Review: Reckoning by Veronica Wolff

Reckoning
Author: Veronica Wolff
Reviewers: Gikany and Una
Rating: B-

What We’re Talking About:

Gikany and Una have eagerly anticipated this final novel in The Watchers young adult series.  We have been mesmerized by this rich and fascinating world of a secret society of vampires and the candidates they lure in so they can train them to be Watchers.  Although the novel nicely ties up everything with a big bow, we thought it was not as smooth as the previous novels.

Drew finally exhibits a sense of maturity in this final installment.  We enjoyed seeing her finally take to heart the lessons so many had tried to teach her.  Although she wasn’t perfectly mature throughout, she tried to do the right things and to think before acting.  However her waffling between Cardin and Ronin did wear on us after a while.  We felt it was never a contest between Ronin and Carden (we’ve always had a soft spot for Ronin in our hearts), however with the blood bond between her and Carden and with Ronin’s compulsion abilities, we can understand her fears and inability to determine what is real.

Although we were happy with how the story ends, its execution was not polished.  We thought the first half of the novel was forced while the ending was abrupt.  The beginning felt like it was being rushed just to get to the last half.  So much happens near the end that it was a bit convoluted.  We were appalled that a critical reunion took place outside of the storyline.  This was a driving force for Drew, and to not be able to experience this meeting was a huge let down.

Overall, we loved The Watchers series and are sad that it is over.  This was a wondrously rich and fascinatingly fresh world of vampires.  Although this final book is a bit of a letdown, we are relieved that Drew achieves her happy ending.  Despite our reservations with this title, we still recommend the young adult series.

Our Rating:  B- Liked It, but we had a few small issues

About the Book:

IN THE GAME OF EVIL, THERE IS ALWAYS A FINAL RECKONING

Annelise’s slaying of Vampire Dagursson has thrown the Isle of Night – and her own heart – into chaos. Though she shares a bond with the vampire Carden, her connection to Ronan grows deeper as he protects her from those who seek justice for and power from Dagursson’s death.

But there’s one thing Ronan can’t protect her from – his sister, Charlotte, who is alive and sworn to destroy Annelise and everyone she holds dear. Now Annelise must decide who she trusts as she embarks on a suicide mission to rescue the most important woman she’s never met: her mother.

Trapped in a deadly game against an ancient evil, not everyone will be left standing as Annelise faces the final reckoning.

Release Date: April 4, 2016
Publisher: Self-published
Series: The Watchers #5
ISBN: #978-1941035078
Genre: Young Adult (Urban Fantasy)
Format(s): paperback (230 pages), e-book
Book Source: Author

Purchase Info:
Amazon

Reviews in the Series:
Isle of Night by Veronica Wolff (The Watchers #1)
Vampire’s Kiss by Veronica Wolff (The Watchers #2)
Blood Fever by Veronica Wolff (The Watchers #3)
The Keep by Veronica Wolff (The Watchers #4) – no review
Dark Craving by Veronica Wolff (The Watchers #4.5)