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The Fahllen #2

The Reckoning

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Carson Porter thought she’d had one of her most challenging years to date when she began her transformation into a reaper, but little did she know her battle had only just begun.

Faced with changes in her boyfriend, Derek, the fear of her sister being able to steal her powers through mirrors and having to fight her every step of the way to rescue even one soul, Carson is ready to throw in the towel. Only she can’t. During a visit from an angel, Carson learns that her destiny is far more important than even she realized—and far more deadly. Can she dig deep within herself for the strength and the perseverance that she’ll need to carry out her mission? And will she have to do so without Derek or can she recover the man she’d once loved so desperately? Find out in the exciting conclusion of the Fahllen series, The Reckoning.

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

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712 people want to read

About the author

M. Leighton

67 books9,429 followers
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, M. Leighton, is a native of Ohio. She relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she can be near the water all summer and miss the snow all winter. Possessed of an overactive imagination from early in her childhood, Michelle finally found an acceptable outlet for her fantastical visions: literary fiction. Having written over a dozen novels, these days Michelle enjoys letting her mind wander to more romantic settings with sexy Southern guys, much like the one she married and the ones you'll find in her latest books. When her thoughts aren't roaming in that direction, she'll be riding wild horses, skiing the slopes of Aspen or scuba diving with a hot rock star, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.

About Michelle: I love coffee and chocolate, even more so when they are combined. I'm convinced that one day they could be the basis for world peace. I also love the color red and am seriously considering dying my hair.

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5 stars
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158 (33%)
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92 (19%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Jackie -Sated Faery.
285 reviews31 followers
October 26, 2011
OMG - I LOVE LOVE LOVED it!!!! This is such a wonderful, passionate story! It's so full of heartache but instead of letting all it bring her down, Carson remains filled with hope & faith that she can accomplish everything she was meant to do. And very determined to keep Derek beside her despite all the complications they encounter. There were several scenes that nearly made my heart stop beating, I was so invested in the story. And many times the emotions made me feel a little dizzy or maybe I just get a little light-headed reading about Derek....ahhhh Derek. He is the perfect bad boy on the outside, loyal & perfect heart on the inside. And Carson is one of the strongest heroines I have ever seen. Together they are just amazing and even though I'm sad to see their story come to an end, this conclusion was just as beautiful as the cover of the book itself!
Profile Image for Dani.
417 reviews197 followers
November 17, 2011
Wow. I’ve finished two of M. Leighton’s fabulous series within a week, and I must admit I’m a little saddened by that. Saying goodbye to a fantastic book series – with characters I connect with and a world I love to escape into – is like moving away from an old friend. Knowing that their story continues, but I don’t necessarily get to be a part of it anymore. Anyway, enough of me waxing poetic with the lame analogies. I just hate when a series comes to a close.


Of all Leighton’s series the world of The Fahllen and The Reckoning is perhaps the darkest and most intriguing. Imagine a merging of a Rumpelstiltskin-esque villain, a nod to the mythos of doppelgangers, a strange and unsettling dreamscape world, then mix in a touch of the divine and the hellish and you have Leighton’s incredibly imaginative and terrifying world. Preying on the depressed, the downtrodden, the grief-stricken and those who already gravitate toward evil, Fahl can make your deepest desires a reality… for a price. A fallen angel of sorts, Fahl has been cast out by both Heaven and Hell and has gone into the business of stealing the souls of the eternally undecided – trapping them in his purgatory-like Darkness. Leighton’s gift for descriptiveness and detail brought Carson’s world and the world of the Darkness to life in vivid technicolor. The way she weaves her world together is almost cinematic and I had no problem imagining the world in my minds eye. The setting of this book and the lore behind it is probably one of my most favorite things about The Fahllen series.


Since besting Fahl in The Reaping due to a stroke of Divine intervention, Carson has been given the job of reaping souls for Heaven – easing them into the afterlife and giving them one last chance to make a decision either for God or against Him. Ever-competing with Carson for the dying souls’ eternal choice is Grey, Carson’s evil twin sister and Fahl’s “price” for a deal made with the girls’ mother long ago. However, Grey is not only out to beat Carson at reaping souls, but is obsessed with obtaining Carson’s powers – the powers to control earth and fire – and the only way to get them is to kill Carson. Grey is a truly terrifying villain. Relentless, undeniably and unapologetically evil, Grey is completely committed to her own agenda, regardless of her master Fahl’s plans. In no way a sympathetic villain, she is ruthlessly ambitious and commits unspeakable atrocities in the pursuit of her goals. I always wish for villains to have a hope of redemption, a spark that reveals they’ve not completely gone over to the dark side, but Grey appears to have no redeeming qualities.


If dealing with a soul-stealing villain and her murderous sister wasn’t enough, Carson is worried about her boyfriend Derek’s increasingly odd behavior and cold attitude, her best-friend-turned-flesh-eating-monster who wants to kill her, her impending high school graduation, and top of all that she receives a prophecy telling her that she will be the one to release all the souls Fahl has trapped in the Darkness. Slightly overwhelming problems for a 17 year old whose biggest worry should be finding the perfect dress for the senior prom. Instead Carson is embroiled in a dangerous conflict that could cost her life and the life of the man she loves.


Carson is perhaps my favorite of all of Leighton’s heroines, . Growing up with a strict father who had little tolerance for anything frivolous, Carson is definitely not a girly girl. She’s kind, not blind to her own faults and limitations, she does what she must at the expense of her own comfort and safety, and she has a stubbornness and a strength that gets her through some pretty horrifying situations. She is a girl whose world has been turned upside down and who has experienced great loss within a very short time span. Yet she doesn’t let her trauma paralyze her into inaction. If anything, her losses motivate her into fighting against the evils that plague her life and protecting the precious things she has left.


One of Carson’s pillars of strength is Derek, her boyfriend and love of her life. Yet since the encounter with Fahl in The Reaping, he’s been progressively more distant and secretive. Carson begins to fear that she’s losing him and doesn’t understand why, and she knows if he decides to leave her she will truly be on her own. She decides to investigate the reasons behind his odd behavior and what she discovers is nothing she could have ever imagined.


If you couldn’t tell from the description, Dear Reader, this book does have elements of the religious, so if you aren’t into books with a religious bent, this might not be for you. Though not what I believe personally about the afterlife and how you get there — The Reckoning is after all a story – Leighton has created an interesting alternate religious reality and myth and I appreciate how respectful she is of her subject matter. Though it has aspects of the biblical, I never felt that I was being preached at – something I hate whether it’s a religious message or a secular one. The author uses her subject matter to build on an already provided lore and universe. So if you tend to steer clear of books with religious overtones, just be aware that The Reckoning is one of those books. Also be aware that you’ll be missing out on a great story if you do skip it for this reason.


Overall, thrilling, terrifying and dark, The Reckoning is a climactic and romantic conclusion to the Fahllen series. Definitely check this one out.
Profile Image for Ashlee.
193 reviews8 followers
November 5, 2017
Not a bad conclusion

This story is odd, I enjoyed it but the story is about a girl who is special and is slowly figuring out her destiny which is honestly kinda a flying blind type thing...
Profile Image for T..
Author 2 books27 followers
December 31, 2014
FUCK YEAH 4.5 STARS.

The thing about The Reckoning and its predecessor, The Reaping, is that it's packed to the absolute brim with a strange originality that I positively crave. The other things about these two books is that their beginnings, for some reason, just plain put me off. My bout with distaste, in this case, ran much longer and stronger than the previous reading.

When I began this book, I pretty much frowned throughout the whole thing. Somehow, it seemed as though all the life had been sucked out of the narrative and out of our heroine, Carson. The writing was horridly bare and overall sloppy, the events therein were vapid although they were meant to be heart-wrenching (to Carson, they certainly were), and to top it all off there were these weird ass analogies floating around, making me double-take and WTF way too many times for comfort.

His voice was so low it barely ranked above a whisper. But I heard it. It echoed through my heart like the tortured howl of a coyote cutting through a canyon at night. p. 21 (This is made all the more bewildering for the fact that Carson lives far from any canyons whatsoever. Her surroundings are beset by woods, woods and more woods. It's a noticeable theme in both the books, so the canyon thing--not to mention the howling coyote thing--really caught me off-guard.

Anger and indignation rode me like a ruthless jockey. p. 20 (Really? Wtf?)

Anyway, I bring up the bad points first because it hits all the good parts, and the good parts are REALLY good.

It's an instantaneous return to the awesome smooth storytelling that pervaded The Reaping except better because, holy shit, do things get crazy in this sequel. Stomaching those first like 35-40 pages is 100% worth it for the fuckin fantastic and crazy things that happen--with a more natural narration--afterward. This book topped my expectations and more, and I was super excited at the end when Carson and Derek carved out their own happily ever after for themselves amid all the wreckage that death and the dead have wrought on their lives.

And they get through it by salvaging the part of them that's the best--each other.

"Things will get better. I promise," he declared sincerely. "I'll help you and we'll figure out a way to take Leah and Grey and Garrett out of commission. There's a reason we're soul mates." p. 68

It was love--in all its forms, be it compassion, mercy, kindness, patience, gentleness, forgiveness, justice, belief, hope, endurance or true soul-deep selfless love. It was love, love that was humming in my ears and tingling along mt skin, love that was pouring from my soul and crackling between my fingertips. Love was my new weapon, the most powerful weapon known to mankind and the only one I'd need to defeat the darkness of any kind. p. 114
Profile Image for Amy Jacobs.
845 reviews293 followers
December 6, 2011
After reading the first book in this series, I became an instant fan of author M. Leighton. I fell in love with her writing and the characters that were presented to us within the pages of her work. While this is classified as a Young Adult story, adults will find themselves swept into the mystical world involving Carson and the power of reaping.

Carson is back and facing even more problems than before. She is now gifted with the job of reaping souls for Heaven. Add in the fact that she is also struggling to beat her sister Grey in reaping souls for evil, but she is also out to steal Carson's powers of earth and fire by killing her. Derek is also back in this book but Carson is having problems with that relationship as well. Derek is acting strange towards Carson and she is not sure why. In the midst of high school graduation, old prophecies, an evil twin sisters, and an aloof boyfriend and you can imagine the struggles Carson is having to deal with.

I can honestly say that this book surpassed my expectations of amazing. The authors writing captures you from the first page with her imaginative scenes and descriptions and doesn't let you pull out of the fantasy world. Carson is strong and determined which is hard to find in some young adult heroine's. Redemption, love, and the fight over good and evil is what made this book overcome the greatness of the previous book. I am sad the story has ended, but the author didn't hold back in giving the readers a conclusion worth the wild ride!
Profile Image for Catie.
60 reviews14 followers
February 23, 2012
The Reckoning by M. Leighton is a fantastic sequel. The Reckoning is the perfect example of a novel where you need to make the choice of good vs. evil. The Reckoning is a nice change from the other paranormal novels that have been released recently. This novel is about reaping, which happens to be one of the first series that I have read on the topic.



The Reckoning has one of the most original storylines, which I found quite refreshing. With twists and turns and surprises along the way, you will find yourself on a roller coaster ride along with Carson and Derek. I was very happy with the level of romance in this novel. There are quite a bit of surprises thrown along the way to keep you guessing what will happen next. This novel is about self discovery and learning to trust yourself and your instincts along the way.




This novel comes highly recommended by me as one great read that will leave you impatiently waiting for the next book.
Profile Image for Carrol Lewis.
32 reviews4 followers
January 7, 2013
I have read a few of M. Leightons books and I have loved all of them, including this series. The first book grabs your attention as soon as you start and this book does just the same.
Carson is back and just wants to be normal just for a little bit of time, but her boyfriend is distant and differne than the person she used to love.Shes battling her twin siter in reaping of souls for good and evil all the while herr sister is taunting her and trying to steal her powers.
The books is descriptive and the main charcter is strongwilled and very determined a nice change of pace from weak female book heroines.
Its a great read and I recommend highly.
Profile Image for Maple.
201 reviews47 followers
December 30, 2011
Usually the second book in a series is never as good as the first. This is true of this book as well. It's not as good as the first book, it's better! I loved how everything played out. Literally, I was guessing every few pages what might happen next, but I was never right of course.

I loved how Derek developed as a characte most of all. He became that guy you really wanted to be with your self, or at least find someone like him.

I loved this book and the series. I'm glad Carson gets a bit of normal with Derek as well.

Just perfect.
Profile Image for Carrie.
189 reviews
November 10, 2011
4.5 stars...darnit, Goodreads! Where are those 1/2 stars?! Definitely liked this one better than the first...the romance between Derek and Carson was even better! Once Carson discovered her 'mission', the story started to feel different to me...in a good way! I loved the whole 'redemption' theme! And, as always, Ms. Leighton has such a way with words, that you get lost in the story! Fantastic writing, excellent pacing, and intriguing characters! Perfect ending! AND...it's clean! :)
Profile Image for Marie.
504 reviews387 followers
January 1, 2012
Loved the first one, then this is the sequel, found it was rushed and didn't enjoy it at all. I was so shocked at the end of the book as I though it was going to be another fab read but im sorry to say no, i found it boring. Which is mosre shocking as I really do love the author. I have enjoyed many of her books, so that it what has shocked me the most. I'm upset to give this book only a 2 stars as i hardly ever give out such low markings.
Profile Image for T.K..
Author 3 books111 followers
June 10, 2012
I still haven't finished reading this, but I don't think I can make myself. It's equally as creepy as the first book, but the story kind of unravels here. The author's message felt a little too obvious, and detracted from the story. And though I felt connected to the characters in the first book, they seemed more like caricatures this time around. I've liked several of Ms. Leighton's other books, and will probably read more from her in the future, but this one is not my favorite. 1.5 stars
Profile Image for Julie(Reading By The Beach).
131 reviews16 followers
December 6, 2011
I love when the second book is better than the first, especially when the first was already so amazing! Leighton knows how to spin a tale to captivate her readers and get them invested in her characters. Once again, strong plot and even stronger characters! Twists you can't predict, that keep you on the edge of your seat. Great writing!! Romance, mystery, creepy villains; this book has it all!
Profile Image for Periwinklepsyche.
1,555 reviews4 followers
June 1, 2012
unbelievably amazing!! The Fahllen series was an epitome of goodness! The Reckoning was perfect conclusion to the series.its sad to say goodbye to another book that i came to love.the depth of Carson & Derek's love made them overcome their weaknesses.Their faith made them strong to win their battle against evil & darkness.This absolutely one of my best read for the year! So love it!!
Profile Image for Tia.
Author 10 books142 followers
June 21, 2012
It was alright but at the same time I didn't feel totally impressed. I'm also questioning why the author made the name change from Garitt to Garett. It's mentioned as a note in the book that it was changed but not the reason why. This whole book was just totally nuts and very fast I found. There was just too much information circling for my brain to be completely happy with the novel.
Profile Image for Courtney.
1,979 reviews208 followers
October 17, 2012
Michelle never ceases to amaze me! This is a perfect ending to the series. Even though parts of the ending surprised me, I loved it!
This book is so different from other paranormal/fantasy books and I love that. You can really feel the chemistry between Carson and Derek in this book. Michelle writing makes the story come to life right in front of you.

Great end to The Fahllen Series!
Profile Image for Marulett.
731 reviews111 followers
November 22, 2011
I was really surprised with this book I didn´t think it would be this good.

i don´t want to give anything away but WOW!!!!!!

Loved every minute of the book, I couldn´t put it down!

Kudos to Miss Leighton for this great ending :)

Profile Image for Vanessa.
235 reviews8 followers
December 12, 2011
I think that if the characters of this story were real they were exhaling in relief when Ms. Leighton typed THE END because she sure kept them busy by non stoping threats and action...
I like Derek a lot more in this book because in the first one he seem cold and distant.
Profile Image for Andrea DiGiglio.
Author 5 books55 followers
January 6, 2012
After The Reaping I expected nothing less than exceptional from Michelle Leighton and that is exactly what she gave me. I laughed, I held my breathe and when it was all over I grinned with warm satisfaction.
Profile Image for Jackie.
268 reviews
January 9, 2012
I liked this book better than the first one. I'm sad to see that it was the end. I had wanted more but it was still really good. I love Derek, he's like my favourite character in there. I'm definitely going to continue reading Leighton's book and The Reckoning is a must read.
Profile Image for Marianna.
282 reviews4 followers
February 20, 2012
A very quick read...lots of twists and turns in the plot but at the conclusion everything seemingly falls into place as all good love stories shall. I will certainly pass this one along to my daughter (13) to read..
Profile Image for Heidi.
520 reviews5 followers
May 2, 2012
Just like the first book it only took me a few hours to read this. I did think there was one major hole in the plot line but other than the skip of somebody's reappearance being discovered it was a great book.
Profile Image for Anna Lynn Portwood.
334 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2011
WOOOOOW! I loved this book. I read the entire book in a matter of a few hours. I couldn't put it down. It is such an amazing book.... like all of Michelle's books are. ;)
Profile Image for Nicole.
496 reviews
November 9, 2011
Awesome conclusion to this series!!! This was a great series about the battle between good and evil. And I loved the happy ending at the end!!
Profile Image for Ivette.
38 reviews
April 30, 2012
I couldn't really focuse on this book, but the part that i could, i enjoyed it. Her new power was interesting and everything.... :)
Profile Image for Wendy.
643 reviews49 followers
December 7, 2014
Not the best thing I've ever read but not bad. =) Derek rocks =P
Profile Image for Mariana.
211 reviews
July 4, 2012


More like 4.5 stars! The reason it's not 5 stars it b/c I am greedy and want more! I want more details on what happened next! I could read M.Leighton books all day everyday!
21 reviews3 followers
April 28, 2012
Painful. Slow. Just painful. I think I'm done with M. Leighton.
Profile Image for Joyce.
65 reviews
Read
May 12, 2012
I loved this book! And how the author choose to write it. I could keep up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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