A review by jessicamusch
The Reckoning by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

“Because that’s what I do,” he said slowly. ”I watch you and hunger for you and ache for you. It torments me like I torment you.”

In book 3 of the Zodiac Academy series, Tory and Darcy must pass the Reckoning to become fully fledged student of Zodiac Academy. But first, they must endure Hell Week where all of their seniors play pranks and bully them to no end, and pass trials in Fire, Water, Earth and Air magic. 

The series really starts to get going here, with many subplots emerging. With Hell Week, the Trials, the Reckoning and then the Lunar Eclipse, there is a lot going on. 

Some quick thoughts:

• I am extremely here for Geraldine and Max
• Finding out that Caleb and Seth hooked up
• Tension amongst the Heirs, particularly Caleb and Darius, feels realistic. I hope this develops more.
• I cringe every time Caleb says ‘sweetheart’
• Exploring more of the bond between Darius and Orion is 
• Diego has gotta be evil and that is interesting! I didn’t see that coming in the first 2 books
• I spent the whole book waiting for Lionel to do something and when he does Darius dares to slightly defy him… I’m sure it didn’t go unnoticed. 
• I spent the whole book saying to myself ‘no way that’s her teacher’. So yes this book is problematic. 
• “In Solaria blue means royal. And to me, blue means you.” Swoon