Kessler, Jackie Morse. Breath. (Riders of the Apocalypse.)

Kessler, Jackie Morse.  Breath. (Riders of the Apocalypse.)  Houghton Mifflin/ Graphia  2013  321p  ISBN 978-0-547-97043-1  hs  Paperback  E-BN  Fantasy 

When Xander discovers Death’s plan to end it all, he approaches Death and reminds him of the gift he gave him many years ago.  Without revealing too much and making this review a spoiler, I will reveal that Xander uses the gift to convince Death to reconsider his decision to end his existence and ponder the ramifications that would result from throwing the balance of the cycle of life off.
    

This excitingly suspenseful novel engages the reader in the debacle that Death is experiencing.  He has ruled and led for many years and is just tired of being the dreaded harbinger of doom.  Ironically, the reader will begin to feel sorry for Death.  The fast-paced plot leaves the reader feeling an urgency to stop Death from carrying out his plan and root for Xander to successfully convince Death not to end it all.

Kessler has mastered another success in adding the thrilling book Breath to this exciting series.  Once again, the use of symbolism gives the reader pause and evokes further thought.  It is a fabulous addition to the series but should not be read alone or as the first book, because the reader needs some background knowledge to fully grasp and enjoy this novel.  This is the fourth book in the Riders of the Apocalypse series. Other titles include Hunger, Rage, and Loss. This fast-paced, exciting, and thrilling series will have readers on the edge of their seats and thirsting for the next book.      Breath is a very well written book that will engage young adult readers.  It is rich in symbolism and will appeal to those who embrace a novel requiring further thought or discussion.     

Summary: Death decides to end his existence until Xander, who gave Death a gift years ago, convinces him to reconsider his plan in order to preserve balance in the universe.  In this latest addition to the popular Riders of the Apocalypse series, suspense abounds as in the three previous books.  Death decides he has had enough as leader and creator of the Riders, as he is a well-known deliverer of doom.

Dystopian fiction, Fantasy                                  --Virginia McGarvey