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Legacy of the King's Pirates #5
The Reckoning
When Morgan Shaw crept into the hold of an old pirate ship replica at San Diego’s Annual Tall Ship Festival, her only intention was to avoid the guy who had just dumped her and who was now boarding the ship with two women on his arm. What she didn’t expect was to wake up aboard a real pirate ship three-hundred years in the past. But of course, it wasn’t real. Her wealthy father had obviously staged it all in an effort to get her mind off her upcoming chemo. Or had he?
Pirate Rowan Dutton seeks enough treasure to repay a debt to his sister and reinstate the Dutton name among British Jamaican Society. He is but one major haul away from accomplishing his goal when a strange woman appears on his ship and causes him to lose his prey. Despite his anger, he is enthralled with the little minx, her strange clothing, odd speech, and her insistence that they are all actors playing a charade paid for by her father.
Yet when the brazen little lady divulges Rowan’s secret to a longtime nemesis, events are triggered that could cost them both their lives and change the course of history forever.
Pirate Rowan Dutton seeks enough treasure to repay a debt to his sister and reinstate the Dutton name among British Jamaican Society. He is but one major haul away from accomplishing his goal when a strange woman appears on his ship and causes him to lose his prey. Despite his anger, he is enthralled with the little minx, her strange clothing, odd speech, and her insistence that they are all actors playing a charade paid for by her father.
Yet when the brazen little lady divulges Rowan’s secret to a longtime nemesis, events are triggered that could cost them both their lives and change the course of history forever.
391 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2015
116 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
MaryLu Tyndall
57 books987 followersA Christy Award finalist and winner of two Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards, MaryLu Tyndall dreamt of tall ships and swashbuckling heroes during her childhood years on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. She holds a degree in Math and worked as a software engineer for fifteen years before she penned her first novel. Now, with more than twenty-five books published, she makes her home in California with her husband, six children, four grandchildren and various stray cats. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. For more information, visit her website at marylutyndall.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
June 12, 2015
MaryLu Tyndall can rock a pirate tale! It's great to be out on the high seas again with all her wonderful characters. AND she has brought some back from previous books so that we can have a nice visit with them, too.
This is a time travel pirate tale and it is a great one, too! Morgan has just been diagnosed with liver cancer and is at a pirate festival when she becomes lost from her friends and suddenly finds herself on a REAL pirate's ship in 1694! Oh goodness! But Morgan doesn't get it; she seems to think this is all a big act funded by her absentee father to make her feel better. When she finally realizes that this is indeed 1694, she is totally bereft.
Rowan is a pirate, trying to find that elusive treasure that will allow him to feel he finally measures up. Neither he nor Morgan have any use for God. However, as we all know, God has use for them!
This was a rollicking good book and I have always loved how MaryLu Tyndall includes spiritual warfare in her books. She is not afraid to tell it like it is. I can't wait for more in this series.
*This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.
This is a time travel pirate tale and it is a great one, too! Morgan has just been diagnosed with liver cancer and is at a pirate festival when she becomes lost from her friends and suddenly finds herself on a REAL pirate's ship in 1694! Oh goodness! But Morgan doesn't get it; she seems to think this is all a big act funded by her absentee father to make her feel better. When she finally realizes that this is indeed 1694, she is totally bereft.
Rowan is a pirate, trying to find that elusive treasure that will allow him to feel he finally measures up. Neither he nor Morgan have any use for God. However, as we all know, God has use for them!
This was a rollicking good book and I have always loved how MaryLu Tyndall includes spiritual warfare in her books. She is not afraid to tell it like it is. I can't wait for more in this series.
*This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.
January 1, 2022
I had the pleasure of listening to this story as an audiobook through Audible. The narration was beautiful and I was completely captured by the tale of Rowan Dutton and Morgan Shaw. The narrator did a beautiful job of creating different voices for both the men and women characters in The Reckoning and it made an already wonderful story just that much better. I truly did not want it to come to an end!
The Reckoning was such an adventurous tale! I loved that it was a time travel romance and had fun telling my family that I was enjoying listening to a “Christian, time travel, pirate, romance” story. And it really was all of those things. It was wonderfully refreshing and fun and was a beautiful story of redemption.
I liked so many different characters. I really felt for Morgan and all that she was going through. Although I found myself wanting her to realize that she’d traveled through time, it made sense that it would be hard to comprehend that reality. But, once she did realize that, the book really took off for me and was hard to set down. I thought her transformation from the beginning of the book to the end was fabulous.
Rowan was a wonderful hero. Very much a rogue, with a lot of baggage and the habits of a pirate, he had a lot of growing to do through the story. And it was a wonderful experience to see that happen! As The Reckoning is a story that involves pirates, there were references to drinking and some pirates who were looking to use the lady for their own pleasure. These references made sense in the story and I felt that they added realism to the novel.
There were a plethora of wonderful side characters who were part of the crew of the Reckoning and they added so much to the story. And I enjoyed meeting characters from some of the author’s previous books. That was especially fun. Even though I had not read the other books from the series, I had no trouble at all following along.
I really enjoyed this book and plan to read more in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
The Reckoning was such an adventurous tale! I loved that it was a time travel romance and had fun telling my family that I was enjoying listening to a “Christian, time travel, pirate, romance” story. And it really was all of those things. It was wonderfully refreshing and fun and was a beautiful story of redemption.
I liked so many different characters. I really felt for Morgan and all that she was going through. Although I found myself wanting her to realize that she’d traveled through time, it made sense that it would be hard to comprehend that reality. But, once she did realize that, the book really took off for me and was hard to set down. I thought her transformation from the beginning of the book to the end was fabulous.
Rowan was a wonderful hero. Very much a rogue, with a lot of baggage and the habits of a pirate, he had a lot of growing to do through the story. And it was a wonderful experience to see that happen! As The Reckoning is a story that involves pirates, there were references to drinking and some pirates who were looking to use the lady for their own pleasure. These references made sense in the story and I felt that they added realism to the novel.
There were a plethora of wonderful side characters who were part of the crew of the Reckoning and they added so much to the story. And I enjoyed meeting characters from some of the author’s previous books. That was especially fun. Even though I had not read the other books from the series, I had no trouble at all following along.
I really enjoyed this book and plan to read more in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
December 28, 2015
The Reckoning was one unique read. I've never read a time-travel novel that was also a pirate novel! It was so interesting to see the two unite and it made for a fun read!
I really loved the characters and how authentic the pirate angle felt. Rowan reminded me a little bit of Capt. Jack Sparrow and Morgan had a lot of spunk.
I liked how Morgan didn't right away realize that she had time traveled...I feel like in her circumstance it was believable. It was actually quite funny how she kept thinking the pirates were actors hired by her father. ;)
There was one thing towards the end of the book that I didn't like it. I won't say what it was because I don't want to spoil the book, but it had to do with Morgan and her disease.
Overall, a great story and I recommend it if you enjoy pirate and/or time-travel books! There was some romance and rogue behavior, but that's to be expected when you are dealing with pirates. ;)
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I really loved the characters and how authentic the pirate angle felt. Rowan reminded me a little bit of Capt. Jack Sparrow and Morgan had a lot of spunk.
I liked how Morgan didn't right away realize that she had time traveled...I feel like in her circumstance it was believable. It was actually quite funny how she kept thinking the pirates were actors hired by her father. ;)
There was one thing towards the end of the book that I didn't like it. I won't say what it was because I don't want to spoil the book, but it had to do with Morgan and her disease.
Overall, a great story and I recommend it if you enjoy pirate and/or time-travel books! There was some romance and rogue behavior, but that's to be expected when you are dealing with pirates. ;)
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
July 11, 2015
A great time travel pirate story. Good characters, very enjoyable.
September 25, 2017
leading lady drove me crazy. Didn't finish. Must be getting pickyer as I get older
July 31, 2015
As you know, I am a huge MaryLu fan. Her stories are fun and exciting. This one took me a bit by surprise. Morgan has been diagnosed with cancer and only has a few months to live. In a surprising twist, she ends up back in time on a pirate ship called The Reckoning. It's here that she finds herself and the things that are important in life.
MaryLu's books are always well written. I thought this was a little out of my comfort zone because I wasn't expecting a fantasy type book. If I had known that going in, I would have probably thoroughly enjoyed it! The characters were wonderful. The story had plenty of action and depth. Overall, a great read.
Thanks, MaryLu, for getting this book to me! As always, this is my honest opinion. Here's to many more!!
If you would like to see my fun face-off with Marylu, just click here: http://atransparentmom.com/2015/04/28...
MaryLu's books are always well written. I thought this was a little out of my comfort zone because I wasn't expecting a fantasy type book. If I had known that going in, I would have probably thoroughly enjoyed it! The characters were wonderful. The story had plenty of action and depth. Overall, a great read.
Thanks, MaryLu, for getting this book to me! As always, this is my honest opinion. Here's to many more!!
If you would like to see my fun face-off with Marylu, just click here: http://atransparentmom.com/2015/04/28...
November 13, 2019
I can't even. The last 1/3 of the book was literally almost unbearable.
On scale of 1 to 10 for frequency:
Swashbuckling 3
Pirateness 3
Cute Romance 2
Bleh Romance 8
Relative Realism 1
Preaching 20
I pressed hard to reach a 2.5x listening speed (which is hardly understandable) just to get through it hoping and praying (much like the characters in the book) that the story would miraculously absorb into my brain and simply be over with. Seriously seemed like MaryLu tried to dump all the extra (and completely utterly basic) preaching into one final book.
**Spoilers ahead**, so if you have any intention of reading this book (which I don't recommend) skip this section.
Plot Summary: After just learning she's dying of cancer, Morgan goes to a ship festival in San Diego, in the year of our Lord 2015, hopping onto a replica pirate ship for a show. She finds a magic amulet down below that transports her back in time to 1694 to face the Dread Pirate Rowan.
However, Morgan comes from a wealthy family with not-quite-right parents, whose dad goes above and beyond to get Morgan's mind off bad things. Thus, Morgan thinks the pirate ship she ends up on is just a staged show and everyone are actors paid by her father to give her a good time. Well they're not. Undramatic piratey-ness ensues (read: no real danger, laissez-faire sword fights, no rescues or even witty banter). It takes a solid 10ish days, a run-in with a python, two nasty pirates, and a death before her eyes for Morgan to realize this isn't just an elaborate affair.
The middle 40% of the book isn't worth describing here.
Fast forward to 60% of the way through. Bad guy Bloodmoon (thank the heavens the heroine comments on the terrible name because if that wasn't called out, I don't know what I would have done) snags hero Rowan (because Rowan slept with his wife and stole his treasure map, why else?), and oh no! Morgan has to go find his family (who are pirate missionaries, obvi) to save him. The journey to go save Rowan is chock full of prayer and discussing God's love, a time during which Morgan is cured of cancer (and her OCD and anxiety). I am a huge proponent of the truth of prayer and God's love, just NOT in books such as this.
So Morgan and pirate missionaries finally meet murdering, thieving Bloodmoon and rescue Rowan from his torture aboard ship. Rowan thinks Bloodmoon should be turned over to the authorities or strung up on the mast (for the record, I'm #TeamRowan), but pirate missionary #1 steps in. "Bloodmoon, the price of your freedom is thus. Consider your life, consider the path you've taken, and ponder where it will lead." Then pirate missionary #2 speaks up, "No matter what evil you've done, what atrocities you've committed, God loves you, like God loves His one and only Son, and He wants you to turn to Him and receive His free gift of forgiveness through his Son Jesus Christ."
On that note of love, the two merry pirate parties go their separate ways. Then Rowan, who happens to still have the treasure map he got from Bloodmoon's lady-friend, goes to the treasure island at which point Bloodmoon's ship has been sighted coming to exact his revenge (!!) and Morgan accidentally triggers the magic amulet again, transporting her back into 2015. PLOT TWIST: It's not the 2015 as she left it. America is British ruled. (Insert audience *gasp* here.) She tries to get on the internet to look up Rowan's history, but alas. An American had invented the internet, and there has not been a Bill Gates or a Steve Jobs. So she has to go to the library, where she learns Rowan has died at the hand of Bloodmoon on that treasure island where a marker stands to this day.
So, with some lovely parting words to her mom, ("Don't worry mom. With God's help, I'm going to fix things." And "Mom, God loves you. You don't have to do anything to gain His love. He'll always love you the same no matter what. He just wants a relationship with you. He wants you to talk to Him like a real person."), Morgan pops on a plane to the island where said lover died.
Late that night, Morgan visits the tombstone when she meets an old man creeping in the shadows who has been waiting for her. SPOILER ALERT: He's her 8th generation grandson, and he's been passed the instructions of waiting for the year 2015 and then giving her the magic amulet (insert note here: I have no idea why the amulet didn't go with her into the future, like it did when she went into the past). His purpose is clear: give her the amulet so that she can go back in time, have 8 kids, and one of her grandchildren will save George Washington's life so that America is born.
MorganGoesBackInTimeAndFindsRowanWhoWasn'tActuallyKilledWhoseSouldHasBeenRedeemedFromHisPirateWaysTurnedToGodAndTheyLiveHappilyEverAfterTheEnd.
Epilogue: Shortly after the attack on treasure island, Bloodmoon's entire ship was smote by the hand of God and sunk into the ocean, never to be heard from again.
The proclaimed moral of the story: God sent Morgan back in time to teach her to truly trust Him.
As evidenced by this concise description. "So she prayed and prayed and prayed. And despite her agony [of coming back to 2015], despite her tears, she felt God's presence. She felt Him smiling down on her. Most of all, she felt His peace. As if all this craziness was part of some master plan and she had only to trust Him."
I'm out. *Drops mic*
On scale of 1 to 10 for frequency:
Swashbuckling 3
Pirateness 3
Cute Romance 2
Bleh Romance 8
Relative Realism 1
Preaching 20
I pressed hard to reach a 2.5x listening speed (which is hardly understandable) just to get through it hoping and praying (much like the characters in the book) that the story would miraculously absorb into my brain and simply be over with. Seriously seemed like MaryLu tried to dump all the extra (and completely utterly basic) preaching into one final book.
**Spoilers ahead**, so if you have any intention of reading this book (which I don't recommend) skip this section.
Plot Summary: After just learning she's dying of cancer, Morgan goes to a ship festival in San Diego, in the year of our Lord 2015, hopping onto a replica pirate ship for a show. She finds a magic amulet down below that transports her back in time to 1694 to face the Dread Pirate Rowan.
However, Morgan comes from a wealthy family with not-quite-right parents, whose dad goes above and beyond to get Morgan's mind off bad things. Thus, Morgan thinks the pirate ship she ends up on is just a staged show and everyone are actors paid by her father to give her a good time. Well they're not. Undramatic piratey-ness ensues (read: no real danger, laissez-faire sword fights, no rescues or even witty banter). It takes a solid 10ish days, a run-in with a python, two nasty pirates, and a death before her eyes for Morgan to realize this isn't just an elaborate affair.
The middle 40% of the book isn't worth describing here.
Fast forward to 60% of the way through. Bad guy Bloodmoon (thank the heavens the heroine comments on the terrible name because if that wasn't called out, I don't know what I would have done) snags hero Rowan (because Rowan slept with his wife and stole his treasure map, why else?), and oh no! Morgan has to go find his family (who are pirate missionaries, obvi) to save him. The journey to go save Rowan is chock full of prayer and discussing God's love, a time during which Morgan is cured of cancer (and her OCD and anxiety). I am a huge proponent of the truth of prayer and God's love, just NOT in books such as this.
So Morgan and pirate missionaries finally meet murdering, thieving Bloodmoon and rescue Rowan from his torture aboard ship. Rowan thinks Bloodmoon should be turned over to the authorities or strung up on the mast (for the record, I'm #TeamRowan), but pirate missionary #1 steps in. "Bloodmoon, the price of your freedom is thus. Consider your life, consider the path you've taken, and ponder where it will lead." Then pirate missionary #2 speaks up, "No matter what evil you've done, what atrocities you've committed, God loves you, like God loves His one and only Son, and He wants you to turn to Him and receive His free gift of forgiveness through his Son Jesus Christ."
On that note of love, the two merry pirate parties go their separate ways. Then Rowan, who happens to still have the treasure map he got from Bloodmoon's lady-friend, goes to the treasure island at which point Bloodmoon's ship has been sighted coming to exact his revenge (!!) and Morgan accidentally triggers the magic amulet again, transporting her back into 2015. PLOT TWIST: It's not the 2015 as she left it. America is British ruled. (Insert audience *gasp* here.) She tries to get on the internet to look up Rowan's history, but alas. An American had invented the internet, and there has not been a Bill Gates or a Steve Jobs. So she has to go to the library, where she learns Rowan has died at the hand of Bloodmoon on that treasure island where a marker stands to this day.
So, with some lovely parting words to her mom, ("Don't worry mom. With God's help, I'm going to fix things." And "Mom, God loves you. You don't have to do anything to gain His love. He'll always love you the same no matter what. He just wants a relationship with you. He wants you to talk to Him like a real person."), Morgan pops on a plane to the island where said lover died.
Late that night, Morgan visits the tombstone when she meets an old man creeping in the shadows who has been waiting for her. SPOILER ALERT: He's her 8th generation grandson, and he's been passed the instructions of waiting for the year 2015 and then giving her the magic amulet (insert note here: I have no idea why the amulet didn't go with her into the future, like it did when she went into the past). His purpose is clear: give her the amulet so that she can go back in time, have 8 kids, and one of her grandchildren will save George Washington's life so that America is born.
MorganGoesBackInTimeAndFindsRowanWhoWasn'tActuallyKilledWhoseSouldHasBeenRedeemedFromHisPirateWaysTurnedToGodAndTheyLiveHappilyEverAfterTheEnd.
Epilogue: Shortly after the attack on treasure island, Bloodmoon's entire ship was smote by the hand of God and sunk into the ocean, never to be heard from again.
The proclaimed moral of the story: God sent Morgan back in time to teach her to truly trust Him.
As evidenced by this concise description. "So she prayed and prayed and prayed. And despite her agony [of coming back to 2015], despite her tears, she felt God's presence. She felt Him smiling down on her. Most of all, she felt His peace. As if all this craziness was part of some master plan and she had only to trust Him."
I'm out. *Drops mic*
June 25, 2015
With pen in hand, er quill rather, Marylu Tyndall has written a story of a love that transcends time - as a disheartened young woman from the 21st century suddenly finds herself on a mesmerizing shipboard journey through frothy, glittering, turquoise waters surrounded by a band of pillaging, filthy, swashbuckling pirates...300 years in the past!
24 year old Morgan Shaw feels virtually hopeless upon finding out she has stage 3 cancer, and is unceremoniously dumped by her shallow boyfriend because of it. When she creeps into the hold of an old pirate ship replica at San Diego’s Annual Tall Ship Festival to avoid seeing her ex, she hits her head and awakens to find herself on a seemingly real pirate ship, The Reckoning. At first Morgan thinks the pirates are all actors hired by her wealthy father to distract her, but realization soon begins to hit home. The Reckoning just happens to belong to one of the most notorious and vicious pirates to sail the Caribbean, Rowan Dutton. Rowan Dutton has but two things on his mind -- buried treasure and other men's wives, and Morgan is desperate to get away from this filthy (albeit handsome) pirate and return home. But something about this lady with her odd clothes and speech enthralls him and he playfully nicknames her Lady Minx. When Morgan unknowingly betrays Rowan, danger encompasses The Reckoning and everyone aboard. Will Morgan make it safely back to the 21st century?...and if so can she bear to leave Rowan behind? And does any of it matter since she is living on borrowed time anyway? Could it be that God has a plan amidst all of this turmoil?
What an amazing, unpredictable read with more twists and turns than a treasure map! Initially I was not sure about the time travel aspect of the story, but MaryLu Tyndall handles this theme so pragmatically that I stayed glued to the pages -- with emotions as tossed as a ship upon the tumultuous seas. I was so torn between wanting Morgan to make it home for her chemo treatments, but hoping she might stay as well. I loved the humorous interplay between the main characters; they truly loved to egg each other on! The story of God's redemption and love was beautifully interwoven throughout the storyline, and the conclusion was surprising indeed! One of Ms. Tyndall's best to date in my opinion. Be sure to grab a copy today, me hearties!
24 year old Morgan Shaw feels virtually hopeless upon finding out she has stage 3 cancer, and is unceremoniously dumped by her shallow boyfriend because of it. When she creeps into the hold of an old pirate ship replica at San Diego’s Annual Tall Ship Festival to avoid seeing her ex, she hits her head and awakens to find herself on a seemingly real pirate ship, The Reckoning. At first Morgan thinks the pirates are all actors hired by her wealthy father to distract her, but realization soon begins to hit home. The Reckoning just happens to belong to one of the most notorious and vicious pirates to sail the Caribbean, Rowan Dutton. Rowan Dutton has but two things on his mind -- buried treasure and other men's wives, and Morgan is desperate to get away from this filthy (albeit handsome) pirate and return home. But something about this lady with her odd clothes and speech enthralls him and he playfully nicknames her Lady Minx. When Morgan unknowingly betrays Rowan, danger encompasses The Reckoning and everyone aboard. Will Morgan make it safely back to the 21st century?...and if so can she bear to leave Rowan behind? And does any of it matter since she is living on borrowed time anyway? Could it be that God has a plan amidst all of this turmoil?
What an amazing, unpredictable read with more twists and turns than a treasure map! Initially I was not sure about the time travel aspect of the story, but MaryLu Tyndall handles this theme so pragmatically that I stayed glued to the pages -- with emotions as tossed as a ship upon the tumultuous seas. I was so torn between wanting Morgan to make it home for her chemo treatments, but hoping she might stay as well. I loved the humorous interplay between the main characters; they truly loved to egg each other on! The story of God's redemption and love was beautifully interwoven throughout the storyline, and the conclusion was surprising indeed! One of Ms. Tyndall's best to date in my opinion. Be sure to grab a copy today, me hearties!
November 25, 2015
MaryLu Tyndall pens another tale of pirates, romance, struggle, and faith. But this time, we have a new twist . . . time travel.
For the most part, I enjoyed The Reckoning (3.5 stars). I generally enjoy MaryLu's books, and this was no different!
A few complaints would be the romance aspect can get a bit edgy. I guess it just has to do with my convictions when it comes to romance; like passionate kissing and all that is best left to married couples! There's some crudeness when it comes to the ungentlemanly pirates; some inappropriate things mentioned and sort of elaborated on. Definitely calls for an adult audience, I would say. It also always kind of brings me up short when a Christian woman who's striving to follow God willingly falls headlong for this man who clearly isn't following God. So that just kind of hinders me enjoying the story, because I'm like, "Wait, wait. What if I did that? Yeah, probably wouldn't work out as wonderfully as Morgan's story did!"
In any case, I still did very much appreciate the faith aspects of this book! The bits about control and trusting . . . anxiety and fear . . . demons. I love how MaryLu really strives to show the power of God! He is not far away, leaving us to our own devices. No. God is here!! And He is in control. He can make anything He wants happen. He can perform amazing miracles. He can change our lives. I so love when I come across a story that shows God's power. Because His power is real! So yeah, that was amazing!!
The time travel was intriguing, and honestly, a bit mind-boggling. And a little weird. But still intriguing, ;D Sort of a fantasy twist. I don't mind it at all. It did take Morgan a looonnngg time to realize things, but whatever. I guess it would be a hard thing to comprehend, ha!
So all in all, a pretty cool story. Not my absolute favorite; but fans of pirate tales, romance, contemporary and historical mixed in one, powerful faith stories, time travel . . . you'll want to check The Reckoning out! :)
For the most part, I enjoyed The Reckoning (3.5 stars). I generally enjoy MaryLu's books, and this was no different!
A few complaints would be the romance aspect can get a bit edgy. I guess it just has to do with my convictions when it comes to romance; like passionate kissing and all that is best left to married couples! There's some crudeness when it comes to the ungentlemanly pirates; some inappropriate things mentioned and sort of elaborated on. Definitely calls for an adult audience, I would say. It also always kind of brings me up short when a Christian woman who's striving to follow God willingly falls headlong for this man who clearly isn't following God. So that just kind of hinders me enjoying the story, because I'm like, "Wait, wait. What if I did that? Yeah, probably wouldn't work out as wonderfully as Morgan's story did!"
In any case, I still did very much appreciate the faith aspects of this book! The bits about control and trusting . . . anxiety and fear . . . demons. I love how MaryLu really strives to show the power of God! He is not far away, leaving us to our own devices. No. God is here!! And He is in control. He can make anything He wants happen. He can perform amazing miracles. He can change our lives. I so love when I come across a story that shows God's power. Because His power is real! So yeah, that was amazing!!
The time travel was intriguing, and honestly, a bit mind-boggling. And a little weird. But still intriguing, ;D Sort of a fantasy twist. I don't mind it at all. It did take Morgan a looonnngg time to realize things, but whatever. I guess it would be a hard thing to comprehend, ha!
So all in all, a pretty cool story. Not my absolute favorite; but fans of pirate tales, romance, contemporary and historical mixed in one, powerful faith stories, time travel . . . you'll want to check The Reckoning out! :)
August 4, 2015
I just finished reading The Reckoning. I have to admit that this is not something I would normally pick up and read, but I am SO glad that I did! I love historical books, the sea etc. Time traveling...just wasn't sure. Since it was written by MaryLu Tyndall, I knew I would love it.
MaryLu masterfully pens a story that unfolds before your eyes. I really understood Morgan and related with many of her issues/qualities. Heartbroken, horrible news from the doctors, a dad that is filthy rich and a mom that is a basket case sure leaves her feeling alone and hurting. She is thrown into a pirate scene filled with men, a handsome captain, strange foods and on a boat. Not a great place for someone that gets seasick (among other issues).
I loved the conversations between Rowan and Morgan. Both from two different times, and having similar backgrounds. Both confused by the other and their silly customs and words. What a great job she did bringing both times together and how relevant her characters were and their struggles.
You set sail on a great adventure. Not knowing what will happen and what will become of Morgan. Will she learn to trust the Lord? Will she ever get home? Snakes (eeeww). The dangers of the islands and some of the men. Wonderful Edith! I just loved her.
Several points stand out, but I loved when Morgan tells Rowan that he should care about himself because He was God's creation. How powerful! Each one of us are loved by a great big God. No matter all of the obstacles in our lives, He cares and He is in control. The Reckoning is a wonderful read and shares with us adventure, excitement, flawed characters and a loving God.
I am so glad that I was blessed to read this and it is going on my keeper shelf. Try it, you won't be disappointed.
Thank you, MaryLu for sending me on a wonderful adventure and keeping me up late at night reading your story. Thank you for keeping the story of God's love in every book that you write. I am so proud of your work and will tell anyone I can about this great book!
MaryLu masterfully pens a story that unfolds before your eyes. I really understood Morgan and related with many of her issues/qualities. Heartbroken, horrible news from the doctors, a dad that is filthy rich and a mom that is a basket case sure leaves her feeling alone and hurting. She is thrown into a pirate scene filled with men, a handsome captain, strange foods and on a boat. Not a great place for someone that gets seasick (among other issues).
I loved the conversations between Rowan and Morgan. Both from two different times, and having similar backgrounds. Both confused by the other and their silly customs and words. What a great job she did bringing both times together and how relevant her characters were and their struggles.
You set sail on a great adventure. Not knowing what will happen and what will become of Morgan. Will she learn to trust the Lord? Will she ever get home? Snakes (eeeww). The dangers of the islands and some of the men. Wonderful Edith! I just loved her.
Several points stand out, but I loved when Morgan tells Rowan that he should care about himself because He was God's creation. How powerful! Each one of us are loved by a great big God. No matter all of the obstacles in our lives, He cares and He is in control. The Reckoning is a wonderful read and shares with us adventure, excitement, flawed characters and a loving God.
I am so glad that I was blessed to read this and it is going on my keeper shelf. Try it, you won't be disappointed.
Thank you, MaryLu for sending me on a wonderful adventure and keeping me up late at night reading your story. Thank you for keeping the story of God's love in every book that you write. I am so proud of your work and will tell anyone I can about this great book!
December 23, 2015
If you're cracking open this book expecting to get a whole lot of Merrick (a most beloved pirate from the first book in this series), you will be disappointed. He doesn't show up until much later in the story. Even so, you won't be disappointed with yet another rousing piratey-type adventure in THE RECKONING. Lot's of action, romance, and yes, a swashbuckling fight or two. I especially love/hated the ending. Why? Because it's got a great twist and I want more!
August 16, 2022
This book! Not only was it incredibly unique, but it was also amazingly well-written. Time travel? Check. Clean romance? Check. Pirates and the high seas? Check. There is so much more to it, but I don't want to spoil anything. This whole series has been such a fun and captivating read thus far!
Morgan Shaw has a fate she could never have dreamed up. Literally. Rowan Dutton has a future he never would have guessed. When the two meet, it is a difficult few days to understand exactly what has happened, but as reality sets in for the two of them, changes occur - for the better. God works in miraculous ways to bring these two together.
This just may be one of my favorite books! Tyndall took an idea (time travel) that has been done before, and made it unique and interesting. Also, she did it with a Christian foundation and a setting that is fast becoming one of my favorite settings for a book.
There was minimal language, and only a few kisses, for those wondering about its cleanliness.
Five stars!
Morgan Shaw has a fate she could never have dreamed up. Literally. Rowan Dutton has a future he never would have guessed. When the two meet, it is a difficult few days to understand exactly what has happened, but as reality sets in for the two of them, changes occur - for the better. God works in miraculous ways to bring these two together.
This just may be one of my favorite books! Tyndall took an idea (time travel) that has been done before, and made it unique and interesting. Also, she did it with a Christian foundation and a setting that is fast becoming one of my favorite settings for a book.
There was minimal language, and only a few kisses, for those wondering about its cleanliness.
Five stars!
October 14, 2018
Listened to the audio on a road trip... loved it. The writing. The story. The narration. All were fantastic.
June 12, 2015
You know when you pick up a historical novel and you travel back in time? How you wish you were actually there? From the moment I had heard that MaryLu Tyndall had written a novel based on time travel back to the 17th century, I couldn't wait to read it. I mean, someone from the 21st century having to live in a time without electronics and modern medicine, surrounded by pirates and trying to absorb the culture. MaryLu didn't disappoint. A captivating read!
Morgan Shaw
She had it all. Rich parents, a good job, a handsome boyfriend. But did she really have it all? When she gets some devastating news that shakes all that she knows, she feels even more lost and alone than she ever had before. Dragged by her friend onto a pirate ship replica in San Diego harbor during a festival, she wanders to the depth of the ship to be alone, and suddenly finds herself transported back in time. Or is she? Morgan thinks her father has payed for an extravagant distraction, and is thoroughly convinced that everyone on the pirate ship is under her father's employ. Will something happen to her due to naivety, or will she find out that everything is real, and discover she has no way to return back home? Plagued by fears and anxiety, will Morgan ever learn to trust God the way she needs, and what will happen to this growing attraction to the devilishly handsome pirate that she seems to have no fears of?
Rowan Dutton
Rowan, having stolen a ship from his sister, has become a pirate and roams the seas looking for ships to plunder. Everything seems to be going perfectly, when he discovers a stowaway on his ship. Who is she and what is she doing on his ship? With a strange way of speaking, ridiculous male clothes, and speaking to a mysterious father in thin air, Rowan fears she is either crazy or possessed. No longer believing in the God who made him, his goal in life is to become rich, famous, and to eventually reconcile with his sister. As time goes on he begins to wonder if that will ever satisfy him. What is Rowan supposed to do with this mysterious woman, and what will happen when his womanizing ways catches up with him?
Morgan and Rowan. Two completely different people from two different worlds. One, a pirate and womanizer, and the other a software engineer who seems destined to fall for the wrong guys. Will Morgan learn to ever trust Rowan, and put her faith in God, and will Rowan ever learn to love one woman and to put aside his pride and reconcile with his family?
From the first moment I picked up the novel I felt a connection to Morgan. I mean, a distant father, a mother distracted by life and fears, the discovery of an illness that pushes all her fears to the forefront, and a penchant for dating all the wrong men. I loved how MaryLu Tyndall input all of her characteristics at the beginning. Some characters you slowly learn more about throughout the novel, but Morgan I felt I understood and got from the very beginning. I felt myself nodding or remembering times in my life when I felt the same as her, I may have even cried at one point in the novel.
I never considered how difficult it would be to write a time travel book, but as I was reading the more fascinating I found it to be. MaryLu meshed the two worlds perfectly, catching everyone's confusion over the simplest of terms that we use today. Too often you read an historical fiction novel and the speech that you and I use today is the speech that they use, which bothers me because it makes it seem less real. Somehow MaryLu captured both modern language and 17th century lingo, meshing it so well that you truly felt you had been transported through time along with Miss Shaw.
A book of sacrifice, of courage, love and redemption. A book where you realize your dreams of living in the past may not be as easy as you always thought. Do you have the courage to step into a world of vicious pirates? If you do, I recommend picking this phenomenal book up.
-- I received a copy of this book from the author and was asked for my honest opinion. I am under no obligation to give a good review of this book --
Morgan Shaw
She had it all. Rich parents, a good job, a handsome boyfriend. But did she really have it all? When she gets some devastating news that shakes all that she knows, she feels even more lost and alone than she ever had before. Dragged by her friend onto a pirate ship replica in San Diego harbor during a festival, she wanders to the depth of the ship to be alone, and suddenly finds herself transported back in time. Or is she? Morgan thinks her father has payed for an extravagant distraction, and is thoroughly convinced that everyone on the pirate ship is under her father's employ. Will something happen to her due to naivety, or will she find out that everything is real, and discover she has no way to return back home? Plagued by fears and anxiety, will Morgan ever learn to trust God the way she needs, and what will happen to this growing attraction to the devilishly handsome pirate that she seems to have no fears of?
Rowan Dutton
Rowan, having stolen a ship from his sister, has become a pirate and roams the seas looking for ships to plunder. Everything seems to be going perfectly, when he discovers a stowaway on his ship. Who is she and what is she doing on his ship? With a strange way of speaking, ridiculous male clothes, and speaking to a mysterious father in thin air, Rowan fears she is either crazy or possessed. No longer believing in the God who made him, his goal in life is to become rich, famous, and to eventually reconcile with his sister. As time goes on he begins to wonder if that will ever satisfy him. What is Rowan supposed to do with this mysterious woman, and what will happen when his womanizing ways catches up with him?
Morgan and Rowan. Two completely different people from two different worlds. One, a pirate and womanizer, and the other a software engineer who seems destined to fall for the wrong guys. Will Morgan learn to ever trust Rowan, and put her faith in God, and will Rowan ever learn to love one woman and to put aside his pride and reconcile with his family?
From the first moment I picked up the novel I felt a connection to Morgan. I mean, a distant father, a mother distracted by life and fears, the discovery of an illness that pushes all her fears to the forefront, and a penchant for dating all the wrong men. I loved how MaryLu Tyndall input all of her characteristics at the beginning. Some characters you slowly learn more about throughout the novel, but Morgan I felt I understood and got from the very beginning. I felt myself nodding or remembering times in my life when I felt the same as her, I may have even cried at one point in the novel.
I never considered how difficult it would be to write a time travel book, but as I was reading the more fascinating I found it to be. MaryLu meshed the two worlds perfectly, catching everyone's confusion over the simplest of terms that we use today. Too often you read an historical fiction novel and the speech that you and I use today is the speech that they use, which bothers me because it makes it seem less real. Somehow MaryLu captured both modern language and 17th century lingo, meshing it so well that you truly felt you had been transported through time along with Miss Shaw.
A book of sacrifice, of courage, love and redemption. A book where you realize your dreams of living in the past may not be as easy as you always thought. Do you have the courage to step into a world of vicious pirates? If you do, I recommend picking this phenomenal book up.
-- I received a copy of this book from the author and was asked for my honest opinion. I am under no obligation to give a good review of this book --
June 12, 2015
The Reckoning is Mary Lu’s fifth book in her Legacy of the Kings Pirate Series (an absolute favorite of mine! BTW!) This installment of the series has an unexpected twist; beginning in our modern day world of 2015 and time traveling back to 1694, just a few years after the previous book, The Ransom, ended. Our heroine in The Reckoning is a techy, modern age 24 year old named Morgan Shaw. Morgan suffers from anxiety and OCD – you can only imagine how interesting her life becomes when she’s transported back to a world of pirates, greed and ship battles!
I’m a huge fan of Mary Lu’s pirate books, but will admit, I was a little hesitant when I heard this book included time travel. I feared it would come across unrealistic and be sub-par compared to the rest of the series – boy, was I wrong about that! It was brilliant! I couldn’t put it down!
Each book in Mary Lu’s series has a strong spiritual theme and The Reckoning was even better than the other four books (if that’s possible!) Morgan is taken on a journey where prescription meds, modern medicine and technology can’t fix and/or numb her from her problems – she has to learn to face them head on with courage and with God. This is a real interesting process in the book, because, as you will find out, Morgan isn’t convinced she’s in 1694! Now, the evidence is all around her and at times I kept wanting to shout, “It’s real! It really is!” Yet, how natural is it for me to be in denial about certain things in life, desperately wanting to believe it’s all a mistake? Ya’ know, like when you’re in a jungle and a snake drops around your neck? ;-) All that to say that “moral of the story” really struck a chord with me and was one that will stay with me forever, challenging me to trust more fully on God.
Just a little note to the folks who, like me, are really into the historical side of a novel: there are plenty of dangers, sword fights and ship battles! You’ll smile at the plot behind Captain Bloodmoon’s “precious treasure map” and how it came to be missing from his possession. The storyline is fast paced and will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Another thing I really enjoyed about The Reckoning was how Mary Lu incorporated all the characters from her previous pirate novels into this book. Folks like Edmund Merrick, Charlisse, Alex, Juliana and even one of my favorite characters from The Ransom, Jonas come back on the scene with our favorite ships – The Redemption and The Ransom! Not only did Tyndall bring these characters back, she had them doing what they do best…and that stirs up memories from the other books which make me want to go read them again!
This book is very different and I loved that about it! The storyline is funny, heart wrenching and stimulating at the same time. It’s a wonderful addition to the pirate series and if you’ve read all the books, I think you’ll enjoy it. If you haven’t read the previous releases, don’t worry, you can read The Reckoning as a standalone, though I warn you, you will want to read the rest if you do! The Reckoning is a must read if you enjoy historical fiction, action, adventure and fast paced novels, but most of all, if you like time travel and romance– this book is for you!
I received a copy of The Reckoning for my honest review and was under no obligation to write a favorable review – but I just couldn’t help myself…it was well written, meaningful and well worth the read!
I’m a huge fan of Mary Lu’s pirate books, but will admit, I was a little hesitant when I heard this book included time travel. I feared it would come across unrealistic and be sub-par compared to the rest of the series – boy, was I wrong about that! It was brilliant! I couldn’t put it down!
Each book in Mary Lu’s series has a strong spiritual theme and The Reckoning was even better than the other four books (if that’s possible!) Morgan is taken on a journey where prescription meds, modern medicine and technology can’t fix and/or numb her from her problems – she has to learn to face them head on with courage and with God. This is a real interesting process in the book, because, as you will find out, Morgan isn’t convinced she’s in 1694! Now, the evidence is all around her and at times I kept wanting to shout, “It’s real! It really is!” Yet, how natural is it for me to be in denial about certain things in life, desperately wanting to believe it’s all a mistake? Ya’ know, like when you’re in a jungle and a snake drops around your neck? ;-) All that to say that “moral of the story” really struck a chord with me and was one that will stay with me forever, challenging me to trust more fully on God.
Just a little note to the folks who, like me, are really into the historical side of a novel: there are plenty of dangers, sword fights and ship battles! You’ll smile at the plot behind Captain Bloodmoon’s “precious treasure map” and how it came to be missing from his possession. The storyline is fast paced and will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Another thing I really enjoyed about The Reckoning was how Mary Lu incorporated all the characters from her previous pirate novels into this book. Folks like Edmund Merrick, Charlisse, Alex, Juliana and even one of my favorite characters from The Ransom, Jonas come back on the scene with our favorite ships – The Redemption and The Ransom! Not only did Tyndall bring these characters back, she had them doing what they do best…and that stirs up memories from the other books which make me want to go read them again!
This book is very different and I loved that about it! The storyline is funny, heart wrenching and stimulating at the same time. It’s a wonderful addition to the pirate series and if you’ve read all the books, I think you’ll enjoy it. If you haven’t read the previous releases, don’t worry, you can read The Reckoning as a standalone, though I warn you, you will want to read the rest if you do! The Reckoning is a must read if you enjoy historical fiction, action, adventure and fast paced novels, but most of all, if you like time travel and romance– this book is for you!
I received a copy of The Reckoning for my honest review and was under no obligation to write a favorable review – but I just couldn’t help myself…it was well written, meaningful and well worth the read!
August 27, 2015
Wow, what an adventure!! Even if you DIDN'T have OCD, anxiety issues and a life threatening disease, you would STILL be hard pressed on how to handle going back 300 years on a pirate ship with no understanding of the current culture and how to survive. Of course, Morgan handles it brilliantly, she DOESN'T believe any of it is real and treats the situation with sass and sarcasm. Normally I wouldn't enjoy that type of character, but in her case it works perfectly. The FIRST twist of the story that I caught on to is that Rowan Dutton is Juliana's twin brother from The Ransom!!! That hit me in a huge way as I was reading, I adored The Ransom and now I get to enjoy Rowan's story of redemption and HIS happy ever after! DID NOT realize this connection as I read and it changed everything for me in a great way :)
Absolutely loooooved Blackbeard, the feisty kitten, so cute!!
This book is the best in the series because Charlisse, Merrick, Juliana and Alex ARE THERE and their presence had me glued to the pages.....wow, smile, huge sigh, ultimate plot enhancement :) I've read all their stories and now their part in the book was priceless for me.
Also loved the moment when Morgan DOES realize........EVERYTHING is real! She takes it rather well actually and despite the emotional trauma this journey does bring her, her redemption and healing is worth the price of the book.
The time traveling happens at the beginning and at the end and honestly it had my head spinning because of how things change as a result of the Morgan's actions. However, Captain Tyndall handles the storytelling smoothly and effortlessly with the extra twists that happen as a result of the time differences. It also made the story more precious for me because Morgan's heart completely changes and her appreciation grows admirably. She also got closure with her parents that I enjoyed. There's a beautiful moment at the end that had my heart beating in relief and the ending overall was wonderful.
Tyndall is a master at Pirate stories, making difficult scenes tangible (VERY hard to do for a reader who has never been on a pirate ship--not boat--just by words on a page) and realistic as if she's there and knows precisely how to describe it. I didn't agree with certain spiritual aspects of the story, but overall I was satisfied with how Morgan's faith is changed. Also loved the painting scene and how she realizes what the initials mean, just amazing revelations throughout the story and old friends Morgan gets to meet. That's the only part of the story I wish I had been present for, but grateful time travel belongs in fiction only :)
The Reckoning is a stand alone book with lots of great culture clash that any reader will appreciate, but if you've read the previous books in the series then your heart will be filled with gratitude seeing those characters again. Morgan has no idea who these characters are, but she loves them instantly and they become her new family. MaryLu has done it again and this is her best story yet!!
Absolutely loooooved Blackbeard, the feisty kitten, so cute!!
This book is the best in the series because Charlisse, Merrick, Juliana and Alex ARE THERE and their presence had me glued to the pages.....wow, smile, huge sigh, ultimate plot enhancement :) I've read all their stories and now their part in the book was priceless for me.
Also loved the moment when Morgan DOES realize........EVERYTHING is real! She takes it rather well actually and despite the emotional trauma this journey does bring her, her redemption and healing is worth the price of the book.
The time traveling happens at the beginning and at the end and honestly it had my head spinning because of how things change as a result of the Morgan's actions. However, Captain Tyndall handles the storytelling smoothly and effortlessly with the extra twists that happen as a result of the time differences. It also made the story more precious for me because Morgan's heart completely changes and her appreciation grows admirably. She also got closure with her parents that I enjoyed. There's a beautiful moment at the end that had my heart beating in relief and the ending overall was wonderful.
Tyndall is a master at Pirate stories, making difficult scenes tangible (VERY hard to do for a reader who has never been on a pirate ship--not boat--just by words on a page) and realistic as if she's there and knows precisely how to describe it. I didn't agree with certain spiritual aspects of the story, but overall I was satisfied with how Morgan's faith is changed. Also loved the painting scene and how she realizes what the initials mean, just amazing revelations throughout the story and old friends Morgan gets to meet. That's the only part of the story I wish I had been present for, but grateful time travel belongs in fiction only :)
The Reckoning is a stand alone book with lots of great culture clash that any reader will appreciate, but if you've read the previous books in the series then your heart will be filled with gratitude seeing those characters again. Morgan has no idea who these characters are, but she loves them instantly and they become her new family. MaryLu has done it again and this is her best story yet!!
August 13, 2016
The Reckoning by MaryLu Tyndall was the first book of hers I've "read" via audiobook. I've read Charity's Cross and enjoyed it tremendously. I didn't think a pirate story would capture me, but it did, and The Reckoning was no different. However, with The Reckoning, it took much too long for me to finish it, whereas with an actual book, I'm sure I could've devoured it within hours. With audiobooks, I tend to listen to it on the road or while ironing, so that doesn't always coincide well.
The Reckoning captures the essence of time travel mixed with the sovereignty of our Lord's power, and what that means. All things are possible with God, even when time does not seem to logically make sense. However, time was the one thing that irritated me. Morgan was so blind to it all, kept thinking it was her father's doing. Really?! It didn't make sense for it to span so long, which I felt dragged the story a bit. Once the "truth" was realized, the real action begins, and boy, was it good. From that point on, every free moment I had to listen, I went for it. The pirate wars, the Reckoning and the Redemption ships, the cast of characters what I assume are from previous Legacy of the King's Pirates, and even the antics of Black Beard had me loving it. Though the "casting out demons" part relating to Morgan's health had me uncomfortable with what implication it was sending, I was glad that the author explained her thoughts in the Author's Afterward. In all, the message of God's love, His power and His redemption is strong and unmistakable, in comparison to other novels with a more subtle message. And I think that's one thing I find common with MaryLu's novels - the obviousness of God's omnipotence.
As to the narration, I felt the narrator did a fabulous job voicing different characters, which made The Reckoning come to life more than it already had. Would I choose the audiobook vs the print or digital copy? Not necessarily, but doesn't mean I wouldn't. In all, a story with action, romance, family and a great message. Definitely recommend.
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
NOTE: I won an audible copy of this audiobook in a giveaway. A review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.
The Reckoning captures the essence of time travel mixed with the sovereignty of our Lord's power, and what that means. All things are possible with God, even when time does not seem to logically make sense. However, time was the one thing that irritated me. Morgan was so blind to it all, kept thinking it was her father's doing. Really?! It didn't make sense for it to span so long, which I felt dragged the story a bit. Once the "truth" was realized, the real action begins, and boy, was it good. From that point on, every free moment I had to listen, I went for it. The pirate wars, the Reckoning and the Redemption ships, the cast of characters what I assume are from previous Legacy of the King's Pirates, and even the antics of Black Beard had me loving it. Though the "casting out demons" part relating to Morgan's health had me uncomfortable with what implication it was sending, I was glad that the author explained her thoughts in the Author's Afterward. In all, the message of God's love, His power and His redemption is strong and unmistakable, in comparison to other novels with a more subtle message. And I think that's one thing I find common with MaryLu's novels - the obviousness of God's omnipotence.
As to the narration, I felt the narrator did a fabulous job voicing different characters, which made The Reckoning come to life more than it already had. Would I choose the audiobook vs the print or digital copy? Not necessarily, but doesn't mean I wouldn't. In all, a story with action, romance, family and a great message. Definitely recommend.
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
NOTE: I won an audible copy of this audiobook in a giveaway. A review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.
June 12, 2015
MaryLu delivers yet again! Continuing what I believe to be her wonderful series, Legacy of the Kings Pirates, she has once again written a unique masterpiece. She has once again returned to the Caribbean, and filled this novel with rich settings: tropical paradises and ships upon the high seas. But this one has a bit of a twist: what if the heroine isn’t from the 17th century, but the 21st? Morgan isn’t your typical historical romance heroine. She’s used to jeans and t-shirts and iPhones, and does not like ships. So when she’s dragged aboard one by her friends, what’s a girl to do but wait for the tour to end? Unless of course your ex, who just dumped you, arrives with a woman per arm, then you hide, which Morgan does, and finds herself on a real pirate ship. I absolutely love the mix that MaryLu uses for this time travelling heroine! Morgan’s strong, very sure of herself, and has no problem standing up to ‘notorious pirates’, as she thinks they’re just paid actors, but she also settles semi comfortably into the 17th century world. There’s a unique blend of her modern sensibilities and knowledge, but also an acceptance of the world around her. Then there’s Rowan, our swashbuckling rogue of a hero, who has no problem keeping complete control over his men, but somehow can’t seem to get one little lady to listen. I love the sparks that jump from the page every time these two are in the same room! She’s so headstrong that she refuses to take orders, and he’s a pirate captain who runs his ship with complete control. The banter between these two is priceless! Think Much Ado About Nothing’s Benedick and Beatrice. The adventure these two take is a real joy to read, the search for gold that leads them through numerous battles. And then there’s the message, the message of trusting God, and the message that’s woven throughout all of MaryLu’s stories: redemption. Between a grand swashbuckling adventure, time travelling escapades, exotic locations, intriguing characters, a romance that blossoms so wonderfully, even midst enjoyable banter, and a deep message of trusting God, this book truly has it all. It is a book I highly recommend to anyone wanting a good read with deep meaning and leaves your heart feeling light and joyful.
June 15, 2015
Ship ahoy!
OK, I'll admit it here and now. As far as I know I've never read a time travel story until The Reckoning. Yeah, in the thousands of books I've read I just can't remember any direct time travel storylines. I know I have a couple on my Kindle and I think I might just be digging them out now.
This is a bit of a different genre for her but there is still plenty of MaryLu Tyndall's trademark danger, romance, faith, and all things pirate. Ever since she decided to go 'indie' there has been some change to her stories. It's like she's finally able to take them to a deeper level, not only are they entertaining but she also slips in some life lessons important to women.
The Reckoning is quite a story. If you are looking for a light, fluffy, sweet, historical novel, don't read this one. But if you want a grittier story that transports you back to the buccaneer days of old it is a good choice. If you enjoy time travel The Reckoning is prefect. MaryLu Tyndall handles the time travel part very well and even delves into the 'what if' of changing history. There is also a touch of spiritual warfare that made the book even more interesting.
It usually takes me some time to finish an e-book, longer than print books, but this time I found myself anxiously returning to the digital pages and even thinking about it in between times. At times I had a sneaking sympathy with Rowan's frustration at Morgan's insistence that it was all an elaborate hoax. But as time went on she began to blossom and to grow on me. And Rowan, well, he was so likably despicable at times, and I even wondered what Morgan could possibly see in him. But, as might be expected, my favorite character was Blackbeard, though I really liked several others as well.
Time travel and the pirate age, MaryLu Tyndall makes it a rip-roaring, swashbuckling winner of it! Don't miss The Reckoning, mateys, or risk walking the plank!
(I received a copy of this e-book from the author in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.)
OK, I'll admit it here and now. As far as I know I've never read a time travel story until The Reckoning. Yeah, in the thousands of books I've read I just can't remember any direct time travel storylines. I know I have a couple on my Kindle and I think I might just be digging them out now.
This is a bit of a different genre for her but there is still plenty of MaryLu Tyndall's trademark danger, romance, faith, and all things pirate. Ever since she decided to go 'indie' there has been some change to her stories. It's like she's finally able to take them to a deeper level, not only are they entertaining but she also slips in some life lessons important to women.
The Reckoning is quite a story. If you are looking for a light, fluffy, sweet, historical novel, don't read this one. But if you want a grittier story that transports you back to the buccaneer days of old it is a good choice. If you enjoy time travel The Reckoning is prefect. MaryLu Tyndall handles the time travel part very well and even delves into the 'what if' of changing history. There is also a touch of spiritual warfare that made the book even more interesting.
It usually takes me some time to finish an e-book, longer than print books, but this time I found myself anxiously returning to the digital pages and even thinking about it in between times. At times I had a sneaking sympathy with Rowan's frustration at Morgan's insistence that it was all an elaborate hoax. But as time went on she began to blossom and to grow on me. And Rowan, well, he was so likably despicable at times, and I even wondered what Morgan could possibly see in him. But, as might be expected, my favorite character was Blackbeard, though I really liked several others as well.
Time travel and the pirate age, MaryLu Tyndall makes it a rip-roaring, swashbuckling winner of it! Don't miss The Reckoning, mateys, or risk walking the plank!
(I received a copy of this e-book from the author in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.)
July 8, 2015
I couldn't put this book down. I loved it. And no one is more surprised about that than I am. I've enjoyed MaryLu Tyndall's writing for years, but her newer releases have been kind of hit or miss with me. Honestly this one sounded a little out there, and had a lot of potential to be outright ridiculous. But I downloaded the sample because I remember loving the other books in the Legacy of the King's Pirates series years ago. They're the books that actually introduced me to Ms. Tyndall's work. So I had to give it a shot.
Now yes, it's pirates and time travel, so you'll have to suspend some disbelief. But it's actually not that hard to do. I usually don't go for time travel stories, but I quickly got totally swept up in this story. And it's pirates and time travel! How fun is that? The characters and their relationships are authentic and relatable. I'm kind of amazed at how flawlessly Ms. Tyndall was able to weave fun escapist fantasy fiction with emotional depth and spiritual truth. I wasn't expecting to get as much out of this book as I did. Not to mention keeping me on the edge of my seat! Hello plot twists!! I was nervously watching the percentage on my kindle wondering how things could possibly work out towards the end.
Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. There are some winks back to previous characters, but you don't have to know their backstory to understand and enjoy this one. Although I do recommend the other books in the series because they're great too, albeit minus the time travel aspect.
www.wanderingthepages.tumblr.com
Now yes, it's pirates and time travel, so you'll have to suspend some disbelief. But it's actually not that hard to do. I usually don't go for time travel stories, but I quickly got totally swept up in this story. And it's pirates and time travel! How fun is that? The characters and their relationships are authentic and relatable. I'm kind of amazed at how flawlessly Ms. Tyndall was able to weave fun escapist fantasy fiction with emotional depth and spiritual truth. I wasn't expecting to get as much out of this book as I did. Not to mention keeping me on the edge of my seat! Hello plot twists!! I was nervously watching the percentage on my kindle wondering how things could possibly work out towards the end.
Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. There are some winks back to previous characters, but you don't have to know their backstory to understand and enjoy this one. Although I do recommend the other books in the series because they're great too, albeit minus the time travel aspect.
www.wanderingthepages.tumblr.com
June 13, 2015
Can I go back in time?
Captivating! Unbelievable, yet so believable! MaryLu Tyndall has done it again. She has written a tale that will whisk you away into an adventure on the high seas. This is where she truly shines....tales of hope, redemption, fear, love, salvation and of course, Pirates! The Reckoning is truly a treat for those who have read the previous four books from the Legacy of the King's Pirates series. But still enjoyable if you are reading her writing for the first time. Even though I have enjoyed reading MaryLu's books all these years, I truly envy those who are reading this series for the first time.
The Reckoning follows the lives of two very wonderfully written characters: Morgan Shaw, a young woman from our time in history, who finds herself thrown into the past....where she encounters Rowan Dutton, a famous pirate from the year 1694. I was so enthralled and entertained by this story...finding myself laughing out loud one minute and totally wide-eyed-staring the next. I never like to go into detail about books I've read, as not to spoil anything for other readers. That being said, I highly recommend this book to anyone who KNOWS how well MaryLu writes and those who wish to have their imaginations explode in a BACK-TO-THE-FUTURE kinda way. Hahaha! You will LOVE it, I guarantee!!!
I was allowed to read this book by the author in return for an honest review. I was under no obligation to give a positive review.
Captivating! Unbelievable, yet so believable! MaryLu Tyndall has done it again. She has written a tale that will whisk you away into an adventure on the high seas. This is where she truly shines....tales of hope, redemption, fear, love, salvation and of course, Pirates! The Reckoning is truly a treat for those who have read the previous four books from the Legacy of the King's Pirates series. But still enjoyable if you are reading her writing for the first time. Even though I have enjoyed reading MaryLu's books all these years, I truly envy those who are reading this series for the first time.
The Reckoning follows the lives of two very wonderfully written characters: Morgan Shaw, a young woman from our time in history, who finds herself thrown into the past....where she encounters Rowan Dutton, a famous pirate from the year 1694. I was so enthralled and entertained by this story...finding myself laughing out loud one minute and totally wide-eyed-staring the next. I never like to go into detail about books I've read, as not to spoil anything for other readers. That being said, I highly recommend this book to anyone who KNOWS how well MaryLu writes and those who wish to have their imaginations explode in a BACK-TO-THE-FUTURE kinda way. Hahaha! You will LOVE it, I guarantee!!!
I was allowed to read this book by the author in return for an honest review. I was under no obligation to give a positive review.
July 8, 2015
Mrs. Tyndall’s books never disappoint. They are filled with fascinating characters, vivid imagery, and delicious chemistry between the hero & heroine. Even though time travel stories are not among my favorite genre, I was quickly pulled into The Reckoning and could hardly turn the pages fast enough to satisfy my curiosity.
What could be more perilous than a naïve, modern woman—in tight jeans and a t-shirt—suddenly going back in time and landing on a pirate ship? The fact that she thought it was all fake and something her father had arranged to get her mind off her illness, made it even more delightful. Morgan’s modern quips and lack of fear baffle the pirates, especially the hero, Rowan, creating many humorous scenes.
And then you have Rowan, an awesome hero, who is an honorable pirate with a conscience. He is only pirating to pay off a debt to his sister. The plot thickens when Morgan realizes that she has really gone back in time. Ms. Tyndall tosses in several twists you won’t see coming that beef up the excitement. The Reckoning is another wonderful book in Marylu Tyndall’s pirate series that is not to be missed.
What could be more perilous than a naïve, modern woman—in tight jeans and a t-shirt—suddenly going back in time and landing on a pirate ship? The fact that she thought it was all fake and something her father had arranged to get her mind off her illness, made it even more delightful. Morgan’s modern quips and lack of fear baffle the pirates, especially the hero, Rowan, creating many humorous scenes.
And then you have Rowan, an awesome hero, who is an honorable pirate with a conscience. He is only pirating to pay off a debt to his sister. The plot thickens when Morgan realizes that she has really gone back in time. Ms. Tyndall tosses in several twists you won’t see coming that beef up the excitement. The Reckoning is another wonderful book in Marylu Tyndall’s pirate series that is not to be missed.
June 25, 2015
Romance, Pirates, and Time Travel--It doesn't get any better than this! Marylu Tyndall has such a gift for transporting a reader into a story quickly and with a strong emotional tug. My heart went out to Morgan right away--a young woman with an awful boyfriend who is insensitive to her recent diagnosis of cancer. With her world shattered and future scary and uncertain, she still clings to hope. And then goes on an adventure she never imagined possible--thrown into the past, on a real pirate ship with a hunk of a pirate who is nothing like the men Morgan is used to. Can there be any hope for a happy future with love and health on the horizon? You'll just have to read The Reckoning and find out!
July 22, 2015
Well, this was quite an interesting read! It was certainly different from other MaryLu Tyndall books, but there were also well-loved and familiar elements. I really enjoyed this story.
First of all, the time travel aspect was very cool. Morgan winds up in pirate times in the Caribbean after what seems to be a freak accident. She meets handsome pirate captain Rowan, and begins to fall in love with him.
One thing I didn't love was how long it took Morgan to realize she had time traveled. It was a little annoying for a bit, with her excuses for what must be happening. But honestly, after a bit, I got used to it and really loved the book!
I can't wait for more from MaryLu Tyndall. I am always first in line to read her new books!
First of all, the time travel aspect was very cool. Morgan winds up in pirate times in the Caribbean after what seems to be a freak accident. She meets handsome pirate captain Rowan, and begins to fall in love with him.
One thing I didn't love was how long it took Morgan to realize she had time traveled. It was a little annoying for a bit, with her excuses for what must be happening. But honestly, after a bit, I got used to it and really loved the book!
I can't wait for more from MaryLu Tyndall. I am always first in line to read her new books!
December 22, 2016
I'm not a fan of Fantasy, so for readers that enjoy this genre, I think they'll like it better than I did. There is, however, many mentions of 'lying with someone' or being 'someone's mistress', as well as attempted rape. I think it was handled very well, however. But because of that, the best age range should be for older teens. The amount of time it took for Morgan to realize that it wasn't a show kind of bugged me, but I understand that I wouldn't believe it if it happened to me. Also, another thing that bugged me was that I didn't realize when Morgan actually became a Christian. Was she already a Christian, but a 'lukewarm' Christian, or did she accept Christ when she was healed? All that said, however, it was an enjoyable and exciting book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2016
I have enjoyed this series, and The Reckoning was another enjoyable addition. This is a time travel novel, with Morgan coming from present time back to over 300 years ago. Rowan is the brother of Juliana from Book 4, The Ransom.
There were a few things that bugged me, hence the lower rating. It drove me a little crazy waiting for Morgan to get it together and specifically to realize that she had traveled through time. Still I enjoyed the overall story and will look forwad to reading the follow-up story about their son, in Charity's Cross.
I should also add that later in the story, characters from the previous novels make an appearance; which is a definite bonus for fans!
There were a few things that bugged me, hence the lower rating. It drove me a little crazy waiting for Morgan to get it together and specifically to realize that she had traveled through time. Still I enjoyed the overall story and will look forwad to reading the follow-up story about their son, in Charity's Cross.
I should also add that later in the story, characters from the previous novels make an appearance; which is a definite bonus for fans!
June 23, 2015
The Reckoning is the fifth installment of the Legacy of the King's Pirates series. I have not read all of the books in the series yet and feel that this book can be read as stand alone. I really enjoyed this story. I really surprised at how everything played out. Many events happened that I didn't expect.
I think it is one of my favorites by MaryLu Tyndall.
Great book!
5 plus stars
I think it is one of my favorites by MaryLu Tyndall.
Great book!
5 plus stars
July 13, 2015
MaryLu does it again! Every book in this series makes me want to go back and re-read the others. The time-travel element of this book was an interesting angle, and I loved Morgan's confusion. And if there's an award for creating swoon-worthy pirates, MaryLu should win it. Rowan is a charmer!
July 5, 2015
Finally a time-travel book with an ending that I like! :) Great writing and storyline!
May 27, 2016
Can't wait for the next book in the series...hoping there will be one about Charlisse and Merrick's other daughter!
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