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The Strike of the Red Horseman: Tales of the Four Horsemen
A warrioress with a wounded heart. A man seeking to destroy evil. Can love protect them against all odds?
As a member of the Feminea Potentia, an all-female band of warriors, Ansel has always seen herself as a defender of the weak. But when she is unexpectedly betrayed by those she considered allies, Ansel takes her little sister and flees to the unnatural, desolate landscape of The Wastes.
Mordecai is a Horseman on a mission. A growing restlessness inside him sends him on a hunt for justice—to destroy every threat to those he loves. But when a confrontation with a feisty, redheaded FP leads to them being trapped together, Cai’s confidence in his mission wavers. Ansel is nothing like the enemy he vowed to eradicate.
Forced into an uneasy alliance with Cai, Ansel is surprised to find that the infuriating warrior is the opposite of everything she expected. After she learns of her role in the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy, Ansel questions everything she thought she believed. Can she lower her shields and embrace her true purpose, or will she allow the pain of her past to lay claim to her future as well?
*If you love dystopian romantasy with enemies-to-lovers fated mates, found family, forced proximity, a horse sidekick, touch her and die vibes and touch HIM and die vibes, dual POV, and all non-explicit and closed-door romance, you will love The Strike of the Red Horseman!
**Potential Kidnapping, unwanted touches, fighting, attacks, loss of loved ones. Never anything explicit!
As a member of the Feminea Potentia, an all-female band of warriors, Ansel has always seen herself as a defender of the weak. But when she is unexpectedly betrayed by those she considered allies, Ansel takes her little sister and flees to the unnatural, desolate landscape of The Wastes.
Mordecai is a Horseman on a mission. A growing restlessness inside him sends him on a hunt for justice—to destroy every threat to those he loves. But when a confrontation with a feisty, redheaded FP leads to them being trapped together, Cai’s confidence in his mission wavers. Ansel is nothing like the enemy he vowed to eradicate.
Forced into an uneasy alliance with Cai, Ansel is surprised to find that the infuriating warrior is the opposite of everything she expected. After she learns of her role in the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy, Ansel questions everything she thought she believed. Can she lower her shields and embrace her true purpose, or will she allow the pain of her past to lay claim to her future as well?
*If you love dystopian romantasy with enemies-to-lovers fated mates, found family, forced proximity, a horse sidekick, touch her and die vibes and touch HIM and die vibes, dual POV, and all non-explicit and closed-door romance, you will love The Strike of the Red Horseman!
**Potential Kidnapping, unwanted touches, fighting, attacks, loss of loved ones. Never anything explicit!
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2025
5 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Jess K. Chavez
3 books18 followersJess K. Chavez is an author of the fantasy/romantasy genre. She has a B.A. in Journalism and a voracious love of reading.
You can usually find her curled up in front of the fireplace, reading or writing while consuming copious amounts of cold brew coffee. On the off chance she's doing something else, it's most likely yoga, walking her dogs, or at some baseball game, swim meet, orchestra concert, or dance performance for one of her kids. She's also a remodeling hobbyist, lover of sunsets and Fall, and a total foodie who could easily spend her days eating Mexican, Mediterranean, or Indian food.
She’s a wife to her best friend and high school sweetheart, a mom to three amazing and inspiring humans, a fur mom to two goldendoodles, and a lover and follower of Jesus. She lives with her crew in sunny Colorado, nestled in the landscape of the Rocky Mountains.
You can usually find her curled up in front of the fireplace, reading or writing while consuming copious amounts of cold brew coffee. On the off chance she's doing something else, it's most likely yoga, walking her dogs, or at some baseball game, swim meet, orchestra concert, or dance performance for one of her kids. She's also a remodeling hobbyist, lover of sunsets and Fall, and a total foodie who could easily spend her days eating Mexican, Mediterranean, or Indian food.
She’s a wife to her best friend and high school sweetheart, a mom to three amazing and inspiring humans, a fur mom to two goldendoodles, and a lover and follower of Jesus. She lives with her crew in sunny Colorado, nestled in the landscape of the Rocky Mountains.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 10, 2024
Two days…. It took me all of two days to inhale this book! I definitely have some sleep to catch up on lol!
I received the immense privilege of receiving an ARC copy of this book and I am once again floored by the beauty of Jess’s writing!
Not only does this book pick right up where the last one left off, but the character depth that Jess has achieved not only makes you love the characters, but also the world they live in!
Cai and Ansel are so beautifully woven together and are each others perfect in every way!
I cannot express the Love that I know is God inside of me that was radiating through me when I read this book! There is so much hope, light, truth, and Love in this book that you don’t even have to believe in Elohim to feel him in the words!
If you are even thinking of picking up this book, I encourage you not to hesitate! You absolutely will not regret it!
Thank you so much Jess for allowing me the opportunity to be one of the first to read this book! I am once again filled with excitement for the continuation of this story!
I received the immense privilege of receiving an ARC copy of this book and I am once again floored by the beauty of Jess’s writing!
Not only does this book pick right up where the last one left off, but the character depth that Jess has achieved not only makes you love the characters, but also the world they live in!
Cai and Ansel are so beautifully woven together and are each others perfect in every way!
I cannot express the Love that I know is God inside of me that was radiating through me when I read this book! There is so much hope, light, truth, and Love in this book that you don’t even have to believe in Elohim to feel him in the words!
If you are even thinking of picking up this book, I encourage you not to hesitate! You absolutely will not regret it!
Thank you so much Jess for allowing me the opportunity to be one of the first to read this book! I am once again filled with excitement for the continuation of this story!
February 5, 2025
If you’re looking for a four horseman retelling, with strong willed and lovable characters, then this book is definitely for you. You first open the book and you’re immediately sucked in to the story line and angry for some of the characters leading you wanting to know more and needing to figure out what happens next. Over the next however long you are stuck into this book you will come to find that your heart hurts for the characters, but also your heart fills with such love for them throughout the book. If you’ve already managed to read the first book, then you already know that Jess K. Chavez loves to pull on the heart strings and make you stressed out for everyone involved in these books. I enjoyed how the book progressed, and continued to delve deeper into the story line. If you’re anything like me, you’ll love the characters as much as I did, I am so so excited for the next one to come out so I can get my hands on it, I need to know what happens next, and I just finished this one, and it is brand new, so sad for my sake of sanity.
Jess K. Chavez did a beautiful job of writing this story, and bringing the characters to life the way she did, I had so many feelings throughout the book, I was angry, stressed, and worried, but most of all my heart melted in so many areas of this book, the characters are so sweet, and the love they bring to the table will melt yours too. The banter, and the cheesy flirtatious behavior radiating off of them is adorable and I loved every minute of it, I was kicking my feet giggling every time it happened.
Super Glad I was able to read this book! I will be impatiently waiting for the next one to come out. Here’s to waiting months on end for the next one to come out.
Thank you Jess, for this wonderful read, I can not wait to see what happens next!!
Jess K. Chavez did a beautiful job of writing this story, and bringing the characters to life the way she did, I had so many feelings throughout the book, I was angry, stressed, and worried, but most of all my heart melted in so many areas of this book, the characters are so sweet, and the love they bring to the table will melt yours too. The banter, and the cheesy flirtatious behavior radiating off of them is adorable and I loved every minute of it, I was kicking my feet giggling every time it happened.
Super Glad I was able to read this book! I will be impatiently waiting for the next one to come out. Here’s to waiting months on end for the next one to come out.
Thank you Jess, for this wonderful read, I can not wait to see what happens next!!
August 28, 2025
Hi again, let's start with the review, shall we?
--
I'm biased because I love the second book in any series, but I enjoyed the change in the narrative for this book. Cai was a likeable character introduced in the first book, so it was a great way to keep the story's flow by connecting the ending with the next plot by the new character introduced, like a cliffhanger but leaving the reader without the anxious energy and wanting to read more.
--
I'm also a gamer and love TOTK (a Zelda game) so the world-building of this part on the serie was very familiar, like the dunes concept, so it was familiar the whole aesthetic of the book, and I loved it.
--
I'm also a gamer and love TOTK (a Zelda game), so the world-building of this part of the series was very familiar, like the dunes concept, and so was the whole aesthetic of the book, and I loved it.
--
During this book, the main theme explored is about the effect of fear on our decision-making, like how if we're used to being alone and self-sufficient, the presence of help or being loved sometimes creates fear of losing control of a situation, which is a nice contrast to the FMC's narrative of being taught to let her "control" of the situation go while her enemy basically is manipulated by her need for control because of fear.
It just seems as if they are forces that are always against each other: fear and faith..
--
I loved the brothers dynamic shown through the book; it got me to laugh out loud several times, so it's nice when the book isn’t only about the plot but has little cozy hints of small tropes, like found family.
--
I have to say I was on the edge of my seat with the scenes of fighting; they had a well-described structure so that we, the readers who sometimes have no idea how to draw a sword or fight, could more easily imagine the scene.
--
I did have my interest piqued by the concept of the FP, like very Wonder Woman-style Amazonian warriors, though it took a dark turn. I liked how the main point wasn't the society of warriors but the individual heart behind the warriors, like Ansel or Mina.
--
So even if I could write so much more (I could make an essay), I'll finish my review with this and will see you next with my review of The Torrent of the Black Horseman.
--
I'm biased because I love the second book in any series, but I enjoyed the change in the narrative for this book. Cai was a likeable character introduced in the first book, so it was a great way to keep the story's flow by connecting the ending with the next plot by the new character introduced, like a cliffhanger but leaving the reader without the anxious energy and wanting to read more.
--
I'm also a gamer and love TOTK (a Zelda game) so the world-building of this part on the serie was very familiar, like the dunes concept, so it was familiar the whole aesthetic of the book, and I loved it.
--
I'm also a gamer and love TOTK (a Zelda game), so the world-building of this part of the series was very familiar, like the dunes concept, and so was the whole aesthetic of the book, and I loved it.
--
During this book, the main theme explored is about the effect of fear on our decision-making, like how if we're used to being alone and self-sufficient, the presence of help or being loved sometimes creates fear of losing control of a situation, which is a nice contrast to the FMC's narrative of being taught to let her "control" of the situation go while her enemy basically is manipulated by her need for control because of fear.
It just seems as if they are forces that are always against each other: fear and faith..
--
I loved the brothers dynamic shown through the book; it got me to laugh out loud several times, so it's nice when the book isn’t only about the plot but has little cozy hints of small tropes, like found family.
--
I have to say I was on the edge of my seat with the scenes of fighting; they had a well-described structure so that we, the readers who sometimes have no idea how to draw a sword or fight, could more easily imagine the scene.
--
I did have my interest piqued by the concept of the FP, like very Wonder Woman-style Amazonian warriors, though it took a dark turn. I liked how the main point wasn't the society of warriors but the individual heart behind the warriors, like Ansel or Mina.
--
So even if I could write so much more (I could make an essay), I'll finish my review with this and will see you next with my review of The Torrent of the Black Horseman.
December 31, 2025
I really really wanted to like this series. The concept is great, there is action, danger, romance and strong Christian themes - not to mention the absolutely gorgeous covers.
But I cannot in good conscience give this book more than 3 stars.
Like I said in my review for the first book - the romance(s) completely spoiled this series for me. While the adventures change and the characters are different (but also a bit two dimensional, since they all seem to have just one strong character trait) the recipe for the romance seems to be the same. (I have read books 1-3, but will not continue the series.)
Two people are destined for each other, at least one of them is reluctant to accept the bond but both are falling immediately for each other (some against their will) and are lusting after each other. It’s insta love without a real emotional connection but with a heavy focus on physical appearance and the descriptions of especially the men in these books made me almost constantly roll my eyes.
To accept their bond is THE ONLY WAY to fulfill their prophecy and not lead to misery and disaster and still, like I said, at least one struggles with it for absolutely ridiculous reasons. This was not deeply emotional, it was unnecessarily dramatic and the focus on physical desires, sexual attraction and lust was in my opinion not only disappointing but inappropriate for a Christian YA book.
I’m really sorry to be this harsh, but I just can’t recommend this series to Christian teenagers. I know this is fantasy, but it comes too close to “listen to your heart” (or in this case listen to your body) for comfort and especially for young people this can be very misleading.
Full disclosure: I posted the exact same review for book 2 and 3 since my criticism stands for both books and in both cases the extreme focus on the lust driven “love” story distracted me too much from the mystery/adventure/action parts.
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
But I cannot in good conscience give this book more than 3 stars.
Like I said in my review for the first book - the romance(s) completely spoiled this series for me. While the adventures change and the characters are different (but also a bit two dimensional, since they all seem to have just one strong character trait) the recipe for the romance seems to be the same. (I have read books 1-3, but will not continue the series.)
Two people are destined for each other, at least one of them is reluctant to accept the bond but both are falling immediately for each other (some against their will) and are lusting after each other. It’s insta love without a real emotional connection but with a heavy focus on physical appearance and the descriptions of especially the men in these books made me almost constantly roll my eyes.
To accept their bond is THE ONLY WAY to fulfill their prophecy and not lead to misery and disaster and still, like I said, at least one struggles with it for absolutely ridiculous reasons. This was not deeply emotional, it was unnecessarily dramatic and the focus on physical desires, sexual attraction and lust was in my opinion not only disappointing but inappropriate for a Christian YA book.
I’m really sorry to be this harsh, but I just can’t recommend this series to Christian teenagers. I know this is fantasy, but it comes too close to “listen to your heart” (or in this case listen to your body) for comfort and especially for young people this can be very misleading.
Full disclosure: I posted the exact same review for book 2 and 3 since my criticism stands for both books and in both cases the extreme focus on the lust driven “love” story distracted me too much from the mystery/adventure/action parts.
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
August 31, 2025
Strike of the Red Horseman by Jess Chavez
🟥 A horseman
🟥 A mission
🟥 Destroying evil
🟥 Dystopian romantasy
🟥 Fade to black romance
Genre: Christian fantasy
A warrioress with a wounded heart.
Still lots of mixed feelings about this series. I enjoy the main characters recognizing their brokenness and their need for a Savior. The part I'm not enjoying is the romance. It's just too much for my personal taste, too much kissing, too much touching, too much focus on "desire." I liked seeing Ansel's story and also all the cameos from characters in book 1. I was glad to see the FP get their comeuppance. Definitely interested in seeing who the remaining Cores are.
Book 2 in the Four Horseman series (best read in order)
Opening line: "Letting her rage at what was taking place here flow over her like a rainstorm deluge, Sloane donned a mask of focused determination and let her training take over."
⭐⭐⭐
🟥 A horseman
🟥 A mission
🟥 Destroying evil
🟥 Dystopian romantasy
🟥 Fade to black romance
Genre: Christian fantasy
A warrioress with a wounded heart.
Still lots of mixed feelings about this series. I enjoy the main characters recognizing their brokenness and their need for a Savior. The part I'm not enjoying is the romance. It's just too much for my personal taste, too much kissing, too much touching, too much focus on "desire." I liked seeing Ansel's story and also all the cameos from characters in book 1. I was glad to see the FP get their comeuppance. Definitely interested in seeing who the remaining Cores are.
Book 2 in the Four Horseman series (best read in order)
Opening line: "Letting her rage at what was taking place here flow over her like a rainstorm deluge, Sloane donned a mask of focused determination and let her training take over."
⭐⭐⭐
May 16, 2025
A Whirlwind
Once again we visit this unnamed dystopian world. This time, our characters wander through a mall that’s been buried in sand. How?
I’m not a fan of the enemies to lovers trope and this romance happened WAY too fast to be believable.
The story, however, moved along at a steady clip with the usual controlling actions made from ridiculous assumptions followed by over-protective reactions.
In the end, another Core has bonded with her Horseman. But for what larger purpose? Destruction of evil? Shouldn’t they be working toward that even now?
The basic powers are old hat now so it was predetermined that Ansel would get some flashy power that would help them stave off the enemies.
The next romance looks to be more complex, and I have my fingers crossed that the full resolution of good versus evil will begin to take shape.
Once again we visit this unnamed dystopian world. This time, our characters wander through a mall that’s been buried in sand. How?
I’m not a fan of the enemies to lovers trope and this romance happened WAY too fast to be believable.
The story, however, moved along at a steady clip with the usual controlling actions made from ridiculous assumptions followed by over-protective reactions.
In the end, another Core has bonded with her Horseman. But for what larger purpose? Destruction of evil? Shouldn’t they be working toward that even now?
The basic powers are old hat now so it was predetermined that Ansel would get some flashy power that would help them stave off the enemies.
The next romance looks to be more complex, and I have my fingers crossed that the full resolution of good versus evil will begin to take shape.
December 9, 2024
Jess K. Chavez did it Again!!!!!!
I loved how she picked up right where she left off with Cai. I love the chemistry between Cai and Ansel.
The banter in this had me laughing out loud. This story also has a badass FMC where she doesn't need any man to defend her. I love how he falls first, but he also doesn't rush her into anything.
Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year, and Tales of the Four Horsemen is quickly becoming one of my favorite series!!!!!
I loved how she picked up right where she left off with Cai. I love the chemistry between Cai and Ansel.
The banter in this had me laughing out loud. This story also has a badass FMC where she doesn't need any man to defend her. I love how he falls first, but he also doesn't rush her into anything.
Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year, and Tales of the Four Horsemen is quickly becoming one of my favorite series!!!!!
September 16, 2025
Fast and sweet
This was fairly similar to the first book; the main difference was the characters' personality through the story, and more action happened through the book.
This is more of a religious based story and plot with hints of spice and a very fast-paced story.
I cannot wait to read the 3rd book, because the cliffhanger was soo good!!
I love the fated mates' take, instant love and trust connections, and the magic gets better as the books progress!
This was fairly similar to the first book; the main difference was the characters' personality through the story, and more action happened through the book.
This is more of a religious based story and plot with hints of spice and a very fast-paced story.
I cannot wait to read the 3rd book, because the cliffhanger was soo good!!
I love the fated mates' take, instant love and trust connections, and the magic gets better as the books progress!
February 7, 2025
Loved this book so much. I love that the plot thickens as the next horseman is highlighted to find his match. I relate to the FMC and love her personality. Cai & Ansel are so fun & entertaining and it’s great tension, and enjoyed the growth in relationship. It’s a must read in a great new series, dare I say I might’ve enjoyed it more than book 1!
August 23, 2025
The Strike of the Red Horseman is a book that I COULD NOT put down! Ansel and Cai’s romance makes them question everything they thought they stood for and challenges them to open their eyes to a different side of their beliefs. So good, and such a powerful statement on good vs evil. I’m so excited for the next book in this series!
September 24, 2025
Amazing
What an amazing second book, a perfect follow up of the first book! I am in love with Ansel and Cai and their relationship. This book has so many twists and turns and keeps you guessing as to what can happen next. I can’t wait to read the next book and get to know the next horseman!
What an amazing second book, a perfect follow up of the first book! I am in love with Ansel and Cai and their relationship. This book has so many twists and turns and keeps you guessing as to what can happen next. I can’t wait to read the next book and get to know the next horseman!
November 24, 2024
This series just keeps getting better and better! I’m grateful I got to be an ARC reader for the second book in this series. YA fantasy, couple tension, good vs evil, and allegory. Looking forward to the rest to come!
October 7, 2025
2.5 stars
December 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️
February 18, 2025
This book was SO good!! Jess did such a great job writing such a beautiful story that brings the characters to life and pulls on your heart strings!
Cai and Ansel are so perfect for each other and I love seeing their story unfold! Love the “touch her and 💀” moments 🔥 The banter was bantering and I loved it!
If you love:
🔹Found Family
🔹Fated Mates
🔹Mysterious Identities
🔹First Person POV
🔹Closeddoor Romance
Cai and Ansel are so perfect for each other and I love seeing their story unfold! Love the “touch her and 💀” moments 🔥 The banter was bantering and I loved it!
If you love:
🔹Found Family
🔹Fated Mates
🔹Mysterious Identities
🔹First Person POV
🔹Closeddoor Romance
September 26, 2025
The second book in a series I am already truly enjoying. This couple is so reasonable and sensible I related easily. I love how they decide to slowly move into their relationship and become true friends before jumping into anything else. This may be cliche, but stabby heroines are a weakness of mine. So seeing this core do her stuff was amazing. Having an MMC there to support and fight with her is an under appreciated trope. I am on pins and needles waiting for the thrilling conclusion. This has no language and is no spice.
-Stabby FMC
-Strong and Supportive MMC
-Found Family
-Trust
-Forgiveness
-Good vs. Evil
-Enemies to Lovers
-Standalone and Part of a Series
-Stabby FMC
-Strong and Supportive MMC
-Found Family
-Trust
-Forgiveness
-Good vs. Evil
-Enemies to Lovers
-Standalone and Part of a Series
September 14, 2025
Closed-door romance, some sizzling kisses. Mild/minimal swearing. Fewer potential triggers in book 2 than in book 1. **Will continue reading the series!**
I really liked this installment of the Tales of the Four Horsemen series! After a necessary prologue and some reacquainting time with Ansel we pick things up with Cai right where we left him in Book 1. It's not long at all before our FMC and MMC are thrown together and navigating abrupt and surprising emotions for their "enemy." I love how Ansel and Cai complement each other, and how they are both a light to the other's darkness. Ansel is a warrior to be sure, but I'm so glad we see the more broken parts of her in this story. And I will always love an MMC who embraces the "touch her and d**" sentiment! I enjoyed that the author included new places and people while involving characters from the previous book in a meaningful way (IYKYK). The setup for the next book sure makes it seem like it'll be an emotional rollercoaster, but I do look forward to seeing what happens with Z and his Core!
I really liked this installment of the Tales of the Four Horsemen series! After a necessary prologue and some reacquainting time with Ansel we pick things up with Cai right where we left him in Book 1. It's not long at all before our FMC and MMC are thrown together and navigating abrupt and surprising emotions for their "enemy." I love how Ansel and Cai complement each other, and how they are both a light to the other's darkness. Ansel is a warrior to be sure, but I'm so glad we see the more broken parts of her in this story. And I will always love an MMC who embraces the "touch her and d**" sentiment! I enjoyed that the author included new places and people while involving characters from the previous book in a meaningful way (IYKYK). The setup for the next book sure makes it seem like it'll be an emotional rollercoaster, but I do look forward to seeing what happens with Z and his Core!
April 2, 2025
Jess K. Chavez wrote a beautiful follow up to this series. I think Flame of the White Horseman might still be my favorite but this was a close second. I love Ansel - she is a complex FMC. She is a warrior trying to protect everyone she cares about and I really enjoyed watching her relationship evolve with the Cai and other secondary characters. The storyline about the cores and their relationships with the horsemen are really unique and I can't wait for book 3!
I received this book as an ARC but all opinions are my own.
I received this book as an ARC but all opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews