Seeker

February 15, 2017
Three apocalyptic horsemen and one former Seeker search for their fourth rider in this sequel.In averting an apocalypse and defeating the demonic Kindred, Gideon (War), Marcus (Death), and Jode (Conquest) also lost Sebastian (Famine), who was mistakenly trapped with the violent Samrael in another realm by Seeker Daryn. Now allied with the government and equipped with money and top-notch tech as well as their supernatural steeds and weapons, yet unable to rescue Sebastian, the riders discover life--or technically, afterlife--goes on. Without the Sight, which estranged her from her family and led her around the world, teen Daryn is homesick, powerless, and guilt-stricken. When Daryn finds a way to open a portal, one-handed, celiac-suffering, ex-military Gideon reunites and begins a romance with Daryn but struggles to forgive his enemy. As the retrieval missions go awry, the riders and Daryn confront their worst memories and fears as the surreal Rift reflects past trauma and spawns new monsters. Daryn and Gideon, Rossi's white co-narrators, and their more diverse supporting characters engage in realistic dialogue and abundant, cinematically depicted action sequences, but the plot is tortuous, the high-stakes scenes are achieved illogically, and the angst-y teen emotions are described repetitively. Despite the violence, the emphasis on forgiveness, redemption, and higher purpose may appeal to faith-based audiences. For readers who want a military twist to their apocalyptic adventure/romance. (Fantasy. 14-adult)

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April 1, 2017
Gr 8 Up-This sequel to Riders is told from the points of view of Daryn, the Seeker, and Gideon, who is the apocalyptic horseman known as War. At the conclusion of the previous volume, Daryn mistakenly left Sebastian (Famine) sealed in another dimension with Samrael, who is the last surviving demon in the Kindred. Daryn usually depends on the Sight to guide her, but her visions have stopped, causing her to rely on her instincts. Entering the dark realm with Samrael is risky and will surely test Daryn and the other riders as new adventures and demons arise and the mission goes awry. The book is well researched, with realistic dialogue among the characters, and the adventure scenes are captivating and will hold readers' attention. At times, the outcomes seem to come together too cleanly, often via leaps of logic that readers will have to accept as they go along for the ride. The romance between Daryn and Gideon will interest young adults and feels organic to the narrative. Fans of the first installment of this duology won't be disappointed, even though sometimes the plot meanders. Themes of faith and forgiveness among the characters will appeal to a crossover audience. VERDICT Purchase where Riders and the author's novels are popular.-Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2017
Grades 9-12 If book one (Riders, 2016) in Rossi's action-packed, apocalyptic series focused on the modern-day birth of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, book two is all about the girl. Gideon Blake, the tough-guy manifestation of War, now shares his narration with Daryn, the girl with the Sight who initially brought the four horsemen together. For the first time, Daryn doesn't seem to have everything together. After their fight with the evil, apocalypse-hungry Kindred went horribly wrong, horseman Sebastian (Famine) was lost, sealed in a dark, alternate dimension. Wracked with guilt, Daryn, with Sebastian's horse at her side, is ready to do anything to save Sebastian, and she isn't about to put the others in danger againif only she can stop them from accompanying her in the first place. The stakes aren't quite as high as in the previous volumeit's hard to top the end of the worldbut Daryn and Gideon's tentative romance gains ground, and a fleshing out of Daryn's backstory adds much to her character. A fulfilling conclusion.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)