Reckoning

Reckoning (Star Wars: Last of the Jedi, Book 10)
$6.99
This is on par with the last two books in the series (6 and 7). The storyline is wonderful. The characters have grown since book one, which is something not all writers seem to think to do, or maybe they don't necessarily need to for the context of their story, but it is needed here. So they've grown as individuals, and as a group. The lack of trust in Ferus seems to be gone from the last book, but the trust issue is brought up on a different character. It will be interesting to see how that is resolved in the next two books. I think Obi-wan's admonition about it being too early to gel all the different groups together is a good one, but it will be interesting to see how it plays out.
I have been writing my reviews immediately after reading each book, so I at this point do not know how the series ends, which is why my reviews are done in such a way. I can comment more on the individual book based on what has come before, but not after. I've also tried not to add too many spoilers, but it's been awful hard to do. I've tried to just center on the individual plot of that book and how it was written and how it plays out. With two books left to read, I am going to be sad when the series is finally over. It has been as very nice ride. And I cannot overstate just how well written the whole thing is. I would have to say that Jude Watson is one of the better authors, despite the fact this was written for the 9-12 year old age group. Many "adult" oriented books aren't this well written or conceived.

Reckoning (Sweep, No. 13)
$7.99
I have been addicted to the Sweep series and was determined to read the entire thing. However, I hit a road block with book 13 - Reckoning. I could not find this book anywhere. Amazon could not locate a copy for me and my on-line/local book store search came up empty. A friend of mine found the book for me at her local book store in another state and I was very excited to read it and continue on with the sweep story line. What would be revealed next in book 13 with Hunter and Morgan? How did Alisa fit in? I was very disappointed to find out that I could have not put so much effort into finding this book and could have skipped it for the series. While it is a well written book and Alisa's story is very interesting, it doesn't really contribute to the Sweep series as a whole. It also doesn't confirm Daniel Niall's theory as to why Alisa has powers while only being a half blood witch. It does, however, explain why Alisa has telekinesis, which was interesting. But all in all, I could have skipped this book, as it has nothing to do with Morgan's story. A good read, but if you are having trouble locating it, rest assured you can skip the story and still not miss out on the saga of Morgan and Hunter.

Reckoning
$11.98
R.E.M.
Reckoning; 1984
IRS Records

My Rating: 8/10

RECKONING was REM's quick follow-up to their debut. The band didn't make any huge stylistic leaps here. In fact, RECKONING might easily be written off as an album of leftovers and re-treads if the songs weren't so solid. While half of the songs only achieve moderate success, the other half register as certified classics. "Harborcoat" kicks things off in righteous fashion. Full of intricate guitar and bass interplay, their is no question that the band has coupled their unique sound with more robust songwriting. "7 Chinese Bros." and "Pretty Persuasion" are other excellent examples of the band's ability to craft college rock genius. However, it's "(Don't Go Back to) Rockville" that really stands out among the bunch, truly setting the band's country undertones to the forefront and giving REM its first road song. For the most part, an enjoyable and worthy record.

TRACKS:
1. Harborcoat (5/5)
2. 7 Chinese Brothers (5/5)
3. So. Central Rain (5/5)
4. Pretty Persuasion (5/5)
5. Time After Time (Annelise) (3.5/5)
6. Second Guessing (3/5)
7. Letter Never Sent (3/5)
8. Camera (3/5)
9. (Don't Go Back To) Rockville (5/5)
10. Little America (3/5)

The Reckoning
$17.95
Ms. Penman has once again succeeded in transporting the reader back through time. Her devastating portrayals made my heart ache for these historical figures. Even though Wales has never before been on my radar, so to speak, because of her books, I would put a visit there at the very top of my list.

She has a way of allowing the characters to tell their stories with all their flaws and still make them fascinating. The book was so intense at times I had a difficult time reading it because I was so emotionally vested in it. The entire trilogy should be required reading. I absolutely loved it!