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The Reckoner #3
Ghosts
Mysterious murders, shadowy figures, and high school. Life can be hard, death can be harder.
Cole Harper is dead. Reynold McCabe is alive and free. Mihko Laboratories has reopened the research facility and works to manufacture and weaponize the illness that previously plagued Wounded Sky. People are missing. The community has been quarantined. What deal did Eva strike with Choch? Who will defeat Reynold and Mihko? Time is running out.This is the final novel in David A. Robertson's The Reckoner trilogy.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2019
2 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
David Alexander Robertson
60 books778 followersDAVID 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.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 9, 2019
OK, OK, representation matters. I've mentioned this before. And, it makes a difference if the stories are good as well. It makes a difference to, if the people in the story are flawed, aren't all perfect, and are just like you and me, because that is part of representation as well.
Well, except Cole is a bit more than you and me.
For one thing, he was dead at the end of the second book in the series, and comes back to life in this final book in the series.
The best part of this story, which is about why there is a sickness spearding on the reserve Broken Sky, is the lightness that the story takes, despite all the death going on around the characters.
Helps that there is spirit being that appears through out the books, Choch, a sort of trickster demi-god, who is very meta, always making comments about the process of the story, and how there can be no swearing.
And Cole and his friends are also super aware. When it is discovered that Cole has super speed power, they talk about naming him as a super hero:
Highly recommend the whole series.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Well, except Cole is a bit more than you and me.
For one thing, he was dead at the end of the second book in the series, and comes back to life in this final book in the series.
The best part of this story, which is about why there is a sickness spearding on the reserve Broken Sky, is the lightness that the story takes, despite all the death going on around the characters.
Helps that there is spirit being that appears through out the books, Choch, a sort of trickster demi-god, who is very meta, always making comments about the process of the story, and how there can be no swearing.
And Cole and his friends are also super aware. When it is discovered that Cole has super speed power, they talk about naming him as a super hero:
"I do need one thing. I mean, as a non-sterotypical Indigenous sueprhero.."
"Not named Black Bison or Chief Running Cloud or Shaman or..."
"Right,"
"And what would that be?" Brady put down the comic he'd been looking through, ElfQuest on top of The Fury of Firestorm
Highly recommend the whole series.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
October 22, 2019
3.5 stars - An entertaining Canadian YA series. This book has lots of action and is a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. Gotta love that these indigenous teens are, well, just regular teens struggling with teen issues. No annoying tropes here. I think teens will connect with the characters. The books address what it is to live with anxiety as well. Personally, I thought some of the humour bordered on corny and references to being in a book, in the book, is not cool but hey, I am quite a bit older than the intended audience so who am I to say.
April 23, 2019
Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book.
This is the final book in The Reckoner series, and though the second book will always be my favorite because of its impact on me, I think I enjoyed this story the most. It's hard to write a review without spoilers, but I'll attempt to do the best I can.
Cole is shot at the end of Monsters, the second book, but returns in this book to finish what he started. More details about the true research going on by Mihko Laboratories are revealed, misconceptions are corrected, and many things are neatly wrapped up in very satisfactory ways. But there are still questions that remain, which will hopefully be part of the graphic novel to follow, because we discover that there are more secrets being kept.
Fast-paced, creative, and extremely hard to put down, Ghosts is a must-read for those who have enjoyed this series.
This is the final book in The Reckoner series, and though the second book will always be my favorite because of its impact on me, I think I enjoyed this story the most. It's hard to write a review without spoilers, but I'll attempt to do the best I can.
Cole is shot at the end of Monsters, the second book, but returns in this book to finish what he started. More details about the true research going on by Mihko Laboratories are revealed, misconceptions are corrected, and many things are neatly wrapped up in very satisfactory ways. But there are still questions that remain, which will hopefully be part of the graphic novel to follow, because we discover that there are more secrets being kept.
Fast-paced, creative, and extremely hard to put down, Ghosts is a must-read for those who have enjoyed this series.
March 8, 2024
a great trilogy that deserves so much more hype!!
June 30, 2019
A satisfying end (beginning?) to one of the most exciting, funny, thrilling and powerful trilogies I have ever read. Sure Harry Potter was and still is captivating and the Hunger Games was thrilling but The Reckoner Trilogy goes way beyond the simple. It is layered and addresses so many themes absent in children’s literature until now.
If you haven’t read the series from the beginning stop right now and go grab Strangers and get started. I promise you will be hungry for more and more. If you have and you have been anticipating the conclusion to this series as I have, please join me on this journey. After how author David A. Robertson left us hanging at the end of Monsters, we all have been eager to discover how Cole’s story will end and how he will save Wounded Sky First Nation given that he is dead. Hold on to your books, because Ghosts takes you on twists and turns you never expected.
Wounded Sky First Nation is still under the threat of two monsters, Upayokwitigo, a mythical beast and Mihko, a modern day pharmaceutical beast experimenting on the people of Wounded Sky to create a biological weapon. Cole must finish what he started but this time he cannot go it alone. This time he needs his friends and a few unexpected allies to help him free Wounded Sky so they can heal.
When reading you get the sense Ghosts was fun for David A. Robertson to write. There are so many pop culture references, references to favourite movies, comics, music, you can really get a sense of him in the story. Smart ass Choch is along for the ride again, along with the loveable, kind, fiery Jayne who round out the story, keep it moving and add light hearted moments to an intense and thought provoking story. Ghosts has a little bit of everything. There is an underlying love story, action, adventure, fantasy and humour. In reading further about The Reckoner Trilogy, I know The Reckoner doesn’t end with the end of Ghosts, the story will continue as a graphic novel and be sure to look for The Reckoner: Breakdown in 2020. Not only will young people have the opportunity to see themselves reflected in prose, but also in graphic form, opening up the story to a whole new audience and reminding educators/parents that graphic novels are real books!
David A. Robertson purposefully takes time to address the representation of Indigenous People in comics and stories from the past, how stereotypical and false representations shaped societal views and perceptions of Indigenous people. He uses Cole’s story to address the very real and prevalent topic of mental health, specifically anxiety. There are so many young people today who are experiencing mental health problems. To have a story written for them address the topic honestly and without judgement is so important. Also, to ensure First Nations are being represented accurately so we as colonizers can gain a better understanding of those who were here first and so that the next generation of indigenous youth can see themselves reflected in the pages of these books and know they too can envision themselves as superheroes, as people who have space in the world today and can make change happen. David A. Robertson puts it so beautifully at the end of his acknowledgements stating:
“The Reckoner Trilogy has always been about one thing: representation. Accurate portrayals of Indigenous People and those living with mental health problems. It is empowering to see yourself reflected in literature. It is vitally important that others are exposed to stories of truth, through lived experiences.” - David A. Robertson, Ghosts
If you haven’t read the series from the beginning stop right now and go grab Strangers and get started. I promise you will be hungry for more and more. If you have and you have been anticipating the conclusion to this series as I have, please join me on this journey. After how author David A. Robertson left us hanging at the end of Monsters, we all have been eager to discover how Cole’s story will end and how he will save Wounded Sky First Nation given that he is dead. Hold on to your books, because Ghosts takes you on twists and turns you never expected.
Wounded Sky First Nation is still under the threat of two monsters, Upayokwitigo, a mythical beast and Mihko, a modern day pharmaceutical beast experimenting on the people of Wounded Sky to create a biological weapon. Cole must finish what he started but this time he cannot go it alone. This time he needs his friends and a few unexpected allies to help him free Wounded Sky so they can heal.
When reading you get the sense Ghosts was fun for David A. Robertson to write. There are so many pop culture references, references to favourite movies, comics, music, you can really get a sense of him in the story. Smart ass Choch is along for the ride again, along with the loveable, kind, fiery Jayne who round out the story, keep it moving and add light hearted moments to an intense and thought provoking story. Ghosts has a little bit of everything. There is an underlying love story, action, adventure, fantasy and humour. In reading further about The Reckoner Trilogy, I know The Reckoner doesn’t end with the end of Ghosts, the story will continue as a graphic novel and be sure to look for The Reckoner: Breakdown in 2020. Not only will young people have the opportunity to see themselves reflected in prose, but also in graphic form, opening up the story to a whole new audience and reminding educators/parents that graphic novels are real books!
David A. Robertson purposefully takes time to address the representation of Indigenous People in comics and stories from the past, how stereotypical and false representations shaped societal views and perceptions of Indigenous people. He uses Cole’s story to address the very real and prevalent topic of mental health, specifically anxiety. There are so many young people today who are experiencing mental health problems. To have a story written for them address the topic honestly and without judgement is so important. Also, to ensure First Nations are being represented accurately so we as colonizers can gain a better understanding of those who were here first and so that the next generation of indigenous youth can see themselves reflected in the pages of these books and know they too can envision themselves as superheroes, as people who have space in the world today and can make change happen. David A. Robertson puts it so beautifully at the end of his acknowledgements stating:
“The Reckoner Trilogy has always been about one thing: representation. Accurate portrayals of Indigenous People and those living with mental health problems. It is empowering to see yourself reflected in literature. It is vitally important that others are exposed to stories of truth, through lived experiences.” - David A. Robertson, Ghosts
June 21, 2019
I intentionally read the final instalment of The Reckoner Trilogy very slowly. I wanted to rush to the end but at the same time I wanted Cole’s story to continue. My only complaint about this series is that there are only 3 books, I am looking forward to when the graphic novel comes out so we can continue to watch Cole, and his community, grow.
And talk about an ending!
And talk about an ending!
October 11, 2023
An excellent ending to a most excellent and memorable trilogy. Ghosts is genuine, contemporary, fun, serious, and traditional. Cole is the hero we all need to read about.
While the book is heavy at times, it also has a lightness that makes it easier to read. It’s also just good. Robertson weaves traditional indigenous stories and teachings into a contemporary and inspiring ya series.
While the book is heavy at times, it also has a lightness that makes it easier to read. It’s also just good. Robertson weaves traditional indigenous stories and teachings into a contemporary and inspiring ya series.
July 23, 2019
Don't read this review, it will be a spoiler, just pick up the book.
June 16, 2019
What an incredible conclusion to the trilogy! The storytelling is wonderful, so much action and so many twists to keep the reader turning pages. But more important to me, this book is healing. How empowering to see these young people find their strengths, learn to accept themselves, but not the injustice around them, and to forgive themselves and each other for not being perfect. I’m already looking forward to re-reading the whole trilogy, and to read what comes next.
September 4, 2019
The final installment, Ghosts definitely does not disappoint. The characters are well written and the book is engrossing enough to keep you anxiously awaiting the end. For those that have read the first two books will finally get an answer on what really is going on at Wounded Sky.
I was provided this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion. I highly recommend this book.
I was provided this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion. I highly recommend this book.
September 8, 2019
I’m so glad this trilogy exists in the world. It’s time. I love that our indigenous children can see themselves represented in a fantasy story, and that non-indigenous kids can learn about and relate to their lives. Personally, I liked the first two books in the series better than this one, but perhaps because not all the storylines were neatly wrapped up as I was expecting. More to come from The Reckoner, I believe.
September 24, 2022
Ghosts is an excellent conclusion to the Reckoner trilogy, and also an excellent introduction to the Reckoner Rises comics series. Like the previous entries to the series, there is a lot of death but there's also a lot of hope, and it's wonderful to see them band together to achieve their goals. The fourth-wall-breaking sense of humour is a lot of fun, as is the way it plays with superhero tropes. It's also great to have a supernatural mystery series and superhero story that is about Indigenous characters but sets aside stereotypes to embrace those characters as their full selves (the benefits of letting authors tell stories about characters that share their backgrounds). It's also great to see the protagonist struggle with anxiety in a way that looks different from how anxiety is portrayed in the previous books, representing a complex array of experiences.
I've loved this series, including this volume. I would highly recommend it and I'm looking forward to starting the comics.
I've loved this series, including this volume. I would highly recommend it and I'm looking forward to starting the comics.
November 15, 2020
This was some finale to this superhero/science fiction/fantasy trilogy.
With Cole Harper's death at the end of the last book, Mihko Laboratories has ramped up it's nefarious research in Wounded Sky. The community has been cut off from the rest of the world. More people have gone missing. The Upayokwitigo is still around.
How can Cole and his friends deal with all this since Cole was killed in the last book. How can a ghost still dealing with anxiety, be of any help at all?
I was on edge all the way through this book. I kept anticipating something terrible and then it would happen. That would get dealt with, and then my anxiety level would ramp up again as I waited for something terrible to happen again.
Robertson has talked about dealing with anxiety himself. I've been wondering if this pattern of tension in story parallels life dealing with this problem.
With Cole Harper's death at the end of the last book, Mihko Laboratories has ramped up it's nefarious research in Wounded Sky. The community has been cut off from the rest of the world. More people have gone missing. The Upayokwitigo is still around.
How can Cole and his friends deal with all this since Cole was killed in the last book. How can a ghost still dealing with anxiety, be of any help at all?
I was on edge all the way through this book. I kept anticipating something terrible and then it would happen. That would get dealt with, and then my anxiety level would ramp up again as I waited for something terrible to happen again.
Robertson has talked about dealing with anxiety himself. I've been wondering if this pattern of tension in story parallels life dealing with this problem.
November 20, 2025
I still highly recommend the series, though the first two books were much better. It's more the strength of the first two that I gave a higher ranking for the third. The third had more flatness in character presentation, more wanton killing by the "good guys", less regard for healing concern for those in the community that joined the 'other side,' with the exception of a single character at the end. It also had a campier tongue-in-cheek humor that i thought detracted from the work, and makes the lack of concern for some violence by the 'good guys' a bit more disturbing. There were also extraneous plot saves in the third that didn't fit the feel of the first two.
October 13, 2022
More like 3.5 stars. I liked the story but it could’ve been at least another 100 pages. It kinda just ends really fast and while I always feel sad when a good story ends this just seemed abrupt.
What I liked the most was the idea of the northern lights being a big fun party zone for the afterlife.
What I liked the most was the idea of the northern lights being a big fun party zone for the afterlife.
April 9, 2021
Das Buch ist wieder sehr lustig und spannend. Ich finde das Ende kam zu schnell.
April 21, 2021
Strong ending to a fantastic YA adventure. Indigenous teen superheroes saving their remote community with anxiety and ownvoices Cree rep. Should be on Netflix or CBC Gem or something for sure!
June 20, 2023
This was a great wrap up to the trilogy. I enjoyed reading this series and seeing characters find their strength and purpose. It was really enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews