368p.
Published: July 1, 2014
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Source: ARC from publisher for review
One girl. One chance. One destiny.
In the village of Martindale, hundreds of miles north of the new English capital of Windsor, sixteen-year-old Silver Blackthorn takes the Reckoning. This coming-of- age test not only decides her place in society – Elite, Member, Inter or Trog – but also determines that Silver is to become an Offering for King Victor.But these are uncertain times and no one really knows what happens to the teenagers who disappear into Windsor Castle. Is being an Offering the privilege everyone assumes it to be, or do the walls of the castle have something to hide?Trapped in a maze of ancient corridors, Silver finds herself in a warped world of suspicion where it is difficult to know who to trust and who to fear. The one thing Silver does know is that she must find a way out . . .The heart-stopping first book in a new trilogy by UK author Kerry Wilkinson, Reckoning is the story of one girl's determination to escape the whims of a cruel king, and what she must do to survive against all odds.My thoughts:
The story to me was a mash other other YA dystopians especially in the beginning. You can easily see a mix of The Hunger Games paired with Divergent. The rest of the story, while engaging, was not surprising. I'm sure with that opening you think I didn't like the book. Even though it was quite predictable and seemed more like a retelling of popular dystopians, I still became engaged and rooted for the kids in this story.
I think my favorite parts of the books were the characters. I did like Silver because she questioned things constantly despite being brought up to think the king and his rule was infallible. I've always liked a character like that and there is always room for growth. I also did like some of the world building. Often you don't quite get the feel of how impossible questioning dystopian authority could be, but in this book you are able to really see and understand the impossibility of it. I think these are the reasons I became so engaged in this book.
I give this story 4 stars. While it may not be original, the writing of the characters and the world seem to really help pull this story together. I recommend it to those that enjoy YA dystopians.
I really wish that the story could stand more on its own so one did not see comparisons
ReplyDeleteIt was hard not to compare at the beginning. I do get what you mean.
DeleteI'm very much in love with that cover, though the same model has been used over and over again across so many covers.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear the characters stood out to you, because that always makes or breaks a book for me. Great review, Melissa!
Hafsah @ IceyBooks
She gets a lot of work! :) I agree about the characters. I think it is the same for me as well.
DeleteDespite this not being an overly unique story Melissa, it still sounds entertaining, and at the end of the day, sometimes all I want is to just be entertained. The cover is gorgeous as well, so I'm adding this to my list:) Lovely review!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy a lot of genres that just seem to be set on repeat so I can't complain too much. :)
DeleteI'm a burnt out from the dystopian genre and the fact that it sounds so similar to HG and Divergent, I don't think this one is for me. Glad you enjoyed most aspects of this book, Melissa!
ReplyDeleteIf you don't like repeats, then yes, this one isn't for you. It is hard not to see the same themes especially at the beginning.
DeleteI have to space out my dystopian reads or they just become a blur.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds good though. The most important thing to me is compelling characters. That can override similarities.
Karen @ For What It's Worth
I know what you mean. So far I've been lucky and it just seems to space them out for me. :)
DeleteI have stepped away from dystopian or mashups of them cause I lost the feeling of excitement for them. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI think you have read more than I have so I totally understand your burnout.
DeleteI don't always mind when it's a mash-up, as long as it's a good story that's compelling enough to make me keep reading.
ReplyDeleteI'm the same. :)
Delete((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteI think you would have fun with this one.
This does sound good, but I've kind of burned out on this genre. I'll slip them in occasionally though, so I'll keep this one in mind.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I can handle another un-original dystopian, but the cover is gorgeous and the fact that you really enjoyed these characters speaks volumes. I hope the next installments are just as good--if they are, you can be sure I'll be adding this to my TBR! :)
ReplyDeleteThe characters sound well done, and sometimes a predictable storyline is ok, if I am vested in the characters themselves. Great review Melissa
ReplyDeleteI don't mind a little unoriginality now and again if the author can really make it work. Sounds like she did a pretty good job of it.
ReplyDeleteI can handle it feeling like a mash of other books, as long as it has good characters. This sounds like a decent read!
ReplyDeleteDespite what were obviously some great characters I feel a bit let down at the thought of this being such an obvious mix of several YA books. Not that I'd notice as I haven't read the books you mention. I have however seen parts 1 and 2 of The Hunger Games and not impressed by these have been informed the books are much better .... but isn't that usually the case?
ReplyDeleteSilver seems to be a character that I would enjoy too since she thinks for herself and asks questions
ReplyDeleteSounds like those looking for something to read and tide over from those two series could jump into this one. :) Thank you!
ReplyDeleteoriginal or not good characters are always a plus :D glad you enjoyed
ReplyDeleteI love this one's cover, but I think I'll pass because I need to read original dystopian books!
ReplyDelete-Scott Reads It!