The Reckoners Series: Superpowers Without Heroes, Only Consequences

Estimated Reading Time: 7min

Super powers that only the worst of the worst are given… what happens to the world after an event like that, and how do the regular people live? Can anyone be stopped, or is life just a wasteland?

Steelheart

Ten years ago, Calamity came. It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary people extraordinary powers. The awed public started calling them Epics. Epics are no friends of man. With incredible gifts came the desire to rule. And to rule man, you must crush his will.
Now, in what was once Chicago, an astonishingly powerful Epic named Steelheart has installed himself as emperor. Steelheart possesses the strength of ten men and can control the elements. It is said that no bullet can harm him, no sword can split his skin, and no fire can burn him. He is invincible. Nobody fights back . . . nobody but the Reckoners. A shadowy group of ordinary humans, the Reckoners spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and then assassinating them. And David wants in.
When Steelheart came to Chicago, he killed David’s father. For years, like the Reckoners, David has been studying, and planning, and he has something they need. Not an object, but an experience.
He has seen Steelheart bleed. And he wants revenge.

Content Warnings

Graphic: Gun Violence, Death of a Parent, Death
Moderate: Violence, Blood, Child Death
Minor: Cursing, Car Accident, Suicide

My Review

I really enjoyed this one!

I liked the world that was created, and the POV of David was really great. I loved his funny character, and his interactions with the others. I really liked Brandon’s writing style too.

I found myself wanting to know more about Steelheart himself, and I look forward to the other books in the series to hopefully fill in more of the blanks about the world created – particularly the things that are still a question mark 😀

Firefight

Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence, Fire, Gun Violence
Moderate: Murder, Injury, Medical Content
Minor: Cancer, Cursing, Blood

My Review

I loved this one as much as the first.

The final 20 pages or so seemed to squash a lot into a small space of time, and some of the story in that section felt rushed and/or a little contrived BUT overall it was great, the new location and Epics were awesome. I’m excited to read the final book!

Calamity

Content Warnings

Graphic: Gun Violence, Death, Gore
Moderate: Injury, Violence, Fire
Minor: Child Death, Sexual Content, Death of a Parent

My Review

Finally reached the end, and BOY was it worth it!
I really enjoyed the whole series, and this final battle book was a fabulous ending. The characters (as always) were so full and authentic to the voices that began in the first book. I loved them, and I loved the development that this final book forced a few of them into!
This book was utterly littered with adventure and twists that had me tearing my hair out. And I loved every moment of it.

The only reason for the 4 star rating was some of the plot ‘revelations’ felt a little cliched and that was a tad irritating.. otherwise, it was a fantastic ride!

Would I Recommend This Book?

Yes, this was a great series and if you want to dip your toe into Sanderson without committing to the entire cosmere, this is where I started and I would recommend.

Similar Books You Might Like

If you are thinking what kind of books would have similar feel, themes or content, here is a list that you can consider:

• Tress of the Emerald Sea (Sanderson)
• The Sunlit Man (Sanderson)
• Mistborn (Sanderson)

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See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace