Monsters

The Reckoner #2

by David Alexander Robertson

The mystery at Wounded Sky First Nation continues in the heart-stopping sequel to Strangers, by Governor General’s award-winning author David A. Robertson.

“The ending...is so unexpected that readers will eagerly anticipate [the] third volume.”—Kirkus Reviews

Cole Harper is struggling to settle into life in Wounded Sky First Nation. He may have stopped a serial killer but the trouble is far from over. A creature lurks in the shadows of Blackwood Forest, the health clinic is on lockdown by a mysterious organization, and long-held secrets threaten to bubble to the surface. Can Cole learn the truth about his father's death? Why won't Choch give him a straight answer? Where the heck is Jayne? Oh, and high school sucks.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Indigenous, Canada, Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction

264 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2018

About the author

DAVID A. ROBERTSON is a two-time winner of the Governor General's Literary Award, has won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, as well as the Writer's Union of Canada Freedom to Read award. He has received several other accolades for his work as a writer for children and adults, podcaster, public speaker, and social advocate. He was honoured with a Doctor of Letters by the University of Manitoba for outstanding contributions in the arts and distinguished achievements in 2023. He is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and lives in Winnipeg.

Reviews

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really still processing the end of this book and shouldn't be writing a review, but I can always edit it later so here goes. Book two in a series is always hard. To read and probably to write (I couldn't say for sure but it seems obvious).
I started this book knowing that even though Cole has been through so much, that there would be a lot more to come. Surely, Choch and Mr. Robertson will put him through hell in a second book. How does one face the Monsters in one's life? It can be tough and Cole has more to face than most when it's decided that he must stay at Wounded Sky. That question is really at the core of this book that book that is so many things. An indigenous supernatural thriller. A view of life with mental illness that also has action and humor.
A supportive group of family and friends along with a fickle community of group texters surrounds Cole as he tries to find out what's really happening but this one was really about Cole. Choch and Mr. Robertson have created a second book that does exactly what second books are meant to do. Drive you batty, have you thinking for days while your finger metaphorically hovers between that fourth and fifth Goodreads star while cursing and celebrating the ending and make you race over to Twitter to stare at the cover of book three for clues. This is a terrific, #ownvoices, YA series I might sneak to some of my MG readers even if they don't listen to good enough music to understand all of the pop culture references.

[Kathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a book that you can’t put down! I flew through MONSTERS because I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next to Cole. I guarantee this story will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Book 3 can’t come soon enough!!

[Enid Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

And just like with Strangers he has me hooked from page 1. The Prologue. Wow. The tension. The fear. He had me by the seat of my pants - and I was in my nightgown!! I can see the film version of this already in my head…

Things to like about this book:
The writing: is sublime… he packs so much into so little - be it character, or plot, or simply gorgeous descriptive passages;
Indigenous ‘Creatures’: Choch; Upayokwitigo;
Mental Health;
Humour;
Characters: Cole… and his supernatural powers (p85)... yet still riddled by anxiety; Brady… solid, reliable, dependable, but mourning his love, Ashley (who died in the first instalment) ; Eva… who I think we’ll see much more of in the final instalment; and, Pam… all round awesome (p84); ...among others;
Friendship: Cole, Brady, Eva, Pam… the relationships between them - genuine, warm, caring, and not without their complications;
Family: grandma’s and aunties… their wisdom… Trust comes from truth. You need to find that truth (p200);

Can’t wait for the finale….

[Colinda Clyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great finish to this YA trilogy.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole is trying to settle back into life in Wounded Sky First Nation. He left years ago after being involved in helping to catch a serial killer. Still so many problems just being in school which is never an easy thing. There is a threatening creature that lives in the Blackwood Forest and it is a danger and needs to captured., The clinic is mysteriously shut down and no one will say why and so many secrets that have been kept private are about to come out. Will Cole learn the truth about his father's death? Coch and Jayne are with Cole to help with any thing he needs in their own way. One is a ghost and the other is a spirit.
Will Cole find out what or who the creature is, will be be able to save the few friends he has left. I'm rooting for Cole all the way and will be reading the first book of the series and getting ready for number 3 when it comes out. I received this book from Net Galley for an honest review and no compensation

[J.L. Slipak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole Harper is struggling to settle into life in Wounded Sky First Nation. He may have stopped a serial killer but the trouble is far from over. A creature lurks in the shadows of Blackwood Forest, the health clinic is on lockdown by a mysterious organization, and long-held secrets threaten to bubble to the surface. Can Cole learn the truth about his father’s death? Why won’t Choch give him a straight answer? Where the heck is Jayne? Oh, and high school sucks.
Monsters is the second novel in David A. Robertson’s The Reckoner trilogy. It is the follow-up to Strangers.
Out September 2018/ January 2019 US
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
I previously reviewed David Robertson’s “Strangers” the first book of Reckoner series. Go here to read my review.
This book, “Monsters,” is the second installment to his young adult series.

I absolutely love this author’s “voice.” His writing style is clear and precise and easy to enjoy. His word usage is mesmerizing and before you know it, you’ve read the whole book and want more. I love the imagery he conjures and the careful character development he uses to bring the reader into his MC’s head and circumstances.

This is an author I plan on following and hopefully will interview in the future. He’s an award winning writer for his book, “When We Were Alone” a book that won him the Governor General’s Award; and, “Will I See?” This work won him the Manuela Dias Book Design and Illustration Award Graphic Novel Category.

His writing about Indigenous Peoples in Canada illuminates their culture, histories, communities, and relevant contemporary issues. In this series, he approaches subjects about belonging, bullying, differences, acceptance and more.

[Nannette Demmler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, the ending of this book is something that I was not at all expecting. It will be very interesting to see where the story goes from here. While this one is a continuation of the story from the first book, it is really about Cole facing his monsters both real and the ones he faces everyday within himself. Cole suffers from anxiety and a lot of what happens to him is because of this. He often reacts to situations with out thinking and then suffers the consequences.

Cole continues his quest to find out what really happened in his town ten years ago and what happened to his parents. Most of the townspeople don’t trust him and want him to leave. But he has a strong base in his friendships with Eva and Brady and some newer friends such as Pam. His aunt and grandmother also come back to town and at time are supportive and understanding of him, but really struggle with how to help him.

The overall plot continues to have a supernatural element to it, although we are beginning to see that perhaps there was something the drug company did that was not beneficial. There is a new monster from first nation mythology that is pretty scary and Cole needs to find it and destroy it before it harms anyone. Coch is back as well, he is a sort of minor god that is suppose to be helping Cole, but he is often causing Cole problems than helping. There are some humorous moments and lots of pop culture references that sometimes added much needed moments of lightness in the darker parts of the story.

A good second book in the trilogy. It has moved the story along, although maybe a bit slowly. That ending certainly makes up for the slower parts though. Highly recommend that you pick this one up.

https://elnadesbookchat.com

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The events in this second book happen a few weeks after the first one, so it’s more heavily loaded with Cole’s guilt and anxiety. Cole tries to find more information about his father and his father’s death and gets into even more trouble throughout the whole story. Cole does find some answers, but just when you think there might be some closure the book f*cking ends and you’re left saying “What the hell just happened?”

There are supernatural elements to this, but it didn’t feel like there was as much as the first book. The introduction of the monster was gory and spooky (but just the right amount where it’s still appropriate for young adults) and I only wish it would’ve shown up more often than it did. Can’t wait to read the third and final book and get some answers.

[Tess Bridges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monsters by David A. Robertson is the second book in the Reckoner Trilogy, and wow—Robertson really knows how to draw you in. Strangers was good, but Monsters brought even more character development, not just for Cole, but also for some of the minor characters.

I could really relate to the inner struggles Cole faced with his “monsters.” The book kept me on the edge of my seat, and this was one of those rare books that left me genuinely emotional by the end.

While Strangers was a solid start, Monsters absolutely blew it out of the water. I also felt like I got to know the characters more deeply—from Cole to Eva, and even Janey.

I can’t wait to dive into the final book, Ghosts. I’m so glad I discovered David A. Robertson’s writing—he truly knows how to create stories that touch you.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can hardly wait for Ghosts and I want to go back and reread Strangers. I love how the ending leads into the third book in the trilogy.

Cole is such a great flawed character! I feel such empathy for him and feel really sad that he has to deal with so much hardship. His experiences made me open my mind to the mental health issues many experience, especially our youth. I think I have learned much about anxiety from both books.

Readers will want to finish the book quickly because you constantly ask, “What next?”

[Liz Seasalt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I cry when reading the last few pages? Absolutely. As someone who struggles with her anxiety disorder a lot it hit me hard to read what David A. Robertson wrote about his own struggles, and I appreciate a protagonist like Cole so so much. The narration is awfully funny, the characters are the most loveable dorks (yay for Pam!), and I absolutely love the representation in these books, culturally as well as mental health wise. (Please note that this Goodreads review also acknowledges how hard it must have been to make a public Star Trek reference when you're a die hard Star Wars fan.)

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monsters is such a magnificent follow up to Strangers. The story in this trilogy is so engrossing, the characters are relatable (especially Cole's anxiety), there's a lot of darkness but a great sense of humour as well, and the twists and turns were great to follow along with. It's one of those books that I was kind of mad at when it was over because I can't immediately start book three (soonsoonsoon I swear it). Highly recommended. Definitely looking towards the conclusion of the trilogy, as well as the comic spin-off.

[Barbara McEwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty solid book 2 in the trilogy. There is a lot going on here between Cole's past, his relationships, his mental health, and all the crazy mysteries he has to solve. At times it feels a bit messy? But I guess that is true to life. I am still interested in what is going to happen and love the supernatural elements of the story that make it unique.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! The last 20 pages made me sit on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t believe the ending, so so good! I also greatly appreciated the author’s, and Choch’s, messages to the reader. I receive a copy of the ARC from Book Portage in exchange for a review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second of the trilogy and of course, Cole is facing everything horrible that can be thrown at him.

There is something bad out there, and he is determined to find out what it is.

The boogyman is real.

As are ghosts.

It is a wild ride.

Now, on to book 3.

[Yancy Craft · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really was supposed to go to bed so I wouldn't be miserable at work (now in 4 hours). But it's so darn readable and good. I didn't actually type darn, I typed something else, which is kind of eerie given what happens in the book. You'll know it when you see it. Read the series.

[Jenna (Falling Letters) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an awesome read! Enjoyed it even more than book one. Read it in just about one sitting and am now eagerly anticipating the final book...

[Catherine Mustread · Rating 3 out of 5]

#2 in the Reckoner trilogy— neither the beginning or the end, so not recommended as a read alone. The teen protagonist has serious anxiety issues but pushes on in his indigenous superhero role.

[K.A. Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. Paranormal mystery is pretty much always fun, and the #ownvoices indigenous setting gives it a freshness that's a nice change from, IDK, werewolves in New York or whatever.

[Christy MacCallum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this series! Cole is an amazing hero and the unique story has me hooked with every page.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intense second book for the Reckoner series. I am excited for book 3. The ending was shocking.

[Chantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh, cliffhangers are the WORST (but so well-written and executed perfectly to purpose: I can’t wait to read Ghosts)!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good! Wish I had had more time to sit and enjoy in a shorter period of time, but enjoyed the writing style, development of character and the culture woven together with ironic humour.

[Jenn P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one better than the first, but it's pretty much just build up for the third novel. As with the first very much enjoyed the Indigenous storytelling at work here. The second book peaked my interest more than the first in so far as now I'm invested and want to know what happens next for these characters.
adventure, mystery
indigenous
magical realism

[Storytime With Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating, funny, suspenseful, heartbreaking, and amazing. In Monsters, book two of The Reckoner series, Cole remains in Wounded Sky First Nation, not having completed the task set before him by Choch, friendly neighbourhood spirit and smart a** guide. Cole continues to seek the truth about what happened ten years ago when he lost both his parents under mysterious circumstances. He also continues to seek the truth about the current problems affecting Wounded Sky First Nation. Although the killing has stopped and the flu cured, those afflicted have not returned from the clinic and now Mihko has taken over.

David A. Robertson is a masterful storyteller who so brilliantly creates a thrilling tale rooted in First Nations mysticism with an incredible wit and fearlessness. You will become so involved in this story, it’s unavoidable. The prose is completely engaging you will find yourself chuckling one minute and biting your fingernails, heart racing the next. From one chapter to the next we slowly and patiently discover more about Cole’s past, the circumstances which led to his fleeing Wounded Sky and the requirement of his return. We continue to learn more about the players involved in all of the strange and heartbreaking happenings on the reservation. A second book in a series is full of anticipation but can also be quite wearing. You know you are not going to have a complete resolution at the end, David A. Robertson avoids all of the pitfalls by keeping Monsters fast paced, filling in the blanks but yet still leaving so much to be resolved. You experience everything as Cole is experiencing it as though you were a part of the story. Once again Choch provides some much needed comic relief throughout easing some of the heft of the story. One of the most brilliant themes in this series and Monsters in particular is how the author addresses Cole’s experience with anxiety. I know many people, friends and family, who live with the panic and restlessness of anxiety. David A. Robertson writes from personal experience and through Cole you experience all the suffering and subsequently gain a better understanding of those who experience anxiety.

We truly need more books like David A. Robertson’s Reckoner series. Combining First Nation mysticism and addressing mental health into a thriller of a tale, this series has so much to offer adults as well as middle graders.