The 13th Horseman by Barry Hutchison [Review]

Synopsis

The first hilarious book in Barry’s AFTERWORLDS sequence.

Drake has just met the Horsemen of the Apocalypse but is that really the end of the world? Pratchett meets Python in this dark comic fantasy with plenty of action, perfect for 11+ boys.

Drake is surprised to find three horsemen of the apocalypse playing snakes and ladders in his garden shed. He’s even more surprised when they insist that he is one of them.

They’re missing a Horseman, having gone through several Deaths and they think that Drake is the boy for the job. At first he’s reluctant to usher in Armageddon but does being in charge of Armageddon have to spell the end of the world?

An apocalyptic blend of riotous comedy, heart-stopping action and a richly imagined fantasy adventure.

Review

Well I suspect someone had far too much fun writing this one!

When Drake Finn and his mum move in to their new home, it’s generally teenage laziness that’s stopping him from clearing the garden, not the thought that he might find three very strange people in a dilapidated old shed.

But when, he does drag himself out of bed long enough to make a start, that is exactly what he finds.

“But Drake noticed none of these things. Instead what he noticed was the shed.

It stood in the centre of the clearing. Or perhaps slouched would have been a more appropriate word, considering it’s condition.”

Inside playing board games, are three odd-looking men; they introduce themselves as, War, Famine, and Pestilence, three of the mythical Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and they’re one short…

What follows is a riotous and utterly hilarious adventure, as Drake initially refuses to believe them. That is until the old Death (number 9 if you are wondering) decides to take out the competition, at his new school. The competition being Drake in case you were wondering.

The remaining Three Horseman, aren’t going to take no for an answer either, and they have any number of sneaky and underhand methods at their disposal!

The old Death, is trying to start a false Apocalypse, and it’s down to Drake, War, Pestilence, and Famine to save the day. And, Drakes new friend, Mel.

I loved the character of Mel, soon after meeting, she decides that she and Drake are going to be best friends, and doesn’t leave Drake much choice in the matter, thankfully he likes her as well, and the friendship immediately cuts both ways.

But her strong and forceful personality shines through in her every appearance, and she’s also very funny!

The 13th Horseman, is the first book in Barry Hutchison’s new Afterworlds series, which will feature different characters and stories in each book, with some of them popping up in other books for cameo appearances.

I enjoyed meeting the other three Horsemen, but I really hope we get to see Drake & Mel again centre stage at some point.

Rating:

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Buy: The 13th Horseman by Barry Hutchison
My copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review purposes.