Comedy/Fantasy/Mythical Realism/Fiction
Date Published: 02-07-2023
Publisher: Balkon Media
Internationally published bestselling author Jon Smith makes his adult debut with The Fifth Horseman, a modern comic fantasy that rides roughshod over established mythology and the rules of life… and death.
The Fifth Horseman is a darkly comic tale of two thirty-somethings caught between our world and the afterlife, who must embrace their role as reapers to prevent the End Times. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy meets Father Ted, perfect for fans of Ben Aaronovitch, Terry Pratchett, and Neil Gaiman.
Death is just a day job you can’t quit…
Emma and Mark had a bad day. The worst part of it was dying. But, according to Death, the Rider on the Pale Horse and first horseman of the apocalypse, things aren’t that simple. Turns out the sand in their hourglass is stuck in place. Somewhere between life and death, they’re put to work as Death’s assistants, reaping the souls of the living until it’s time for their final clock out…
To compound matters, despite their omnipotence, the four horsemen are facing an existential threat – one they’re ill-equipped and ill-prepared to combat.
Emma and Mark must reap like their afterlives depend on it, to help prevent the End Times – even if it means scuppering the one opportunity they have at being granted a second chance at life.
Filled with humour, romantic tension, and suspense, Jon Smith utilises a witty, lightly sarcastic ensemble of flawed but loveable characters. It will appeal to mainstream fantasy readers and hopeless romantics, as well as those who enjoy a good story and a good laugh.
Julie’s Review: 
I received this book as part of the book tour for my honest review.
TW: Suicide.
I jumped on the chance to read The Fifth Horseman because the description grabbed me as something I would totally enjoy. I am a huge fan of another sassy sarcastic humorous and romantic reaper series, so why not try this one out? Compliment sandwich time. Also, first I’ll say this book is full of British things, so as a Yank, encountered some vocabulary I wasn’t familiar with. Such as, I had to look up what a P45 was. Ha, now you need to as well.
I think the take on the four horsemen lore, giving each horseman, and horsewoman, a personality and purpose was an interesting spin. I especially liked our villain character, our ferryman of souls across the river, now that was a character. In fact, the most fleshed out and developed character of anyone else in the book. I really enjoyed how twisted and wicked he became. I also was quite tickled at the reveal of what the fifth horseman really is. Totally agree. That’s some real life commentary right there.
I did like our two main characters, I would say I liked Mark way more than Emma. She seemed more flat and dull, which is how she described herself and her life, and her reason to jump. I couldn’t see why Mark was into her, and he didn’t really tell us, but Mark himself was a fun character. His inner monologues and narration were quite fun. There was a lot of fun banter between the pair of flat-mates but I didn’t feel any romantic tension. It was more like we just were told about feelings but I didn’t feel anything between them. I felt like Mark was the main character, since I felt more connected with him. I even think that might be him and his small pony on the cover.
I expected lots of comedy, this was described as a dark comedy fantasy after all. But, mostly it was kind of matter of fact. It was more a chronicle of what the characters were doing, or not doing, some conversations, but something was lacking for me. I kept waiting for the humor, but there wasn’t much. I’m not saying I could do any better, and this is why I am not a writer, but it was very much tell me, but I wanted more show me.
Even so, I finished it in a couple of days. It’s a quick easy read, and while not funny and emotional like I was hoping and expecting, still enjoyable for a lose yourself in a fantasy story kind of read. Especially when it all came to the end of times and up to our flat-mates-turned-reaper-assistants-turned-world-defenders to set things right. It did have a happy ending of sorts, though an uncertain one, and it was satisfying.
About the Author
Jon Smith is the bestselling author of 14 books for children, teens, and adults. His books have sold more than 500,000 copies and are published in seven languages.
In addition to writing books, Jon is an award-winning screenwriter and musical theatre lyricist and librettist with productions at the Birmingham Hippodrome, Belfast Waterfront and London’s Park & Waterloo East theatres.
Jon enjoyed a happy childhood—making daisy chains, holidays in the sun and an obsessive interest in all things fantasy. No brace, few spots and only one broken bone and one broken heart (not his). It all went swimmingly.
Father of four, he lives near Liverpool with his wife, Mrs. Smith, and their two school-age children. When he grows up he’d like to be a librarian.
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