What do you think?
Rate this book
The Reckoning: Book One: The Anointed Angel Comes
GOOD FRIDAY.
1917.
THE FRONT LINES OF THE GREAT WAR.
HELL UNLEASHED.
A biblical scale armageddon, sparked by the horror of the conflict, ends the war and begins to consume the world. Demons rise and take possession of the slain. They hunt humanity, like an army of serial killers, exacting retribution for mankind's sins. A disparate group of survivors--soldiers and civilians from all the warring nations--bands together and tries to find sanctuary, while their pasts come to life and force them to face the reckoning for their sins.
1917.
THE FRONT LINES OF THE GREAT WAR.
HELL UNLEASHED.
A biblical scale armageddon, sparked by the horror of the conflict, ends the war and begins to consume the world. Demons rise and take possession of the slain. They hunt humanity, like an army of serial killers, exacting retribution for mankind's sins. A disparate group of survivors--soldiers and civilians from all the warring nations--bands together and tries to find sanctuary, while their pasts come to life and force them to face the reckoning for their sins.
- GenresHistorical FictionHorror
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2020
534 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 4, 2020
3 1/2 stars. Entertaining. Good, not great. Decent movie plot!
Okay, I've outgrown the zombie, undead, end of civilization as we know it thingy. And, apparently, I didn't read the jacket cover and reviews closely. Frankly, I thought that it was just about some of the terrible things that occurred during World War I and trench warfare. Even with demons, and undead I didn't think that this book was all that bad. In fact, I thought it better than some of the +4 star rated books that I've read based on Goodreads reviews. Certainly not as bad as some of the terribly negative reviews are suggesting it is. You're going to really like it. . . or really dislike it.
Okay, I've outgrown the zombie, undead, end of civilization as we know it thingy. And, apparently, I didn't read the jacket cover and reviews closely. Frankly, I thought that it was just about some of the terrible things that occurred during World War I and trench warfare. Even with demons, and undead I didn't think that this book was all that bad. In fact, I thought it better than some of the +4 star rated books that I've read based on Goodreads reviews. Certainly not as bad as some of the terribly negative reviews are suggesting it is. You're going to really like it. . . or really dislike it.
May 6, 2020
Wreckoning
When the author inserts the "f" word into a character name in the Prologue title, beware! I'm not sure this author knows many words that don't begin with the letter "f". There is better language, even if realism is a goal.
When the author inserts the "f" word into a character name in the Prologue title, beware! I'm not sure this author knows many words that don't begin with the letter "f". There is better language, even if realism is a goal.
May 5, 2023
The Reckoning: The Anointed Angel Comes is a fantastic read on many levels, but what stands out the most are the characters. The author takes the time to introduce its cast of imperfect human beings with great care. Even minor characters are made relatable with quick and fascinating tangents on their lives before being dragged first into the meatgrinder of the Great War and then into the horrific supernatural events of Good Friday, 1918. In terms of plot, the novel is uncomplicated and does not cover much ground, but the characters are so richly realized that you won’t mind. The author is an actor, which may have led him to this character-centric approach to writing.
To call this a zombie apocalypse book misses the point entirely. The Reckoning’s zombies are unique enough in both nature and origin that it barely qualifies for the subgenre. The First World War setting was obviously researched in depth and descriptions glow with authenticity. The novel has clear roots in the works of both King and Lovecraft, so if you appreciate those authors, you’ll want to give this a try. The ending is somewhat abrupt, but I can forgive that since it is the first in a series.
To call this a zombie apocalypse book misses the point entirely. The Reckoning’s zombies are unique enough in both nature and origin that it barely qualifies for the subgenre. The First World War setting was obviously researched in depth and descriptions glow with authenticity. The novel has clear roots in the works of both King and Lovecraft, so if you appreciate those authors, you’ll want to give this a try. The ending is somewhat abrupt, but I can forgive that since it is the first in a series.
August 1, 2020
The Amazon blurb gives an excellent synopsis of this creative twist on a WW I story. I have to admit that I did not get it at first, but when Hitler showed up, something triggered in me the idea that this was not the normal WW I or any war story for that matter. Following the (multi-national) survivors through France was agonizing enough and I kept wondering why the Russians, for example, were just not taken as prisoners - and then finally the structure of the story clicked.
I rarely read books twice, but I guarantee you that this deserves a second read because I figured out all too late that demons and zombies enter into the story. The characters and plot are crisp, the thesis is quite creative and frankly, there is a real lesson to be learned from this exposition of WWI. I haven't shelved this book as it goes back to my TBR pile.
Thanks to the author, Black Rose Writing and LibraryThing for the ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I rarely read books twice, but I guarantee you that this deserves a second read because I figured out all too late that demons and zombies enter into the story. The characters and plot are crisp, the thesis is quite creative and frankly, there is a real lesson to be learned from this exposition of WWI. I haven't shelved this book as it goes back to my TBR pile.
Thanks to the author, Black Rose Writing and LibraryThing for the ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 12, 2020
Brilliant.
I am an avid reader, as such you come across everything from really awful books to ok books to brilliant books. This
book, fortunately, is the latter!
I’ll be honest, I downloaded this book because I liked the name of it and it’s cover. It started a little slowly and I wasn’t sure about it. I seemed to turn a page and, like magic, the book took off.
The detail of the Front in WW1 was well researched and the language used really painted the picture of horror, fear and death.
The characters were human and real. You could bond with them. Feel their pain and terror when they realised that the horror of the War was but a starting point to the hell that was about to overtake them all.
Read this book. You won’t be disappointed. 5 Stars from me. I can’t wait for book 2.
I am an avid reader, as such you come across everything from really awful books to ok books to brilliant books. This
book, fortunately, is the latter!
I’ll be honest, I downloaded this book because I liked the name of it and it’s cover. It started a little slowly and I wasn’t sure about it. I seemed to turn a page and, like magic, the book took off.
The detail of the Front in WW1 was well researched and the language used really painted the picture of horror, fear and death.
The characters were human and real. You could bond with them. Feel their pain and terror when they realised that the horror of the War was but a starting point to the hell that was about to overtake them all.
Read this book. You won’t be disappointed. 5 Stars from me. I can’t wait for book 2.
February 4, 2024
I learned about this book while instagram-stalking the author, who’s probably more known as the voice/mocap actor for Tommy in The Last of Us game franchise. I don’t have high expectations around actors-turned-authors, nor the whole horror-in-WW1 premise, and I was thoroughly impressed. The quality of writing is up there, as is Jeffrey’s versatility in portraying the different characters within the story. Others also spoke about the historical accuracy of the setting, while I can’t speak for that, the characters are believable and the setting realistic. I’m also thankful that Jeffrey had kindly made the audio book free on Apple Podcast, like his character Tommy, this man’s underrated. As. Fuck. I’m signing up to an audible trial just to speed through the next two books of the trilogy!
January 31, 2024
A well-researched story that makes you believe you're back in the trenches and surroundings of the First World War but with a twist: something supernatural stalks soldiers and civilians on both sides alike. The story starts off slow, using its time wisely to build up the characters we follow before sinking its claws into you, pulling you through the horrors at full throttle. Even when it feels as if it's settling down, there are still mysteries to be solved and pasts to be explored.
I only had 60 pages left to read and rather than doing half today and half tomorrow (something I've been doing recently) I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to start on book two.
I only had 60 pages left to read and rather than doing half today and half tomorrow (something I've been doing recently) I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to start on book two.
December 15, 2020
Holy crap!!
What an amazing book! Very cleverly written with excellent characters and storylines that overlap so well. Welcome to WW1 in the trenches among the muck and blood and fear and death and ... something else worse than death. Let this be the next 'rising from the dead' movie that gets made ... it would be amazing! Definitely want to read the next one in thisvseries. Well done Jeffrey Pierce!
What an amazing book! Very cleverly written with excellent characters and storylines that overlap so well. Welcome to WW1 in the trenches among the muck and blood and fear and death and ... something else worse than death. Let this be the next 'rising from the dead' movie that gets made ... it would be amazing! Definitely want to read the next one in thisvseries. Well done Jeffrey Pierce!
June 9, 2021
I LOVED this book. The prose is top-notch—poetic, evocative, brutal. I don’t want to give too much away, but the concept is an excellent take on demons, and I wish I’d thought of it. I also loved the omniscient third-person POV. I usually don’t like that perspective, but I think it really worked in the context of WWI, since each and every soldier truly has their own story and motivation, and the POV combined with great prose gets you into their heads immediately. I can’t wait for book two.
September 6, 2020
Not what was expected...
This book is set in Germany during World War I, and the battle scenes and settings are quite realistic. Then this books takes off into a macabre, zombie direction. The ending is open-ended, so there must be a follow up book. It is strangely engrossing and I did want to read it all.
This book is set in Germany during World War I, and the battle scenes and settings are quite realistic. Then this books takes off into a macabre, zombie direction. The ending is open-ended, so there must be a follow up book. It is strangely engrossing and I did want to read it all.
December 3, 2020
The Reckoning bounds along at a generous pace. Its setting in Europe in the midst of WW1 sets the bleakness that runs pell mell into supernatural horror.
The characters are interesting enough with a mix of stories but what is a pleasant surprise are the baddies.
Overall a rollicking, well paced apocalypse, supernatural, horror story.
The characters are interesting enough with a mix of stories but what is a pleasant surprise are the baddies.
Overall a rollicking, well paced apocalypse, supernatural, horror story.
May 9, 2020
First time in years I could not finish a book. Prologue and first part of Chapter 1 was as far as I could go.
Read
May 16, 2020Good read
Definitely a different kind of book, History war buffs might like it, Good description of trench warfare.. mixed with the fantasy/ sifi aspect of the walking dead.
Definitely a different kind of book, History war buffs might like it, Good description of trench warfare.. mixed with the fantasy/ sifi aspect of the walking dead.
May 17, 2020
In the first chapter I thought, "Oh no, not a zombie book", but decided to read on some before abandoning the effort. Glad I did, the book held my attention and had several sympathetic characters.
May 21, 2020
More pleAse
Unique experience. Captivating. Like this author very much. Will read more of series. Could be a good film. Or series.
Unique experience. Captivating. Like this author very much. Will read more of series. Could be a good film. Or series.
May 27, 2020
A Must Read
WWI Germans, Americans, Brits, French and Canadians who is the real enemy here? Memories or those hunting you? If so and from where?
WWI Germans, Americans, Brits, French and Canadians who is the real enemy here? Memories or those hunting you? If so and from where?
May 31, 2020
Strange
This book is excellent a must read, but I did not give it 5 stars, because it's ending was unsatisfying.
This book is excellent a must read, but I did not give it 5 stars, because it's ending was unsatisfying.
Read
August 12, 2020creepy
Read
August 28, 2020Very different book
Not what I was expecting but it turned into a good book. You have to get thru the first hundred pages first.
Not what I was expecting but it turned into a good book. You have to get thru the first hundred pages first.
Read
September 22, 2020A ridiculous story, didn't impress me one bit.
October 5, 2020
Interesting. Thought it was a WWI story but then the dead started coming back to life. Now we have a WWI zombie book. I’ve never read anything like it ...and I liked it!
December 28, 2020
Good story. Tight characters...
January 15, 2021
Great read
I would recommend this book. It kept my interest up the whole time. If you like sci-fi you will like this book.
I would recommend this book. It kept my interest up the whole time. If you like sci-fi you will like this book.
February 23, 2023
Scary
At least it was for me... . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
At least it was for me... . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
December 29, 2023
Amazing! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews