Reckoning by Cate Tiernan

This is another one in the Sweep series narrated by Alisa as she ventures to her deceased mother’s homeland to discover the truth about her mother’s family, death, and powers.

Title: Reckoning
Author:  Cate Tiernan
Series: Sweep Book 13
Publish Date:  August 26, 2002
Genre:  YA Fantasy
Source: Purchased

Publisher’s Description: Somewhere, there is a place for me. There are people who understand me and can explain the mysteries of my past.

I have traveled far in search of this place.

But instead of knowledge or understanding, I have found only danger, hostility, and fear….

Alisa is still coming to terms with being a blood witch. Longing for a sense of belonging, or understanding, Alisa seeks out her mother-s family. While there she finds comfort in some of the mysteries of her past, but she also uncovers danger, hostility, and fear-and she must make a choice that could change her future.

Possible spoilers beyond this point.

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Kat Mandu says…

I sincerely do not want to give this book three stars *just* because I can’t stand the character who narrates it, but she is too much. I don’t know a single fourteen-year old with the rationality (or lack thereof) that Alisa has. Runaway? Sure, I guess that’s normal for kids who are going through rough times. But explaining to your dad why you ran away like Alisa does? I’m sorry, but my parents would have said, “I’m coming to get you no matter what and telling me you’re a silly little girl who can’t fess up to her problems is not an excuse.” Seriously, I know nine-year-olds who are more mature than this girl.

I was hoping Evelyn would freak out after discovering that Alisa and Charlie were down in her private library. Because they freaking BROKE IN WITHOUT PERMISSION! I don’t know about you, but if I were the strange woman whose house, study, and life (so to speak) were broken into, I think I’d be a little ticked off.

Golly, I do not remember being so angsty when I was fourteen. Everything is so dramatic with Alisa. She cries eighty billion times. We get it, you’re overwhelmed. But damn, do you have to moan and groan about EVERYTHING? I thought Alisa and Hilary were getting along in the last book, but that totally changes in this one. And then there’s the Charlie thing and before that, “oh, I’m lonely, single Alisa.” I feel like the romance is forced in this one, just so Alisa has one less thing to bitch about. I just can’t relate to her like I did with Morgan.

The story itself isn’t bad – I love the Book of Shadow entries especially. I would have liked to have seen some more magic, but there is a lot to take in as the story unfolds. The descriptions are nice and vivid; everything is very easy to visualize.

Poor Morgan and Hunter in the beginning, having to deal with Alisa in a way that makes them seem like parents. I like how Morgan can accept and understand Alisa’s longing to discover more about her past and that she relates to Alisa’s innocent mind when it comes to the discovery of her powers.

I did like the mermaid idea and how it led to Alisa’s discovery of her mother’s athame and other witch tools. The idea that everything in life has its own destiny and path is expressed continuously in this series and it’s fascinating to watch it unfold.

Still, I can only manage to give this a three rating.

Books in this series…

• Book of Shadows, Book 01
• The Coven, Book 02
• Blood Witch, Book 03
• Dark Magic, Book 04
• Awakening, Book 05
• Spellbound, Book 06
• The Calling, Book 07
• Changeling, Book 08
• Strife, Book 09
• Seeker, Book 10
• Origins, Book 11
• Eclipse, Book 12
• Reckoning, Book 13
• Full Circle, Book 14
• Night’s Child, Book 15

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