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clg2022's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Slavery, Torture, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Racial slurs
serendipitysbooks's review
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
When the Reckoning Comes was a unique read which uses the horror genre to take an unflinching look at race relations and the legacy of slavery. The set-up has Mira, a Black woman, returning to her hometown for the wedding of her childhood best friend Celine, who is white, even though they are no longer close. The wedding is to be held on the grounds of a former plantation that now operates as a tourist attraction offering historical re-enactments and the like. The plantation is also the scene of a traumatic event involving Mira, their other friend Jesse, a Black man. The horror aspect comes via the historical atrocities, including some stomach-churning torture, and by the fact that the land is haunted by ghosts seeking vengeance on the descendants of those who harmed them. Not forgetting the present day racism which is a horror in its own right.
While I had a few issues with this book - the characters felt a bit flat and the pacing was a little uneven - it was still a winner for me. The originality of the concept, the powerful way it highlighted issues of race and the importance of reckoning with the legacy of slavery and racism, plus the writing - some phrases and sentences were absolute zingers - more than compensated for areas that didn’t work as well for me.
If you are looking for a unique take on race, one that emphasises that the past cannot be ignored and must be reckoned with, then check out this book.
While I had a few issues with this book - the characters felt a bit flat and the pacing was a little uneven - it was still a winner for me. The originality of the concept, the powerful way it highlighted issues of race and the importance of reckoning with the legacy of slavery and racism, plus the writing - some phrases and sentences were absolute zingers - more than compensated for areas that didn’t work as well for me.
If you are looking for a unique take on race, one that emphasises that the past cannot be ignored and must be reckoned with, then check out this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Slavery, Torture, and Violence
thehireader's review
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.5
I'm so torn between 4 and 4.5 stars right now and think I'll need to sit and think on this one to fully unpack how I'm feeling.
RECKONING is one of the creepiest books I've ever read. I had actual chills on more than one occasion while reading, and while I'm a complete scaredy-cat when it comes to horror movies, it generally takes a lot to creep me out when it comes to horror books. I was completely gripped by this book and think it's one of the best horror books I've ever read, but I almost put this book down at several points in the beginning because it was too slow. I'm so glad I kept reading, however.
It is gut wrenching at several points and absolutely brutal; it is evidence of my privilege that I had not known the full extent of the cruelty and vileness (and those don't feel like strong enough words) of slave owners, overseers, all of the individuals complicit, both in the time of slavery and all the way to the present, that I had not had to be confronted by it.
RECKONING is phenomenal at points, but it also didn't feel like a complete story and I wish I could put my finger on why. I'm going to be vague so as to avoid any spoilers, but I wanted more explanation of certain things and I felt like certain scenes could've, and should've, been expanded on. Still, I'm so glad I didn't put it down, and I would absolutely recommend this book.
TWs: racism, slavery, torture, gore, rape and sexual violence, abuse, body horror.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
RECKONING is one of the creepiest books I've ever read. I had actual chills on more than one occasion while reading, and while I'm a complete scaredy-cat when it comes to horror movies, it generally takes a lot to creep me out when it comes to horror books. I was completely gripped by this book and think it's one of the best horror books I've ever read, but I almost put this book down at several points in the beginning because it was too slow. I'm so glad I kept reading, however.
It is gut wrenching at several points and absolutely brutal; it is evidence of my privilege that I had not known the full extent of the cruelty and vileness (and those don't feel like strong enough words) of slave owners, overseers, all of the individuals complicit, both in the time of slavery and all the way to the present, that I had not had to be confronted by it.
RECKONING is phenomenal at points, but it also didn't feel like a complete story and I wish I could put my finger on why. I'm going to be vague so as to avoid any spoilers, but I wanted more explanation of certain things and I felt like certain scenes could've, and should've, been expanded on. Still, I'm so glad I didn't put it down, and I would absolutely recommend this book.
TWs: racism, slavery, torture, gore, rape and sexual violence, abuse, body horror.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Body horror, Blood, Child death, Death, Gore, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, and Violence
katie_konneker's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Slavery, Racism, and Rape
anoldharmonica's review
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
“Mira saw the history of her people, of this country, of all the violence forgotten and ignored. It was here again. No, it was always here.”
This is a harrowing book, full of interesting characters, smart social commentary, and ghosts! I have a few minor quibbles but overall I’d recommend this book to fans of horror and southern gothic lit.
This is a harrowing book, full of interesting characters, smart social commentary, and ghosts! I have a few minor quibbles but overall I’d recommend this book to fans of horror and southern gothic lit.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Racism, and Hate crime
Minor: Rape
lisas_bookshelf's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Wow! I really loved this book. It went much deeper into both the issues and soul of the events than I had anticipated. This is no mere thriller (though it works very well on that front too), it’s a thriller that also informs us of some of US history’s major events in terms of race and slavery. It certainly does not shy away from difficult subjects, and I really appreciate the way the author chose to deal with America’s current stance on and history of slavery, racism, prejudice and abuse. Very brave and very important!
Some have called this a ghost story, I would not. I interpreted what is portrayed as ghosts more like history speaking to the characters through different means, the ghosts mere echoes or representations of the past rather than actual apparitions. So, if you’re not into ghost stories, don’t let that hinder you reading this excellent book!
I listened to the audio edition, and loved the narration.
Some have called this a ghost story, I would not. I interpreted what is portrayed as ghosts more like history speaking to the characters through different means, the ghosts mere echoes or representations of the past rather than actual apparitions. So, if you’re not into ghost stories, don’t let that hinder you reading this excellent book!
I listened to the audio edition, and loved the narration.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Racism, Racial slurs, Death, Child death, Hate crime, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Colonisation, Suicide attempt, Rape, and Physical abuse
Minor: Confinement, Gaslighting, and Gun violence
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