The Demon’s Reckoning

The Demon’s Reckoning is the sequel to The Shapeshifter’s Gambit. It is a bit difficult to get too far into this book without spoiling the last, so I will. 

The book answers the question: “What would happen if the bad guys won?” The last book ends with a cliffhanger; the heroes fail their quest to stop Astaroth from returning. Not only that, a second great fiend, Morgaelion, returns as well. In an epic confrontation, the fiends, who are also mortal enemies, battle each other in addition to the humans. The two fiends enter into Aeryth, the heroes' home world, while the heroes are stuck in Nymriel, the realm of the fae.

They have an interesting mix of accepting this new life vs wanting to try to get back home. Eventually, they do come up with a plan to return home, which involves releasing the spirit of a third great fiend, Thezgoron, into the sword of chaos (this was the sword they were pursuing in the first book). When crossed with the sword of order (while mentioned in passing in the first book, we actually see it now), a portal back to Aeryth can be created. The story also featured another plot, that of Jadica and her fellow servants of Astaroth, who have been sent to Nymriel on a suicide mission.

We see many of the cast from the previous book: Valko, Jadica, and others. Actually, I think some of the antagonists are so well portrayed that you actually root for them at times. In fact, despite having no dialogue, Torgul is one of my favorite characters in this book. His actions are depicted well, and it’s quite amazing how much his personality shines through them.

The Heroes also get to meet a hero of their own: Elfun Lightbringer, who is mentioned in the previous book, lives in the realm of the fae. The heroes are surprised to learn that he is pretty ordinary. They reveal to him that in their world, there is a prophecy that he will save them once again. Elfun isn’t inclined to believe and rejects the larger-than-life pedestal they try to put him on. 

As in the last book, the story is full of intrigue and fluid allegiances, with just a hint of romance. 

I did mention that some of the exposition was a bit heavy-handed in the previous book. I think that is largely resolved in this book.

Furthermore, since most of the characters are well established already, I think the cast is quite manageable and balanced. The characters are well-written and distinct. The interpersonal relationships between them are interesting and thought-provoking. As just one example, as I mentioned before, the fiends are mortal enemies of each other. They plot how to destroy and ruin one another. Likewise, the interests of the heroes differ as well. It all results in an interesting web of interactions that is exciting to see unfold.

For lovers of high fantasy and complex plots, I recommend this book. I disappeared into it to emerge hours later, which is really some of the highest praise I can give. 

Length: 449 pages

Perspective: 3rd Omni

Tense: Past  

Kindle Unlimited: Yes

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0GK21GW5K