Alex Wise vs The End of the World by Terry J Benton Walker

Release: September 26th, 2023
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Labyrinth Road
Source: TBR and Beyond Tours
Find it at: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Alex Wise feels like his world is ending. His best friend Loren is leaving town for the summer, his former friend and maybe sort of crush Sky hasn’t spoken to him since he ditched Alex on first day of sixth grade, and now his mom is sending him and his annoying younger sister, Mags, on a cruise with the dad who abandoned them. And, as if things couldn’t get worse, a creepy shadow monster may or may not be stalking him.

But none of this could prepare Alex for the actual end of the world. Too bad that is exactly what’s coming, after the definitely-real Shadow Man kidnaps Mags and she is possessed by the ancient spirit of Death–one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Luckily (depending on who you ask), Alex is possessed as well by a powerful god who imbues Alex with their powers in an effort to stop the Horsemen…if he can figure out how to use them. So begins an epic battle between good and evil: Alex, Loren, a grumpy demi-god and Alex’s fourth grade teacher vs. Death, Pestilence, Famine, War, and the waves of chaos and destruction they bring to LA and soon the rest of the globe. Just your average summer vacation.

Alex is more used to being left behind than leading the way, but now he’s the only one who can save his sister–and the world. That is, if he can unlock his new powers and and see himself as the hero he is.

About the Author:

TERRY J. BENTON-WALKER grew up in rural Georgia and now lives in Atlanta with his husband and son, where he writes fiction for adults, young adults, and children. He’s also the author of the young adult contemporary fantasy series Blood Debts. He has an industrial engineering degree from Georgia Tech and an MBA from Georgia State. When he’s not writing, he does gaming, eating ice cream, or both.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Alex Wise vs The End of the World Review:

Firstly, I want to say how much I loved how the author weaved the mythology of the Four Horsemen into this middle-grade novel. I have yet to encounter other books tackling this subject, and I enjoyed how the author handled it. Their storytelling is fantastic; you’ll find yourself laughing in one scene and getting all tense with the dystopian elements in the story. I loved the author’s writing style, where the dialogues feel like you can easily relate to them, and yet it also feels profound at times.

Secondly, Alex shines in his role, and my heart goes out to him, mainly because of his complicated relationship with his dad. He also grapples with intricate emotions like spending time away from his best friend and trying to make sense of his feelings for a former friend. Throughout the story, you see him working through all these issues and gaining a better understanding of himself as he gets pulled into a grand adventure.

The author also skillfully introduces themes like coming to terms with one’s queer identity and the journey of self-discovery. There’s something in this book for everyone, as the author takes you on an adventure filled with friendship and magic. Oh, and let me mention, I absolutely adored Loren, and all the supporting characters added so much depth to the plot.

In a nutshell, “Alex Wise vs. the End of the World” is an exhilarating middle-grade novel you won’t be able to write down once you start reading it.