Riders

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse ride forth to save the world from demons in this paranormal adventure, first in a series from Rossi (the Under the Never Sky series). After would-be Army Ranger Gideon Blake dies in a freak parachuting accident, he returns to life wearing a strange bracelet and rapidly heals from his grievous injuries. Gideon is promptly recruited by the mysterious Daryn Carter, who informs him that he is now the incarnation of War. Together, they set out to gather the manifestations of Famine, Death, and Conquest in order to thwart the malevolent plans of the demonic Kindred. Rossi has a solid handle on Gideon’s voice, who recounts the story as a flashback while being interrogated by members of the intelligence community, though this framing device tends to impede momentum and undermine the more exciting moments. A fairly standard romance between Gideon and Daryn plays to the human element of the premise, but lacks power. While a strong initial installment, it falls short of its potential. Ages 13–up. Agent: Josh Adams, Adams Literary. (Feb.)