully LJ Swallow plans on book 2 being a September release so I'll just sit here counting down the days.
November 4, 2018
Hello, Pony Boys. - Portia
"I think they make their own minds up."...
"You have more power than them in your little finger—and power over them." -Verity & Portia
I'm conflicted about how to review Legacy. I enjoyed it, I liked the characters, I found the plot interesting enough, but it did take me 18 days to read. If I was really enjoying it 133 pages should have taken me so much less than that. But I will be reading Bound I love a good slow burn and I don't understand why it took me slow long to read this.
The sheer concept of The Four Horsemen was intriguing the four horsemen of the Apocolypse Death, War, Pestilence and Famine living in the modern world trying to save the world and not end it. There is a fifth horseman, Verity, she is truth, power to them. There is an intoxicating pull between Verity and all four horsemen. I did like their characters, I sat on the train trying to figure out who was who before they were introduced and how their powers worked. Death is a sweetie, not all what I expected, we had very little to do with War but his power was intoxicating, there is a side to him we haven't seen yet. Pestilence is odd, he did explain himself but he's a computer hacker for the most part. But my fave is easily Famine, Joss is a charmer, it's part of his whole thing. I hope we see Portia again she is a powerful woman who while technically in opposition to the Horsemen is a woman happy to live in a polyandry the series endgame. She could be useful for Verity. She's also funny and brilliant.
My reading experience in a gif:
January 5, 2025
I had originally picked this up last year and quickly lost interest so I tried again today, and wish I hadn't.
Spoilers.
I think the concept on this one is pretty inticing right. We have 4 horseman and somehow a 5th one is made. They all have a supernatural connection and want to protect the world as the gatekeepers to ensure other supernaturals don't destroy it. On board. Got me.....then you lose me with Verity.
The main character being obsessed with conspiracy theories and being over the top is why I didn't complete the book last year. It felt like a point being made about how counter cultural she is, and how you can't trust anything anyone tells you as the human lie detector and I just felt my eyes rolling and then skimming chapters until we didn't have to hear the speil. When I picked the book back up it was with this in mind but it never got better.
We also don't have any information at the end of book one. We know these characters exist, and that is where the information shared ends. This was an incredibly short book for what the author seems to be setting up unless the books never get more in depth. It just skims the surface and we don't really know any of the characters.
The other thing that bugged me that is just a style and book preference was the flip flopping of them all hitting on her and making it okay and then everyone says it's not real sorry it's something out of our control we don't want you that way. Just it's either or. We are gonna get two books down the road and then the connection won't matter because they love each other. Just forget everything I ever said to you. 🤢 Grow up.
But alas. I will not be continuing on with this series as I didn't make a good enough connection to the story or the characters in it.
Spoilers.
I think the concept on this one is pretty inticing right. We have 4 horseman and somehow a 5th one is made. They all have a supernatural connection and want to protect the world as the gatekeepers to ensure other supernaturals don't destroy it. On board. Got me.....then you lose me with Verity.
The main character being obsessed with conspiracy theories and being over the top is why I didn't complete the book last year. It felt like a point being made about how counter cultural she is, and how you can't trust anything anyone tells you as the human lie detector and I just felt my eyes rolling and then skimming chapters until we didn't have to hear the speil. When I picked the book back up it was with this in mind but it never got better.
We also don't have any information at the end of book one. We know these characters exist, and that is where the information shared ends. This was an incredibly short book for what the author seems to be setting up unless the books never get more in depth. It just skims the surface and we don't really know any of the characters.
The other thing that bugged me that is just a style and book preference was the flip flopping of them all hitting on her and making it okay and then everyone says it's not real sorry it's something out of our control we don't want you that way. Just it's either or. We are gonna get two books down the road and then the connection won't matter because they love each other. Just forget everything I ever said to you. 🤢 Grow up.
But alas. I will not be continuing on with this series as I didn't make a good enough connection to the story or the characters in it.
July 3, 2018
3.25 Stars
I liked this book, but not as much as I was expecting to. I struggled with it in the beginning because I wasn't connecting with it. I don't know if that's because this was just the wrong time to read it or if I just genuinely could not connect with it. I will say that around the 60% mark, I started getting into the story a lot more and I didn't struggle as much.
I went into this book really excited because.. come on? It's theFour Five Horseman. I am intrigued by their story in general, but when I heard this was an RH I was sold. This book did not disappoint me when it came to them and their story. Each of the guys grabbed my attention in different ways and I was eager to learn more about them and their individual abilities.
A big contribution to my dislike of this book would be Verity. Her character came off unrelatable and flat to me. She didn't have a distinct personality that I look for in a female character and I felt like the guys out shined her. Maybe if I read the future books that would change.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, just not as much as I'd hoped. I was extremely disappointed and ultimately decided to not continue the series. Maybe I am missing out on something great, but this first book just didn't grab my attention like I felt it should. I really wish that things were different because I really liked the premise for this series and it had potential.
I liked this book, but not as much as I was expecting to. I struggled with it in the beginning because I wasn't connecting with it. I don't know if that's because this was just the wrong time to read it or if I just genuinely could not connect with it. I will say that around the 60% mark, I started getting into the story a lot more and I didn't struggle as much.
I went into this book really excited because.. come on? It's the
A big contribution to my dislike of this book would be Verity. Her character came off unrelatable and flat to me. She didn't have a distinct personality that I look for in a female character and I felt like the guys out shined her. Maybe if I read the future books that would change.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, just not as much as I'd hoped. I was extremely disappointed and ultimately decided to not continue the series. Maybe I am missing out on something great, but this first book just didn't grab my attention like I felt it should. I really wish that things were different because I really liked the premise for this series and it had potential.
January 8, 2020
Verity Jameson's day switches from mundane to disastrous when she runs down a stranger with her car. Fortunately for Vee, she can't kill Death.
Death, who just happens to be one of the Four Horsemen, and he's looking for her.
The Four Horsemen spend life preventing the end of the world, not bringing on an apocalypse. As gatekeepers of the portals which exist between the human world and other realms, the team fight to keep the portals closed and the supernatural forces under control. Without their fifth member, the Four Horsemen are losing the battle.
Now they've found Verity and what they tell her goes far beyond the conspiracy theories Vee spends her free time investigating.
A new life with four dark, sexy and dangerous men fighting demons, vampires and fae? Not what Vee had planned, but a hell of a lot more interesting than her boring job in tech support.
So what happens when the unbreakable bond of the Five takes control in a way none of them expected?
Heather's Notes
This book was a little slow and hard to get into. The premise was really good but the story lacked something to keep me interested. Veririty is the fifth horseman, that no one knew about until recently, she is apparently Truth. She increases the guys power when she links up with them. It is suppose to be a reverse harem but right now it is more like a deny everyone so things don't get screwed up. I will probably try at least one more to see if it picks up.
Death, who just happens to be one of the Four Horsemen, and he's looking for her.
The Four Horsemen spend life preventing the end of the world, not bringing on an apocalypse. As gatekeepers of the portals which exist between the human world and other realms, the team fight to keep the portals closed and the supernatural forces under control. Without their fifth member, the Four Horsemen are losing the battle.
Now they've found Verity and what they tell her goes far beyond the conspiracy theories Vee spends her free time investigating.
A new life with four dark, sexy and dangerous men fighting demons, vampires and fae? Not what Vee had planned, but a hell of a lot more interesting than her boring job in tech support.
So what happens when the unbreakable bond of the Five takes control in a way none of them expected?
Heather's Notes
This book was a little slow and hard to get into. The premise was really good but the story lacked something to keep me interested. Veririty is the fifth horseman, that no one knew about until recently, she is apparently Truth. She increases the guys power when she links up with them. It is suppose to be a reverse harem but right now it is more like a deny everyone so things don't get screwed up. I will probably try at least one more to see if it picks up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2017
I received a copy for an honest review.
The beginning to this serial starts with our female lead Vee, going about her life, alone. Enter a chance encounter with a hot guy, yes she did hit him her car but it was rainy, that changes her life forever. Heath, who just so happens to be a co-worker rarely seen, is more than just a man. He introduces Vee to his close friends. Friends that have a secret they want to her to know. That they are the Four Horsemen and she is their Fifth. Let the games begin.
This series is going to be so much fun. I mean how exciting that our lead female character is part of the Horsemen. Verity, and the other Horsemen Ewan, Xander, Joss and Heath are connected threw their bond. As she gets to know the guys and their individual powers, she feels an attraction to each one. She is full of questions. What powers does she have? How can she be attracted to 4 guys at the same time? How much danger is she really in? I am really looking forward to see what happens next.
The beginning to this serial starts with our female lead Vee, going about her life, alone. Enter a chance encounter with a hot guy, yes she did hit him her car but it was rainy, that changes her life forever. Heath, who just so happens to be a co-worker rarely seen, is more than just a man. He introduces Vee to his close friends. Friends that have a secret they want to her to know. That they are the Four Horsemen and she is their Fifth. Let the games begin.
This series is going to be so much fun. I mean how exciting that our lead female character is part of the Horsemen. Verity, and the other Horsemen Ewan, Xander, Joss and Heath are connected threw their bond. As she gets to know the guys and their individual powers, she feels an attraction to each one. She is full of questions. What powers does she have? How can she be attracted to 4 guys at the same time? How much danger is she really in? I am really looking forward to see what happens next.
January 14, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
The main character is Verity. A girl who struggles with her apparent super power of being able to tell when people are lying. She meets a guy called Heath and finds out she is one of the horsemen of the apocalypse.
The secondary characters are the other horsemen.
The storyline is good and the pacing is also good. I have got the next book in the series and am looking forward to staring it.
4 stars
The main character is Verity. A girl who struggles with her apparent super power of being able to tell when people are lying. She meets a guy called Heath and finds out she is one of the horsemen of the apocalypse.
The secondary characters are the other horsemen.
The storyline is good and the pacing is also good. I have got the next book in the series and am looking forward to staring it.
4 stars
January 3, 2019
A Dec 2018 I'm sick as shit read
SO. This one is a conundrum.
THIS book was pretty decent. I wanted to know more. book 2...not so much.
Book three had me skipping to BOOK SEVEN. (which was crime #1. 7 books about the same fuckers and Ms Swallow just wasn't that engaging. I've read better Four Horseman series - that are reverse harem - and I've not even finished that. THIS? I want to say take my review with caution cause this is more a serial than a series. So yeah.
SO. This one is a conundrum.
THIS book was pretty decent. I wanted to know more. book 2...not so much.
Book three had me skipping to BOOK SEVEN. (which was crime #1. 7 books about the same fuckers and Ms Swallow just wasn't that engaging. I've read better Four Horseman series - that are reverse harem - and I've not even finished that. THIS? I want to say take my review with caution cause this is more a serial than a series. So yeah.
June 29, 2024
Good start
This is the beginning of a series, and as such, it is setting up the plot and characters. While I think I'm following the story line, it is a little confusing at the moment. That's the reason for 4 stars instead of 5.
I have the feeling that this is a series with short books that could have been combined. This one ends really strangely. Obviously I plan to keep reading, but it was a random place to end a book. It wasn't really a cliff hanger, but more like an abrupt stop.
This is the beginning of a series, and as such, it is setting up the plot and characters. While I think I'm following the story line, it is a little confusing at the moment. That's the reason for 4 stars instead of 5.
I have the feeling that this is a series with short books that could have been combined. This one ends really strangely. Obviously I plan to keep reading, but it was a random place to end a book. It wasn't really a cliff hanger, but more like an abrupt stop.
November 9, 2019
3.5
1 Star = DNF.
2 Star = Finished. Didn’t really enjoy.
3 Star = Finished. Story was neither good nor bad.
3.5 Star = Finished. Story was neither good nor bad. Will probably pick up next in series if there is one.
4 Star = Finished. Enjoyed story & would reread.
5 Star = Stole my heart! ❤️
1 Star = DNF.
2 Star = Finished. Didn’t really enjoy.
3 Star = Finished. Story was neither good nor bad.
3.5 Star = Finished. Story was neither good nor bad. Will probably pick up next in series if there is one.
4 Star = Finished. Enjoyed story & would reread.
5 Star = Stole my heart! ❤️
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