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Wardens Of The Rift #2
Reckoning: Wardens of the Rift, Book Two
Ranked Top 100 in Contemporary Fantasy on Amazon
The explosive continuation of the Wardens of the Rift series, beginning with Ascension.
The battle for Central Park exposed everything.
Now the world knows the monsters are real, and the ones who fought them aren’t exactly human either.
Marek Tomlinson lies trapped in a coma, his power burning through what’s left of his humanity. In the dreamworld, a being older than gods drags him through trials meant to break and remake him. And when Marek finally finds the keys to escape, the question isn’t whether he’ll return… It’s who and what he’ll be when he does.
Kaycee Gordon is pulled into the storm—forced to stand before world leaders who fear what they don’t understand, and to face something far worse rising in the shadows.
And Tucker Daniels? He woke up changed by a power he doesn’t understand. No longer quite human, he’s just trying to survive in a world of monsters and gods. He’s out of his depth, but he’s going to stand and fight, because Kaycee and the team need him.
As an ancient goddess rises to claim the world for herself, and cosmic forces with hidden agendas play games in the background, the three of them will stand between earth and destruction—bound by loyalty, power, and a love that might not survive what comes next.
The explosive continuation of the Wardens of the Rift series, beginning with Ascension.
The battle for Central Park exposed everything.
Now the world knows the monsters are real, and the ones who fought them aren’t exactly human either.
Marek Tomlinson lies trapped in a coma, his power burning through what’s left of his humanity. In the dreamworld, a being older than gods drags him through trials meant to break and remake him. And when Marek finally finds the keys to escape, the question isn’t whether he’ll return… It’s who and what he’ll be when he does.
Kaycee Gordon is pulled into the storm—forced to stand before world leaders who fear what they don’t understand, and to face something far worse rising in the shadows.
And Tucker Daniels? He woke up changed by a power he doesn’t understand. No longer quite human, he’s just trying to survive in a world of monsters and gods. He’s out of his depth, but he’s going to stand and fight, because Kaycee and the team need him.
As an ancient goddess rises to claim the world for herself, and cosmic forces with hidden agendas play games in the background, the three of them will stand between earth and destruction—bound by loyalty, power, and a love that might not survive what comes next.
544 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2026
About the author
Jay S. Scott
2 books15 followersMy love for writing stories began in fifth grade. It all started with an assignment from my teacher, Mr. Garreffa who introduced us to something called “Squiggle Stories.” He’d hand us a half-finished drawing and give us two instructions:
1. Finish the drawing using your imagination.
2. Write a story inspired by it.
And let me tell you… my little brain exploded. I was hooked.
Like most things, the urge to write faded as I got older and life got harder. But that inner fifth grader never really went away. I daydreamed constantly—through high school, college, and even into adulthood—building elaborate worlds in my head while sitting at school, work and wherever.
Then, after being laid off for the first time in my professional career, I finally said, Screw it. I’m going to write my own story.
That was March of 2017, when I began writing Ascension. I hand-wrote the first ninety pages in an old college-ruled notebook. Around that time, I posted some very raw, unfinished excerpts online in a questionable writers’ chat (I genuinely couldn’t tell you what site it was). The feedback was unanimous: I had a hell of a story, but my prose was… not great.
So, I did the work.
I shelved the manuscript and devoured everything I could about writing. I attended lectures, watched videos, and read literature on the process. From Jerry B. Jenkins' videos on YouTube, to reading about the journey from seasoned self-published authors, I was determined to learn how to tell this story the way it deserved to be told, so it would grab readers by the throat and refuse to let go.
In March of 2025 (yes… it took a while), after building a career and becoming a parent, I decided, with no small amount of encouragement from a coworker (who later became my alpha reader), that I was finally going to do this thing. And four months later, in July, Ascension was published.
Writing is my single creative outlet. It’s also my escape, and my way of stepping out of the black-and-white world of my day job in Human Resources.
I live in Kansas with my adventurous four-year-old son, my supportive (and occasionally skeptical) wife, and more story ideas than I’ll ever have time to write. When I’m not daydreaming, drafting battle scenes, or fleshing out ancient mythologies, I’m chasing my kid, running solo on a trail, or trying to balance work, family, and the next book.
It’s a chaotic season consisting of late nights, exhaustion, and the occasional bout of writer’s block, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
If you’d like to follow along on the journey, read my blog, or get updates on Dominion, the third and final book in the Wardens of the Rift series, you can visit me at: https://authorjaysscott.org/
1. Finish the drawing using your imagination.
2. Write a story inspired by it.
And let me tell you… my little brain exploded. I was hooked.
Like most things, the urge to write faded as I got older and life got harder. But that inner fifth grader never really went away. I daydreamed constantly—through high school, college, and even into adulthood—building elaborate worlds in my head while sitting at school, work and wherever.
Then, after being laid off for the first time in my professional career, I finally said, Screw it. I’m going to write my own story.
That was March of 2017, when I began writing Ascension. I hand-wrote the first ninety pages in an old college-ruled notebook. Around that time, I posted some very raw, unfinished excerpts online in a questionable writers’ chat (I genuinely couldn’t tell you what site it was). The feedback was unanimous: I had a hell of a story, but my prose was… not great.
So, I did the work.
I shelved the manuscript and devoured everything I could about writing. I attended lectures, watched videos, and read literature on the process. From Jerry B. Jenkins' videos on YouTube, to reading about the journey from seasoned self-published authors, I was determined to learn how to tell this story the way it deserved to be told, so it would grab readers by the throat and refuse to let go.
In March of 2025 (yes… it took a while), after building a career and becoming a parent, I decided, with no small amount of encouragement from a coworker (who later became my alpha reader), that I was finally going to do this thing. And four months later, in July, Ascension was published.
Writing is my single creative outlet. It’s also my escape, and my way of stepping out of the black-and-white world of my day job in Human Resources.
I live in Kansas with my adventurous four-year-old son, my supportive (and occasionally skeptical) wife, and more story ideas than I’ll ever have time to write. When I’m not daydreaming, drafting battle scenes, or fleshing out ancient mythologies, I’m chasing my kid, running solo on a trail, or trying to balance work, family, and the next book.
It’s a chaotic season consisting of late nights, exhaustion, and the occasional bout of writer’s block, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
If you’d like to follow along on the journey, read my blog, or get updates on Dominion, the third and final book in the Wardens of the Rift series, you can visit me at: https://authorjaysscott.org/
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
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April 28, 2026I am stopping at 14%. I am not feeling this story right now. I will try again at a different time and see if I feel different about it.
Review of advance copy
I was gifted an E-copy of Reckoning: Wardens of The Rift through Booksprout to read and review before publishing. All opinions are my own.
When initially approached to read and review Ascension, the first book in this series, it was my first Contemporary fantasy, and introduction into the fantasy genre in general as an adult reader.
I've never considered myself one particularly interested in reading the genre, these books changed my mind.
With Scott's straight forward prose and detailed fight scenes, this series pulls you in immediately and eases you into the complicated new realm of fantasy.
Walking into book two we get two supporting characters pushed up into the limelight with sufficient play from our main duo Marek and Kaycee, who spend a majority of the book on their own respective journeys.
With Kaycee tending to Marek in her limited free time while attempting to mitigate global unrest following the aftermath of the battle in Central Park, Marek trapped within his own mind and forced to train his power by an unknown being with questionable motives, we are left with wise-guy Tucker and his new found powers, courtesy of "Marek's magic hugs" (Chen's best bit so far), and the rest of the crew, under the order of a compromised superior.
Confusion and a terror plague our team when a silent player joins the board to stir up any plans out group has to set things right before the rift collapses completely. Allowing all manners of beasts and other-worldly foes to plunge feet first into the unlearned and decidedly unprepared realm of humanity.
The Tucker/Chen dynamic was a lot of fun, they are quite different from our power couple Kaycee and Marek, and I actually prefer their dynamic.
Mareks training with Razzek was a major interest point for me that I do wish was explained in more detail, the other realms beyond the Rift are an interesting topic that I hope to see explored further in the final book of the series!
The new character additions we get in this book, mainly the addition of new Titans and "Daughter of Titan Onos" were the highlight of the story for me. Scott's female characters are written well and hold a dear place in my head, with all of them being relatable in one way or another. I hate Nyxia's guts and that, to me, is a sign of a well written villainess.
All of the adult focused scenes in this book are well written and do not detract from the story.
The respective couples and their differing dynamics are fun to read about, with Chen and Tucker being my favorite couple between the two!
CAWPILE rating: 4.5/5 stars
Characters: 10/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
I do hope for a bit more detail in the world building when it comes to the rifts and the other dimensions in book three, I wanted more from this and the first book.
I have a good imagination, but I would be nice to keep it cohesive for other readers that may struggle with mental visualization or do not consider themselves to have a "mind's eye".
Writing style: 10/10
Scott has a straightforward and engaging writing style.
Plot: 7/10
Intrigue: 9/10
Logic/relationships 9/10
Enjoyment 9/10
Spice: 8/10
There is open door romance. I did enjoy reading about the respective couples. Well written and a spice level of 3/5.
I will absolutely be recommending this series to fantasy lovers and beginners alike. I look forward to reading anything that Scott puts out in the future!
Thank you to Booksprout and Jay S. Scott for the opportunity to read and review this E-book.
When initially approached to read and review Ascension, the first book in this series, it was my first Contemporary fantasy, and introduction into the fantasy genre in general as an adult reader.
I've never considered myself one particularly interested in reading the genre, these books changed my mind.
With Scott's straight forward prose and detailed fight scenes, this series pulls you in immediately and eases you into the complicated new realm of fantasy.
Walking into book two we get two supporting characters pushed up into the limelight with sufficient play from our main duo Marek and Kaycee, who spend a majority of the book on their own respective journeys.
With Kaycee tending to Marek in her limited free time while attempting to mitigate global unrest following the aftermath of the battle in Central Park, Marek trapped within his own mind and forced to train his power by an unknown being with questionable motives, we are left with wise-guy Tucker and his new found powers, courtesy of "Marek's magic hugs" (Chen's best bit so far), and the rest of the crew, under the order of a compromised superior.
Confusion and a terror plague our team when a silent player joins the board to stir up any plans out group has to set things right before the rift collapses completely. Allowing all manners of beasts and other-worldly foes to plunge feet first into the unlearned and decidedly unprepared realm of humanity.
The Tucker/Chen dynamic was a lot of fun, they are quite different from our power couple Kaycee and Marek, and I actually prefer their dynamic.
Mareks training with Razzek was a major interest point for me that I do wish was explained in more detail, the other realms beyond the Rift are an interesting topic that I hope to see explored further in the final book of the series!
The new character additions we get in this book, mainly the addition of new Titans and "Daughter of Titan Onos" were the highlight of the story for me. Scott's female characters are written well and hold a dear place in my head, with all of them being relatable in one way or another. I hate Nyxia's guts and that, to me, is a sign of a well written villainess.
All of the adult focused scenes in this book are well written and do not detract from the story.
The respective couples and their differing dynamics are fun to read about, with Chen and Tucker being my favorite couple between the two!
CAWPILE rating: 4.5/5 stars
Characters: 10/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
I do hope for a bit more detail in the world building when it comes to the rifts and the other dimensions in book three, I wanted more from this and the first book.
I have a good imagination, but I would be nice to keep it cohesive for other readers that may struggle with mental visualization or do not consider themselves to have a "mind's eye".
Writing style: 10/10
Scott has a straightforward and engaging writing style.
Plot: 7/10
Intrigue: 9/10
Logic/relationships 9/10
Enjoyment 9/10
Spice: 8/10
There is open door romance. I did enjoy reading about the respective couples. Well written and a spice level of 3/5.
I will absolutely be recommending this series to fantasy lovers and beginners alike. I look forward to reading anything that Scott puts out in the future!
Thank you to Booksprout and Jay S. Scott for the opportunity to read and review this E-book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Even better than the first!
If Wardens of the Rift : Ascension set the stage, Reckoning completely steals the show. I found myself even more engaged this time around—the stakes feel higher, and the world feels vast and dangerous in the best way possible
The World & The Stakes
What I love most is how the author keeps building out the lore. Just when you think you understand the realms, you realize we’ve barely scratched the surface. Knowing there are still enemies and corners of this universe we haven’t met yet keeps the tension perfectly balanced.
Character Growth
The depth in this installment is fantastic:
• Marek: Watching his growth in this book is incredibly rewarding. He’s evolving in a way that feels natural and earned.
• The Women of the Rift: The strength of the female characters remains a massive highlight for me. They are powerhouse figures who lead with both intelligence and grit
.
That Twist!
I won’t give anything away, but the plot twist involving the antagonist was brilliant. It caught me off guard and added a whole new layer of complexity to the conflict.
This is a stellar sequel that proves this series has a lot more ground to cover. I'm officially hooked and can't wait for the next one!
Overall this story and universe was a great find. Can’t wait for next book
If Wardens of the Rift : Ascension set the stage, Reckoning completely steals the show. I found myself even more engaged this time around—the stakes feel higher, and the world feels vast and dangerous in the best way possible
The World & The Stakes
What I love most is how the author keeps building out the lore. Just when you think you understand the realms, you realize we’ve barely scratched the surface. Knowing there are still enemies and corners of this universe we haven’t met yet keeps the tension perfectly balanced.
Character Growth
The depth in this installment is fantastic:
• Marek: Watching his growth in this book is incredibly rewarding. He’s evolving in a way that feels natural and earned.
• The Women of the Rift: The strength of the female characters remains a massive highlight for me. They are powerhouse figures who lead with both intelligence and grit
.
That Twist!
I won’t give anything away, but the plot twist involving the antagonist was brilliant. It caught me off guard and added a whole new layer of complexity to the conflict.
This is a stellar sequel that proves this series has a lot more ground to cover. I'm officially hooked and can't wait for the next one!
Overall this story and universe was a great find. Can’t wait for next book
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received my copy of Reckoning from the Wardens of the Rift series as an Arc. Thank you Jay S Scott for allowing me to read about my boy Tucker ahead of the release date 😍
If you thought Ascension had none stop action then hold on to your seats!!! Reckoning picks right up where we left Marek, Kaycee, Tucker and the gang! The emotional growth of each of these characters is so impactful. It will make you feel all the feels as they step through all the things in order to prepare for the newest threat to humanity, Nyxia. Once again the story telling and world building are so descriptive and immersive. The relationships are stretched and tested. THE BANTER is chefs kiss!!!! If you’re a Tucker stan (and let’s face it who isn’t right?!) there is LOTS more Tucker in this book!! The plot is plotting my friends and the hits just come one after the other. Several twits and turns. It’s a page turner for sure. Jay S Scott has really outdone himself with book 2 so buckle up because you really aren’t ready! I can’t wait for book 3!!!!
If you thought Ascension had none stop action then hold on to your seats!!! Reckoning picks right up where we left Marek, Kaycee, Tucker and the gang! The emotional growth of each of these characters is so impactful. It will make you feel all the feels as they step through all the things in order to prepare for the newest threat to humanity, Nyxia. Once again the story telling and world building are so descriptive and immersive. The relationships are stretched and tested. THE BANTER is chefs kiss!!!! If you’re a Tucker stan (and let’s face it who isn’t right?!) there is LOTS more Tucker in this book!! The plot is plotting my friends and the hits just come one after the other. Several twits and turns. It’s a page turner for sure. Jay S Scott has really outdone himself with book 2 so buckle up because you really aren’t ready! I can’t wait for book 3!!!!
Review of advance copy
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. We got to spend more time with Tucker in this book, although I have to admit I did miss the Kaycee/Marek dynamic for most of the first half of the book. These characters are genuinely fun to read, they feel quite real. The banter between the team helps keep even the slower parts (not that there are many) entertaining. The pacing is good, moving at a good speed for most of it. The battles are well structured and easy to follow, as is the prose itself. The story is compelling and has you on the edge of your seat at times. I'm already looking forwards to book 3, which given the ending of book 2 is already looking good.
Thank you to the author and Booksprout for allowing me read this ARC.
Thank you to the author and Booksprout for allowing me read this ARC.
April 29, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I love when a book series starts right were the one before ended with no loss of time. The action is fast and the characters are becoming more beloved. I love how they are there for each other growing and coming together for the common good. I got my wish to have more of Tucker and Chen. I am truly enjoying how this author has brought the importance of Marek holding fast to his humanity. In the end it is what makes humans fragile, strong and so many other wonderful qualities. I am very interested in how this Titan is going to deal with Marek and help the team he has come to care for. What a wonderful series.
April 3, 2026
Picking up right where the action left off, Book 2 in the Wardens of the Rift series is a masterclass in tension. I found myself alternately screaming at the pages and marvelling at Jay S. Scott’s ability to manipulate my emotions. It’s an immersive experience that envelopes you in a warm hug before ruthlessly squeezing you dry. Highly recommended!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I found this on TikTok and received an ARC copy. The strangest thing is that it’s not one of my normal books. It was definitely out of my comfort zone but I thought to give it a try anyways! I did enjoy the book and its characters. Though my favorite character was probably Wilko for his comedic relief. It was a fast read but definitely worth it.
Thought I never quite understood how Marek didn’t recognize Razeek right away. His head kept telling him it was him but he blamed it on PTSD. Regardless, it was great and I’m glad I got the chance to read it!!!
Thought I never quite understood how Marek didn’t recognize Razeek right away. His head kept telling him it was him but he blamed it on PTSD. Regardless, it was great and I’m glad I got the chance to read it!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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