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valent1ne's review against another edition
intriguing concept but i just didnt feel it was well written/executed. 75% of the way thru i just completely stopped caring
calatheacat's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child abuse, Violence, Death, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Torture, Body horror, Confinement, Sexual assault, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Hate crime, and Rape
Moderate: Gun violence and Domestic abuse
mouse42's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rubyseemorebooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
4.75
Powerful for a short book, good main character arc. I think I need to sit with it to see if it’s a 5 but very close. Author created suspense and deep feelings.
ires3s's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.75
winlei's review against another edition
Okay, so I want a light horror clearly and light this is not. Racial tension in horror can always be hit or miss for me (THEM 2021 anthology series for eg.) and right now I’m in the miss category.
Maybe this is a soft DNF. Maybe I’ll never come back to this again.
Maybe this is a soft DNF. Maybe I’ll never come back to this again.
justinkhchen's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
A raw portrayal of human cruelty. One can say When the Reckoning Comes contains two stories of terror: one based on historical facts, detailing America's long struggle with racism, and the other a more gothic, atmospheric tale about a haunted place. In my opinion, the research-based narrative carries more weight, as it captures the unimaginable brutality perpetrated out of a false sense of superiority.
An unexpected slow burn, this novel is more of a character study than a straightforward horror. I appreciate the protagonist's confrontation on her own racial 'blindness' based on passed-down attitudes and learned stereotypes, those moments are particularly insightful and heartfelt. As much as I admire the social horror aspect of When the Reckoning Comes, and the plantation location raising fascinating debate about the past and present, the 'cursed place' story arc ultimately feels a little unfulfilling; there are hints scattered throughout regarding its ghostly activities and potential for a grand finale, but the plot doesn't quite 'go there', and resolves itself with something more scattered and tame.
Even though I'm slightly bummed by its lack of commitment regarding the supernatural element, When the Reckoning Comes remains a high recommendation—because the true horror stems from humanity, and this novel masterfully delivers in that aspect. Thematically this reminds me of When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole (another powerful novel that might be undervalued if judged solely for the genre it is marketed as).
A raw portrayal of human cruelty. One can say When the Reckoning Comes contains two stories of terror: one based on historical facts, detailing America's long struggle with racism, and the other a more gothic, atmospheric tale about a haunted place. In my opinion, the research-based narrative carries more weight, as it captures the unimaginable brutality perpetrated out of a false sense of superiority.
An unexpected slow burn, this novel is more of a character study than a straightforward horror. I appreciate the protagonist's confrontation on her own racial 'blindness' based on passed-down attitudes and learned stereotypes, those moments are particularly insightful and heartfelt. As much as I admire the social horror aspect of When the Reckoning Comes, and the plantation location raising fascinating debate about the past and present, the 'cursed place' story arc ultimately feels a little unfulfilling; there are hints scattered throughout regarding its ghostly activities and potential for a grand finale, but the plot doesn't quite 'go there', and resolves itself with something more scattered and tame.
Even though I'm slightly bummed by its lack of commitment regarding the supernatural element, When the Reckoning Comes remains a high recommendation—because the true horror stems from humanity, and this novel masterfully delivers in that aspect. Thematically this reminds me of When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole (another powerful novel that might be undervalued if judged solely for the genre it is marketed as).
jessicaaaa9625's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
4.5