Review : The Reckoning
The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong
Pages : 391
Genre : YA, Urban Fantasy
Series : The Darkest Powers, Book 3
My Rating : 
From the author’s website :
Only two weeks ago, life was all too predictable. But that was before I saw my first ghost. Now, along with my supernatural friends Tori, Derek, and Simon, I’m on the run from the Edison Group, which genetically altered us as part of their sinister experiment. We’re hiding in a safe house that might not be as safe as it seems. We’ll be gone soon anyway, back to rescue those we’d left behind and to take out the Edison Group . . . or so we hope.
I’m a bit disappointed that this is the final book of this trilogy, even though the author is working on a second series in the same setting. Leaving Chloe and her group makes me a bit sad, but I enjoyed their adventure. I thought The Reckoning offered a solid conclusion to the story.
I know many readers have preferred the second book, but to me The Awakening felt, to quote myself, “like it was a bridge between book one and book three”. My impression is confirmed by this third novel. The gang has finally arrived to destination and are getting ready to “make their move”, after running around for a short while.
Though I enjoyed the book, I thought there was a lot of insistence on Chloe’s romantic life – which always feels a bit weird to me when characters are making life-or-death decisions! She spends as much time thinking about love than she spends time making plans to save the world. Maybe it’s a teenager thing? It’s not the main focus of the book though, and I loved how it was a part of the whole instead of a separate storyline. I was also happy to see how the author resolved the love triangle! It was pretty much what I expected, but I appreciated how down-to-earth the conclusion was on that point, without over-dramatic scenes.
To me though, the most interesting parts were those about the kids’ various abilities and the Edison Group. “Evil Scientists” groups have been done many times I know, but somehow Armstrong made hers interesting and somewhat different. I was extremely intrigued by what they were doing and I would have loved to know even more. Her world is imaginative and unique, and its richness is a great setting for more varied storylines.
If you enjoy urban fantasy and are looking for a good YA series of the genre, this one is a good place to start!
Series Reading Order :
- The Summoning
- The Awakening
- The Reckoning
I agree about the whole love life thing. It bugs me when there’s turmoil happening and all the protagonist (most often girls) can think about is romantic interests! I mean, come on, really? I think that while most people think about love even during unusual circumstances, sometimes it seems a bit forced in a novel.
Great review though – have a great week!
I have been waiting to read this one forever. I need to just go and find it, cause like you I can’t wait to see how she ties up all the loose ends.
Runner Sami : Exactly! I can imagine a passionate kiss in a life or death situation, but the constant thoughts about romance and the dating feel a bit forced. It was an entertaining read still, though!
Michelle : If you enjoyed the first two, I think you’ll like this one too! It was a good, solid ending. I can see why you’re eager to read it!