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Inheriting Armageddon
Most everyone knows who the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are. But do you really know who they are? How do they get around? Motorcycles, obviously. What’s their pastime? Singing karaoke with boy-band swagger. Oh, and don’t forget those wayfarer sunglasses. Going out in style is the only way to live, and Armageddon is right around the corner.
Every few hundred years, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are born into human bodies to fight in a battle. In their past lives, they have always died in these battles. When they finally win their war, they will trigger the end of the world.
The Deceivers—powerful shapeshifting demons who embody the Cardinal Sins—have roamed Earth since the beginning of time. The Deceivers are hellbent on making the Four Horsemen fall to change the outcome of Armageddon. If the Horsemen win their war without falling from grace, Heaven reigns in the Final Battle of Armageddon, but if the Horsemen fall, Hell reigns eternal.
These are the truths that newfound friends, Venatrix, Orion, Corvun, and Jayren face. As students in an academy dedicated to angels—unbeknownst to humans—good grades and internship essays are the least of their concerns. Orion—the son of an angel and demon—is powerful and dangerous, but he is not strong enough to protect himself from the terrors of his home life. When Ventrix learns that Orion is abused by his Deceiver father, she vows to help Orion banish his father back to hell.
Meanwhile, Corvun and Jayren become tangled in a blacklisted organization of immortal assassins with no easy way out. There, they make ties with the Angel of Death and help her hide from the Deceiver hunting her, in hopes that she might be the key to unlocking their true potential.
In order to survive, the four friends will have to come to terms with their heritage, power, and the balance of good and evil. The fate of the world hangs in the balance.
Every few hundred years, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are born into human bodies to fight in a battle. In their past lives, they have always died in these battles. When they finally win their war, they will trigger the end of the world.
The Deceivers—powerful shapeshifting demons who embody the Cardinal Sins—have roamed Earth since the beginning of time. The Deceivers are hellbent on making the Four Horsemen fall to change the outcome of Armageddon. If the Horsemen win their war without falling from grace, Heaven reigns in the Final Battle of Armageddon, but if the Horsemen fall, Hell reigns eternal.
These are the truths that newfound friends, Venatrix, Orion, Corvun, and Jayren face. As students in an academy dedicated to angels—unbeknownst to humans—good grades and internship essays are the least of their concerns. Orion—the son of an angel and demon—is powerful and dangerous, but he is not strong enough to protect himself from the terrors of his home life. When Ventrix learns that Orion is abused by his Deceiver father, she vows to help Orion banish his father back to hell.
Meanwhile, Corvun and Jayren become tangled in a blacklisted organization of immortal assassins with no easy way out. There, they make ties with the Angel of Death and help her hide from the Deceiver hunting her, in hopes that she might be the key to unlocking their true potential.
In order to survive, the four friends will have to come to terms with their heritage, power, and the balance of good and evil. The fate of the world hangs in the balance.
492 pages, Paperback
Published November 11, 2025
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 10, 2025
What an interesting take on the Four Horseman of the appocalypse! The commitment to the details in this unique story was immense.
The dual timelines worked well to build backstory of character familiarity as well as paint the landscape for history repeating itself.
I was thoroughly satisfied to see Orion and Ophelia get some justice and can't wait for the next book to see what happened to Orion after the confrontation with Sorrow and how the next installment of history will end.
Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity!
The dual timelines worked well to build backstory of character familiarity as well as paint the landscape for history repeating itself.
I was thoroughly satisfied to see Orion and Ophelia get some justice and can't wait for the next book to see what happened to Orion after the confrontation with Sorrow and how the next installment of history will end.
Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity!
November 11, 2025
Let me preface this by saying this is high fantasy so if you’re looking for Romantasy this isn’t it BUT that said, even if you’re only a Romantasy fan I think you will like this book. There is great world building, some of the lore you may be familiar with, but the author makes it all theirs. The Archangels, the heirs, the sirens, nephilim, sentinels, demons and more, it’s intricate and interesting. There’s family drama, friend drama, good and evil drama, school drama, assassins? Motorcycles? Tattoos you’re born with that show your rank? Nothing like throwing some class warfare in there too. This book had all the things to spark an Armageddon and then we get to the horsemen… complex characters on their own but together they are going to learn how strong bonds of friendship can truly be. They are powerful, but they all have fears and insecurities and maybe not the best parents or parents who know how to be the best parents and some crappy siblings (even if they are angels). There is so much going on in this book you are on the edge of your seat once you fully understand who the characters are. It ends on a cliffhanger so be prepared, there is fun in here too (karaoke of course). If you like angels and demons, if you like the four horsemen lore, if you like fantasy, or any combo thereof, check this book out! I’m trying hard not to give anything away so this is kind of vague 😆. I can’t wait for book 2. Thanks for letting me ARC!
November 11, 2025
🏍️Found Family: High School Edition
🏍️Protective Older Brother type MMC
🏍️Rebellious and Headstrong FMC
🏍️Loud Mouth Comedian MMC
🏍️Sensitive and sweet MMC
“Inheriting Armageddon” by RDG Lover is the first book in the epic urban fantasy series, “Angels’ Compass.” Reimagining the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse as four friends against the world at a prestigious angelic high school, each of them (Corvun, Venatrix, Jayren, and Orion) is forced to confront a part of themselves to become who they are meant to be to survive and win the war for Earth...while struggling to get through the day. Our characters experience situations that may be triggering to some readers, so please read the content warning page.
“Inheriting Armageddon” is lore-rich with an extensive glossary, chapter headings with historical context, time jumps, and blurbs. Taking place primarily in 2106 AD, Lover makes sure to give us quick history lessons (in between our MC's history class) to keep us apprised on everything we’ve missed and everything we need to know about the world as we read.
We meet our four friends and horsemen (and destruction) as high schoolers. With our youngest horsemen at 15 (and a half) and our oldest at 19 years old, they go through a variety of situations that adults and teenagers alike experience. From traumatizing homes, loss of parents, coercion, loss of choice, depression, and anxiety. They go through situations that are authentically written and heartbreakingly accurate to readers who have experienced them themselves. Despite these heartbreaking moments, Lover carries us through soul-healing ones. From NSYNC karaoke, food fights, shoulders to cry on, truth or dare, and soulful late-night chats, our MCs (and supporting MCs) find love, support, and family in one another.
There are so many things I appreciate about this story: Orion’s gentle and loving nature, our male MCs aren’t afraid to cry, gripping action sequences, and exhilarating scenes of Rome. Ending on a cliffhanger, “Inheriting Armageddon” leaves you wanting more and wondering what's next!
🏍️Protective Older Brother type MMC
🏍️Rebellious and Headstrong FMC
🏍️Loud Mouth Comedian MMC
🏍️Sensitive and sweet MMC
“Inheriting Armageddon” by RDG Lover is the first book in the epic urban fantasy series, “Angels’ Compass.” Reimagining the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse as four friends against the world at a prestigious angelic high school, each of them (Corvun, Venatrix, Jayren, and Orion) is forced to confront a part of themselves to become who they are meant to be to survive and win the war for Earth...while struggling to get through the day. Our characters experience situations that may be triggering to some readers, so please read the content warning page.
“Inheriting Armageddon” is lore-rich with an extensive glossary, chapter headings with historical context, time jumps, and blurbs. Taking place primarily in 2106 AD, Lover makes sure to give us quick history lessons (in between our MC's history class) to keep us apprised on everything we’ve missed and everything we need to know about the world as we read.
We meet our four friends and horsemen (and destruction) as high schoolers. With our youngest horsemen at 15 (and a half) and our oldest at 19 years old, they go through a variety of situations that adults and teenagers alike experience. From traumatizing homes, loss of parents, coercion, loss of choice, depression, and anxiety. They go through situations that are authentically written and heartbreakingly accurate to readers who have experienced them themselves. Despite these heartbreaking moments, Lover carries us through soul-healing ones. From NSYNC karaoke, food fights, shoulders to cry on, truth or dare, and soulful late-night chats, our MCs (and supporting MCs) find love, support, and family in one another.
There are so many things I appreciate about this story: Orion’s gentle and loving nature, our male MCs aren’t afraid to cry, gripping action sequences, and exhilarating scenes of Rome. Ending on a cliffhanger, “Inheriting Armageddon” leaves you wanting more and wondering what's next!
November 11, 2025
This epic story just blew my mind!! HOLY Unseen-Wars- between-angels-and-demons CANOLI I cannot even fathom giving this book less than 5 stars!
This epic read is like an onion(’s structure):: and by that I mean: its layers within::
It seems (based on a summary/blurb/synopsis) very much to be a straightforward tale - the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are needing to win the Final Battle to prevent Hell’s eternal reign. However, simply skimming over this book’s Glossary, the “onion”-like layers are already presenting themselves… soon, you can expect to discover that the Horsemen are teens/young adults that ON TOP of all fairly typical teenage worries (school assignments, popularity/fitting in, awkwardness in anything sexual, social anxieties, etc), these individuals are revealed (to the reader) to have gone through their journeys time and time again (as told brilliantly through dual+ timelines). The layers REFUSE to stop when different characters come into play and more obstacles are thrown at the Horseman.
While this read IS ABSOLUTELY thrilling and ALL of the exciting and interesting positive adjectives, I cannot overstate that - if you’re anything like me - the Glossay is. your. friend. RDG Lover does a beautiful job in weaving the explanations of whose-who and what’s-what seamlessly within the storyline. However, since the timeline DOES switch AND the list of characters rivals Game of Thrones, I made the (turns out - VERY wise) decision to print the Glossary.
::The number of instances I went back and referenced my printed Glossary “study guide”/“cheat sheet” has made it look like a weathered treasure map::
I thoroughly enjoyed this intensely imaginative and entertaining book and I am ::impatiently:: awaiting for whatever RDG Lover has in store for us🖤
Thank you, RDG Lover, for the ARC opportunity!
This epic read is like an onion(’s structure):: and by that I mean: its layers within::
It seems (based on a summary/blurb/synopsis) very much to be a straightforward tale - the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are needing to win the Final Battle to prevent Hell’s eternal reign. However, simply skimming over this book’s Glossary, the “onion”-like layers are already presenting themselves… soon, you can expect to discover that the Horsemen are teens/young adults that ON TOP of all fairly typical teenage worries (school assignments, popularity/fitting in, awkwardness in anything sexual, social anxieties, etc), these individuals are revealed (to the reader) to have gone through their journeys time and time again (as told brilliantly through dual+ timelines). The layers REFUSE to stop when different characters come into play and more obstacles are thrown at the Horseman.
While this read IS ABSOLUTELY thrilling and ALL of the exciting and interesting positive adjectives, I cannot overstate that - if you’re anything like me - the Glossay is. your. friend. RDG Lover does a beautiful job in weaving the explanations of whose-who and what’s-what seamlessly within the storyline. However, since the timeline DOES switch AND the list of characters rivals Game of Thrones, I made the (turns out - VERY wise) decision to print the Glossary.
::The number of instances I went back and referenced my printed Glossary “study guide”/“cheat sheet” has made it look like a weathered treasure map::
I thoroughly enjoyed this intensely imaginative and entertaining book and I am ::impatiently:: awaiting for whatever RDG Lover has in store for us🖤
Thank you, RDG Lover, for the ARC opportunity!
November 3, 2025
What. A. Book.
The talent of R. D. G. Lovers' writing knows no bounds. This book is exquisitely written, and you can tell so much love and soul has been imprinted into the writing. It's actually so well written, I've started a saving pot to be able to pay @4pocalypsearts to edit my book once it's done 😅
This story carries deep beliefs, culture, and religious imagery, whilst dealing with 4 growing young adults as they carry the burden of school, social expectations oh and the *small* fact that they're the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Each chapter is split into multiple POVs of the four main cast, as well as the angel of death and Hades. These POV shifts allow for an indepth experience into the psyche of each character as they deal with this monumental pressure.
Every single plot line has been well thought out. Nothing happens without being connected to the main plot line. Everything has a reason or purpose. This is a divinely (I had to get it in somewhere!) plotted book, how Lover has thought of every small detail is inspiring.
There's good framing of the debate "nature or nurture" around two characters that leaves food for thought. I grew up religious but am no longer, and although my beliefs are very different now, I still feel connected to the characters. Their plight is human, and I do believe this book appeals to everyone!
I really enjoyed the mythology around angels, fallen angels, and demons. This fed well into my gothic obsession with the underworld and made it an even more enjoyable reading experience for me. I am chomping at the bit for the next book in the series! I can't wait to see where Lover takes us next
The talent of R. D. G. Lovers' writing knows no bounds. This book is exquisitely written, and you can tell so much love and soul has been imprinted into the writing. It's actually so well written, I've started a saving pot to be able to pay @4pocalypsearts to edit my book once it's done 😅
This story carries deep beliefs, culture, and religious imagery, whilst dealing with 4 growing young adults as they carry the burden of school, social expectations oh and the *small* fact that they're the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Each chapter is split into multiple POVs of the four main cast, as well as the angel of death and Hades. These POV shifts allow for an indepth experience into the psyche of each character as they deal with this monumental pressure.
Every single plot line has been well thought out. Nothing happens without being connected to the main plot line. Everything has a reason or purpose. This is a divinely (I had to get it in somewhere!) plotted book, how Lover has thought of every small detail is inspiring.
There's good framing of the debate "nature or nurture" around two characters that leaves food for thought. I grew up religious but am no longer, and although my beliefs are very different now, I still feel connected to the characters. Their plight is human, and I do believe this book appeals to everyone!
I really enjoyed the mythology around angels, fallen angels, and demons. This fed well into my gothic obsession with the underworld and made it an even more enjoyable reading experience for me. I am chomping at the bit for the next book in the series! I can't wait to see where Lover takes us next
November 11, 2025
*** I got an ARC in exchange for a review.
I love a good supernatural, apocalypse book. This one does not disappoint. I’ve read a few books this year that deal with angels, demons, and specifically the Four Horsemen, and I really liked how this author handled that source material. I wouldn’t say I’m fully versed in any religious context to these characters, so I appreciated the glossary at the front and the descriptions throughout the book. In this way, I knew the hierarchies best and could anticipate allies and hardships that came up.
That being said, I’m not a “world building” reader. Tell me what’s going on around the characters and what’s motivating them, but I’m there for their development and relationships. Somehow, the author gave me that too.
The relationship pairings in the book are intriguing. Without giving too much away (I think it was fun for the book to reveal who was who in the Horsemen, despite the glossary), the pairings aren’t the obvious choice and each side of the partnerships helps the other grow. Worry less about what others think of them, become more brave, being honest about their feelings - to themselves and others, it’s all there. They also added Hades, with a guardian angel that assists them to make a 6 person group. Never seen that done with the Four Horsemen, still enjoyed it.
This feels like a great start to a series, and I will be checking in as to when they arrive. Highly recommend.
I love a good supernatural, apocalypse book. This one does not disappoint. I’ve read a few books this year that deal with angels, demons, and specifically the Four Horsemen, and I really liked how this author handled that source material. I wouldn’t say I’m fully versed in any religious context to these characters, so I appreciated the glossary at the front and the descriptions throughout the book. In this way, I knew the hierarchies best and could anticipate allies and hardships that came up.
That being said, I’m not a “world building” reader. Tell me what’s going on around the characters and what’s motivating them, but I’m there for their development and relationships. Somehow, the author gave me that too.
The relationship pairings in the book are intriguing. Without giving too much away (I think it was fun for the book to reveal who was who in the Horsemen, despite the glossary), the pairings aren’t the obvious choice and each side of the partnerships helps the other grow. Worry less about what others think of them, become more brave, being honest about their feelings - to themselves and others, it’s all there. They also added Hades, with a guardian angel that assists them to make a 6 person group. Never seen that done with the Four Horsemen, still enjoyed it.
This feels like a great start to a series, and I will be checking in as to when they arrive. Highly recommend.
November 14, 2025
An enjoyable read and a different take on the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The story breaks down our main characters lineage as well as who they were in a different time. The dual timelines give insight on what they experienced in their previous horsemen roles as well as the challenges they faced.
Now in modern times they are reborn and learning who they are. Venatrix, Corvun, Jayren and Orion have formed a tight nit little group now that they know who and what they are. More importantly, what is expected of them. unlike your average high schooler Venatrix, Corvun, Jayren and Orion have to focus not only on homework and afterschool activities but to stay out of the path of Deceivers; the demons tasked with preventing them from their godly duties.
Although this book held my attention; some of the chapters were too long in my opinion but nevertheless I need to see how everything pans out so I will continue the series.
What to Expect:
Coming of Age
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
Arch Angel Heirs
Elitism
Bullying
Halfbreed Angel (Demon/Arch Angel parentage)
Sentinels
Demons/Deceivers
Prophecy
Dual Timeline
Underground Assassins
Manipulation
Abuse
Betrayal
Cliffhanger
Now in modern times they are reborn and learning who they are. Venatrix, Corvun, Jayren and Orion have formed a tight nit little group now that they know who and what they are. More importantly, what is expected of them. unlike your average high schooler Venatrix, Corvun, Jayren and Orion have to focus not only on homework and afterschool activities but to stay out of the path of Deceivers; the demons tasked with preventing them from their godly duties.
Although this book held my attention; some of the chapters were too long in my opinion but nevertheless I need to see how everything pans out so I will continue the series.
What to Expect:
Coming of Age
Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
Arch Angel Heirs
Elitism
Bullying
Halfbreed Angel (Demon/Arch Angel parentage)
Sentinels
Demons/Deceivers
Prophecy
Dual Timeline
Underground Assassins
Manipulation
Abuse
Betrayal
Cliffhanger
November 11, 2025
I’ve been awaiting this book for more than a year, ever since I met the author at the Amelia Island Book Festival. “Inheriting Armageddon” is the first book in the “Angels’ Compass” series, and introduces readers to five high school students who are enmeshed in a generational legacy of angels, demons, and Biblical lore (some actual, some fictionalized). Though we meet these characters in their teens, the series is designed to follow them well into adulthood. “Inheriting Armageddon” manages to set the stage for something more, something hefty, all the while touching on typical themes students face in the classroom — friendships, finding their places in the world. However, the places these four belong are far darker than those of fellow peers. I knew I’d already enjoy the writing, based on reading an excerpt prior and taking in her spin-off series a few months ago. The story is heavily character-driven, and I look forward to experiencing more worldbuilding in this futuristic version of Heaven, Hell, and Earth she’s created for us.
November 14, 2025
This is the first book in the Angels’ Compass series.This is my first time reading a book by R.D.G. Lover book. This book was like nothing I had ever expected. I am used to dark, twisted, traumatic and very spicy books. This was dark, twisted and traumatic but very little spice. I still very much enjoyed this book, it was so different from what I have been reading lately.
To be honest this book was a lot. There was a lot of information given that was very relevant to the story. I had to go back to reread a few times . I have Post-Concussion Syndrome so sometimes I forget things and have to reread to remember why things happened, the way they happened.
Thank you, R.D.G. Lover, for an incredibly detailed book. I look forward to reading the series to the end! I cannot wait to see how their paths continue to their final destination.
To be honest this book was a lot. There was a lot of information given that was very relevant to the story. I had to go back to reread a few times . I have Post-Concussion Syndrome so sometimes I forget things and have to reread to remember why things happened, the way they happened.
Thank you, R.D.G. Lover, for an incredibly detailed book. I look forward to reading the series to the end! I cannot wait to see how their paths continue to their final destination.
November 11, 2025
ARC Review:
I love a good apoclyptic story and this one is so unique. You have a group of motorcycle, tattoo, karaoki loving Four Horsemen who are trying to stop the end of the world. The world building and details in this story are so well done, it kept me reading. Be warned that this is not a romantic fantasy, but an epic one. There is a lot of details and world building but the author includes a glossery that really helps. The multi-povs are written excellently and I loved seeing inside each character's head. This is a must read for fantasy fans.
I love a good apoclyptic story and this one is so unique. You have a group of motorcycle, tattoo, karaoki loving Four Horsemen who are trying to stop the end of the world. The world building and details in this story are so well done, it kept me reading. Be warned that this is not a romantic fantasy, but an epic one. There is a lot of details and world building but the author includes a glossery that really helps. The multi-povs are written excellently and I loved seeing inside each character's head. This is a must read for fantasy fans.
October 26, 2025
A wild idea made incredibly entertaining and surpringly deep. The authors passion comes through on every page. I feel lucky to have been able to read this before official publication but now I cannot wait for part two. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to experience a book written with passion, love and wit even if the subject matter might not be up your alley. Consider me a fan for life! I cannot believe I first stumbled upon this book on tiktok of all places😂
November 12, 2025
The plot is amazing and the characters feel so well-crafted — you actually care about them. I also loved how the author used angel mythology; it’s creative and refreshing.
That said, there are moments where it feels like the author was just too excited to tell the story — like they couldn’t wait to get it all out — and because of that, a few parts feel a bit rushed or missing something.
Still, it’s a great read overall, and I definitely recommend giving it a try.
That said, there are moments where it feels like the author was just too excited to tell the story — like they couldn’t wait to get it all out — and because of that, a few parts feel a bit rushed or missing something.
Still, it’s a great read overall, and I definitely recommend giving it a try.
November 11, 2025
As a fan of the 4 horsemen theme in fantasy books I was really looking forward to reading this take on it and I wasn’t disappointed. The bond of friendship is certainly tested in this book. It’s not a romantasy book like most of the other takes on that theme but you will still enjoy it if your into that genre. The world building is fab and your really drawn into the characters world and I cannot wait for the next book
November 15, 2025
Review
Inheriting Armageddon
RDG Lover
Inheriting Armageddon was very different from anything I usually read. I did enjoy its dark and twisted elements. It gave a lot of detail (which i love) on world building and I actually enjoyed it more than I thought. With the angel academy, the Deceivers, and Orion’s emotional storyline, the book felt unique and intense. I’m excited to see what’s next. Btw- I loved your acknowledgments ;)
Inheriting Armageddon
RDG Lover
Inheriting Armageddon was very different from anything I usually read. I did enjoy its dark and twisted elements. It gave a lot of detail (which i love) on world building and I actually enjoyed it more than I thought. With the angel academy, the Deceivers, and Orion’s emotional storyline, the book felt unique and intense. I’m excited to see what’s next. Btw- I loved your acknowledgments ;)
November 10, 2025
This book was so much more than I was expecting, in the best way! R.D.G. Lover truly poured her heart into these pages. I could feel it in every line. The multiple POVs were done so flawlessly, and I loved getting a glimpse into so many characters' heads. I can't wait for the next book!
October 22, 2025
Great book. Edgy characters, multiple dimensions. would recommend.
October 26, 2025
very edgy story. R.D.G. really thought outside the box on this one. well developed characters and story.
November 11, 2025
I genuinely loved this novel; it brought back fond memories of Harry Potter and The Mortal Instruments. There's so much happening in this book that it's impossible not to be caught up in the thrill and excitement. This is definitely a must-read. I enjoyed walking alongside these young horsemen as they uncovered their true potential and faced crucial crossroads on their exhilarating journey of coming-of-age in this captivating sci-fi fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews