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The Culling #3

The Reckoning

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** NOT A STANDALONE NOVEL! ** In the final moments of "The Fracturing," Reagan Scott was taken. While the rest of the country casts their votes for the next Presidential Couple, Reagan must now fight to survive. It’s no longer just about winning the Culling, it’s about ending the war with the drifters once and for all. As the darkness spirals out of control and threatens to destroy everyone and everything she loves, Reagan will be forced to make some difficult choices. Who will make it out alive? How will the drifter attack alter the course of the Culling? And who will be the next Presidential Couple?

514 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 12, 2019

354 people are currently reading
218 people want to read

About the author

Tricia Wentworth

22 books163 followers
Tricia Wentworth is the award-winning author of The Culling series. Though she began writing at a young age, she didn’t realize her love of writing would take over until after she graduated college with her teaching degree. She currently resides in Nebraska with her husband, three sons, and English bulldog. She hoards notebooks, pretty pens, books, and tea. When not reading, writing, or momming, she can be found squeezing in a run or feeding her sugar addiction by baking something ridiculously delicious.

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5 stars
508 (51%)
4 stars
274 (27%)
3 stars
153 (15%)
2 stars
43 (4%)
1 star
16 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Flora Leigh.
12 reviews
February 9, 2020
Let me say I usually finish a book no matter what, but this book I couldn't. I was disappointed in book 2 of this series, but I kept reading. However, I just couldn't finish this book. There was soooooo much tell and so little show it drove me over the edge.
moments when the main character could have described what was going on, instead we were told about them. Only to move onto the next party. There were so many parties..... In a world of finite supplies and labor, they just kept having parties.
The War, it wasn't a war at alllll, more people sneaking around and spying. there are so many things wrong with this book, I had to put it down and walk away.
I am a big reader. I tear through books like paper. But this book fell onto the small pile of 'books I just can't finish'.
Profile Image for Barbara Retartha.
4 reviews
November 3, 2019
First book was the best

Rather disappointed with books 2 and three. Book 3 actually got ridiculous after a while with commentary about bodily functions and ridiculously long explanations of a war that seem to never end. Found the third book rather immature. If I read one more massive chest and kiss on temple comment I was going to scream!
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
November 16, 2020
This one was a good ending to the series. It was great to see Reagan and Lincoln win the Presidency and to start enacting things so quickly as the Drifter situation heated up. I think they did the right thing there, trying to save people who, for the most part, were innocent. Given time they will add to the society as a whole. Things were bumpy as they went forward with the plan and losses were had, one that were hard to take. Even towards the end it didn't seem like things would work out well for everyone. But through it all, Reagan and Lincoln stuck together, knew they could rely on each other, built a strong team around them and they did what needed to be done. With the epilouge you can tell that things are happy for them and the country and at this point bad things that happen can't be as bad as what they lived through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jensen Reed.
Author 20 books39 followers
March 13, 2019
This was a fantastic end to Reagan's story! I love how action packed book three was. We got a lot more from the otherside of the Culling, more on side characters, and a fantastically wrapped up ending. I couldn't put it down! This is a must-read series if you like YA dystopian.
Profile Image for Christine Cazeneuve.
1,462 reviews40 followers
January 27, 2021
A fine ending

I will be honest and say I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first two. The story was one dimensional and dragged out but the final few chapters were satisfying. Much of it was predictable and perhaps it was because this book was written in seven months. I found that I preferred the supporting characters to the main character because I just couldn't come to terms with her immaturity on simple things and her maturity on bigger issues.
Profile Image for Amanda.
77 reviews
August 7, 2022
A great, satisfying ending for a series that let me down so hard so many times.

The first book was the best and it should have ended there. The layers of homophobia, misogyny, and straight up creepiness ruined the series. I had to skip several pages in several parts of the book because it was chock full of irrelevant rambling. I don't recommend this series to anyone. It had SO much potential. I wish a better author wrote it because it deserved so much more.
Profile Image for TheReadingKnitter/ Kasey.
1,021 reviews11 followers
May 28, 2020
While I loved this series, Reagan and Lyncoln but gosh I felt like this series just went on and on. I honestly skipped about 50%-60% and read the last three chapters to just find out what happened. Overall a good series but very wordy.
82 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2021
I listened to the audio books for this whole series. Reagen's too bubbly personality and super naiveness got annoying quickly. On top of that, the book was kinda predictable. And the books were all way too long and drawn out.
Profile Image for Melissa Garner.
2 reviews
November 18, 2021
Too much tell not show!

This book was very much unlike the first two. Struggled with the less than ideal descriptions and borderline childish writing. The first two were so much better!
163 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2019
A satisfying conclusion

The first book had my stomach in knots, wondering who Reagan would choose. The second had me grinning through most of it. This third book was emotionally a letdown because it went from fun (book 2) to serious. That said, it was still an enjoyable read.

At the end of book 2, Reagan was kidnapped. Her capture was arraigned by the leader of the evil drifters: Marjorie Hamm. She a diabolical, homicidal, sociopathic genius and has kept her identity hidden from the general population. She’s also the main reason the drifters hate the State. She is the main antagonist for the book.

The nice thing is that Wentworth ties up her subplots and continues to help Regs and Lyncoln find the HEA. Hadenfelt gets what’s coming to him. The war with the drifters is finally over. Samson becomes a more established leader and a 7th township is settled. Lyncoln kicks butt as Commander in Chief. Reagan provides the insight to balance out his cold logic. They make me wish they were in the White House. Jamie and Henry finally gets girls.

My one complaint is that even Lyncoln is a military genius, and there’s all these seasoned soldiers, it’s Reagan who always comes up with a plan. With all the challenges they faced, it felt a little forced and untrue to the characters. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed it and appreciated that the author took the time to gives us a good denouement rather than a hurried ending.
Profile Image for Elizabeth✨.
237 reviews3 followers
January 25, 2022
Phew… talk about a long book!
Even though it was long, I did enjoy it for the most part.

The reason I gave it only 4 stars is because I felt like a lot happened in the beginning and end but it kind of dropped off for the chunk of the book. It was just the same thing over and over— Figure out a way to get the bad guy, have meetings, broadcast, back to scratch etc. It did not appear to change much throughout the book, so it was hard to be excited about reading it. Also, I think that is why it took me so long. I went days and maybe a week or so without reading it because I just wasn’t excited or hooked anymore, which was sad.

However, I knew I wanted to keep reading it because something was gonna happen soon! It took a while, but it ended nicely. There was a lot of updates at the end that was a little shocking (relationship wise), but it didn’t really make it break the book, just a little random.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this series!! It was VERY long, but I appreciated the detail the author provided and didn’t have large time gaps in the story. I’d recommend this series to others (just might give them cation to the slowness of the last book).
Profile Image for Shannon Rogers.
Author 1 book25 followers
February 16, 2020
A PerfectEnsing

She knocked it out of the park with this final installment. It was perfection. Saying goodbye to these characters is a hard thing because the author did such an amazing job making these characters real to the point of feeling like your own inner circle of friends. Very hard to do but she does it impeccably.

The story wrapped up in an amazing way with all the right things happening, good or bad. I enjoyed this world, the story and the writing. The pacing was great and the author’s voice engaging.

I was sad to read the last page, even while feeling satisfied with it. I just hated that it was over. This series will definitely be added to my re-read pile for certain. Great series. Can’t wait to see what the author does in future.
Profile Image for Lits.
240 reviews5 followers
March 17, 2019
I'm sad this is the end of Reagan and Lincoln's story! I was very invested in their lives since book 1.
The Reckoning was a good ending to this series. It tied up all the loose ends appropriately. It was still filled with plenty of action and special moments.
Sadly, I saw the plot twists coming but it may still surprise some.
At first the romance wasn't as strong as in the previous books but that gets better as the book goes on.

It was a very enjoyable and I would read this series again.
Profile Image for The Masked Emu.
9 reviews
March 28, 2019
This series ... wow! I can't give it enough praise. The storyline was written so well. The story did not feel rushed at all. I felt like I knew these characters personally. Several nights I stayed up to read "just one more chapter" and ended up reading for another 2-3 hours. I did not want to put the books down, and honestly, I am sad to part with Reagan, Lyncoln, Henry, and the others.

I look forward to reading more from Tricia Wentworth. I have already recommended this series to several people, and I will continue to do so!
10 reviews
August 31, 2019
Good but needs a thesaurus

I really enjoyed the first book and it really kept me going to the end. Now keep in mind I'm 35 and even at the age of Reagan i did not think, talk or behave as she does but I get that those girls exist way more than me. I have a daughter and would love to pass this series on to her when she's older because I believe the story portrays a strong moral female character and how a living relationship should look. Only advise i have for the author is change up your adjectives a bit.
79 reviews4 followers
October 29, 2019
Fabulous!!!

This series is amazing!! I didnt want it to end. I absolutely LOVE the characters in it. I would like to know what happened with Henry... and I would love to know what happens with madam and Mr. President!!! I'm trying not to give anything away in this review! Please write another one! I fell in love with them all and had lots of laughing out loud moments where people around me looked at me like I was nuts. LOL. this is an amazing novel! Reagan and Lincoln are hilariously in love and I just couldnt put it down.
12 reviews
May 6, 2021
I thought this book was good. It was slower than the first 2 books in the series, but It was still fun to read. I am glad the series ended in a happy ending so that I can start a new and different book. I really liked this series and the authors did a good job of entertaining me while I read this series. I think if there was a 4th book I may have just moved on after the third book because this book was hard to finish. At some points, the plot was just dull and you knew what would happen after. I liked this series and I would recommend it.
Profile Image for alicia.
1 review
August 30, 2021
Trilogy review

I liked the first book and was excited to read the next two. Unfortunately I found myself skimming through them just to see the ending. Book 2 felt long and boring with all the dress descriptions and same sappy lines between the two main characters. I found the books childish and unbelievable… adult characters who couldn’t say the word sex or curse? It sounds ridiculous for a man like Lyncoln to always use words like crap or freaking, but then also be a military genius killer!?
Profile Image for Laura Alden.
22 reviews
March 27, 2019
Read this book, read it again & then buy it for someone...seriously SHARE


Such an awesome ending to a phenomenal series. Just when I'm reading and think I saw what was coming Tricia throws another curveball. Definitely tied up so many details I was dying to know and also some new twists that kept me reading late into the night. Just as much action, romance, suspense & comedy as the first 2 books. LOVE!
Looking forward to the next hit series!
5 reviews
October 4, 2019
Great story with a good closure

I was sucked into this story with Reagan from there very beginning. Tricia Wentworth's ability to build characters and tell a story was amazing. I laughed, I cried, and I felt a slew of emotions and anticipation as I read these stories. While I am sad it's over, I'm not wanting or missing anything with this ending. It's a great trilogy and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Melisa Hills.
23 reviews6 followers
October 30, 2023
Pretty clean and an enjoyable read - easy enough to immerse yourself into the post-apocalyptic world (this series runs along the lines of The Selection series by Kiera Cass) -- but if she talks about her hormones & squinting her eyes again....ack! But, overall, I enjoyed the series. Is it 5 stars worthy for me? Nope. I went back and forth between 3 & 4 stars, giving it a 3 because of the hormones bit (still going on in book 3, haha). I would probably read the series again some day.
Profile Image for Alisa.
475 reviews6 followers
March 24, 2019
Worth the time

Frankly it's hard to believe this is the end of Lyncoln, Regs, and Henry's story. It's very bitter sweet. The development and care that went into the characters, settings, and story is nothing short of amazing. Yes this last book is huge, War and Peace huge, but there's a ton to tell. And it's told well, as only a true storyteller could tell it.
Profile Image for Walter  Graff.
95 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2022
If you crave the female perspective

Main character is portrayed with a naive worldview. World created is equally simplistic. Author feminizes the male lead. She presents her perfect “ male “ male physical characteristics and feminized social behavior supplement Ed by testosterone driven militaristic tendencies, which should seldom be expressed.
37 reviews
August 7, 2022
So...WOW.. Just WOW!!

My guilty pleasure when it comes to books lately has been Reverse Herem or Sci-FI, etc. When I stumbled across this series, I was very reserved. I am so glad I changed it up and took a chance! I must honestly say I will miss these books. Bravo Tricia. I look forward to reading more from you.
Profile Image for Annie Kosar.
361 reviews2 followers
February 8, 2023
BEAUTY, TRAGEDY, & EXCITEMENT GALORE!!:-)

I LOVED THIS ENTIRE SERIES & this one was PHENOMENAL!!!:-). I LOVED all of the surprises, the action, the adventure, and the GORGEOUS ROMANCE!!!:-). This is SUCH an AMAZING Dystopian world and the writing is FANTASTIC!!! I could not turn the pages fast enough!!:-). LOVED IT!!!:-)
Profile Image for Carla.
386 reviews6 followers
May 13, 2024
So the presidency is between Henry and Marisol and Lincoln and Reagan. But before we find out their convoy is ambushed. Lincoln takes off with a team to take out some drifters that were attacking but what he didn't know was there was another group of drifters who swooped in and took Henry and Reagan as prisoners.
I thought this one cleaned up loose ends and ended on a good note.
Profile Image for Erin Pratt.
13 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2019
Great end to a fantastic trilogy

I loved the whole series and this book was a great ending, although I do feel it was slightly rushed at the end. But I always found myself unable to put it down!
1 review
April 3, 2019
Good read, very enjoyable

I chose the 4 instead of 5 star because it was rather to descriptive and lots of fluff at times. But otherwise great story great characters. Also I would have enjoyed more in depth in the lovemaking. Which never was in depth at all lol.
2 reviews
May 4, 2019
Great Series-Don’t miss out!

I loved the series and the characters. It’s well worth reading and should be on your reading list! Great series with strong characters that I will almost miss now that I completed reading
2 reviews
October 28, 2019
The Culling Series was so with the read!

This story was tasteful, thank you God, exciting, happy, joyful, sad, mysterious and scary and I loved every minute and couldn't put the book down! Thank you Tricia! This is coming from a 68 year old woman!


Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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