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A Crack in the World
A Crack in the World: The Reckoning
USSR, 1941. In the frozen desolation of Siberia, a shaman unleashes an ancient entity from its slumber deep within an abandoned salt mine.
England, 1996. The echoes of that distant ritual reach across time as Meren-Ptah, a foe the RPI Gran Maestro occultist Gino Marcotti once vanquished, returns. With the line between the living and the dead blurred, Gino and Carter Williams must unravel the mystery connecting the past to the present. What dark force has been awakened, and how can the mistakes of history be undone? When the past and the paranormal collide, only the dead hold the key to saving the living.
England, 1996. The echoes of that distant ritual reach across time as Meren-Ptah, a foe the RPI Gran Maestro occultist Gino Marcotti once vanquished, returns. With the line between the living and the dead blurred, Gino and Carter Williams must unravel the mystery connecting the past to the present. What dark force has been awakened, and how can the mistakes of history be undone? When the past and the paranormal collide, only the dead hold the key to saving the living.
358 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2025
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
James F. Mordechai
3 books35 followersJames Mordechai writes New Weird books and enjoys the placid seas of anonymity. There is no biography other than his books.
Although not quite known in this world, James Mordechai's work has been extensively read, studied and acclaimed in other realities. Here is just a tiny excerpt of the numerous reviews he received for his major contributions to human (and non-) literature:
REVIEWS
"Mordechai's imagination is vast. One of the great storytellers of our time." - Miskatonic Times
"Chock-full of riveting action." - Daily Arkham (midnight edition)
"Mordechai takes the New Weird to new phantasmagorical levels." - The Sunday Pentagram
"Great, brilliant, simply unputdownable!" - James T. from Barnard Castle
https://linktr.ee/jamesmordechai
Although not quite known in this world, James Mordechai's work has been extensively read, studied and acclaimed in other realities. Here is just a tiny excerpt of the numerous reviews he received for his major contributions to human (and non-) literature:
REVIEWS
"Mordechai's imagination is vast. One of the great storytellers of our time." - Miskatonic Times
"Chock-full of riveting action." - Daily Arkham (midnight edition)
"Mordechai takes the New Weird to new phantasmagorical levels." - The Sunday Pentagram
"Great, brilliant, simply unputdownable!" - James T. from Barnard Castle
https://linktr.ee/jamesmordechai
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 28, 2025
Mordechai‘s A Crack in the World sequel The Reckoning is a trip back to the 90s and you’ll feel like you had never left Gino and Carter and the horrors of Meren-Ptah at all. And yet again, the story starts with an appropriately eerie event in 1941 thus setting the tone for the story to happen in 1996.
After the events of A Crack in the World, the first book, Gino and Carter found themselves dealing with cases of rather mundane nature and Gino, particularly, was itching for something a bit more fitting to his particular skills. Something to tantalize him. And as the saying goes about being careful about one’s wishes, Gino gets what he asks for and more.
Carter on the other hand is still trying to find his feet with everything that is supernatural, but due to his relationship and professional ties to Gino, is unable to turn his back to the RPI, the Royal Paranormal Institute. Not when Gino, and the world, still have need for his muscle.
Whilst Carter provides the brawl, even at the cost of his personal life suffering, Gino has a different personal conundrum. He is getting old, and morbid, and he feels like he needs to pass down his wealth of knowledge to someone who can take on his mantle. Does he find an apprentice? And does preparing for the future mean that Gino will not survive past this book? I mean… *shrugs* Maybe, maybe not. The one thing we can always be certain of is that nothing ever goes to plan and when you think you know what to expect, you’ll be proven wrong.
The Reckoning is engaging and upon first glance perhaps not scary in a way that a serial killer horror would make one feel in comparison, but The Reckoning creeps up on you. Sinister is not always loud and gory. Sometimes, the sinister comes quietly, quickly and messes with your head just enough to not really ever lose the sense of uncomfortable at something unseen and ancient.
Mordechai‘s writing is one I would describe as descriptive to create just the right atmosphere and tension without being overbearing and becoming arduous. The Reckoning has a sense of confidence and a sure stride about it as it explores what it means to be a mere human in a world where greater evil can simply wipe you from existence. Our characters will be set against the fact of human fragility as well as limited mental and physical capabilities, and are made to wonder what comes next, after they themselves are gone? Makes you think that whatever great and cosmic forces humanity faces have always been there, waiting for their moment to awake or be awakened. And in that very sense, the horror in the book is presented with perfection.
That said, The Reckoning doesn’t hold back from throwing our characters into danger and action, as we are dealing with a fast paced tale which weaves 2 connecting story-lines in the same fashion it did in the first book. There is an air of mystery about the story as Gino and Carter are set on a path to solve a huge problem through detective work, during which their own relationship dynamic is explored in a way that says they care about each other without actually saying it out and rather using the more basic emotions such as fear and anger.
My most anticipated part about The Reckoning was a chance to dive into the past through Amiclare’s diary entries, and I was pleased to see the Intermezzos peppering the story, tying the events of 1941 to 1996. I find, the Intermezzos set the vibe, and further cement the occult knowledge and atmosphere of the book. They pad out the mysterious element of the arcane, of something that is as old as time, and make the unseen, cosmic horrors feel unbeatable, and the human life next to the paranormal seem tiny in comparison. And really, even though Amilcare is long dead, he feels like a true character that you look forward to reading about again. He’s interesting and he’s seen things and been to places in a time that the world was in turmoil. All of which is a testament to Mordechai‘s writing. It simply evokes such musings, and feelings of attachment to story and characters.
Simply put, I love the occult vibe of the A Crack in the World books, I love the way Mordechai takes the reader to 90s and beyond, in this life and beyond. The emotional roller-coaster of our characters and the dangers they face on this plane and beyond… I love the paranormal, the scientific, the explainable and unexplainable. The way Mordechai doesn’t rush his stories, and how he doesn’t waste words. You pick up a Mordechai book and you’ll know who’s leading this dance. He sets the tone and cranks the dial to take you back in time magically, cosmically. The Reckoning is a capsule and you will be entrapped in it until it is done.
After the events of A Crack in the World, the first book, Gino and Carter found themselves dealing with cases of rather mundane nature and Gino, particularly, was itching for something a bit more fitting to his particular skills. Something to tantalize him. And as the saying goes about being careful about one’s wishes, Gino gets what he asks for and more.
Carter on the other hand is still trying to find his feet with everything that is supernatural, but due to his relationship and professional ties to Gino, is unable to turn his back to the RPI, the Royal Paranormal Institute. Not when Gino, and the world, still have need for his muscle.
Whilst Carter provides the brawl, even at the cost of his personal life suffering, Gino has a different personal conundrum. He is getting old, and morbid, and he feels like he needs to pass down his wealth of knowledge to someone who can take on his mantle. Does he find an apprentice? And does preparing for the future mean that Gino will not survive past this book? I mean… *shrugs* Maybe, maybe not. The one thing we can always be certain of is that nothing ever goes to plan and when you think you know what to expect, you’ll be proven wrong.
The Reckoning is engaging and upon first glance perhaps not scary in a way that a serial killer horror would make one feel in comparison, but The Reckoning creeps up on you. Sinister is not always loud and gory. Sometimes, the sinister comes quietly, quickly and messes with your head just enough to not really ever lose the sense of uncomfortable at something unseen and ancient.
Mordechai‘s writing is one I would describe as descriptive to create just the right atmosphere and tension without being overbearing and becoming arduous. The Reckoning has a sense of confidence and a sure stride about it as it explores what it means to be a mere human in a world where greater evil can simply wipe you from existence. Our characters will be set against the fact of human fragility as well as limited mental and physical capabilities, and are made to wonder what comes next, after they themselves are gone? Makes you think that whatever great and cosmic forces humanity faces have always been there, waiting for their moment to awake or be awakened. And in that very sense, the horror in the book is presented with perfection.
That said, The Reckoning doesn’t hold back from throwing our characters into danger and action, as we are dealing with a fast paced tale which weaves 2 connecting story-lines in the same fashion it did in the first book. There is an air of mystery about the story as Gino and Carter are set on a path to solve a huge problem through detective work, during which their own relationship dynamic is explored in a way that says they care about each other without actually saying it out and rather using the more basic emotions such as fear and anger.
My most anticipated part about The Reckoning was a chance to dive into the past through Amiclare’s diary entries, and I was pleased to see the Intermezzos peppering the story, tying the events of 1941 to 1996. I find, the Intermezzos set the vibe, and further cement the occult knowledge and atmosphere of the book. They pad out the mysterious element of the arcane, of something that is as old as time, and make the unseen, cosmic horrors feel unbeatable, and the human life next to the paranormal seem tiny in comparison. And really, even though Amilcare is long dead, he feels like a true character that you look forward to reading about again. He’s interesting and he’s seen things and been to places in a time that the world was in turmoil. All of which is a testament to Mordechai‘s writing. It simply evokes such musings, and feelings of attachment to story and characters.
Simply put, I love the occult vibe of the A Crack in the World books, I love the way Mordechai takes the reader to 90s and beyond, in this life and beyond. The emotional roller-coaster of our characters and the dangers they face on this plane and beyond… I love the paranormal, the scientific, the explainable and unexplainable. The way Mordechai doesn’t rush his stories, and how he doesn’t waste words. You pick up a Mordechai book and you’ll know who’s leading this dance. He sets the tone and cranks the dial to take you back in time magically, cosmically. The Reckoning is a capsule and you will be entrapped in it until it is done.
March 24, 2025
A Crack in the World: The Reckoning is the propulsive second book in the occult horror thriller series The Marcotti Cases, written by James Mordechai. An excellent sequel that takes us back to the 90s, weaving a new layer over the Meren-Ptah story, introducing new characters and, especially, returning with Carter and Gino, the explosive duo that will have to face more dangers (and technically, it can work as a standalone).
In the center of our new story will be again Meren-Ptah to create the chaos, but in this new story, we will also deal with the internal conflicts of our duo. Despite Carter wanting to get far from the paranormal, knowing that Gino needs him and his muscle will take him to new situations where we will see him finally having to deal with the paranormal; and even if Gino feels old and is thinking about passing his mantle, we will have him again having to tackle over an evil force. The chemistry between the duo is simply amazing, and even when they are from opposite places, they form the perfect pair.
Mordechai takes the reader on a new journey into the occult and mysticism, a fascinating one that will see our main characters putting their lives at the stake in order to stop Meren Ptah. Introducing new characters also helps in building a new layer in this world, especially with that prologue and the Intermezzos, which act as a second timeline in the story, putting some light over Gino's father and the incident that is described at the start of the novel.
The writing works well, descriptive enough to create an atmosphere that draws tension towards the reader, but keeping an agile pacing that suits well with the thriller structure. It invites you to continue reading.
A Crack in the World: The Reckoning is an excellent novel if you are in the awe to read a thriller that draws into the occultism for the horror elements with a great duo of main characters. A worthy sequel to the excellent first novel in Mordechai's series.
In the center of our new story will be again Meren-Ptah to create the chaos, but in this new story, we will also deal with the internal conflicts of our duo. Despite Carter wanting to get far from the paranormal, knowing that Gino needs him and his muscle will take him to new situations where we will see him finally having to deal with the paranormal; and even if Gino feels old and is thinking about passing his mantle, we will have him again having to tackle over an evil force. The chemistry between the duo is simply amazing, and even when they are from opposite places, they form the perfect pair.
Mordechai takes the reader on a new journey into the occult and mysticism, a fascinating one that will see our main characters putting their lives at the stake in order to stop Meren Ptah. Introducing new characters also helps in building a new layer in this world, especially with that prologue and the Intermezzos, which act as a second timeline in the story, putting some light over Gino's father and the incident that is described at the start of the novel.
The writing works well, descriptive enough to create an atmosphere that draws tension towards the reader, but keeping an agile pacing that suits well with the thriller structure. It invites you to continue reading.
A Crack in the World: The Reckoning is an excellent novel if you are in the awe to read a thriller that draws into the occultism for the horror elements with a great duo of main characters. A worthy sequel to the excellent first novel in Mordechai's series.
March 22, 2025
Thank you James for sending me an early copy for review.
A Crack in the World: The Reckoning is another very strong book from Mordechai. Introducing both new characters to the story and revisiting Gino and Carter the story effortlessly weaves in details from the first book while quickly getting into the action. This can be read either standalone or as a sequel, Mordechai has made sure that no reader will be lost.
Intertwined throughout the book are chapters from Atom, an Armenian physicist who travels to Siberia and encounters horrors in and around a salt mine. This part really reminded me of the Dyatlov Pass incident, as at first it seems like Atom and his team are running from unknown somethings that get most of them killed (I'd also watched a programme about it recently so it was at the forefront of my mind).
Our old foe Meren-Ptah is at the centre of the story again, and he's once more causing chaos. A second visit to the same demon plane we went to in the first book shows it as a barren and abandoned place. I particularly loved some carvings that Mordechai introduced here as it was not only a really great look back at the events of book 1, but added a whole new sense of creepy to the book.
Carter really shines in The Reckoning. There are points where he is alone and can't lean on Gino for the occult, and so he comes into his own to figure out some occult things by himself. No spoilers though, sorry.
Mordechai is a wonderful storyteller and while Reckoning doesn't necessarily have the big world-ending scenes from book 1 it takes a slightly quieter (relatively) approach to ending the world. Demon planes, museums, occult and Gari the dog having his moment. Reckoning is fast-paced and will drag you right into the story. I'm fairly sure Mordechai could throw any occult words or idea and I'd run with it. The confidence and knowledge the book oozes makes it so easy to get lost in the occult.
This is such a fun read and I had the best time revisiting these characters and story.
A Crack in the World: The Reckoning is another very strong book from Mordechai. Introducing both new characters to the story and revisiting Gino and Carter the story effortlessly weaves in details from the first book while quickly getting into the action. This can be read either standalone or as a sequel, Mordechai has made sure that no reader will be lost.
Intertwined throughout the book are chapters from Atom, an Armenian physicist who travels to Siberia and encounters horrors in and around a salt mine. This part really reminded me of the Dyatlov Pass incident, as at first it seems like Atom and his team are running from unknown somethings that get most of them killed (I'd also watched a programme about it recently so it was at the forefront of my mind).
Our old foe Meren-Ptah is at the centre of the story again, and he's once more causing chaos. A second visit to the same demon plane we went to in the first book shows it as a barren and abandoned place. I particularly loved some carvings that Mordechai introduced here as it was not only a really great look back at the events of book 1, but added a whole new sense of creepy to the book.
Carter really shines in The Reckoning. There are points where he is alone and can't lean on Gino for the occult, and so he comes into his own to figure out some occult things by himself. No spoilers though, sorry.
Mordechai is a wonderful storyteller and while Reckoning doesn't necessarily have the big world-ending scenes from book 1 it takes a slightly quieter (relatively) approach to ending the world. Demon planes, museums, occult and Gari the dog having his moment. Reckoning is fast-paced and will drag you right into the story. I'm fairly sure Mordechai could throw any occult words or idea and I'd run with it. The confidence and knowledge the book oozes makes it so easy to get lost in the occult.
This is such a fun read and I had the best time revisiting these characters and story.
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January 16, 2025I hope you enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews