The Black Reckoning

The Black Reckoning is the third novel of the children's fantasy trilogy The Books of Beginning by John Stephens. The narrative focuses on siblings Kate, Michael, and Emma as they race to find the Book of Death before the primary antagonist Dire Magnus.[1] The book was released in 2015, two years after the sequel.

Reception

Critical reception for the book was positive. Booklist's Maggie Reagan stated that the novel was both "action-packed and introspective", adding that it had a "startling, sometimes somber conclusion."[2] A reviewer from Kirkus Reviews thought that the novel was satisfying and contained the "realistic, requisite heartbreak that comes with saying goodbye."[1] Anita L. Burkam, writing for The Horn Book Magazine, felt that there was a lot going on in the novel, but Stephens managed to masterfully pull it off.[3]

Audiobook

An audiobook, narrated by Jim Dale, was released by Listening Library in 2015. A reviewer from AudioFile stated that Dale's "timbre has a bright, crisp quality that is immediately engaging."[4] In School Library Journal, Alice Davidson said that the narrator's "ability to create unique character voices is extraordinary", adding that his narration of Willy the Giant was one of his best.[5] Karen Cruze of Booklist thought that Dale's emphasis on the pride, doubts, and trauma of the three siblings makes "the ending of their quest essential for listeners."[6]

gollark: And probably less of the ridiculously restrictive class structure.
gollark: There should be more focus on particular subjects which people actually like doing.
gollark: I would probably try and implement more personalised curricula using computers, which our education system mostly ignores, instead of just shoving people in classes with others who like different things and may learn some things at different rates.
gollark: You didn't ask me but I have strong opinions on this anyway.
gollark: Maybe you're just a RTL8188EUS.

References
  1. "THE BLACK RECKONING by John Stephens | Kirkus Reviews". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
  2. Reagan, Maggie (February 1, 2015). "The Black Reckoning". Booklist. 111 (11): 50.
  3. L. Burkam, Anita (March–April 2015). "The Black Reckoning". The Horn Book Magazine. 91 (2): 110 – via EBSCOhost.
  4. "The Black Reckoning". AudioFile. July 2015. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
  5. Davidson, Alice (August 2015). "The Black Reckoning". School Library Journal. 61 (8): 51 – via EBSCOhost.
  6. Cruze, Karen (October 1, 2015). "The Black Reckoning". Booklist. 112 (3).
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