The Fourth Horseman

by Kate Thompson
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An exciting and cautionary tale about playing with the mechanics of life and death.

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Synopsis

The first time Laurie and her dad see the white rider watching them from the deep, cool shadows of the trees, he is alone. Laurie is convinced that his appearance has a meaning, that somehow he is trying to tell them something - something her dad needs to pay attention to. Is the rider somehow linked to the genetic research into squirrels that Laurie is helping her dad with in the lab? When a second rider with a bloody sword appears alongside the first, and then a third and a fourth, Laurie knows she must try to understand who they are and what they represent. With the help of her brother and his best friend, she discovers what the riders mean but will it be too late to stop the inevitable chain of events that has been set in motion...?

Editorial Reviews

"A different kind of fantasy . . . the central plot is pure 24 . . . gripping" - Stephanie Merritt, Observer

"Such is the force of Thompson's writing that readers find themselves dragged along in her wake . . . powerful stuff, well worth reading" - TES

"Infused with symbolism but addressing modern concerns, this is an important book from a winner of the Guardian and the Whitbread awards. The science and symbolism move towards a crescendo against a backdrop of conflict between Western imperialism and opposing fundamentalism. Secrecy by government adds an extra sharp and topical edge." - Lesley Agnew, The Bookseller

"Excellent new story from the winner of last year's Whitbread and Guardian prizes" - Becky Stradwick, Borders, Publishing News

"It's pacy and powerful - a great read for our perilous times. It reminded me of Alan Garner and Madeleine L'Engle - and certainly an elegant addition to their genre" - Siobhan Dowd

"A subtle and haunting thriller - before you know it, you're hooked. An omen of a very real threat, delivered through a compelling story of the supernatural. A chilling warning of how ordinary science can be used for extraordinary evil" - Oisin McGann

"Open the pages of Kate's latest novel, The Fourth Horseman, and readers will find themselves gripped and fully immersed in an intense thriller in which questions and intrigue abound" - Achuka

"Terrorism, mutating viruses and Muslim fundamentalism - all the current fears are here. Never sensationalist, this is a thought-provoking and timely novel" - Angela Lockton at The Golden Treasury

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