The Reckoning of Noah Shaw

The Shaw Confessions #2

by Michelle Hodkin

Noah Shaw confesses all in this second novel of a chilling new companion series to Michelle Hodkin’s New York Times bestselling Mara Dyer trilogy!

Noah Shaw doesn’t think he needs his father’s inheritance.
He does.

Noah believes there’s something off about the suicides in his visions.
There is.

Noah is convinced that he still knows the real Mara Dyer.
He does not.

Everyone thought the nightmare had ended with Mara Dyer’s memoirs, but it was only the beginning. As old skeletons are laid bare, alliances will be tested, hearts will be broken, and no one will be left unscarred.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Mystery, Fiction, Young Adult Fantasy

379 pages, Paperback

First published November 13, 2018

About the author

Michelle Hodkin is the author of the Mara Dyer Trilogy, which was a New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling series. The trilogy, which includes The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, The Evolution of Mara Dyer, and The Retribution of Mara Dyer, was described as “haunting and dreamlike” by Cassandra Clare and “darkly funny, deliciously creepy, and genuinely thoughtful” by Veronica Roth. Lev Grossman has called Hodkin “One of the greatest talents in Young Adult fiction.” The novels were praised by Romantic Times, MTV’s Hollywood Crush, and the Los Angeles Times, and books from the series appeared on several state reading lists. Additionally, The Retribution of Mara Dyer was selected as one of TIME.com’s Top 10 YA Books of 2014. Hodkin grew up in Florida, went to college in New York, and studied law in Michigan, before finally settling in Brooklyn last year.

You can visit her online at:

http://www.michellehodkin.com/
http://twitter.com/MichelleHodkin
http://pinterest.com/michellehodkin/
http://michellehodkin.tumblr.com/

Reviews

[Beatrice in Bookland · Rating 1 out of 5]

*I received an arc from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

1) The unbecoming of Mara Dyer ★★★☆☆
2) The evolution of Mara Dyer ★★★☆☆
3) The retribution of Mara Dyer ★★☆☆☆
4) The becoming of Noah Shaw ★★☆☆☆

I haven’t read a book this bad in ages ohmygod

Nothing happens in this book. Nothing. Nada. Niente. Rien.
It's basically 500 pages of Noah and Goose getting drunk, taking acids, falling into the stupidest traps and talking about Mara (who isn't even in the book, ugh).

The only good thing that came out of this book is Noah realising that he ain't shit and that Mara deserves better and the little Before part where we see what happened to Noah when Mara was at Horizons.

So yeah my opinion on this new trilogy is that it's completely unnecessary and that it's ruining the original one. It's ruining the old characters and making the plot even weirder. Stop, Michelle, p l e a s e.

[Jasmine · Rating 2 out of 5]

***NEGATIVITY OVERLOAD ALERTS!!! Please consider yourself warned before coming across my most unfavorable rant here. Thank you.***

H U G E - D I S A P P O I N T M E N T

Among all the Michelle Hodkin books I've read and loved, this one is undoubtedly my least favorite.


***Actual Rating: 2/5 Nonono Stars***

UUUUUGGGGGHHHHHH.
The only reaction I have after "reading," hold on, what do you call when you flip through the entire book without really getting anything informative? Does it count as reading, too?? this book is:


I'm not kidding; Meghan Trainor's "NO" says it all. *shrugs*

I can't believe I'm admitting this but seriously, I HAVE NEVER BEEN LET DOWN SOOOOOOO FREAKING MUCH LIKE THIS BOOK DOES--a book I've been anticipating for more than a year, which also happens to be written by one of my favorite authors, AND which is supposed to be an epic sequel to the Shaw Confessions trilogy--AND I AM DEEPLY, PROFOUNDLY MISERABLE right now.

The Reckoning of Noah Shaw is supposedly the sequel to The Shaw Confessions series, which is the spin-off for The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer trilogy), telling the story from Noah Shaw's perspectives. In the first book of The Shaw Confessions, The Becoming of Noah Shaw, we actually get a lot of insights and deep thoughts from Noah, making me very happy and excited about his further discovery of both of his and Mara's mysterious pasts. Thus, I, of course, have high hopes for this book. However, only a few chapters in, I realize this book isn't heading where I thought and wished it would, so I lower the bar for the continual story.

Much, much to my disappointment (and anger), not only does this sequel not live up to my expectations, which end up being almost none, but also RUINS my love for the Shaw Confessions. What's worse, I think this book also makes me question about my adoration for Mara Dyer trilogy. I feel utterly sorry for saying that it is a total waste of time reading this book since I honestly don't get anything other than what I already know. Noah Shaw's getting along with Mara's grandmother doesn't unveil anything essential, in my opinion, which results in not making any significant progress in searching of Mara throughout the book.

Oh, have I mentioned that Mara Dyer doesn't show up until the last page? Had it been Noah Shaw's story all along, I'd be super happy to read everything from Noah's POV; sadly, this is still Noah AND Mara's journey so I personally think the main focus of the story should be on both characters. (God, I'm rambling nonsense right now, aren't I?)

Anyways, there's nothing wrong with the writing or character building; the reason that this book pisses me off so much is simply because NOTHING HAPPENS in this instalment. And I feel like the biggest idiot for pouring so much of my time and soul into waiting for the book, and actually expecting something from it. Despite what I said previously, I will still read the last book in the series because of the last page here. I won't have too much hope though.

Will I recommend this book? I think the answer's pretty obvious:


Lastly, if any of you were still here, I just want to thank you for reading all my nearly irrational complaints about this book. I promise this isn't how I usually review books.

[Noura Khalid (theperksofbeingnoura) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for sending a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Michelle Hodkin is one of my absolute favorite authors. I was almost sobbing when I received an approval to review this book. Noah is one of my favorite characters ever. Reading from his point of view is a completely different experience than when we were reading from Mara’s perspective. I read this one in two days just like the previous book. Something about Michelle Hodkin’s writing always manages to keep me immersed even if there isn't anything happening yet.

We pick up from where we left off in the first book and we follow the adventures of Noah and Goose. Now, as much as I adore the characters I couldn't help but be a bit confused with where the story was going. I felt like I didnt get enough time to process what happened before the next event took place and revealed something new. It was nice to get a bit more information than what we previously had. Though it made room for a million new questions. It also left a few still unanswered and I think that’s what might have confused me more.

Noah and Goose end up travelling around quite a lot. Noah also ends up discovering and remembering a few things he didn’t pay attention to before. The events that took place helped in understanding what was going on in the previous book, as well as in The Mara Dyer trilogy. We dove into Noah’s past and that included some of his ancestors. Despite the book lacking Mara, we did unravel a few events from her side of the family, including her grandmother.

My head was buzzing with questions that I was hoping this book would reveal. It answered a few and added a bit more to the list. I’m assuming we have one more book left in this trilogy, and despite not enjoying this one as much as I wanted to I cant wait for the last book!


Trigger Warning: Suicide, drug abuse and self harm.

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series knows how to mess with your emotions. Get your heart racing and always, always leave you wanting more.


After both the killer cliffhanger and heartbreaking ending of book one, I was left anxious to get my hands on book two. I just had to know that that wasn't how it all ended. That that wasn't the end period between so many beloved characters.

Noah and Mara are explosive together, sometimes in the very worst ways possible but no, it couldn't end with them at odds with each other, it just couldn't.

This book. So many feels. So many emotions. So many revelations, betrayals and even more mysteries.

Literally, it was hard to wrap my mind around them sometimes. There was just so much going on in the best way possible.

I don't even know what else to say without giving anything away but I will say this, it's a must read. It's beautifully done. It's mysterious, it's mind blowing and so very much happens and is reveled and exposed that fans of the series will not want to miss out on it. In fact, their only regret will be that book three isn't here already.

Hodkins once again blows us away with the intricately laid out mystery that is Mara, Noah, and gang. The conspiracies, the danger, the gifts, the plans, the destruction. All so cleverly done and executed. I can't wait for more.

*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

[Stacee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man, I don’t have words, but I have a lot of feelings.

I loved this portion of Noah’s story. I loved being in his head, being back in England, being with Goose. Seriously, I could read an entire book with Goose as the MC. Also, I desperately need him and Jamie together ASAP.

Plot wise, it was fantastic and maddening and literally everything I could have wanted for a second book in a trilogy. We get some answers and more questions, and you bet your sweet ass there’s a cliffhanger ending.

I refuse to say anything that could be spoiler-ish. Just know that I am furious and so happy and can’t even wait to see what the final book brings.

**Huge thanks to Simon & Schuster BFYR for providing the arc free of charge**

[jessie · Rating 1 out of 5]

UPDATE: July 10 2020
A friend of mine just asked me what I think of this series and I was about to show her this review until I realized this review doesn't make any sense.

But you get it, right? I HATED this book


----------------------------------------------


Well, what a huge disappointment.

So the reviews are right after all. This book sucks.

You know that little suspense we have in The Becoming of Noah Shaw? Gone.
You read that gripping mystery and mind fucks in the whats-real-whats-not way in Mara Dyer Trilogy? Fucking GONE.

Let me kick this off with saying that nothing like absolutely fucking nothing happened in this book.

I thought the first book is bad enough but it was still okay. Turns out it could get worse.

Please Michelle stop. The entire series is getting so weird. And I’m so angry because the original trilogy deserves better than this badly-written fan-fiction.

Deep breaths

The Reckoning of Noah Shaw is a confusing book. I mean don’t get me wrong, a good book should be confusing; it’s supposed to make the readers want more and confused as to what the hell is going on. Reckoning, however, is confusing and not in a good way.

The book opened right after that scene in the first book and things started to go from there. The problem is, nothing happened.

Okay, the first book sucks but something happened at the very least, and I was compelled enough to find out why the suicides were happening. This book, however basically consists of one, Noah and Goose getting drunk and being stupid, and two, the little ‘twist’ in the end (or rather, it’s supposed to be a twist. But at that moment I hated this book so much and wanted to get it over with that I don’t fucking care).

The problem with the previous book is that Michelle Hodkin, purposefully added new mysteries in the hopes that the readers would be on the edge of their seat just like what they (and me) do when we read the Mara Dyer Trilogy. However, she seems to be trying so hard that these strange happenings form this… guessable pattern. These ‘mysteries’ happened so often that they get all mangled up and we’re fucking confused. Now, the problem with this book, however, is that it explains absolutely nothing except for the useless ‘reveals’ here and there. It’s that bad.

Also this book is filled with pointless thoughts of Mara (who isn’t even in the damn book!) and pointless Noah and Goose scenes where they act like proper Englishmen. I always appreciate couples who love each other unconditionally but getting into Noah’s thoughts of Mara is quite depressing. There’s no single chapter when he doesn’t think about her (who again, is not in the book) and they’re filled with these weird metaphors that he sounds like someone obsessed? I mean seriously it’s creepy as hell. He sounds like someone so drunk in love he could go mad. I used to love Noah so much I mean he was like a hot sex god back in the Mara Dyer trilogy and this series had ruined my love for me. I don’t even like him anymore. He’s just downright annoying.

Also there are pointless scenes where Noah and Goose talk about anything else such as man I don’t even know what they’re talking about and the fact that I’m Asian is not helping. And they happened so often in between scenes. Have you read Teardrop? if you haven’t, don’t bother it’s a really bad book. That book has absolutely nothing going on except for obsessive thoughts about the main character’s significant other. Add that with weird strange happenings, a London background and shitty pointless conversations about polite Englishmen and you get The Reckoning of Noah Shaw.

This book, or fanfiction as I like to call it, should not have existed. The entire series shouldn’t have existed. It ruined the original Mara Dyer trilogy. The plot is not going anywhere and I fail to grasp what the heck is going on. The story should’ve ended with Retribution. This entire series is pointless and unnecessary enough said.

[Ricky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though the first book disappointed me a bit, I'm still super-psyched for The Reckoning because dammit I want Noah and Mara and Jamie and all their peeps to make it out of this new series happy!

Except if this ARC is anything to go by, they don't, but what else is new?

This one still isn't as good for me as the original series was, mostly due to a somewhat unfocused second half that kinda drags it down. But the first half, when we get an extended flashback to the time when Noah was, um, in captivity during the better part of The Retribution of Mara Dyer and Mara thought he was dead, it feels like Hodkin does a great job of finally filling in this narrative gap. Then, while that second half does feel unfocused, it unleashes a whole torrent of surprises on us the readers - including, of course, a cliffhanger just as weapons-grade as the one we got in Part 2 of Hodkin's last trilogy, if not more so.

Again, I'm really sad that the happy ending of the original trilogy is pretty much all gone at this point. But now I only have to wait maybe a year for the end? Hopefully no more than that.

[Adah Udechukwu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected more.

[Mara YA Mood Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noah. And Goose. And takes place in England.

Those are my 3 reasons why I loved The Reckoning of Noah Shaw. And why you will too. It’s a simple as that. Or perhaps I’m just as simple as that. All I want is a somewhat naughty, foreign, foul mouthed, classically misunderstood bad-boy POV in YA, throw in some mystery, paranormal (not vampire paranormal but creepy paranormal) and I’m just freaking happy.

[h o l l i s · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like the moment I start to get a handle on this series slash spinoff the next book comes in and shoots it all to hell. I wish I knew why I was still reading but alas I need to see this through after all the time and effort I've put into it. And I did like the first of the The Shaw Confessions. Mostly because we were out of Mara's head.

I honestly don't know what to say about this one. In true Hodkin fashion it once again seems like a lot of things happened but half of them feel unfinished. Or half of them are misdirection. Or there's a portion that was filler or rehashing or.. something. And then everything comes to a head at the end and you're like 'ohhhh' and yet still left with a general wtf impression. Such is my THE RECKONING OF NOAH SHAW experience.

This series feels twisty and confusing for the sake of being twisty and confusing and I wish I just.. understood it. But I'm still waiting for that moment to happen where I actually understand.. anything. Considering I two starred my way through the first series this spinoff is definitely not written for me. Maybe it was just a fluke I liked THE BECOMING OF NOAH SHAW. I don't know. But I really want the end of this story. I want explanations.


** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **

[Bonnie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trigger warnings for: suicide, depression, self harm, drug/alcohol abuse

I really wanna know what Michelle was smoking when she wrote this because what the actual fuck.

None of this makes sense. And not in the cool, what's real-what's not fashion of the original Mara Dyer series, it's just literally incomprehensible. I can kind of see what is trying to play out here, especially with some of the reveals at the end and the connection to the events in the first novel (that still needed LOADS more explanation), but there is absolutely nothing in THIS book that connects anything. It's a whole lot of pointless nothing, Noah and Goose running around clueless, followed by a ~shocking ending (which I saw coming 100 pages before the end lol). I honestly do not understand how anyone could come away from this book understanding what the fuck they just read, or how an editor read this and was like, "yeah, solid."

I don't know if there will be any major changes between the arc and the finished copy but for the sake of anyone that reads this I sure the hell hope there is.

[dane · Rating 5 out of 5]

CAWPILE Rating: 9.29 (5 Stars)

So much better on reread - as shown by the fact it’s now 5 stars and not 4. There is major temptation to start reading again as it’s that good, but i’m going to reread and annotate all of the Mara/Noah books before I in-depth review this one as there’s so much to talk about!

(Read #3: Absolutely amazing as always! You’ll likely catch me reading this for a fourth time this year in a matter of days or weeks.)

(Read #4: I’m still noticing new things about the story, can’t wait until the hardback arrives so I can annotate like crazy. Also, still my favourite YA/Hodkin book yet!)

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

We left Becoming with shit hitting the fan and a huge comeback from a certain character. Reckoning picks up right from there, and if you really thought shit hit the fan in Becoming? EL OH EL, WE'RE ALL IN FOR A WILD RIDE.

Upon starting the book, I had to put it down after reading the first page. I honestly could not handle my emotions. Noah's thoughts are so raw and bare, and I'm telling you guys, they're not always the nicest. They're not always the most romantic, or optimistic. But they're so real, and it makes me love him even more.

In the Mara Dyer trilogy, Noah constantly described himself as reckless and uncaring, but we never really got to see that side of him. At least not to this extent. In Reckoning, we find out just how far that goes. At times, I wanted to shake him and tell him to get his shit together, not gonna lie.

On the writing side of things, I felt like he was easily manipulated and just as easily gave in. I also felt like the story was too slow/fast at all the wrong times. Some scenes and minor plots felt like fillers and dragged on for me, while others exploded with information and gave no time to process anything before something else happened. It kind of jumbled up for me at one point. I found myself re-reading a lot of scenes because of both of these things.

To be quite honest, those are the only things I didn't like. And one other thing I can't say cause spoilers.

ON TO WHAT I LOVED. (Everything lmao.)

Ya girl lives for angst and Noah is angst incarnated. I live for it. But there is a character—whom I LOVED in Becoming—who cancels a lot of that out. Goose. In Reckoning, we see a new side to their friendship and the only thing I'm living for besides angst, is their chemistry. They clearly care for each other and bring out the best—or worst, depends on who's asking—from each other. The dark humor between them (and all the satire jokes, PLEASE) was such a great reprieve from the situation they were in. Michelle promised us more Goose and I am so happy she did.

Back to the actual writing, guys...just wow. Michelle painted pictures of the setting so perfectly, immersing me in the culture and slang in such a realistic way; I felt like I was actually there.

Let me also say that, Michelle Hodkin is an evil genius who's writing ages like fine wine. I never imagined that she could outdo the twists and turns of the first book of The Shaw Confessions, but she has surpassed any and all expectations.

The overall plot was perfect. I have less and more questions after finishing the books, except this time, they're more oriented towards one subject. In my opinion, that is what a second book is supposed to do.

So much information was given, and so many things were revealed ("so many" as in I really have to go back and re-read Reckoning—lol we all know I was going to anyway—so I can connect some of the smaller dots BECAUSE SO MUCH INFO). A lot of the unanswered questions from the MD trilogy and Becoming are starting to find its answers. Old characters and new characters fit the story so well and make me so giddy and nervous at the same time. There is one character that everyone will freak out about (maybe two) AND I'M SO PUMPED FOR IT.

Now the ending? The only thing I'm going to say is that it's one of my literal worst fears. Both in real life and in fiction, so thanks Michelle.

All in all, Michelle's execution of Reckoning was done perfectly. Dramatic when needed, humorous when it got too heavy, and MIND BLOWING when big revelations happened.

I'm literally counting down the days for the next book.

Needless to say, a 5 out of 5 stars from me.

And a HUGE thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing me with an Egalley.

[ayelysabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending left me with so much suspense 🙃

[⊹ ⁺ ₊ ✧ she's book obsessed ✧ ₊ ⁺ ⊹ · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Reckoning of Noah Shaw
⭐️⭐️

I’ve died from boredom.

[jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

wow. i am beyond shocked at how much the quality and general likability of this series has taken a serious nosedive with this book. its honestly not what i would expect from michelle hodkin, not in the least.

literally nothing happens in this until the last chapter (and even then, its a massive hot mess/all over the place). this book is honestly 400 pages of pointless filler. and while i would literally do anything for noah shaw and my love for him is eternal, it just wasnt enough for me to enjoy it as much as i should have.

i am PRAYING that this is just an unfortunate case of second book syndrome, so i guess we will see what happens with the next book. my fingers are crossed it doesnt disappoint me as much as this did.

↠ 2.5 stars

[Gaby (lookingatbooks)]

Welp, I think I could hate every book in this new series and it wouldn’t stop me from binging them all. The Mara Dyer trilogy holds such a special place in my heart that I’ll read The Shaw Confessions just to see my favorite characters again.

Also, this cover is pure gold 🔥👏🏻

[Rana Najjar]

I can't do it. I just can't.
I will just DNF this book. I will try to read it before the third book comes out, but I just can't handle how bad it is right now

[Serap(Agresif Spoiler Kraliçesi) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bu neydi,nasıl bir kitaptı 🤯🤯🤯🤯resmen beynim yandı, gerçekten beyin ölümüm gerçekleşti...kac vereyim bilmiyorum 1 Veresim var ama son kitap çıkmalı, okumalıyım ki puan verebileyim...sonra verecegim puanı azcik beynimi hayata döndüreyim önce...

[Amelia Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the arc for the Reckoning of an Asscrown was too much for my overheated mind and I almost collapsed after seeing the first page of Noahs' letter. His POV makes Noah more real and more tangible, than when we met him through Maras' eyes. It's not possible for me to find anything wrong with these series, I'm too much of a goner for that, and when I say that I love this twisted and messed up story, it's an understatement. I live and breathe with it, it's my personal kind of drug and I'm addicted to Michelle Hodkins' writing. I know this isn't much of a review, but I just have too many feelings and not enough words to describe them.

[sabah™ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[lexi · Rating 3 out of 5]

michelle is really good at writing stories that will creep and confuse the hell out of you (and i love her characters) but this just,,, didn’t do much for me tbh

i feel like this book was really idle and it’s kinda unclear what the whole idea of this series is? mara dyer was mind blowing and it was a story of mara’s story that tied in with people’s around hers, but these noah shaw books are more like... other people’s plots and stories as the central idea and noah is just the person narrating the story, if that makes sense.

this book seemed to lack purpose and it frustrates me because i KNOW michelle can write amazing books and that this isn’t her best and the shaw confessions just seem to be frantically grasping at any plot it can find.

it’s hard to put into words but overall this series just lacks what mara dyer was filled to the brim with (nothing against noah because he’s my bb)

[umamah · Rating 3 out of 5]

i really wanted to rate this a 1 star but i can't disrespect noah like that but also to be clear: this is not my noah shaw. also respectfully, the lack of mara in this was criminal and i will be taking custody of mara and noah now thank you

[Lindsay (pawsomereads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sort of glad I finally read this because it’s been sitting on my book shelf for 6 years so it was really about time I got to it but also kind of wish I didn’t read this because it sucks that this is where this unfinished trilogy is going to end. So many people have been waiting for the third book for so many years and I’m 99.9% sure it’s never going to be released. I loved these characters back in high school and I wish they got the ending they deserved.
This book was okay. There wasn’t much going on until the last few chapters but I do think this author’s writing is so strong. Her descriptions and dialogue are always so good.
I wish there was a way to know how this trilogy was meant to end because this book left off on such a major cliffhanger.

[Hannah]

update: February 20 '18
It has a cover, a release date, and a synopsis.
COVER. RELEASE DATE. SYNOPSIS.

And I haven't even read the first one.

[Bárbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't let the fact that it took me forever to finish fool you: this was just life getting in the way.
Michelle Hodkin just continues to blow my fucking mind. This was all kinds of amazing and I'm not sure when (or if) I'll stop screaming about it. Can I have the next one now, please and thanks.

[Janine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing happens and I'm still extremely confused. And yet it was still entertaining.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

• dnf at 60% - 3/5 ⭐️
i cba to finish this

[Julia Benassi · Rating 5 out of 5]

•If your story was a memoir, then mine is a confession.•
.
.
Holy cow.
Just that.
.
.
Pasando por alto esas dos líneas que fueron lo que pensé mientras leía este libro, voy a comentar lo que me pareció en general.
Es.
Perfecto.
Después de The Becoming of Noah Shaw había perdido las esperanzas. Literalmente. Me hice a la idea de que Michelle había caído en el cliché de abrir una historia que estaba cerrada, solo que un detalle: The Retribution of Mara Dyer no cerró para nada Mara Dyer. En realidad, no hizo más que plantear preguntas y abrir enigmas, así que una continuación era muy probable. Entonces llegó The Becoming a salvar el día, pero más bien lo destruyó. Lo único bueno de ese libro son los protagonistas, el nuevo aire y la escritura de Michelle, pero la historia era una masa uniforme que no parecía ir a ningún lado.
Hasta The Reckoning of Noah Shaw.
Este libro me enganchó desde la primera línea.
La escritura de Michelle evolucionó de una forma magnífica desde The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, y puede ser que el cambio de narrador sea de gran ayuda. Amo a Mara, pero Noah me parece mucho más profundo, mucho más relajado. En teoría, lo que se necesita para lo que se está contando en este libro, por partes intenso y por partes muuuy tranquilo, hasta el punto en el que pensé que no iba a pasar absolutamente nada en las 380 páginas de historia.
Me equivoqué, of course. Amo equivocarme.
The Reckoning no solo trae los nuevos aires de The Shaw Confessions, sino que también le saca el polvito a las cosas inconclusas de Mara Dyer, y no se deja ni una partícula de polvo en los muebles. Y mientras hacía esto, a mí me tenía como me tuvo al final de The Evolution of Mara Dyer. Quienes lo leyeron, seguro conocen el sentimiento.
Los nuevos personajes me parecieron entre necesarios e innecesarios. Uno en particular me parece perfecto. Los personajes que ya conocíamos podrían haber tenido más participación, pero teniendo en cuenta que esta ya no es la historia de Mara, puede esperarse que ellos no aparezcan tanto. Goose me encanta, btw.
Ahora, quiero volver a lo de sacar el polvo. Me pareció tan bien construido esto, la forma en la que cosas de los primeros libros finalmente toman sentido o son explicadas. Y no son explicadas de la nada, sino que tienen SENTIDO. Es como si este libro hubiera existido siempre. Es como si la trilogía de Mara Dyer no fuera más que una precuela, cosa que claramente lo es, pero nunca fue tan claro como ahora. La verdadera historia es The Shaw Confessions, la que está contando mi queridísimo Noah Shaw.
Y me encanta.
Me encanta la trilogía de Mara Dyer. The Becoming, puedo vivir sin él. Pero no puedo vivir sin The Reckoning.
Ya está, lo dije.
.
.
Ahora, ¿cómo espero a la tercera parte?

[Skye ~ Court of Binge Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review**

Trigger warnings for suicide, depression, self-harm, and drug/alcohol abuse.

This rating pains me. It truly does. When I read the Mara Dyer Trilogy during my sophomore year of high school, I fell in love. This trilogy was unlike any other that was published at the time. It was dark, twisted, raw, and chock full of supernatural themes--it was right up my alley. If there is one thing I cannot get enough of it is paranormal/supernatural books. Werewolves, vampires, ghosts, necromancers, shapeshifters, and more are my kryptonite.

Needless to say, when I heard that Michelle Hodkin was writing books from Noah Shaw's perspective I couldn't contain my giddiness. I loved Noah Shaw so much, I named my cell phone after him. Yeah. I was THAT dedicated. Now, after hearing all of this I'm sure you can imagine my pain and sorrow at rating The Reckoning of Noah Shaw a mere two stars. It was definitely the last thing I expected when I picked up this book. I had the absolute highest hopes for this book, but it fell flat. This story seems to have lost its initial sparkle that captivated my attention all those years ago. This book felt lackluster and a mere remnant of what it used to be.

There didn't seem to be a clear beginning, middle, and end in this book. It felt like 500 pages of random, unnecessary events with a cliffhanger thrown in last minute. Part of the fun and mystique of the original trilogy was the constant wondering of what was happening and what would happen. That was missing in this book. Instead, I was confused for the majority of this story. There didn't seem to be anything new nor was there any character development. In other words, I was bored.

*sigh* I hate writing reviews like this because I understand how much work goes into writing a novel, editing it, and then publishing it. But, I just did not like this story. At all. I can't tell you one thing that I really enjoyed--and it's from Noah Shaw's perspective. Noah should have been the one thing I enjoyed no matter what, but I didn't even like his character that much. That in itself is tragic, folks. Truly truly tragic.

If you read this book, I hope you enjoy it much more than I did. Maybe this book just wasn't for me. Maybe, Michelle Hodkin's writing isn't for me now that I'm older. I don't know. All I know is that I won't be continuing this series which breaks my heart.