I've been dying for The Reckoning since I finished The Awakening last year. The Reckoning is the final book in her Darkest Powers Trilogy for young adults. The trilogy takes place in the same world as her Otherworld books do, but there isn't much overlap. Actually, in The Reckoning the overlap a little more than the previous books. A couple minor characters from Frostbitten appear in The Reckoning.
In Armstrong's world supernaturals come into their powers when they hit puberty, and the The Darkest Powers follows the story of a group of teens that are coming into their powers. However, the kids have been the victim of a bizarre genetic experiment that has caused their powers to go all wonky. As the title suggests, in The Reckoning it's time for The Edison to be held accountable for their actions in the first two books.
This series is filled with plenty of mystery, conspiracy, action, and great characters. Armstrong excels at creating characters that pull you into the story. Chloe is no exception. One thing I really appreciate about the teens in her books is that they're angsty but it's not over the top. I think she was definitely conscious of trying to make the characters act like real teenagers but without making them completely irritating.
If any other author wrote this series I would be bummed that the trilogy was over. She answers enough questions, but still leaves enough loose ends to drive you a little insane. Luckily, she's working on another trilogy and the first book, The Gathering, will be out next year. The new trilogy will follow another group of kids, but she has a said there will be some overlap so we will see the characters from this trilogy again. Armstrong is a master at keeping you in touch with what other characters from the series are doing.
The almost frantic pace of the novel really pulls you into the sense of urgency the kids are feeling. While they're in the midst of being hunted, they're also building relationships with each other. There's a little romance going on, but the relationship I enjoyed the most was between Chloe and Tori. I enjoyed seeing the two of them try to find a way to come together even though they really couldn't stand each other. I really kind of fell for Tori in this one, and am most curious about what happens to her next. Again, it's a testament to Armstrong's character development that she can make you care that much about the secondary characters as well as the main ones.
The Reckoning was the perfect ending to a really great trilogy and left me wanting more. Thank goodness she'll be delivering more. Armstrong has announced a fairly extensive tour schedule. Check it out on her website. She'll be hitting Houston on June 4th, and again in September with the Smart Chicks Kick It tour.
"I think she was definitely conscious of trying to make the characters act like real teenagers but without making them completely irritating." - SO true! I think she wrote very relatable teenagers (albeit with supernatural problems, lol)
ReplyDeleteI really loved this final installment. But I don't think this is the last we'll see of Chloe... in that scene with the head-honcho Demon, when he says to her "grow up strong and powerful" I think that's a hint that we may be seeing Chloe as an adult? Or is that just my wishful thinking? I think Chloe/Derek could quite easily be slotted into the 'Women of the Otherworld' universe... in a few years time perhaps?
Great review!
I want to read this book. I have to move it up on my list. :-)
ReplyDeleteDanielle -
ReplyDeleteI would love it if there is crossover between these YA books and the Otherworld ones. Even if she just did it in a short story. I love how the series is open for so many possibilities!