Alex Wise vs. the End of the World

By: Terry J. Benton-Walker

Narrated by: Torian Brackett

Welcome to the summer of the apocalypse. One 12-year-old boy leads the charge against the forces of evil as he tries to stop the Four Horsemen from taking over the world in the start to a wildly funny and addictive fantasy series about accepting yourself and finding your inner hero.

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 see himself as the hero he is.

“Never has the apocalypse been so fun!"
—Mark Oshiro, author of THE INSIDERS and co-author with Rick Riordan of THE SUN AND THE STAR: A NICO DI ANGELO ADVENTURE.

Critic reviews

I am excited for Black boys to see Alex as the hero they have been waiting for!”
—Jamar J. Perry, author of Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms


“With nonstop action that is always thrilling but never too scary, this fantasy is perfect for younger readers who are fans of Rick Riordan or Kwame Mbalia.” —School Library Journal

"An exciting and genre-bending narrative that melds comic-book style adventure, urban fantasy, and teen romance into a fresh and exhilarating coming-of-age story. Thrills and snarky humor balance heartfelt, emotional moments...invites all readers, especially those who identify as queer, to love themselves first and the world after.
— Shelf Awareness

“Benton-Walker presents Alex’s inner conflicts over being gay and feeling abandoned by people with such understanding, concern, and affirmation that it’s easy to root for him”— Kirkus Reviews

"This adventurous tale....weaves themes of standing up for oneself in their personal life with high-octane sequences that culminate in a satisfyingly earnest first installment." —Publishers Weekly

You are enough!

I throughly enjoyed this YA book and found it empowering. The book's ability to cultivate an environment that encourages individuals to embrace their true selves and live unapologetically is commendable. It's a gentle yet powerful reminder that children, despite their tender age, encounter a myriad of challenges on a daily basis, ranging from the painful sting of bullying to navigating the complexities of classmate crushes. The remarkable way in which the author skillfully weaves in the underlying motif of Marvel's X-Men is nothing short of brilliant, providing a thought-provoking parallel between the LGBTQ+ community and the "mutant" population. Through this clever narrative device, the book draws attention to the shared experiences and struggles faced by both groups, shedding light on the importance of acceptance, inclusivity, and embracing one's uniqueness. As a proud mutant (LOL), I have an immense gratitude towards Terry J. Benton-Walker for reminding me that “I am enough”. This powerful affirmation serves as a beacon of inspiration, urging individuals to embrace their authentic selves and stand tall in the face of adversity.

A masterpiece.

Torian Brackett’s performance was phenomenal. The experience was like listening to an animated film. I’ll cherish this audiobook forever. -tjbw