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Elemental Legacy #3

Night's Reckoning

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Darkness comes for everyone, and some fates are inescapable.

For over a thousand years, the legendary sword Laylat al Hisab—the Night’s Reckoning—has been lost in the waters of the East China Sea. Forged as a peace offering between two ancient vampires, the sword has eluded treasure hunters, human and immortal alike.

But in time, even the deep gives up its secrets.

When Tenzin’s sire hears about the eighth century shipwreck found off the coast of southern China, Zhang realizes he’ll need the help of an upstart pirate from Shanghai to retrieve it. And since that pirate has no desire to be in the middle of an ancient war, Cheng calls the only allies who might be able to help him avoid it.

Unfortunately, Tenzin is on one side of the globe and Ben is on the other.

Tenzin knows she’ll need Ben’s keen mind and political skills to complete the job. She also knows gaining Ben’s cooperation won’t be an easy task. She’ll have to drag him back into the darkness he’s been avoiding.

Whether Ben knows it or not, his fate is balanced on the edge of a thousand-year-old blade, and one stumble could break everything Tenzin has worked toward.

Night’s Reckoning is the third novel in the Elemental Legacy series, a paranormal mystery by Elizabeth Hunter, USA Today bestselling author of the Elemental Mysteries.

390 pages, Paperback

First published November 26, 2019

681 people are currently reading
924 people want to read

About the author

Elizabeth Hunter

83 books6,295 followers
ELIZABETH HUNTER is an eleven-time USA Today bestselling author of romance, contemporary fantasy, and paranormal mystery. Based in Central California and Addis Ababa, she travels extensively to write fantasy fiction exploring world mythologies, history, and the universal bonds of love, friendship, and family.

She has published over fifty works of fiction and sold over two million books world-wide. She is the author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Irin Chronicles, the Cambio Springs Mysteries, and other works of fiction.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
Profile Image for Elizabeth Hunter.
Author 83 books6,295 followers
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November 26, 2019




This book was… not easy to write. But it was a relief to finally write down scenes that have been living in my head for years now. It’s not an exaggeration to say that this is a pivotal book in the Elemental Legacy series. Happy Reading!!


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Profile Image for Kate.
2,282 reviews358 followers
November 20, 2019
‘The course of true love never did run smooth’
(A Midsummer Night’s Dream)

With every book I read in this series I always think that there is no way that the previous book can be topped, and I am pleased to say that I am wrong. Every. Single. Time! Night’s Reckoning is outstanding. As soon as I started it, I felt as if I had finished it in a matter of minutes. It gave me all the feels.

After Puerto Rico, the bite, the kiss, the chemistry that has been building for years the tipping point for these two has come. Their dynamic and friendship was changing, the sexual tension was there, and everyone saw it. And they finally did the deed although it was angry sex, it was hawt. Get your fans out ladies and gents cause it was steaming!!

Night's Reckoning broke my heart numerous times throughout the book. The revelations that Ben felt hit me like a truck because I didn't see anyway how these two could meet in the middle at times. And I so wanted them to meet in the middle. I wanted them to bend or yield but not break or surrender. Tenzin has plans but surely even she cannot be that sure of everything. The future is fluid. But even in this book and the feelings that Tenzin was fighting she realized that the path that she was walking was in the end not the right one.

Ben has been adamant that he never wants to become a vampire but throughout the book I was wondering how was it to work? A paranormal romance where one is immortal and the other isn’t? Impossible.

Don’t read the spoiler, if you haven’t read the book, you have been warned. Remember curiosity killed the cat.



The writing is flawless and has a certain beauty to it and the characters and plot pull you into this amazing and utterly unique world. I just can’t get enough. The setup and what Ben and Tenzin are looking for is a treasure. The story of the lost sword and who made it touched my stone-cold heart.

There is so much more that I would like to write and what I have highlighted but I think that you should get the full experience yourself.

I could picture myself standing on Penglai Island with all these immortals. But now I have so many more questions that need to be answered.






Woohoo!!!


 photo New ARC_zpsdpyxs3wn.jpg


Snippet

“I am worried. About your health.” She frowned. “Do you at least have a spare phone?”
He held up his newest burner. “Yep.”
“Set an alarm and call me in three hours.” She held up a hand. “Don’t argue. You’ve been punched repeatedly in the head and I’m a doctor.”
“You have a PhD in Archaeology. That doesn’t make you a doctor.”

She wasn’t gone. She was never gone. Except that she was. She was a gaping hole in his life and nothing he did seemed to fill it. Not fighting. Not work. Not travel. Not drinking.

He's love sick bless him.
Profile Image for Fiona Weaver.
90 reviews1 follower
November 27, 2019
I was given the opportunity to read an early copy and I am honestly in one of the biggest book hangovers ever! I have eagerly awaited every book that Elizabeth Hunter creates for us and the Elemental Legacy books are among my absolute favourites but this story is something else! It‘s a real adventure. It is intrigue, it is gritty, it is friendship, it is love all bound in the most beautifully written way. I devoured this book (despite having to stop and breathe a few times - but we wouldn’t love these stories as much as we do without feeling every emotion from joy to fear to anger to love). Dive in! Live in this world for the next journey, I promise you, you‘ll love it.
Profile Image for Books_at_Tiffany’s.
183 reviews
November 26, 2019
Elizabeth has done it again. Night’s Reckoning is everything I have wanted and everything I have dreaded.
I feel raw. I feel undone. The Elemental Mysteries and Elemental Legacy books have brought us up to this point and we have impatiently patiently waited for these stories of our beloved Ben and Tenzin, our “Benzin”, for years now.
This story started a little slow for me but then it just took off and I had to forgo sleep to finish. I was enthralled. Our characters are growing and changing and it’s so empowering but also astonishing at the same time. I gasped out loud twice in this book (trying not to wake my hubby) not believing what I had just read. Elizabeth takes us on a wild ride, but she weaves the story like we are birds ourself: crazy flying in the storm of the story and then also floating gently down to earth with the story. The ending was just what I needed, it really pulled on my heart but uplifted me as well.
I will be impatiently patiently waiting for the rest of Ben and Tenzin’s story. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
7 reviews
December 21, 2019
I read this book twice in 72 hours. Back to back. As in, I finished then I went back to the beginning and immediately read it again.
That's how good this book is.

I highlighted the shit out of this book on Kindle. Sometimes entire pages were highlighted.
That's how good this book is.

After reading this book I took my holiday vacation early because I felt dazed. I needed time to process. I know that means I will have to return sooner but that's okay. It's worth it.
That's how good this book is.

It's rare for a writer to move me in the way that Elizabeth Hunter does. Her writing feels a bit like all my head fantasies of how I would have wanted situations to go when I'm rehashing them at the end of the day or week or month or relationship. You know...What I wish I'd said or done, what I wish other people had said or done. Her writing feels like that but wayyy better. It's clearer. More authentic. More honest and purposeful
That's how good this book is.

I don't like "struggle love" but I also don't shy away from friction. I liked being able to relate to each character even though they disagreed fundamentally. Also, none of her characters were frivolous. I find authors sometimes let characters do dumb crap just to move the plot forward. This book was so well planned it just flowed and didn't need to create any artificial plot twists to reach a masterful conclusion.
That's how good this book is.

Does it end in a cliff hanger? Yes and no. The Ben and Tenzin chapter is not complete. And yes I know I am biased towards Elizabeth Hunter. But honestly, seeing as it's part of a series you should expect that the books have some spillover until the series is completed. At the same time, this book managed to fulfill every last one of my expectations. Nobody will finish reading this book feeling short changed. It's impossible.
That's how great this book is.

I know people will want to read this during the coming holidays but I must caution them. If you will have any family or friends depending on you being fully present and involved during the Christmas season, do not, I repeat, do not try to read this book then. Wait until the season has passed because if you don't you may end up snapping at friends and family who interrupt you, or you may end up letting family members down as you sequester yourself in your own hidden dungeon or light safe room just to finish reading and processing this book. Yes, this book will need to be digested afterwards.
That's how good this book is.

Do yourself a favour and read this book. Let it shake you. Let it blow your mind. Because that's how frigging good this book is!
230 reviews13 followers
December 13, 2022
It took me over a week to come up with a review for this book. I had to really think hard about what I wanted to write.

I was through the moon when I saw an early copy of this book land on my kindle. As most will understand I was a bit leery of this book, what would happen?!? How will Elizabeth be able to write something to satisfy everyone when there seems to be so much riding on this story? So before I began, I took a deep breath, sat back and remembered who the author is. In the past I have asked this question about Ms. Hunter and she has taught me each time that the question need not be asked. She NEVER lets me down.

This book....it’s complicated. Ben and Tenzin are the most complicated duo I’ve ever read. But that just makes the story all the more worth while.

In this book we head to Pengali. I truly enjoyed getting to know Tenzin’s sire, Zhang more. I didn’t think I’d like him so much! Of course, anyone who has known Tenzin so long is worth getting to know. As with each hunt for lost artifacts or treasure, plans are made and in this hunt, a team is put in place. Enter Cheng, I have a bit of a crush on him even though he threatens the ideal of Benzin. His loose morals remind me a bit of Gavin! It was so neat to see the search commence and see how they went about an underwater search.

This book is so very well done, my heart broke several times and then it beat so rapidly that I had my hand clutched to my chest pressing against my heart to relieve the exquisite pain, my eyes wept, and my soul broke in the most beautiful way. Scared yet? Good. Go preorder this book and remember to trust the literary goddess that is Elizabeth Hunter.
Profile Image for Rebecca Roanhorse.
Author 64 books10.3k followers
January 1, 2020
My comfort read. International travel, intrigue, danger, romance, and vampires!

I really love this series and these characters and this book delivers on the slow burn that has been building the entire series in a very satisfying way - not easy, mind you. Difficult, fraught, even. But it rings true to who the characters are and I am very excited to see what's next.

If you're interested, start with the first book in the Elemental Legacy series, and if you want even more, reach back to the beginning of the Elemental Vampire books.
Profile Image for Kara-karina.
1,712 reviews260 followers
November 22, 2019
What a bittersweet, beautiful book! I was all misty-eyed.



Ben and Tenzin were shining so brightly here! Ben, going through his evolution of love and self. Tenzin, finally accepting the profound changes he carved into her. It was poignant.



All the steps we took following the escalating intensity of these two partners and friends paid off with an explosive finale. I think it's Elizabeth's finest work so far. She just keeps getting better and better.



Sorry, I am fangirling here.



But I also can't say much beyond the synopsis without giving you major spoilers. It's a very fast read, the conservation work on the boat is beautiful, Tenzin's logic mesmerizes me, but so is Ben's frustration. There are fascinating insights into Tenzin's sire's character, and he will be a formidable figure to get to know in later books...



But.



What I can honestly tell you is that this is the end of the chapter. I can sorta see what will happen next, but the ride will be wild. And I can not wait!



Buy it, read it, you won't regret it!



* * *

Какая горько-сладкая, красивая книга. У меня аж комок стоял в горле.



Характеры Бена и Тензин здесь светились ярко. Бена, с его эволюцией любви и себя. Тензин, наконец-то отдающей дань изменениям, которые вырезало в ней присутствие Бена, ее друга и партнера. Очень было это трогательным и глубоким.



С прошлой книги отношения между парочкой сошли на ней из-за того, что Тензин не захотела ответить на чувства Бена к ней. И вот это молчаливое, напряженное противостояние, этот стэндофф, наконец-то взрываются с такой силой, что и Бену и Тензин долго придется разбираться с последствиями.



Это несомненно одна из лучших книг Элизабет, она оттачивает свое мастерство с каждым годом все острее и сильнее. Но извините меня, родные, помимо синопсиса, я мало пока что могу сказать, чтобы ничего не проспойлерить.


Да, сюжет прекрасный, да сокровище на дне моря завораживает, да мы узнаем отца Тензин больше в этой книге, и характер у него завораживающий...


Но.


Эта глава "Бензин" закончена. Готовьтесь к чего-то совершенно новому и волнующему. Я не могу дождаться!



Покупайте, читайте, очень рекомендую. Прекрасная книга!
Profile Image for Loumyra.
20 reviews
November 19, 2019
To start with the most important: this book really deserves 5 stars.

However, this is one of the most difficult reviews I've ever written. Why? Because Night's Reckoning is difficult to classify. It is the 3rd book in the Elemental Legacy Series, continuing the story of Ben and Tenzin. It is - as all the books in the series - a stand alone urban fantasy story. It is, however, so much more. It is a story about friendship, about family and about love; about personal development and the willingness and unwillingness of people to change; about survival and sacrifice.

While reading the book I was fascinated, captured, afraid, laughing, crying, yelling, hoping and feeling relieved (not necessarily in this order). And all of this is only possible because Elizabeth Hunter is a true master of story telling. Her protagonists become your family and friends, the plot contains a good arc of suspension without being either predictable or unbelievable. And last but not least, it is always a pleasure to immerse into Elizabeth Hunter's language. And it is really difficult to leave the world she created once the book is finished. I didn't want to - and I will re-read the book just to stay longer in its world and to find new nuances like I always do in second and third readings of her books. And at the same time I'm eagerly waiting for the next book of the series - I just NEED to know how the story continues (although the book does not contain a cliffhanger).

Thank you, Elizabeth Hunter, for this wonderful rich story!

Note: I was given the opportunity to read an early copy of this book (which did not influence the outcome of my review).
Profile Image for TheSassyNerdBlog.
1,100 reviews434 followers
November 24, 2019
I've been sitting here for days trying to put into words how insanely intense and all-consuming this book was... And I keep finding myself staring at the screen, completely lost for words. I've only read a couple of Elizabeth's books and each one I loved, and this? I think this goes on the re-read pile and a favorite of hers now. This was deep... Deeper than I expected, I did not see any of that coming. The emotions inside these pages were overwhelming. In the space of a book, I cried, I laughed, I trembled and I shook and I screamed in anger and frustration. It truly took me on a rollercoaster ride... This book gave me all the feels.


Truthfully I went into this with no much to expect. Fantasy romances are a big thing for me, but I discovered Elizabeth a few weeks back and I am loving her words, and love learning about all these characters, so I found myself checking this book and honestly it was amazing. Nothing I expected and that's a good thing.


This is a standalone and I read it as one, It was easy to follow without the rest of this couple's story, but I will be going back and reading from the start. I'm completely fixated on these two and want to see what happened before this book. BUT THIS BOOK,... Holy Crap! Ben and Tenzin were something else. These two had a relationship like no other and I found myself completely hypnotized the deeper I got into the story. It felt me happy with the ending but wanting so much too.


I want to go into detail on how amazing these two are, and this book is but I won't be. This epic tale needs to be experienced...


5 Stars!
Author 5 books25 followers
November 14, 2019
I read this book in one sitting, I had been waiting for it and stressing about it for weeks, I had theories and I had expectations. Elizabeth blew all my expectations and my theories out of the water and delivered a tale so well written that I don't know what to say other than, thank you Elizabeth for writing it, it must have been difficult at times, you wrote the story that was true to the characters even if it wasn't easy and I love that. It was a book that was hard to read at times, it made me feel many things and it was amazing. The characters grew so much, it's devastating and hopeful all at the same time. I cried, I cried because my beloved Tenzin and Ben grew and it wasn't always pretty, I didn't expect it to be but it was perfect. If I had one word for it, one word to describe this book, I will say: Perfect.
Profile Image for Lin Cunningham.
571 reviews
November 23, 2019
This is book number 3 in the Elemental Legacy & after the traumatic ending in the previous book we start with Ben & Tenzin emotionally distant. Then begins the quest to find the Laylat al Hisab, the Night’s Reckoning sword lost long ago. You have to have read the previous two books as a minimum or the entire Elemental series if you know what’s good for you!
This is an emotional rollercoaster bringing together all of the previous tensions & threads leading to this culmination in the Benzin relationship. I cannot put into words the stress that this book put me under but it was worth every held breath, every tear & every gripped page as it built.
The ending is everything it could possibly be but with room to continue the storylines through more books as with others in the Elemental World. Some characters are easier to leave than others at the end of each book but it’s always good to touch them again in other books. This book is one of the harder ones to leave as Benzin has always been an intricate relationship weaving its way to an ending that even now has questions to answer.
I was lucky enough to be given an early copy of this book but I can’t wait for the release as this is a “keeper” together with all of the other Elemental series. I feel as if I need to lay down in a darkened room now to slowly digest this book & bring my emotional state under control.
Profile Image for Sarah Keffer book.and.beagle.
108 reviews9 followers
November 18, 2019
I eagerly anticipate every book by Elizabeth Hunter but my excitement for Night's Reckoning was next level. Ben and Tenzin are two of my favorite literary characters of any book/genre and I couldn't wait to see how their relationship evolved since Blood Apprentice. I cleared my schedule for the day and read until I was finished....and then I couldn't properly function the rest of the day. This book is dark, raw, angry and beautiful. I laughed, cried, and experienced joy and heartache simultaneously. As always, Elizabeth Hunter has delivered a wonderfully moving story, full of complex, unforgettable characters, that will leave you reeling for day/weeks/forever. I can't recommend this book and series enough!
Profile Image for Ebeth.
12 reviews1 follower
November 22, 2019
I was given the opportunity to read an early copy of this book. That was well over a week ago and I'm still having trouble gathering up my all feelings enough to write a coherent review. Every time I think about what I want to say, what words I want to use, I know I'll come up short, but I can't help but release a deeply contented sigh.

Night's Reckoning is the 3rd installment of the Elemental Legacy series and y'all, there was a lot riding on this book for me. I was worried that I had hyped it up too much in my head and that I would be disappointed with the finished product. All that worrying was completely unjustified because once again Elizabeth Hunter has proven why she is an auto-buy author for me. The way she builds her worlds and the stories she tells within those worlds leaves me captivated. EVERY. TIME.

I have loved Ben and Tenzin since the very beginning and this book was absolutely every single thing I wanted it to be. The way their relationship has grown, and frayed around the edges, and re-stitched itself, only to fray and re-stitch again, in all new patterns makes me love them even more. I am completely satisfied and already feeling greedy for the next book - the BEST kind of book hangover.

{Insert deeply contended sigh HERE}
Profile Image for Victoria.
478 reviews42 followers
December 26, 2019
Gah! Such a hard book to review as there are so many mixed emotions. Angst, violence, some tender and bittersweet moments, with latter part of the book delivering a highly anticipated and yet somehow still surprising storyline.

I'm sure fans of the greater Elemental world series have been waiting for this moment a long time (as was I) and here it is - finally, the Climax! I don't quite know how I wanted it to be, but I feel that I still was not ready for this - to me, Ben is still a little boy we met in Elemental Mysteries all that time ago and it's really hard to give up this image and imagine all these new possibilities. Like a worrisome mother hen I wanted him to remain little forever perhaps... alas.

SO, naturally, I can't wait to see how it all plays out - I can guess of where it's heading, but the road there is still unknown.

Happy reading!

p.s. If you've made it this far in the series and haven't skipped other Elemental books - you are probably a fan, and don't need my rec to pick this one up. Otherwise, pick one of the other Elemental books and have a go at the origin of these characters and their many adventures.
Profile Image for Rebecca  Nadine.
83 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2019
It is always odd to me when a piece of fiction can shake you so off balance that you're not sure you can finish it. That is what Night's Reckoning did. It shook me at a foundational level. It was an amazing read that left me reeling and awestruck.

I am not going to hide the fact that I am a huge Hunter fan, but I think this is her best work, yet. The book is everything you expect from an Elemental Legacy Series novel: action, adventure, complicated vampire politics, etc. The real gem of this story is the complexity that is Ben and Tenzin. The depth of them is something that you rarely find in paranormal fiction. The care Hunter takes with this duo is astounding and beautiful and exceptional.
Since the beginning I have been captivated by Ben Vecchio's old world charm and adventurer spirit. But, I fell so in love (not just with Ben, but Tenzin more than ever) throughout these pages and I think you will too.

Night's Reckoning is a must read for any Elizabeth Hunter, PNR, or urban fantasy fan.
Profile Image for Anne.
44 reviews3 followers
November 19, 2019
This book, oh my goodness where to start with this book? I'm an avid reader of Elizabeth Hunter's work and tbh, if she re-wrote the big yellow pages I'd likely still pick it up. So, I was waiting with absolute anticipation to get my grubby little hands on this.

Ben and Tenzin, such a complex pair. I want to bang their heads together - or just force them to TALK IT OUT!!! but Tenzin is a little bit terrifying so I likely would never do any of those things.

Anyway, I digress. The book was paced beautifully, the characters were so vivid and real (as usual) and the story flows so incredibly well.

I laughed, I grimaced and I cried - ugly tears and felt a pain in my chest like I actually knew these people in real life. The story doesn't end on a cliff hanger but opens up so many possibilities. I did not want it to end, yet in so many ways I'm delighted with the direction it went in.

This is definitely a 5* read and the conclusions it brings are interesting, satisfying but horrible all at once. EH has outdone herself with this one. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone.

Profile Image for Norma's Nook.
424 reviews13 followers
November 13, 2019
Night's Reckoning was just perfect. I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes and my heart and stomach twisted with the wealth of emotions stirred up by Ben and Tenzin's latest adventure. The treasure hunting was as fun, fast paced, and infuriating as ever, but the real meat of this story is in character and story development. The relationship between Ben and Tenzin is so beautifully and uniquely complicated and Night's Reckoning seemed to explore every single facet of who these two are and who they want to become. It's heartbreakingly beautiful. Such a rich tapestry of change and emotion, and the ending just makes me want Spring to get here all the sooner. For me, this is storytelling at it's very finest.
Profile Image for G.M..
Author 1 book5 followers
November 16, 2019
We all know that Elizabeth Hunter is a writer of beautiful words. Her character development and world building is among the worlds best. Her dogged research shows in every locale she writes about, along with historical accuracy. This woman does her homework and it shows. Ladies and gentleman... Night's Reckoning is Elizabeth Hunter at her absolute best.

This is one of the most difficult reviews I've ever written because almost anything and everything is a spoiler. Night's Reckoning shares similarities with the movie Sixth Sense in that those of us lucky enough to have been given the opportunity to read it early are not about to ruin it for the other's that have to wait. I have not seen a single spoiler and I think that speaks volumes about the pure perfection of this story and the immense respect we have for Ms. Hunter. I cannot imagine the pressure of the expectations for this book. Ms. Hunter had to be confident in her choices and sure about where her characters took her. In the end, she had to write what she knew was true and put the expectations aside. Her confidence shines throughout this story.

Night's Reckoning is a brilliant, complicated story. It has pirates, old friends and enemies, the hunt for treasure and hidden agendas. That is just the backstory. Night's Reckoning is about choices. It's about family. It's ultimately about love and the sacrifices that are made because of that love knowing the consequences and pain that those choices create.

This book is a continuation of Ben and Tenzin's story. More character development, more nuance, more emotion...just more. It is NOT the end. I see time, lots and lots of time spent working through the consequences of the choices that were made in this story. I also see change.
Ben's story is heartbreaking, but so is Tenzin's. It is hard to condemn or root for either one as I understand both the reasons and the emotions of both parties.

Zhang is another question mark for me. I'm still not sure what his motivations are and I'm still not sure if I trust him. This book did prove to me that he loves his daughter. Just as with Ben and Tenzin, Zhang's choices will reverberate through generations, maybe even millennia.

A line that perhaps speaks to the future:
"he knew, he knew she wanted him and hated him and feared him and needed him."

I see power in the future. Perhaps more power than we've seen up to this point. Fear is a constant companion to power. The more you fear, the more power you need.

I hated Night's Reckoning. I loved Night's Reckoning. I am certain that I love Elizabeth Hunter's soul and talent, because I just read something golden and rare.

Bravo, Ms. Hunter. Bravo.

46 reviews
November 20, 2019
Night's Reckoning.......and Oh My... what a reckoning it is!!!

Spoiler free review (though this has been so VERY hard to write without spoilers)

So first up I am an avid fan of Elizabeth Hunter's and as such I couldn't wait to dive into this lost treasure at sea adventure, so I was very excited to be given the opportunity to read a ARC.
I had so many expectations for this book, and they were all met but in totally unexpected ways!
I thought I knew what was going to happen, I had theorised, predicted and guessed especially about the end of this story ....some came close but I certainly had no clue about all the twists and turns this wonderful book would take getting there.

Characters we already know and love (or not.....) are explored further, adding even greater depths to their rich and detailed backstory, creating more reasons for their actions and emotional responses.
Smaller characters from previous stories are given bigger roles allowing them to develop and expand.

The locations are far away and exotic, they manage to capture a fantastical feel whilst still representing real places.

Anyone who has read the previous Elemental legacy books have probably guessing about what would happen in this book...let me tell you that you are RIGHT! and WRONG!...your ideas are so close but somehow so far from what actually happens. This book certainly takes you on a journey of emotional highs and lows...
Be prepared readers be prepared, this isn't a book you will want to put down, the story and characters grip you from the very start "I'll just read a few more pages...."

I love fantasy books, and Elizabeth Hunter has a way of writing fantasy that feels rooted in reality, which for me makes the stories more believable and relatable, allowing me to fully submerge myself in far off fantastical adventures whilst believing that just maybe it could happen to me.

So in conclusion I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book...and I can't wait for the next installment.

ENJOY !!!
Profile Image for Brandy  G..
45 reviews
November 16, 2019
This book is EVERYTHING fans of the Elemental Legacy series have dreamed of and more! Elizabeth Hunter takes us back into the world of vampire politics with our favorite dynamic duo, Ben and Tenzin. Nights Reckoning picks up in the aftermath of Blood Apprentice with Ben and Tenzin both being a bit off balance and living separate lives. A quest to find a centuries-old treasure that will ensure political peace on behalf of Elder Zhang Guo, eldest immoral of Penglai Island and sire to Tenzin, brings our pair together. We learn more about Tenzin and her relationships with her sire, her pirate ex-lover Cheng, and Nima. We see more of how Ben has grown into the man we always knew he could be- strong, intelligent, kind, and brave. This story is exquisite- it is painfully, beautifully, masterfully woven into just the story we have been aching for but never knew we needed. I experienced an entire gamut of emotion while reading this book. There were gasps, shrieks, squeals, and outright weeping as I read this story. Seriously...I was wrecked by this book in the best possible way, but also deeply fulfilled by the telling. Fans of the Elemental Legacy series won’t be disappointed- this is easily the best read of 2019! If you’re new to Elizabeth Hunter’s work, don’t start here! Go back to the beginning of the series and work your way through. I PROMISE it will be worth it. Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Nicole Rumeau.
112 reviews
November 16, 2019
Words cannot explain how great this book was. Hunter told a story full of enough emotion and adventure to carry me through...at least until the next installment of this series. Readers who have been following the excruciatingly slow burn of Ben and Tenzin’s relationship, this will be satisfying and still leave you wanting so much more. I love getting a chance to preview Hunter’s books because, honestly, she can do no wrong in my mind.
Profile Image for Deanie.
827 reviews22 followers
June 19, 2021
Wooow this book was something else! I’m so glad that slow burn is finally over, even if my heart broke a thousand times over. If these two little shits don’t get a HEA, I’m might not survive it.

The suspense and adventure was excellent and villain reveal was definitely interesting! I may have wanted to lock Tiny and Ben in a room and smash their heads together several times but at least it made things interesting. I can’t wait to see how this all turns out.
Profile Image for Alison.
1,127 reviews39 followers
November 16, 2019
I was super lucky to get an early copy to read. I really have no words. (In the best way possible.) I’m just in shock I think, because you will feel so many emotions reading this book. It’s definitely left me wanting more. I’m always wanting more Benzin! This series is just amazing and a must read! I 1000% recommend it. Elizabeth Hunter thank you!
Profile Image for Megan.
387 reviews
June 28, 2024
OMG so many feels with this one!! Oh Ben and Tenzin♥️ I can't believe I didn't read this sooner, but now I don't have long to wait for the next book. I can't wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for keikii Eats Books.
1,079 reviews55 followers
November 27, 2019
To read more reviews from this author and others, check out my block at keikii Eats Books!

97 points, 5 stars and a complete lack of desire to read anything else

Quote:
Ben looked at Tenzin. "Is sediment enough to protect steel from decaying?"
Tenzin looked skeptical. "Is it magical sediment?"
"No, Tiny, I'm pretty sure this is just normal sediment."
"Then no."

Review:
Why is it that the good books always have to end??? God I'm going to read this book so many times people are going to wonder if I'm okay. The answer is: no, no I am not okay. Not until I have the next book in hand. (I needs it...) My obsession with Elizabeth Hunter's work is incredible and fascinating.

I have no idea how to even review this book, so this is probably going to be a rambling raving of "oh my god this was so good!". It is impossible to talk about this without spoiling events in Blood Apprentice. I'm not even going to try. If you haven't read Elemental Legacy yet, stop here and go read it now, because it's the best. Heck, go all the way back to Elemental Mysteries, because how can you miss out on the perfect Gio and Bea?

Night's Reckoning opens with Benjamin still hurt that Tenzin ran away when he put himself out there. Ben is moping, and he is ignoring everything to do with her and their life together. Nothing is the same for him without her. And Tenzin isn't doing particularly well without him, either. Until Ben can't ignore the summons from Tenzin's father  anymore.

Benjamin is called to Penglai Island to help Tenzin and Cheng search for a sword that was part of a treaty to end a long, long going war. It doesn't behoove anyone to start the war again. Except for outside parties who are looking to increase their power as those two parties fight again. So the sword has to be found, and interference brought to a minimum. And this means Benjamin and Tenzin have to work together, with a thousand things unsaid.

The whole book is.. Benjamin being tired of Tenzin's shit. And it hurts. It hurts because Benjamin has always been willing to deal with Tenzin being Tenzin. Tenzin was always going to deny everything, she was always going to hold herself apart from others and use them. And you always just hoped Benjamin would break through. He slides under her defenses, all of them. So his thoughts throughout the book are a bit unexpected, with how much he is tired of the status quo, and how much he is trying to change things.

Besides Benjamin doing something unexpected, Night's Reckoning went exactly how I expected it to and how I predicted it was going to go when I read the epilogue to Blood Apprentice. This was how I wanted it to go, and how I think it was always meant to, even before Hunter started writing the series. And now the book is over. And I don't even have anyone close to me I can squee over the best parts with. And I have to wait for the fourth book. And how am I, a mere mortal, supposed to wait?!

I'm going to read this more times than is strictly healthy. I loved this so much. That there are two books left makes me want to cry. I love the story of Benzin. I love their relationship, I love the world, I love everything about this. Except that the book ended.

Sidenote: My god, look at that cover. I love the covers for this series so much.
Profile Image for Leanna.
147 reviews1 follower
November 27, 2019
*spoilery*

I am such a huge fan of Elizabeth Hunter’s Elemental World, I will always buy this series (please don’t stop writing them!). With that said, I was really worried I had hyped up this book in my head so much that there was no way it could deliver. I had nothing to worry about, Ms. Hunter delivered and then some.

This book emotionally wrecked me. Let’s face it, if you’ve been reading this series, you know Ben was eventually going to turn. He was always adamantly against turning, yet he was always training to overcome his human shortcomings because he knew they were a weakness in the vampire world. And if he REALLY didn’t want to turn, he’s smart enough to have removed himself from THAT world as best as he could. Instead, he kept going deeper and deeper. But like Gio and Beatrice, I had a dream of how he would turn one day. Ms. Hunter apparently didn’t get my memo on that count lol. The way it happened was so terrifying and raw, so bittersweet for us fans. You want to hate Tenzin and you are 100% in Ben’s corner here, but at the same token you understand Tenzin and your heart bleeds for her. I will say it in every review – Ms. Hunter GETS characters and that is so enjoyable to read because they are so real to me.

I do feel sad that somehow the purpose for the plot, the whole underwater archaeological dig, kind of became second fiddle to the changing relationship between Ben and Tenzin and the vampire political machinations going on around them. As a history nerd, I’d have loved to have seen more of that, but I do believe it was showcased enough that it FELT well-researched and planned (even though I’m no scuba diver or archaeologist) to be believable and continued to ground the world we’re visiting, which is important when everything is about mythical vampires and elemental “magics”.

Overall, I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this book. You won’t need a tissue…. You’ll need the whole damn box.
Profile Image for Jaime.
44 reviews
November 24, 2019
Some people may need a few years and a few barrels of whiskey to even begin to explain how this book made them feel, but not me.

Peace. I felt so at peace after reading Elizabeth Hunter's newest creation. She did such a fantastic job detailing everything and everyone. You will truly believe that you are right there with the characters. You will feel their highs, you will feel their lows, you will feel their pain and lastly you will feel their peace.

I waited a few days to begin reading this because I was scared. I had a feeling that it would be a monumental story for Benzin and what if it didn't go how I wanted it to? Well, this didn't go exactly how I imagined it going and I still loved it… I mean come on, I expected Carwyn to make a great hilarious entrance at one point. Everyone needs a man in a Hawaiian shirt once in a while. ;o) I wish I would have picked this book up sooner and dove back into the Elemental World that I love so much. You really just have to trust that Elizabeth knows what she's doing.

I refuse to spoil this masterpiece, so all that is left to say is that I am looking forward to what is next in Ben and Tenzin's story. It's going to be amazing, I just know it! Go buy Night's Reckoning! Now!
Profile Image for Angela Hillier.
146 reviews4 followers
December 3, 2019
Can I start by saying this was a hard book to review. Not because it was bad in any way but because it was so brilliantly written and put together. I was literally speechless when I stopped reading. I had to put it down a few times to take deep breaths and gain my nerve to pick it back up again. I was so invested in this story I read it within 24 hours. That was over a week ago I still don’t know how to formulate this review without giving too much away, so I will just say how much I loved it. I’m going to tell you about how the ever complicated Ben and Tenzin relationship is painfully tested in all ways as they both still try to figure out their feelings and face them. All while trying to find
a lost sword that is a symbol of peace between two ancients of the immortal world.
Well crafted characters. Superbly thought out plot everything happened as it needed to and will definitely leave gasping for air and craving the next book in this series.
Let the book hangover begin.
I was so happy to receive this book early for my honest review.
68 reviews
November 26, 2019
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the latest story in Ben and Tenzin’s adventures. If you haven’t read them yet, please do before you start Night’s Reckoning.
I am not entirely sure how to review this book without giving anything away. it was everything I wanted it to be and yet it’s like an irresistible teaser that’s making me crazy. I just want more more more. Don’t get me wrong, this book didn’t end in a cliffhanger, it just opened up so many possibilities, new storylines and gave us better understanding of relationships.
Not for the first time I wished I could ask Elizabeth Hunter million questions. She is sooo clever with her writing and world building. I don’t know how I will wait for the next instalment.
In summary, I love all Elizabeth’s books but this one is one of those that especially touched my heart and made me wonder at her skill and imagination. Exceptional!
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