Cody is dead. The dragons are awake. And two furious gods are seven days away from erasing Gardonia from existence.
The plan was supposed to work—trap all three celestial brothers, save the world, go home. Instead, Areya and Ash barely made it out alive, and Cody made the ultimate sacrifice... proving himself a true guardian and waking the dragons from a three-thousand-year sleep.
Now Eliot and Titus are coming—burning for revenge, no longer interested in conquest but in complete annihilation. The dragons bring hope. But also a deadline.
To stand against gods, they'll need more than strength. They'll need to restore what was the Earth Ember, the leylines, and the guardian magic that once held their world together.
Seven days to unite a shattered realm. Seven days to wake ancient power. Seven days to build a trap strong enough to hold beings who unravel reality with a thought.
And in every prophecy Areya reads, one truth keeps She's meant to destroy the gods... even if it means destroying herself.
Ash has seen it—visions of her dying in his arms, a fate written in blood and starlight. He'll tear prophecy apart before he lets it happen. Because saving the world is one thing. Saving her is everything.
As time runs out and old magic stirs, salvation arrives wearing a kind face and gentle words. But in a world where gods masquerade as saviors, trust might be the most dangerous weapon of all.
Some endings don't want to be changed. Sometimes love isn't enough to stop what's coming. So they won't wait for fate to decide. They'll be the reckoning.
I just finished reading, "Reckoning," Book 4 in Cosette Verga's incredible "Fated" series, and I had to absorb everything I'd read for a day before writing this review because THIS. BOOK. IS. AMAZING.
As the fourth book in the series, by now we have met- and grown to love- many characters of different backgrounds, personalities, and motivations; yet somehow, they all come together in such a cohesive way to help save Gardonia and the people they love.
This book felt so much like an epic fantasy/superhero movie, where the "it's all come down to this" moment arrives. It's the "Avengers, Assemble!" part of an epic story; every character has their own strengths and talents, and the team would not be what it is without each and EVERY one of them. "Found family" is a VERY PRESENT theme in this series, and Cosette has masterfully introduced us to these characters in such a real, tangible way- so much so, that I felt I knew them personally. I mourned with them, fought with them, and cheered for them.
The anticipation of EVERYTHING that has been building since Page 1 of Book 1 has finally arrived, and as the reader, I was equal parts excited to get here, but also terrified and scared.
One of the things I REALLY loved about this book, and the series in general, is that Cosette gives us so many moments with these characters where we see them not only in the epic moments, but in the quiet and simple ones, too. We get to see them navigating everyday life together, having fun together, and appreciating the little things- because they don't know when that time will run out.
During the course of reading this book, I laughed, I SOBBED, I gasped, I read as I held my breath as events unfolded on the page.
It all comes down to this. And you won't want to miss a moment!!
You will love this series and story if you like: -Fated mates/passion/spice -Found family -Strong female main character, strong characters overall -Epic fantasy -Final battles
I am emotionally drained after this book. Like… my heart actually hurts. 😂 So much happened, there were so many tears, and the emotional whiplash of people dying and then coming back was a LOT.
This book felt shorter, but it was packed with action and big moments. There was never a dull point, and I flew through it because I needed to know what happened next.
The reveal about Rieze completely shocked me. I expected something, but definitely not that. I’m so excited to get her full story in book five, and I’m very excited to see where things go with her and Calyx.
Areya is still Areya. I love her — she is me. Big heart, emotional, loves deeply. Her need for her man drives me a little crazy, but honestly… same. I would be lost without my husband, so I can’t even judge her.
This book made me cry multiple times. Agidius sacrificing himself absolutely gutted me, and Shae being so lost without him was heartbreaking. Those moments hurt in the worst and best ways.
We do defeat the main threat in this book, but of course that just opens the door to an even bigger one. It really feels like all the storylines are finally starting to come together, and I love seeing how everything is connecting.
I’m still very invested in this series. It doesn’t feel like something you have to push through it’s easy to want to pick up the next book right away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A RECKONING, it indeed was. This book delivers to the reader 10 fold. It will have you BELIEVING, UNRAVEL, CRAVE FOR FATE TO CHANGE, ACHE WITH DESPAIR. Every emotion drawn out so purely because the writing is so ENGAGING. The thrill, heartaches, and mind shattering moments were so enjoyable, every pulse spike, every tear, every laugh, utterly worth it. Because after it all... you have Gardonia... you have a family that will welcome you into it anytime you wish.
Book 5 is awaited with bated breath... the journey goes on, and just when you breathe easy, the cost to save will take it right out of your soul
This book definitely takes you through the ringer of emotions. I don’t know if I’ve ever started out reading a book while crying. This one made me. There was so much unveiled yet so much left to unveil. The only thing I wasn’t a huge fan of while reading this series was the formatting. I’m not sure if the printed versions are like that or if it was just my kindle. Still loved reading the series but wasn’t a fan of every word or every sentence being its own paragraph constantly. But this series is definitely worth the read! I need the next one now.
RECKONING by Cosette Verga Fated Series Book 4 | Romantic Fantasy
✨ A tense, emotional, “everything has been leading to this” installment that pushes every character to the edge and raises the stakes higher than ever.
Cody is gone. The dragons have awakened. And two furious gods are seven days away from burning Gardonia out of existence. Areya and Ash barely survived their last mission, and now the countdown to annihilation has officially begun.
To stop Eliot and Titus, Areya must restore the Earth Ember, stabilize the leylines, and rebuild the guardian magic that once protected their world. Every prophecy points to the same truth: she is meant to destroy the gods, even if it costs her life. Ash refuses to accept that future. His visions show her dying in his arms, and he’s prepared to break prophecy itself before he lets that happen.
But with time running out, ancient powers surfacing, and a supposed “savior” arriving with perfect timing, trust becomes a dangerous weapon. Some endings resist change. Some battles demand sacrifice. And Areya and Ash refuse to let fate write the final chapter.
What I Loved: 🔥 A true “endgame” installment with tension from page one 🐉 Dragons, guardian magic, and ancient power finally stepping into the spotlight ⏳ A tight 7-day countdown that keeps the pacing sharp and emotional 💔 Grief, determination, loyalty, and love woven into every decision 👥 A full found family cast contributing in meaningful ways 🌌 Massive worldbuilding expansion without losing character focus 💘 Areya and Ash’s bond deepening through fear, trust, and choice 🛡️ Themes of sacrifice, hope, and fighting for the future you choose
Tropes & Elements: ❤️🔥 Fated Mates 🛡️ Found Family ⚡ Final-Battle Energy 🕊️ Destiny vs. Choice 🐉 Dragons + Ancient Magic 🌑 Lovers Fighting Fate 🧭 Multi-Realm Quest 💥 Prophecies, Visions, and High Stakes
Vibe: epic, emotional, urgent, heavy on character bonds Spice: present; rooted in emotional connection For fans of: large ensemble casts, dragon-heavy fantasy arcs, high-stakes romantasy, and “we’re in this together until the final blow” energy
💜 Reckoning delivers all the emotional weight, character payoff, and world-shifting stakes you expect from a fourth-book climax. This series keeps leveling up, and I cannot wait to see where book five takes Areya, Ash, and the fate of Gardonia.
Cosette Verga has created a beautiful world within the pages of The Fated Series. The story line is full of deep, beautifully flawed characters, starting with Ash & Areya. The world she created is full of magic, villains, vampires, shapeshifters, giants, dragons, and so much more. Along the vast journey these characters go through, more and more couples are introduced and become vital as the storyline progress.
That said, there are technical errors in this story. There is a huge missed opportunity to make each book about a different couple, and really provide the readers with the depth of character building we have become accustomed to with romantasy works. There is quite a bit of repetition in all of these books. Things are consistently repeated, and it almost feels as though the repetition is done intentionally to extend story. It is completely unnecessary. I was able to overlook these things as I have beta read quite a bit, however, I worry readers won’t be so forgiving. I would highly recommend that the author get a couple of really good beta readers who are going to be real with her and not worry about hurting her feelings. Authors want to know that their work is good and ready to be made public, they don’t want smoke blown up their butts.
It’s clear that Ms. Verga has a beautiful storytelling ability, there’s always refinement that is needed on the end product. Regardless, I wouldn’t have traded the journey I took with Ash & Areya, Calyx & Reize, and all of the other beautiful characters she has introduced me to. Ms. Verga, if you’re in need a good beta reader, hit me up.
Okay I was kind of brutal with rating this one because it was brutal for me to get through this book😂. Which is dumb because I still loved the plot. And I like the main 4 characters but all the literal like 12 other characters intertwined into everything was SO confusing. Not to mention that every time they were all together all of their actions/ emotions were being described and it was horrible to have to read reactions for like 20 people all at once and multiple times. I feel like every. Single. Chapter. In this book dragged on and on and on for no reason. Things were literally explained so far in depth in the most torturous way. The ending would have been so much better if it didn’t take forever. Also the technology/ mechanics of things happening in this book was also insanely confusing so half the time I didn’t know what the characters were talking about. The length could have been literally a third of what it was. I’m leaving annoyed because all of my main questions that I have will be answered in the next book but I need a break from this series so I won’t get them answered any time soon. Again I loved the plot but I cannot wholeheartedly recommend this book because it was excruciating to get through😖.
Book four really highlights how much the groundwork laid in book three pays off. This installment is explosive in the best way… fast-moving, emotionally charged, and deeply satisfying.
I flew through this one and cried more than once. The power of choice is palpable here, and watching the characters make decisions that feel true to who they are was incredibly rewarding. Actions, consequences, and the emotional beat landed because it stayed rooted in the characters we’ve come to know.
What I loved most is how long-simmering mysteries and storylines that have been quietly percolating begin to gain real clarity. The payoff feels earned, and the emotional weight hits harder because of the groundwork laid earlier in the series.
Overall, this book is a powerful reminder of how rewarding a layered story can be. It fully fueled what I already loved about this world and these characters
This was a fantastic series and sadly almost at the end one more novel to go. Cosette this has been a fantastic written fantasy of the world beyond our imagination of kingdoms and kings and queens. How Areya and ash and their friends fight to finally trap the brothers. You have brought every character in this series to life giving them voices and personalities of their own. You really have a gift that I'm glad you are sharing with the world and not only your children and their children to come. I would stay even a teenager can read this series as it's not full of sex and swearing. Yes there is some blood and gore but nowadays kids see that on TV and in life. Here they can really disappear and shut the echos of real world out for a while. May cosette writing journey reigh for many years. And let's hope that the last book which is almost done is truly not the last in the series.
Remember in yesterday’s review of Restored I mentioned it was probably the hardest book of the series for me (still a phenomenally written book, don’t skip it!!)? Well, Reckoning by Cosette Verga is where the characters I fell in love with get their absolute lick back against the true villains of this series, and I AM HERE FOR IT!! There’s dragons, giants, and more than one love story worth dying for over and over again. Hands down one of my top series this year and I want all of you to fall in love with it too 💜 all SEVEN books in the series (the last two are novellas that healed my heart from the absolute roller coaster that is the five full length books) are available on KU, so head on over to your kindle to fall in love with this series yourself, I promise it’s worth it!!
Fated mates Found family Strong FMC Epic fantasy Final battles Spicy/passion 🔥
This read was so immersive, I laughed, I cried with heart shattering moments, the roller coaster of emotions were so absolutely worth the read! The writing was beautiful and descriptive, it was like watching a movie! I love how every character has their own strengths and talents, not leaving them out, the found family, I was here for it. Cosette has a way of sucking you into the story and feeling a part of the world and never wanting to leave. I felt like I knew every character. I can’t talk anymore as I’m jumping into the next book! Binge reading the series. I have 100% recommend this book/series.
This book has over 700 pages but I devoured it in 2 days. The chapters were rushing one after another - I was so captivated. The grand finale - and what an end it was! I cried so so much. My heart break, my soul crushed, my tears fell in rivers. This book was full of choices, hope, friendship, love, choices and devotion. Unity is the main theme of the book. They have to prepare for the gods and have to find a way that everyone is still standing after their wrath and the fight. Be prepared to be emotionally shattered in every way - you laugh until you cry and you feel love until your chest is too full and you cry until there are no more tears.
Reckoning is a thrilling and emotionally engaging dark fantasy that showcases Cosette Verga’s talent for weaving magic, suspense, and romance into a compelling story. The characters are complex and relatable, their journeys filled with heartache, growth, and determination. The world-building is immersive, full of vivid detail and tension that keeps the stakes high throughout.
The story flows well, though a few scenes could have been a bit tighter, but this doesn’t take away from the overall experience.
Overall, Reckoning is a strong, satisfying read for fans of dark fantasy and paranormal romance, leaving you eager to see what happens next in Verga’s universe.
This whole entire series is absolutely incredible this final book had so many twists and turns I didn't expect I laughed I sure as heck cried and I swooped like no other at the men in this book! 🥹🥹 We got so many different character POVs we got a cliffhanger to leave room for the spin off about Reize and Calyx's love story which I absolutely cannot wait for! Cosette is an incredible writer and the character growth and development was so amazing! 5 stars This is now one of my favorite series I have read!! 🥹🥹😍😍😍😭😭
This book had soooo many different things happening but it all flowed well in my opinion. New characters, alliances formed, secrets. I definitely cried at some things even if I knew that it had to turn out okay in the end. I love Cody. Shae has definitely grown on me. She was just a hidden and misunderstood girl.
The only real thing I didn’t like was the use of “release a breath I didn’t realize I was holding” and other variations of the phrase. I felt like it was used a lot.
I did get this book as part of a review team and am leaving this review of my own will.
I received this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book is my favorite of the series as far as the story goes. The teenager feeling moments in prior books didn’t occur here. This book introduced a number of points of view and had some good foreshadowing. The formatting has bugged me throughout the series. The overuse of returns can make for some jarring reading. This book ends yet another storyline within this series and opens another.
Looking forward to the next book more after the growth within this one.
I don’t think I’ve ever been so chaotic with my emotions in one book setting as I have in this one. I’ve laughed a couple times. I’ve cried a couple times. I rejoiced in their happiness a couple times, but oh my god this was a whirlwind of emotions and drama, but it was so good and it had me hooked. I had to take my time on this book a little bit more than I did with the others and I’m so glad I did. This book is amazing through and through!
I think this book was my favorite of all! From the suspense to the plot and the build up to the fight against the Gods. It had it all. I quietly broke down a few times throughout the book but the ending was perfectly written and well deserved!! I’m excited to continue to find out what happens with Reize and Calyx! They are a complicated couple but perfect for each other!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I cried when Cody died! But he fulfilled his destiny and woke the dragons! Just for them to bring him back!? Yes please! But then Agidius dies and I cry again. Then Areya dies! I can't take much more of them dying! I love Areya for being so selfless and bringing back everyone who died for the cause!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
So many stories and point of views. This was the best one so far. You get to feel the other characters pain and triumph. It makes the story hit harder as they all face the greater evil. So much went into this series and this book doesn’t let up. The pain and love is immense.
I enjoyed this book but for some reason it dragged for me. I don't know if it was me but the lead up to the final took forever. The pacing was a little slow for me. The story and ending was good but I wanted a little more..... Something.....
Emotion packed, showing both the small quiet moments that mean everything as well as the big moments that shatter worlds. This book was written beautifully and is descriptive and fanciful, full of family (found) and bonds forged over trials, love, and time to fight for the things they believe in and for the people they love.