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A review by justinkhchen
When the Reckoning Comes by LaTanya McQueen
4.5
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).
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).