The Huntress and The Four Horsemen

The Dawn of Judgment #1

by Darby Briar

Genres: Dark Romance

603 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 1, 2026

About the author

Darby Briar is an American author who loves writing stories about men with broken souls and women who don’t know their own strength. She’s a lover of fiction whether it be a movie or book, but prefers stories with some romance, and ones that include a happy ending. She grew up in Utah and still lives in the northern part of the state. She’s married and her and her husband have three adorable kids.

Reviews

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Nerd Farm for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The basic premise of this book is that you have the end of days with the four horsemen and one woman who believes she is the chosen one to stop them from destroying the world. Except in her efforts to do so, her encounters with the horsemen turn into something else and she struggles with her desire for them and her duty to destroy them.

My overall impression of this book is that it is a lot going on. Some good and some not so much. The story has an interesting and compelling storyline. It’s clear this is rooted in religious tones but is not religious at all either. Rather think of it like you would have a story rooted in mythology retellings.

The good is that this is unique and has a lot of twists that are hard to see coming. The not so good is that there are several confusing elements and plot lines. The beginning is quite disjointed and hard to follow. My guess is the author did this on purpose to mimic the melee of the beginning of the apocalypse. However as the reader, it was difficult to follow.

There are times the story felt a bit long and had some slow pacing due to this extraneous information. After the beginning, the story did seem to make more sense and I rather enjoyed it. However as we near the end of the book, we’re once again thrust into a rather confusing set of scenes that take away from the story because I struggled to understand why and what was happening.

Overall this book was compelling and unique but suffered from some slow pacing and confusing moments. Four stars.

[Victoria Horne · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I thought I was picking up a romantasy about a huntress sent to kill the Four Horsemen.

What I got was an epic, post-apocalyptic fantasy with biblical horror, incredible world-building, morally gray immortals, ancient gods, demons, and a story that constantly challenged everything I thought I knew.

The beginning takes a little patience. You’re dropped into a world with almost no answers, and for the first few chapters I wasn’t entirely sure where the story was headed. But somewhere around chapters 7–8, I was HOOKED.

From that point on, I couldn’t stop reading.

Every chapter peeled back another layer. Every revelation made me question who was actually good, who was evil, and whether the Huntress had been lied to her entire life. The mythology is so much deeper than “the Four Horsemen arrive to end the world.” It becomes a story about Judgment, free will, faith, creation, heaven, hell, monsters, gods, and the terrifying gray space between them.

And the Horsemen?

They’re nothing like I expected.

Watching them slowly become individuals instead of the monsters she’d been raised to fear was one of my favorite parts of the book. The dynamic shifts from hunter and prey into something much more complicated, and I can’t wait to see how the relationships evolve in the rest of the series.

There were multiple moments where I literally had to stop and process what I’d just read because I did not see those twists coming.

Then Darby Briar ended the book with one of those cliffhangers…
You know the kind…
The one that leaves you staring at the last page wondering how you’re supposed to function until book two.

If you love:
🖤 Expansive world-building
⚔️ Biblical horror
🐎 The Four Horsemen
🔥 Morally gray immortals
❤️ Why choose romance
✨ Fated mates
📖 Twists you genuinely won’t see coming

…add this to your TBR IMMEDIATELY.

This ended up being so much bigger, darker, and more ambitious than I ever expected—and now I desperately need book two.

[Abbie]

dnf at 43%
i don’t know if it’s me or the book but i’ve really struggled to get into this one. i don’t feel connected to any of the characters and the religious element isn’t for me.

[Zainab Zain Aldeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Huntress and the Four Horsemen was a genuinely refreshing read. The premise immediately stood out to me because it felt different from anything I’ve read before, and that uniqueness was one of the book’s biggest strengths.
The beginning was a little slow, especially during the first fifteen chapters, but since this is the first book in a fantasy series, I didn’t mind it too much. Once Eridessa’s journey truly began and she met Pollock, the White Horseman, the story became much more engaging. I loved seeing their interactions, their banter, and the growing connection between them. Pollock’s curiosity about Eridessa made their dynamic fun to read, and I found myself looking forward to every scene they shared.
However, my favorite Horseman was actually Oran. I loved the way he was introduced and the fact that he had been secretly watching Eridessa for a month before meeting her. That detail added depth to their relationship and made their connection feel meaningful. At the same time, I do think his feelings developed a little too quickly. While I understand that he had been observing her for some time, the intensity of his emotions often felt as though he had known her for years rather than weeks.
One thing I appreciated about this book is that I was rarely bored. The plot kept moving, and there was always something happening. I also enjoyed the moral complexity surrounding Eridessa. At times, I found myself agreeing with Oran when he accused her of playing God. She spends much of the story condemning the Horsemen for their actions, yet some of her own choices mirror what she’s criticizing. That contradiction made her character interesting, even if it occasionally frustrated me.
Lila ended up being one of my favorite side characters. For a while, I genuinely wondered whether Eridessa had crossed a line and was using her for experiments. When we finally learned more about Lila’s perspective, it added a lot of emotional weight to the story and reminded us that Eridisa’s intentions, despite her flaws, come from a place of wanting to help others. Because of that, I was incredibly frustrated when Lila disappeared near the end of the book and several chapters passed without any update about her. I found myself more worried about her than some of the main plot developments.
I also suspected the Grand Minister from very early on. The clues surrounding the altered scripture and the way he was described made it clear to me that there was more to him than the story initially revealed. While the reveal wasn’t surprising, I thought the foreshadowing was handled well.
My biggest criticism involves the alpha/omega wolf storyline connected to Pollock and Eridessa. It felt random and underdeveloped. I understand that there were hints leading up to it, particularly with the wolf guiding Pollock to Eridessa and his heightened awareness of her, but when the concept was finally introduced, it felt abrupt. The story acknowledges it, labels them as alpha and omega, and then moves on without fully explaining how or why it happened. For me, it was one of the weaker elements of the book.
As for Eridessa herself, she was probably my least favorite major character. I understood her motivations and sympathized with her past, but by the end of the book, there were several moments where her actions felt less like strength and more like stubbornness. There is a fine line between writing a strong female protagonist and writing a character who refuses to listen to reason, and at times I felt Eridessa crossed that line.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It offers a unique premise, memorable characters, strong writing, and a story that kept me invested from beginning to end. Despite a few issues with pacing, the alpha/omega subplot, and some character choices, I’m very excited to continue the series and see where the story goes next.

[Krista Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A steamy post apocalypse fantasy romance featuring the four horsemen and the chosen one meant to kill them.

You start off with the FMC as a child on the day the four horsemen arrive, barely making it out alive and being brought inside with the rest of her order to prepare. As the world around her burns, she trains and learns the scriptures day after day until it’s determined she’s ready, and as the chosen, she must make the ultimate sacrifice and kills the rest of her group and takes an elixir that will allow her to fulfill her final mission. Many years later, after setting up more of her plan, she finally comes across one of the horsemen and tries to find a way to infiltrate his life and end him, only to find out he’s not what he seems and she might have to flee before completing her mission. She ends up unsure what of her teachings were true and after meeting a different huntsman, realizes there may be something bigger here at work.

I really enjoyed the progression of the FMC and how she slowly starts to question what she’s been taught and realized she may have been conditioned to believe some incorrect things. I also liked all the multiple POVs to see not only her struggles and perspective but also the MMCs and how they react to her and very quickly decide that even if she wants to kill them, they want to keep her. You also get to see some softer sides of the FMC with those she’s saved and the animals in her home that tie her to humanity even if what’s she’s been forced to do is kill. With that ending and some secrets slowly coming apart, I can’t wait to see what happens next! My rating 4.5/5!

Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!

[Lucy Kelford · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (2.5-3 stars)

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book.

This was such an interesting and unique read. The post-apocalyptic setting combined with biblical themes is something I haven’t come across much before, and I really enjoyed seeing those ideas explored. The writing itself was beautiful too, with some genuinely poignant lines that stuck with me.

That said, I did struggle at times because there was so much happening. As someone who’s fairly new to these themes and this style of world-building, I occasionally found it difficult to keep track of everything. I also would have loved more exploration of the past, particularly the end of the world itself and the Order that Eridessa was a part of. These aspects felt incredibly intriguing, but I wanted them to be fleshed out more, especially given the length of the book.

The romance dynamics were another highlight, and I definitely found myself rooting for one particular option. However, the progression felt a little rushed for me. There were hints as to why things developed the way they did, but I would have loved those reasons and emotions to be explored in greater depth so that I could be more invested in the romances.

Overall, despite some frustrations, this was a fun read with a world and premise that stood out to me. I’m very interested to see where the story goes in book two, which I think has the potential to expand on some of the elements I felt were missing here.

[Tori Rey]

This book is an interesting take on the 4 horseman of the Apocalypse. I will say it starts Very slow and I did get confused in the beginning as it seems to skip around in time a lot. If you can push through the first quarter of the book, it starts to make sense and fall into place. It went into different events that lead to the “end of Times” but kinda fell short at really explaining much of why it lead the world there. Also the Alpha Omega aspect has a unique fit I just hope we get more about that in the next book.
In this book our FMC only meets 2 of the horseman, while we meet all 4 they haven’t found Eri yet. It seems there is more to Eri than just being “The Chosen One”, but they just can’t seem to piece it all together yet. Her bond with Pollock comes to light and we see why she is tied to Oran but the other 2 we have no idea. The Religious aspect was interesting and it definitely has cult aspects to it. There are a lot of mysteries still to unfold by the end of this book. The story line really starts to unfold about halfway through the story and does leave you on a cliffhanger in many ways.

[Sharon Mowery · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 65%. Thank you NerdFam for the ARC read.

I hate DNFing an ARC that I was lucky enough to receive, but this one just wasn’t for me. The pacing was incredibly slow. Every time I felt like the story was finally starting to pick up, it would go right back to pages of nothing happening.
The author spent a lot of time setting up the plot and showing that the world was nearing the end times. One chapter follows a wife discovering the new virus that’s killing everyone, only to reveal that her husband is already sitting in a chair dying after catching it himself. Another chapter focuses on people creating chaos and turning on one another. While I understand the purpose of these scenes, much of it felt drawn out and could have been summarized in a few paragraphs rather than entire chapters.
When we finally returned to the main female character, I realized I just wasn’t connecting with her. Every time I thought the story was about to gain momentum, it would slow down again. Combined with the extremely long chapters, I found myself struggling to stay engaged and ultimately decided I couldn’t push through to the end.

[Debra Ludlow-Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I heard somebody say ‘Four Horsemen’ I was there… at this point that's basically a summoning ritual for me in book genres, and with Darby Briar as the author I was chomping at the bit (haha suits the book). How and where do I start on this review????

What I expected was apocalypse, angst, hot immortal men come to destroy the world and a woman that wanted them gone to save it.
What I got was feet kicking, squealing pure emotional damage and tension in the best way possible.
The Huntress and the Four Horse drops you straight into a brutal world where ‘The Chosen’ girl has spent her entire life believing one thing… that the Four Horsemen are monsters and that it's her duty to destroy them. Watching her certainty get chipped away piece by piece was honestly one of my favorite parts of the book… that slow unravel.
She's fierce, stubborn, capable and absolutely refuses to make anything easy for herself or anyone around her… which had me often screaming at her as if she could hear me!

And then there are the Horsemen.. oh I am soooo gone for them.. bring on the apocalypse if I can catch these men!
Each one somehow manages to have a completely different dynamic with our Chosen FMC, which is impressive because a lot of books would have stopped at ‘four powerful immortal men brought to their knees together’ and called it a day, but Darby Briar digs deep and each is so so different! It never felt like four versions of the same man with different colours. Each Horseman has his own personality, motivations and relationship with the FMC, which made every interaction feel fresh.
Orán (The Plague Caster) absolutely blindsided me and man that horsemans complex and not at all what i expected! Half his appeal is that quiet steadiness that makes you trust him even when you probably shouldn't.
Pollock (The Soul Serpent) exists solely to raise my blood pressure. Every conversation feels like a challenge. Every interaction is charged with tension and I spent most of the book wanting to shake him and kiss him in equal measure.
Tíarnach (Living Death) and usually my kryptonite in all things four horseman, carries himself like someone who has seen centuries of loss and somehow keeps going anyway, because, well that’s his job right?His scenes hit differently because there's always this sense of weight behind everything he says and does.
And then the fourth Horseman... Kahill (The War Bringer) has one of my favourite tropes.. no spoilers.. read! Haha. This moody and powerful is all I will say!

This is such a hard review to write, because I do not want to spoil a thing for the readers but I could write an essay on this one! Just know I was taking mental and written notes and building conspiracy boards the entire read... Darby Briar heard it ALL!
What really surprised me was how much heart this story has beneath all the apocalypse and violence. It’s a story about belief, loyalty, grief and discovering that the truth is rarely as simple as you’ve been taught!
The world we find ourselves in, feels huge, all the stakes feel very real and there are moments that genuinely hurt my heart. Not because they're shocking but because you've become so attached to these characters before you realise it's even happened!
The tension? Excellent and edge of the seat, I need the next chapter type.
The character dynamics? Delicious, in alllll ways.
The emotional suffering? Generously dished out the entire book, I felt every unsure or cemented belief.
The Horsemen? Your honor, I love them and I may need a tight jacket that hugs me (hint it’s white with buckles!)
By the end I was sitting there staring at the wall like I'd personally survived the apocalypse myself and need to know what happens next!
Anyway, Darby Briar can have my sleep schedule because apparently I wasn't using it at all while I read this in like record time! Darby Briar deserves special recognition for writing one of those dangerously addictive books that starts with ‘I'll just read a chapter before bed’ and somehow ends with the sun coming up. The worldbuilding is immersive, the character dynamics are impossible not to obsess over and every chapter seems designed to make you promise yourself you'll stop after the next one, only to immediately break that promise.

If you’re a fan of Four Horsemen romances, enemies to lovers tension, morally grey immortals, found family vibes and a heroine who refuses to roll over and accept what she’s told, then this book needs to be on your TBR immediately!

[Felicity Oberg-Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

She sacrificed everything—her sisters, her order, her life—to fulfill one purpose: destroy the Four Horsemen. She was the first to witness them tear into this world, and she believes it is her fate to cast them out. The Huntress and The Four Horsemen is a dark, apocalyptic dystopian dark romance that has it all; Why Choose, Fated Mates and Enemies to Lovers. If the hook and tropes don't entice you to read further, I'm not sure what will.

The Huntress is the last Child of the Blessed. Raised on Holy Scripture and trained to be a weapon, our FMC survives on the belief that she has the power to save the world from certain destruction at the hands of the four Horsemen. Her faith in her mission is unyielding, having been tested in so many devastating ways that would see all others crumble. Surviving alone, underground for decades, she emerges into an ash-covered world where order and balance are yet to be found knowing only that she must change fate, hunt and kill the Horsemen by any means necessary.

Each Horseman felt distinct and memorable, with their own motivations and personalities that kept me invested in their individual journeys.

The Soul Serpent - Pollock
The War Bringer - Kahill
The Plague Caster - Oran
Living Death - Tiarnach

As the Huntress and the Horsemen's paths cross, she is forced to question all that she has been taught. The evil killers that would show no mercy, have a softer side. Could they truly care about humanity? Is there another way to ensure all that is good, is not lost?

The chemistry between the FMC and the Horsemen builds steadily throughout the story, creating tension that complements the larger apocalyptic plot without over powering the story. But don't let that statement fool you, this is a 3 chilli book for sure.

This is the first book that I have read from Darby Briar and to say I am hanging out for book two in The Dawn of Judgement series is an understatement. There is action from the very start of the Prologue setting the scene for what is a complex series of events that unfolds. I have read some other reviews saying the first 15 or so chapters were "slow" and while I can understand their POV's I honestly believe that the pace was needed to create the world building and depth of the main characters and it wasn't without action. In comparing to other Fantasy series I wouldn't say the pace was any slower or detracting from the overall story.

Having pieces of Eridessa's and the Horsemen's independent histories slowly reveal throughout the story helped to build context and understanding. Darby has a knack for depicting the apocalyptic feel of the world ending, slowly coming to life again before being faced with the ultimate judgement. I've never encountered a Horsemen interpretation quite like this before. It is refreshing in nature and shows what a talented Author Darby is.

The "To Be Continued..." had me gasping out loud and wishing I didn't have to wait for more.

"Sometimes the right choice is to choose restraint rather than conquest. Life doesn't simply come down to souls and scales and covenants. Life holds more meaning than that, or at least it should" - Eridessa Wrathborne

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted ebook - I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Belinda Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

🗡️🔥 The Huntress and The Four Horsemen sounded like the perfect book for me.

A steamy post-apocalyptic fantasy romance featuring the Four Horsemen and a chosen huntress destined to kill them? I was immediately sold. 😍

The story began with a young girl surviving the arrival of the Four Horsemen and being raised by a religious order that trained her to become their weapon. Years later, she set out on a mission to infiltrate the Horsemen’s lives and fulfill the destiny she had been preparing for her entire life. Along the way, she began questioning everything she had been taught and uncovered truths that hinted at a much larger mystery. ⚔️🐎

The premise was fantastic.

Unfortunately, the execution never lived up to that promise for me. 😔

The beginning felt chaotic and difficult to connect with. There was a lot of information being thrown at the reader, but very little that made me emotionally invested in what was happening. I kept waiting for the story to click into place, but it took far too long to reach a point where I felt interested. 📖

Even when the plot started moving, I found myself increasingly frustrated.

The book constantly introduced new information, new mysteries, and new plot points. Yet somehow many of those details felt unnecessary while the things I actually wanted answers to were barely explored. 🤷‍♀️

I spent most of the book expecting the various storylines to eventually come together in a satisfying way. Instead, I reached the end with more questions than answers.

There were several moments where I stopped and thought, “Wait… but what about this?” only for the story to move on without addressing it. 😕

One aspect I did enjoy was the multiple POV structure. 🖤

I liked getting perspectives from the different main characters, and I appreciated the attempt to show the larger scope of the world through their eyes. However, the POVs often felt disconnected from one another. Rather than building anticipation, they made the story feel fragmented and difficult to fully immerse myself in.

By the time some of the connections between the storylines started becoming clear, the book had already lost me. 💔

What disappointed me most was the amount of potential I saw in the story. The world-building concepts, the mythology of the Horsemen, the questions surrounding faith and truth, and the overall premise all sounded incredible on paper. 🌙✨

But the pacing felt uneven, the focus seemed misplaced, and many of the plot points I cared about never received the development or explanations I was hoping for.

📚 Perfect for readers who enjoy:
⚔️ Chosen One heroine
🐎 Four Horsemen mythology
🔥 Post-apocalyptic fantasy romance
🖤 Multiple POVs
✨ Religious conspiracies and hidden truths
💀 High-stakes fantasy worlds
❤️ Slow-burn tension
🌙 Destiny and prophecy-driven plots

Sadly, this one wasn’t for me. While the concept had so much potential, the storytelling felt too disjointed for me to fully enjoy, and I ultimately walked away feeling more confused than satisfied.

💜 Thank you to Darby Briar and The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the gifted copy from the author & Nerd Fam.

The Huntress and The Four Horsemen • Darby Briar
The Dawn of Judgment #1

One phrase: chosen to kill them, doomed to want them 🖤⚔️

A post apocalyptic romantasy with the Four Horsemen, a chosen huntress meant to destroy them, forbidden attraction, biblical horror, immortal antiheroes, and world ending stakes?

Say less. I’m seated.

The Huntress and The Four Horsemen starts with the FMC as a child on the day the Horsemen tear into the world. She barely survives, only to be shaped into a weapon by the order that takes her in. She is trained in war, scripture, seduction, and sacrifice, all for one purpose.

Destroy the Four Horsemen.

Years later, after giving up everything, including her sisters, her order, and her old life, she sets out across a dying, ash covered earth to fulfill her mission. She is supposed to lure them close, strike the killing blow, and save humanity from Judgment.

Simple, right?

Absolutely not.

Because the Horsemen are not what she was taught to believe. They are feared. Immortal. Dangerous. Morally gray. Fully capable of desire. And once she gets close enough to see the truth, everything she has been conditioned to believe begins to crack.

I really enjoyed watching her progression. She starts so certain of her purpose, but the more she sees, the more she questions what was truth, what was manipulation, and what parts of herself survived beneath all that conditioning.

And the multiple POVs? Loved them. Getting inside the Horsemen’s heads made the tension even better, especially as they realize this woman wants to kill them and their response is basically, “Interesting. We’re keeping her.”

Obsessed.

There is also such a good contrast between the FMC as a weapon and the softer pieces of her humanity. The people she has saved, the animals in her home, the little things that tie her to life when she has been forced to become death, all of that made her feel so much more layered.

With secrets unraveling, an older evil rising, and that ending leaving me desperate for more, I am so ready to see where this series goes next.

✨ Tropes and vibes:
⚔️ chosen one FMC
🐎 Four Horsemen
🖤 apocalyptic romantasy
🔥 enemies to allies
😈 immortal antiheroes
🕯 biblical horror
💀 world ending stakes
👀 “she wants to kill us” tension
🫶 found humanity
🌑 morally gray characters
❤️‍🔥 obsessive slow burn
😮‍💨 possessive heroes

📚 Read this if you like:
Post apocalyptic fantasy romance, Four Horsemen stories, morally gray immortals, chosen one heroines, enemies to lovers tension, biblical horror, and love stories forged in ruin.

This was dark, addictive, emotional, and full of the kind of deadly tension that makes me need book two immediately.

#TheHuntressAndTheFourHorsemen #DarbyBriar #ApocalypticRomantasy #FantasyRomance #BookReview

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Huntress and the Four Horsemen by Darby Briar

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 Stars)

I went into this expecting a romantasy about a huntress tasked with killing the Four Horsemen.

What I got was something so much bigger.

This is an epic post-apocalyptic fantasy that blends biblical mythology, horror, ancient gods, demons, and morally gray immortals into a story that constantly challenged everything I thought I knew.

The beginning does require a little patience. You're thrown into the apocalypse with very few answers, and for the first few chapters I wasn't entirely sure where the story was heading. But once everything started falling into place, I was completely hooked.

⚔️ What to Expect
🖤 Post-Apocalyptic Fantasy
🐎 The Four Horsemen
🔥 Morally Gray Characters
❤️ Why Choose Romance
✨ Fated Mates
📖 Biblical Mythology & Horror
⚡ Plot Twists
🪽 Ancient Gods & Demons

One of my favorite parts of the story was watching the Huntress slowly question everything she'd been taught. Raised to believe the Horsemen were monsters destined to destroy the world, every encounter forces her to reconsider her mission and everything she's ever believed. I loved watching her growth as the lines between good and evil became increasingly blurred.

The Horsemen themselves were nothing like I expected. Instead of one-dimensional villains, they became fully realized characters with their own personalities, motivations, and emotional depth. Watching their relationship with the Huntress evolve from enemies into something much more complicated was one of the highlights of the book.

The world-building is incredibly ambitious. This isn't simply a story about stopping the apocalypse—it's about faith, free will, creation, judgment, and the terrifying space that exists between heaven and hell. Every twist peeled back another layer of the mythology, and there were multiple moments where I had to stop and process what I'd just learned because I genuinely didn't see the revelations coming.

My only criticism is that the beginning and a few scenes toward the end felt a little confusing. There were moments where I struggled to fully understand what was happening, which occasionally slowed the pacing. Thankfully, once the story found its footing, I couldn't put it down.

And then...that ending.

That cliffhanger completely wrecked me, and I already know I'll be counting down the days until book two.

If you're looking for a fantasy that's darker, more complex, and far more ambitious than the synopsis suggests, The Huntress and the Four Horsemen is absolutely worth picking up.

Thank you to Nerd Fam for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Katy Cottrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book.

★★★★☆

The Huntress and the Four Horsemen surprised me.

What initially drew me in was the premise. A post-apocalyptic world shaped by prophecy, faith, and the looming presence of the Four Horsemen, but what kept me turning pages was the emotional depth beneath the spectacle.

At its core, this is a story about questioning the narratives we’ve inherited. It asks what happens when the truths that have guided your entire life begin to unravel, and whether faith, identity, and purpose can survive that unraveling.

Eri’s journey was the heart of the novel for me. Her growth never felt rushed or convenient. Every moment of uncertainty, every challenge to her worldview, and every step toward self-discovery felt earned. Watching her navigate a world where certainty becomes increasingly elusive made her feel remarkably human.

Darby Briar also balances scale exceptionally well. The world is harsh and unforgiving, filled with violence, sacrifice, and impossible choices, yet it never loses sight of the people living within it. The emotional stakes remain just as compelling as the physical ones.

What impressed me most was how seamlessly the story weaves together action, mythology, political tension, and relationships. The characters are allowed moments of tenderness and vulnerability even as the world around them edges closer to catastrophe. Those quieter moments often carried just as much weight as the battles themselves.

The relationships at the center of the story add another layer of complexity, bringing warmth and emotional resonance to a narrative already rich with conflict and consequence. Beneath the tension and chemistry is a deeper exploration of trust, loyalty, and what it means to choose someone when everything else is uncertain.

And then there is the ending.

Just when I felt confident I understood where the story was heading, it shifted beneath my feet. The final chapters left me with more questions than answers, in the best possible way, and eager to see where the series goes next!

The Huntress and the Four Horsemen is an ambitious blend of fantasy, prophecy, survival, and human resilience. For readers who enjoy stories that balance epic stakes with deeply personal character journeys, this is a series worth exploring.

A compelling start to what promises to be an unforgettable journey.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely a longer book than what I’ve picked up recently, and I’ll admit it took me some time to really become invested in the story. The beginning felt like a lot of setup, with world-building, new characters, and different pieces being introduced all at once. However, once the story really started moving, I found myself much more engaged and had a hard time putting it down.

The premise of this book immediately caught my attention: the world has reached Judgment Day, and the Four Horsemen have returned to fulfill their purpose. What they weren’t expecting was a chosen female who would stand against them and try to stop what was coming. It’s an interesting concept with a lot of potential, and I was curious to see how the story would unfold.

One thing I found interesting (and also struggled with a bit) was how closely certain aspects of the story mirrored the current climate of the world we live in. Some themes felt very familiar, which added another layer to the reading experience but also made it harder at times to completely disconnect from reality and fall fully into the fantasy.

This book is marketed as a why choose romance, but I think it’s important to go into this knowing that the romance progression is much slower. The actual why choose elements don’t really come into play until close to the end of the book. That being said, I didn’t necessarily see that as a negative because it feels like this first book is focused on establishing the world, the characters, and the larger storyline. Based on how this ended, I definitely expect we will see more of that dynamic develop in future books.

I also felt like there were a lot of moving parts happening at once. There were many characters, plot points, and details to keep track of, and at times it felt like some characters or storylines faded into the background only to return later. It made the story feel a little overwhelming in places, and I occasionally found myself trying to remember where certain pieces fit.

Overall, this was a solid read for me. While I had some struggles with pacing, character connection, and the amount of information being introduced, I do think there is a lot of potential here. The ending definitely left me curious, and I would absolutely pick up the next book in the series to see how everything continues to unfold.

[Jennifer English · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several Four Horsemen series before and I've loved all of them, as they each have their own take of what might happen when they come. So when I came across The Nerd Fams sign ups for an ARC of this, I signed up lightening fast. I believe this is my first book by this author, but it definitely won't be the last!

The beginning of the book starts off with our Chosen as a child, when the 4 Horsemen first come to earth. Then we get bits and pieces of her growing up, though to be fair, its a bit disjointed and a lil confusing. But as the story line goes on, it starts to make sense as to why. What she has to endure as not only a child but as a young woman is enough to break your heart. Her whole purpose is to thwart the Horsmen and keep humanity alive.

Our Four Horsemen are exactly who they seem to be but also, more. As we get further in the story, we learn at least 2 of their backstories and a bit of a 3rds but the 4th one is still a bit of a mystery. Again, understandable as the story goes on. Even though they're "The Four Horsemen " they also have thoughts and feelings of their own and are each unique in their own way. However, at least 2 of the 4 are smitten with Eri and though they try not to, they allow some things to be influenced by their feelings while also trying to get her to understand the why of who they are and what their tasks really are for.

However, in the midst of all that is going on, Lucifer steps outside the agreement with God. This causes timelines to be changed, demons to arrive on earth and our Horsmen begin to realize that they might need the Chosen to help them fulfill their oaths to God. Unfortunately, she has been groomed since childhood to fight against them and as much as she wants to believe that she can believe in them, its hard for her to take that leap in faith.

With as epic of a story line as this one is, we're left on a cliffhanger. I knew it was coming but I still feel like I'm left dangling from this cliffie by the tips of my fingers, praying that the author is already working on it. Oh! Oh! I can't forget! Yes, 100% yes, there are some spicy asf scenes in this book and I'm really hoping there's as many of not more in the next book! 😏😏

[Jen Strimbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Huntress and the Four Horsemen by Darby Briar was such a fantastic and unique read.

This book has fated mates, morally gray characters, magical creatures, a post-apocalyptic world, and an earth that is dying while everyone is fighting to survive. Then you add in an FMC who grew up in a cult, has been through so much, and is now tasked something gigantic.

I loved the FMC in this book. She is strong, stubborn, lonely, and messy in a believable way, and so interesting to follow. She has been through a lot, but she still has this bold energy that made her really easy to root for. She is not just carried through the story like I have seen a lot in this genre. Learning more of her backstory and learning why she is so invested in what matters to her is such a beautiful untangling of the story. I loved her journey and I loved that this wasn't a predictable fated mates story where they are instalove. The enemies were enemying hard for this book.

The Horsemen were a huge part of why I continued to stay so invested. It was fascinating to learn more about their connection to the bigger picture and seeing the characters unravel for each other. I wanted to know more about each of them, why they were struggling with the task they had been given, and how their stories were going to connect back to the FMC. There is also a really interesting dynamic between two of the main male characters that had me wanting their backstory immediately.

I also enjoyed the POV chapters. The plot felt fresh, and I really liked how Darby created a post-apocalyptic setting that mixed survival, magic, prophecy, and complicated character dynamics. This was full of anticipation, danger, secrets, fated mate chaos, and characters I wanted more of as the story went on.

I am so excited for book two because I absolutely need more Kahill.

Fated mates, morally gray characters, why choose, four horsemen, post-apocalyptic romance, end of times, dying earth, magical creatures, FMC raised in a cult, chosen one vibes, found family, secrets, survival, forced proximity, paranormal romance, fantasy romance, series starter.

[Jessi Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC early...

Huntress and her Four Horseman... While this story does start out slow (the first 10 or so chapters are hard to get through) but if you can power through it is worth it. This book, it really mostly laying out the current situation of where they are at in the world.. it's ending.

We meet Eridessa - I have a love/hate relationship with her.. She is strong but really hard headed. She is willing to save others but only knows what she knows and is having a hard time listening to anyone else that has a different mission than hers. That anyone else, the horseman. However, towards the end, she is starting to see (and she really deep down always knew) that there is something amiss in what she was taught.

We have Kahill - Holy Heck... I think there is going to be some hot stuff coming in the future books. He is not a main character in this story but he is one of the horseman and he will be in the future. He also has a demon in him, that is not so nice. He has not met Eridessa yet but.. there is some heat and looks between him and Pollock. Let see where that goes.

Tiarnach - We also have lots to learn about him too.. another horseman. He has not met Eridessa yet. So we will see what will be like when it happens...

Now, the two main horseman that we get to know this book....

Pollock - The "Bad" boy - He is going to be the one that will make Eridessa a stronger fighter and there will fight with her but he will protect her with his life. Plus the whole wolf shifter thing..

Oran - The "Sweet" one - I love him. He is going to be Eridessa healer, the one that she will have her quiet moments with.

While reading, I am wondering things... will Eridessa be a mate to all the horsemen?? Will Grand Minister Judiah be back? What is the real mission for Eridessa and what will she choose? What she was taught or that of what the horseman were taught. We will see...

Also, great chiffhanger....

[Novellaworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

When someone said, “Why choose… but make it enemies-to-lovers with the Four Horsemen?” my answer was an immediate YES. 😍
This is definitely a slight deviation from my usual reads, and I won’t lie… the beginning had me feeling a little lost. You’re thrown straight into this huge post-apocalyptic world with biblical horror, ancient mythology, demons, gods, and so many moving pieces that I occasionally had to stop and figure out what was happening. But once everything started clicking into place… I was absolutely hooked.
What I loved most was how this story constantly challenged everything. Nothing is as black and white as it first seems. The Huntress has spent her entire life believing she’s destined to destroy the Four Horsemen, only to slowly realise that maybe the monsters aren’t who she was taught they were.
And the Horsemen? I was obsessed. Watching them evolve from these terrifying immortal beings into complex, morally grey characters with personalities, emotions, and free will was one of my favourite parts of the book. The tension between them all had me completely invested, and yes… I already know which one I’m rooting for. 👀
The world-building is massive, the twists genuinely caught me off guard, and every answer seemed to uncover three more questions. I do wish we’d explored more of the Huntress’s past and the Order that raised her, and sometimes I wanted the romance to breathe just a little longer before certain feelings developed. But honestly? None of that stopped me from desperately needing to know what happens next.
And then… THAT ENDING.
Darby Briar really looked at us, smiled, and chose violence with that cliffhanger. 😭
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you love:
🖤 Why choose romance
⚔️ Enemies to lovers
🐎 The Four Horsemen
📖 Biblical horror
🔥 Morally grey immortals
💀 Post-apocalyptic fantasy
🤯 Twists that make you question everything
…then this one absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.
Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for book two because I have QUESTIONS.

[Mrs Holm Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Huntress and The FourHorseman we follow Eridessa a young woman trained from childhood to become a formidable priestess destined to confront evil. However, the truths she learned from books and others may not reflect the reality she faces.

Eridessa’s journey begins with her encounter with Polloc, the first of the Four Horsemen. While he is intriguing, he also comes off as somewhat arrogant. After a tense escape from Polloc, Eridessa’s path leads her to Oran, the Grey Horseman and Polloc’s twin brother. In stark contrast to Polloc, Oran is gentle, rugged, and sympathetic, providing her with the answers she desperately seeks.

Together, they navigate a perilous world where second chances exist, but demons still threaten those they deem a danger. As the truth unfolds, their struggle becomes not just a fight for survival but a battle for the very essence of life on Earth. Eridessa’s commitment to preserving what she values most drives her forward, especially as she protects Laila, a witty and intelligent young woman who is about to become a mother—a figure who embodies everything worth fighting for.

Amidst their dangerous journey, Eridessa grapples with the stark contrasts between the Horsemen and the conflicting narratives she’s been taught. The tension between her,Oran, and Polloc evolves beautifully, creating a slow-burn romance that enriches the unfolding plot. As the reckoning approaches, the stakes grow higher, making their bond essential in the fight for the world Eridessa cherishes. Not before they win her over due to all her taught beliefs and her rage. In the end they both slowly gain her trust slowly but she is still guarded. The ending wow..

[Barby Howe Biggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Huntress and the Four Horsemen was a solid 5 star read. This post-apocalyptic world was so vividly written that I could see everything playing out in my head like a movie. At more than 600 pages you’d think there would be places where the story dragged but I blew through this book in five days.

The FMC was fantastic. Her entire life was spent being groomed (and I absolutely mean groomed) to take on the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Through her story we get a fascinating look into the convention she grew up in and the beliefs that shaped her. It added so much depth to her character and the choices she makes throughout the book.

And can we talk about the Horsemen? Because I loved how each one was given their own identity beyond simply being one of the Four Horsemen. They each play a different role in the apocalypse but the author does an amazing job showing the beings behind the titles. By the end they felt so much more than the legends they’re known for.

A few things you should know before picking this one up:

1- It’s heavily influenced by biblical text and themes, but it also explores multiple viewpoints and interpretations.

2- It’s a why choose.

3- It ends on a cliffhanger and now I’m stuck waiting for book two.

If you love massive world-building, fascinating mythology, morally complicated characters and stories that completely pull you in, this one is definitely worth the read.

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book!!

[Jennifer Wegner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of the book got me hooked right away A Huntress and Four Horseman but the book ended up a little different. There were Four Horsemen but never together throughout the book. I also was a little confused in the beginning because it was showing random people throughout the years dealing with Covid or the Apocalypse. Then the story does focus one girl who was the chosen one and then trained to kill the Horseman in the future. She ends up taking a elixir that keeps her young but does changer her appearance. When she is let go to save her world she finds one of the Horsemen which he starts to sense her as she watched him. He does catch her after she steals his horse and somehow feels a bond with her but she later escapes. A few weeks later she runs into Oran the twin of the first horseman. She ends up close with him until she no longer trusts him and traps him. She finally regains his trust but then the world is starting to end with everything that can go wrong. Both Men need to save her. She needs to make a decision Saving the World or Choosing the Horseman.

Thank you Nerd Fam for the E-ARC. Everything is my own opinion.

The Third horseman wants the first horsemen badly. The book rarely discusses the Fourth Horsemen. I did like the story it was a little confusing but excited to see what happens in the next book with all four men. Eri is bound to help others and who will she save. There is a lot of religious talk in the book so be prepared if you are against it but it did not bother me, I just didn't understand a lot of that part.

[Michelle Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

This book was everything I’ve learned to expect
from Darby Briar and so much more. The way she gives
just the right amount of everything that makes a story
memorable is remarkable. Once I started reading, I was
consumed by the story unfolding before me. The imagery
was perfection, creating a movie in my mind. What I loved
most was that it was unlike anything I’ve read in the past.
The FMC, the chosen one, born in a cult, sacrificing everything for the cause, for what she had been made to believe was her sole purpose, to destroy the four horsemen and save what was left of humanity, but to do that, she would have to give up what was left of hers. Enter the horsemen, who are not at all what she was led to believe. Everything she has been taught her whole life comes into question, including her purpose. The woman who has been destined to solitude suddenly finds herself in the company of men who challenge not only her, but her beliefs. This story is captivating, filled with twists and turns, glimpses of what is left of the world when the people who inhabit it choose violence, hate, and greed over connection, love, and generosity It reminds us that truths can become lies,enemies can become lovers, and that banter remains one of the sexiest forms of foreplay, and this story has plenty of it.

This book was by far my favorite read of 2026!
Can’t wait for book 2

[Mrs.MorallyGrayReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story completely blew me away. Going in, I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially with it being a why choose romance, but Darby Briar handled the character dynamics with incredible skill.

This story is so much more than romance. It is a post apocalyptic tale of survival, challenging long held beliefs, and learning that the truths you’ve always known may not be the whole story.

I loved watching Eri grow throughout the book. Her journey felt authentic, and every moment of doubt, confusion, and self discovery was written so vividly that I felt right alongside her.

While we’re introduced to all four Horsemen, the story focuses more intimately on two of them, and the chemistry is undeniable. The tension, yearning, and emotional connection between these characters practically radiate from the page. Their relationships are not only passionate but surprisingly tender, adding so much depth to the story.

And the spice? Absolutely delivered. Eri is one lucky woman.

Just when I thought I had things figured out, the ending took a turn I never saw coming. Now I’m desperately counting down the days until book two.

If you’re looking for a why choose romance with a compelling plot, emotional depth, palpable tension, and a post apocalyptic world that keeps you hooked, this is one you must add to your TBR!

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read from Darby Briar and I was really looking forward to reading this book and it did not disappoint.

I must admit the start of the book had me a little confused at times but I kept reading cause I knew I would really like this book I love anything with the Horsemen in it.

This book is set in a post apocalyptic world where our heroine is required to save it as the "Chosen One" she sacrifices everything and I mean everything I found myself feeling quite sad for her at the start as she had to give up so much.

I have to say I do love a good "Chosen One" in a book and I loved Eridessa even if she did frustrate me at times. I think that's how to can tell it's a good read though when you have strong emotions attached to characters it means you became invested and it was interesting.

If you love The Four Horsemen as it is you are going to love these four. We have The Soul Serpent - Pollock, The War Bringer - Kahill, The Plague Caster - Oran and Living Death - Tiarnach. Each Horseman definitely have their own personalities and each one does not disappoint. I loved how each one was very different to the rest and I loved each one for that.

I don't want to spoil any of this book for you apart from 2 down 2 to go IYKYK and also if you are thinking of adding this to your TBR don't hesitate just add it.

[Yolande Winkelmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Huntress and the Four Horsemen: Dawn of Judgment by Darby Briar completely swept me away from the very first chapter. Set in a world teetering on the edge of destruction, filled with immortal Horsemen, divine judgment, fate, and danger, this story is the perfect blend of dark fantasy, heart-pounding action, and an irresistible slow-burn romance.

This book gave me everything I love in a romantasy: compelling characters, emotional depth, breathtaking tension, and a story that constantly kept me wanting more. By the final page, I wasn't ready to say goodbye to this world or the people in it.

As a reader, I admire authors who can tell a great story. But the authors who become favorites are the ones who make me feel that story—who make me laugh, ache, hope, and fall in love right alongside their characters. Darby Briar does exactly that. Her writing is immersive, heartfelt, and unforgettable, reminding me why I fell in love with reading in the first place.

If you're a fan of dystopian romantasy, unforgettable characters, and stories that stay with you long after you've finished them, I can't recommend this book enough. 

Why Choose
End Of Days Romantasy
Morally Corrupt
Taboo/Forbidden Love
Captive/Captor
Fated Mates
Revelations







[Melissa Magoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ eARC read
I absolutely devoured this book. Somehow I tore through more than 600 pages in just five days because I could not stop thinking about what would happen next.

Darby Briar created a fascinating world where faith, prophecy, and the looming threat of the Four Horsemen intertwine in a way that felt natural and compelling rather than overwhelming.

Brutal battles, impossible odds, and injuries that had me wincing, were balanced with moments of genuine humor, unexpected tenderness, and deep love of all things alive. Just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, it surprised me with scenes and twists I never saw coming.

The characters felt wonderfully human despite the epic stakes, and watching them navigate duty, sacrifice, and hope in the face of impending judgment made me even more invested. By the end of 600 pages, I still wanted more.

If you enjoy fantasy with apocalyptic stakes, rich lore, unforgettable fight scenes, and a story that can make you laugh one chapter and break your heart the next, this is absolutely worth picking up. I’m already impatiently waiting for the next book

[Tabitha Hale · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Thank you Nerd Fam for the gifted e-Arc!

This book took me by storm and I think that this apocalyptic dystopian romantasy has changed my interest in books like this! This was so unique to me and I think Darby Briar has such a unique descriptive writing style. I feel she did a fantastic job at immersing her readers into the world.

Eridessa is the Chosen one. Sworn to fought and end the Four Horsemen who changed her life as a little girl. She has endured so much and is such a strong FMC. A huntress who has one mission put in place by her Order. Little does she know there is more to these Horsemen than she has been led to believe.

This first book kicked off this series so strong! The tension between the characters that we got to see had me reading this book so fast. I love that this is a reverse harem and those relationships will obviously develop more as the series continues. I’m so looking forward to seeing that happen! I also loved that this is has multiple POVs while not repeating the same scenes over and over from different perspectives. The flow of this book was so good!

[Shes _Crafty_reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

First off, author Darby Briar can truly write anything!

I am so excited about this book! It’s just so different from what Darby has published before! This book does start off with some great world building BUT not overkill. This is dark romance, WHY CHOOSE, FANTASY, end of world, Strong FMC, FATED MATES! How can you go wrong!?! Let me say this book held my interest the entire time, had me screaming and kicking my feet! It’s does end on a cliffy but that’s ok I forgive you Darby. 😘 I know you won’t make us wait long for bk 2! This story laid an amazing foundation and I cannot wait for the next books!

If Darby writes it I will read it. One moment she's delivering a gritty, emotional motorcycle romance, and the next she's pulling readers into a dark, seductive why choose fantasy like this with total confidence. That range is rare, and it says so much about her talent as a storyteller. No matter the genre, she knows how to create obsession, worthy characters, high-stakes emotion, and the kind of tension that keeps readers hooked! I’m hoping for an audiobook for this one too! 🎧🖤

⚔️
-Why Choose/Reverse Harem
-Taboo/Forbidden
-Fated Mates
-Dystopian Romantasy
-Morally Corrupt FMC
-Revelations/End of Days
⚔️

[Christina Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for my gifted edition. All thoughts are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️

The Huntress and the Four Horsemen bv Darbv Briar is a dark, apocalyptic dystopian romantasy. The final Chilc of the Blessed, the Huntress, is raised with a sinale mission: hunt down and assassinate the Four Horsemen to save what remains of humanity.

From the very first chapter, the story wastes no time getting right into the action. This is a huge plus for me in books. I love when world-buildina is woven seamlessly into the plot rather than consuming the first half of the book.

While the storv features dark elements and popular tropes like a whv chose/reverse harem, I love that the author includes spice but keeps the main focus entirely on the plot

I was definitely shocked several times, as things/people were not as thev seemed. And I was totally caught off guard by the ending.

This was my first book by Darby Briar, and 1 am really impressed by her writing. She does a fantastic iob of making you feel completely immersed in the story. Now comes the hard part... waiting for book two.