Doom Rider [Paperback]

A review by my hubby: I purposefully read fiction aimed at a younger target audience just out of sheer interest as every now and again something potentially quite special surfaces. This particular tale dragged me into a very detailed and spookily believable dystopian world reminiscent of a sort of dreary yet frightening coupling between George Orwell and Oliver Cromwell. There was a depth to the description of real misery, paranoia and social control by religious fascists. A fabulous start to be honest. I really hate spoilers and try and avoid the use of such nasty little things, so don't expect a vast amount of detail taken directly from the book, ok.

I will say that I was given a really clear sense of the main male and female lead characters. They were brilliant to read about and it was easy to watch them grow and develop (in my mind's eye that is). All good so far. The author portrayed the setting and characters with real skill; I was engrossed in the story from literally page one. It made no real difference to me at that point that the direction the story seemed to take was a little longer-winded than I thought, but again, I was taken with the story and didn't really pay that much attention. I have to say that I especially loved the description of the horse that linked to the main character - that simply was without fault and was wonderfully done.

However, with the introduction of the third main character, it started to occur to me that the possibility of the story being split over two books could be a reality. No worries thought I, just carry on.

At roughly 80% of the way into the story it all started to go awry. The introduction of the last main character(s) was simply tedious and did not deliver what the story needed or wanted. It was at that point that I started to rapidly lose the sense of tension and enjoyment that the story had provided so far. It really didn't get any better. The slow but steady build up had simply been all in vain as the conclusion came galloping along faster than the horses in the story and the storyline unravelled faster than one of those horrible jumpers that a great aunt knits for you for Christmas. I lost the will to read, and to be honest, the ending was so dire and rushed, I seem to have blocked it from my mind in the interest of self-preservation. What a sad, miserable and totally pointless end to what really could have been something really rather good. Why? I've heard of the myth that younger readers might have reduced attention spans but really? I know I am an adult reading a book for a younger audience but the author should not underestimate the talent of younger readers and such a miserably constructed ending was simply inexcusable.

Such an utter shame! This book was on track to hit the 5/5 mark but ended up with a lowly 2/5 as a result of a rushed conclusion.

Where to begin? David Gatward has a knack for gruesome detail. It's true. To be perfectly honest with you I don't do horror but this I loved.It's a brilliant take on the coming of the apocalypse and it's potential.
The religious sect that is almost running the country, the way people cling to it for some form of hope and enlightenment, the iconography - pictures of 'The Protector' wherever you go. All these ideas aren't that far fetched, which lends an extra layer of chills to this book!
There wasn't one bit where I was growing bored or skim reading. Not to mention the characters, there's a real mix so you're sure to love at least one. From the feisty Lily and scarily powerful Kelly to the humourous little character of Dem and the horror of the twins. Not to mention Seth, a born leader when he puts his mind to it!
It is well written, fast paced and full of action! I couldn't put it down!

Wow!!! An amazing book from the incredible (and wonderfully twisted!) mind of David Gatward based around the idea of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Twelve-year-old Seth Crow travels around with his family, entertaining crowds with his gloomy predictions as Apocalypse Boy until one day, on the eve of his thirteenth birthday, a stranger called Lily provides him with the gloomiest and scariest prediction of all.

Seth has lived a thousand lives before and each time he has been murdered before he turns thirteen. Seth is Conquest, the first of the four riders of the Apocalypse. He isn't supposed to survive to discover that fact and people are going to extraordinary lengths to make sure he dies before he can bring about the end of the world.

Seth has to find the other three riders - Strife, Famine and Death each bringing their own unique qualities, as kids and as riders. He also has to fight against his urge to destroy a world that seems to deserve to be wiped out. Ultimately will the riders save the world or obliterate it?

The thing that gets me with David Gatward's writing is the imagery. I thought The Dead trilogy was wonderfully gruesome and gory in its descriptions; in Doom Rider he manages to take it to a whole new level. Everything is brought to life through amazing metaphors and similes, conjuring up images for every aspect and making your imagination run wild. I loved the descriptions of the horses (I want one of those horses!) and the riders, scary but you're also always aware that the riders are essentially just kids. The action and gory details will engage the most reluctant young readers but the story can't fail to appeal to advanced booklovers and adults too.

I was sucked into this story from the first page. It's non-stop action with twists and turns all the way. It's impossible to predict the ending, you will not be disappointed. If you like action, horror or just a well-written, original story I highly recommend this book.