What do you think?
Rate this book
The Lightning Conjurer #4
The Reckoning
Four years after the collapse of the Inner circle, the Asterian Order is functioning as Aspen and the late Magistrate envisioned; containment centers have been shut down, antiquated laws have been abolished, and free elections for a new Prime Minister are underway. In the meantime, Aspen and her fiancé, Aiden, have been enjoying their peaceful life out of the spotlight and away from the Order.However, in the absence of containment and conviction, the line between freedom and secrecy has been blurred; amid the turmoil, a fresh wave of Elemental Supremacism is threatening to take hold of the Asterian Parliament. To combat this, Ori announces his bid to become Minister. If he loses, his radical opponent will be turning dangerous rhetoric into a stark reality that poses a direct threat to the entire human race.While he and Aspen embark on a crucial political mission, Aiden, Eileen, and Sophia are joined by an old nemesis to carry out their own top-secret scouring the globe for rogue Elementalists with extraordinary powers. If they succeed in recruiting these hundreds of Wilders to their cause, they’ll have a slew of newcomers to support Ori’s campaign. But if they fail, their adversary will have access to the greatest army of Elementalists the world has ever seen.The stakes have never been higher for Aspen and her friends… and losing has never been more dangerous.* "Every book in this series has got a 5 star review from me and I can’t say that happens very often! You will not be disappointed in this set!" - Goodreads review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I am so glad that I stumbled across these books. Rachel Rener does an amazing job of world building and character development. Each book in this series is fabulous in its own right but put them all together; wow, what a fantastic adventure!" - Goodreads review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"This is a fantastic series that once I picked up I just could not put down and best of all I didn’t have to wait for the next book!! It’s so well written the author draws you in from the very start into this incredible world." - Goodreads review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"This series is one of the few I have reread. Between the fantastic cast of characters, the super cool science-y magic, and the heart-pounding plot and pace, there is a lot to love for every kind of reader." - Amazon Review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"What a hell of a ride!?! OMG! OMG! OMG! Like, I never, ever, ever, liked a series like I loved this series. It's not my favorite genre, but thanks to Rachel Rener, she's changed my preference. Honestly, this series deserves to be produced into a TV Series, and a long one at that!" - Goodreads review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I'm writing this review super exhausted and sleep deprived, because for the last half of fourth book, I couldn't put it down and stayed up all night reading. I have a short attention span, and it definitely affects my reading. It's HARD to keep me entertained for more than 3 books in a series, so you know it's a good series if I do!" - Goodreads review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"This is one of the best series I've read in a long time. It captured my attention immediately and didn't let go until the final book in the series.
"I am so glad that I stumbled across these books. Rachel Rener does an amazing job of world building and character development. Each book in this series is fabulous in its own right but put them all together; wow, what a fantastic adventure!" - Goodreads review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"This is a fantastic series that once I picked up I just could not put down and best of all I didn’t have to wait for the next book!! It’s so well written the author draws you in from the very start into this incredible world." - Goodreads review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"This series is one of the few I have reread. Between the fantastic cast of characters, the super cool science-y magic, and the heart-pounding plot and pace, there is a lot to love for every kind of reader." - Amazon Review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"What a hell of a ride!?! OMG! OMG! OMG! Like, I never, ever, ever, liked a series like I loved this series. It's not my favorite genre, but thanks to Rachel Rener, she's changed my preference. Honestly, this series deserves to be produced into a TV Series, and a long one at that!" - Goodreads review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I'm writing this review super exhausted and sleep deprived, because for the last half of fourth book, I couldn't put it down and stayed up all night reading. I have a short attention span, and it definitely affects my reading. It's HARD to keep me entertained for more than 3 books in a series, so you know it's a good series if I do!" - Goodreads review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"This is one of the best series I've read in a long time. It captured my attention immediately and didn't let go until the final book in the series.
- GenresFantasy
502 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2021
41 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Rener
23 books754 followersRachel Rener is a multi-award-winning, bestselling romantasy author best known for her fan-favorite Gilded Blood universe. Her books blend magic with real science, infusing powerful-yet-quirky heroines, emotional depth, and irresistible, sizzling romance.
After earning a degree in Psych and Neuroscience, Rachel has since lived on three continents and traveled to nearly 50 countries, fueling her worldbuilding with diverse cultural and mythological influences.
When she's not writing, Rachel enjoys making art in every medium she can get her hands on, riding her motorcycle, attending rock shows (both the musical and mineralogical kind), and engaging with her devoted reader community, Rachel’s Renergades. She lives in Colorado with her husband and a very opinionated umbrella cockatoo named Terrance (aka “Jungle Chicken”), who insists on being her loudest critic.
Learn more at www.RachelRener.com!
You can also be regaled with totally inappropriate stories and behind the scenes shenanigans by signing up for her newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/Rachel-Rener-NL .
@AuthorRachelRener across all socials
After earning a degree in Psych and Neuroscience, Rachel has since lived on three continents and traveled to nearly 50 countries, fueling her worldbuilding with diverse cultural and mythological influences.
When she's not writing, Rachel enjoys making art in every medium she can get her hands on, riding her motorcycle, attending rock shows (both the musical and mineralogical kind), and engaging with her devoted reader community, Rachel’s Renergades. She lives in Colorado with her husband and a very opinionated umbrella cockatoo named Terrance (aka “Jungle Chicken”), who insists on being her loudest critic.
Learn more at www.RachelRener.com!
You can also be regaled with totally inappropriate stories and behind the scenes shenanigans by signing up for her newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/Rachel-Rener-NL .
@AuthorRachelRener across all socials
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 8, 2023
I was absolutely thrilled to discover there would be another book in this series! Aspen/Rowan is such a cool character and I honestly didn't want the series to end and I got my wish! Even though the last book ended perfectly, as Aspen and company manage to defeat the rogue power hungry Elementals, and she and Aiden are finally ready to embark on the rest of their lives together. Then this book happened! I thought, ok, so maybe this book will deal with how Aspen, Aiden, Ori, Eileen, Sophie and the rest of the band go about making changes and improvements. Goodness me! I couldn't have been more wrong! How on earth is it possible to up the stakes so much??? This book is just as exciting as the rest of the series, taking place a few years after the last book and I really enjoyed how the chapters were allocated to a different person and their perspective. Cleverly designed to continue the story, smoothly flowing through events, without my having to go back and forth. Where one person leaves off, the next takes over, no breaks in the timeline. Brilliant! 2 characters stand out for me in this book, Ori and Savannah. Ori because of his unrequited love for Aspen, I honestly felt for him! And Savannah, who although was more the villain throughout the series, she had extenuating circumstances for her being, well her! I found myself very sympathetic to her plight. I didn't expect such a complex plot so I was really thrilled with what was transpiring! So enjoyed the change of setting to Japan, the details are so on point, the respect and honour of the culture comes across realistically and very credible. It was again a wonderfully written tale and plot and totally irresistible! As the friends fight to keep the world from spiralling out of control, the tension was high, the drama immense and the ending, well, best you find out for yourself!
December 24, 2021
'Words have power. They can create and they can destroy.'
Do you ever want to know what happens after, in a series that you love? After the end or the Happy Ever After?
I do. Especially when it comes to those stories I was sad to see coming to an end.
And The Lightning Conjurer is one of them.
The Reckoning is the book I was craving, after I turned the last page of the original trilogy. Partly because I wanted to know how it all goes on from that bittersweet ending. But mostly, because I wanted more. More of Aspen and her totally fabulous group of nerdy friends, more of the fun banter and the feeling leaping from the page, more of the cool elemental powers, and more of the totally awesome tale.
Were my expectations for this sequel higher than for the previous books? You bet! We all want the next in series to be better after all!
Did The Reckoning meet them? Hell yea! And then some!
Four years have passed while Aspen and her fiancé, Aiden, have been enjoying their peaceful life out of the spotlight and away from the Order. Not one but two weddings are on the horizon and life couldn't have been better for our Elementalists. But as the saying goes, good things never last, and this time around the danger extends to the entire human race.
So it is that Aspen, Aiden and her friends find themselves yet again smack down in the middle of an all-out elemental war.
While Ori and Aspen embark on a crucial political mission, Aiden, Eileen, and Sophia are joined by an old nemesis to carry out their own top-secret quest: scouring the globe for rogue Elementalists with extraordinary powers. If they succeed in recruiting these hundreds of Wilders to their cause, they’ll have a slew of newcomers to support Ori’s campaign. But if they fail, their adversary will have access to the greatest army of Elementalists the world has ever seen.
Just the five of them against seemingly insurmountable odds - Is it a wonder that even they doubt their chances?
As Eileen aptly puts it: 'This whole thing feels crazy. Ori running for Minister, us teaming up with Sleeping Beauty over here like some sort of Aggregator Fellowship of the Ring, then trekking all over the planet like the Amazing Race to recruit a Wilder army before....'
And yet, they might not be quite as alone as they think.
Oh! In case you were wondering about the 'Sleeping Beauty' - you'll have to read the book to see who she is. But I'll give you a hint. She's the 'two-faced, grandma-hating, pathological lying, bunny-killing kind.' :D And her ARC was one of the best of this tale.
Fast-paced edge-of-the-seat adventure with twists you don't see coming, absolutely amazing displays of elemental power and characters that you can't help but root for, The Reckoning has it all and more.
I loved the connection in between friends and family and the distinct voice of each character was masterfully achieved. I kid you not people. Chef's kiss for that!
I loved each and every one of them, but the one I'll probably remember fondly for a very long time is grandma Evelyn. She's one grandma you can't help but love!
This book, and series by extension is a roller-coaster ride of feelings and emotions! Gripping and addictive, it will grab you by the scruff of your neck and won't let go until you've reached the end.
I highly recommend it to all fantasy lovers out there.
You have got to read this people!
It is so so good!
Happy reading everyone
and remember:
'no matter how low things may get, life always goes on, bringing with it new and brighter memories.'
Do you ever want to know what happens after, in a series that you love? After the end or the Happy Ever After?
I do. Especially when it comes to those stories I was sad to see coming to an end.
And The Lightning Conjurer is one of them.
The Reckoning is the book I was craving, after I turned the last page of the original trilogy. Partly because I wanted to know how it all goes on from that bittersweet ending. But mostly, because I wanted more. More of Aspen and her totally fabulous group of nerdy friends, more of the fun banter and the feeling leaping from the page, more of the cool elemental powers, and more of the totally awesome tale.
Were my expectations for this sequel higher than for the previous books? You bet! We all want the next in series to be better after all!
Did The Reckoning meet them? Hell yea! And then some!
Four years have passed while Aspen and her fiancé, Aiden, have been enjoying their peaceful life out of the spotlight and away from the Order. Not one but two weddings are on the horizon and life couldn't have been better for our Elementalists. But as the saying goes, good things never last, and this time around the danger extends to the entire human race.
So it is that Aspen, Aiden and her friends find themselves yet again smack down in the middle of an all-out elemental war.
While Ori and Aspen embark on a crucial political mission, Aiden, Eileen, and Sophia are joined by an old nemesis to carry out their own top-secret quest: scouring the globe for rogue Elementalists with extraordinary powers. If they succeed in recruiting these hundreds of Wilders to their cause, they’ll have a slew of newcomers to support Ori’s campaign. But if they fail, their adversary will have access to the greatest army of Elementalists the world has ever seen.
Just the five of them against seemingly insurmountable odds - Is it a wonder that even they doubt their chances?
As Eileen aptly puts it: 'This whole thing feels crazy. Ori running for Minister, us teaming up with Sleeping Beauty over here like some sort of Aggregator Fellowship of the Ring, then trekking all over the planet like the Amazing Race to recruit a Wilder army before....'
And yet, they might not be quite as alone as they think.
Oh! In case you were wondering about the 'Sleeping Beauty' - you'll have to read the book to see who she is. But I'll give you a hint. She's the 'two-faced, grandma-hating, pathological lying, bunny-killing kind.' :D And her ARC was one of the best of this tale.
Fast-paced edge-of-the-seat adventure with twists you don't see coming, absolutely amazing displays of elemental power and characters that you can't help but root for, The Reckoning has it all and more.
I loved the connection in between friends and family and the distinct voice of each character was masterfully achieved. I kid you not people. Chef's kiss for that!
I loved each and every one of them, but the one I'll probably remember fondly for a very long time is grandma Evelyn. She's one grandma you can't help but love!
This book, and series by extension is a roller-coaster ride of feelings and emotions! Gripping and addictive, it will grab you by the scruff of your neck and won't let go until you've reached the end.
I highly recommend it to all fantasy lovers out there.
You have got to read this people!
It is so so good!
Happy reading everyone
and remember:
'no matter how low things may get, life always goes on, bringing with it new and brighter memories.'
July 17, 2021
I received an ARC and am reviewing it so willingly because EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS BOOK.
This book disrupted my life. I've had it two? Three days? And all I wanted was to read it. My own productivity fell by the wayside. My household tasks were a nuisance(seriously, why do people always need to eat?). I kept thinking about it when I was forced to do other things. I loved it.
This is the fourth in the Lightning Conjurer series, and it picks up four years after the third book ends. It's the wrap up we didn't fully realize we needed(cause 3 was amazing), but OH MY GOODNESS IT IS PERFECT AND WE ABSOLUTELY DID NEED IT.
The cast of characters is broad, and they couldn't be more different from each other. Each POV was perfectly distinct, and every character was sympathetic and I felt EVERYTHING they felt. So. Many. Freaking. Feelings. I love them all. I felt for them, I laughed at/with them, I cried a couple times.
The plot itself was tense and fast and brutal, and it was so very creative. I usually have a great many theories while reading a book, and I had a few, but mostly I couldn't even guess where it was going. I loved the foreshadowing. So clever. Just. AUGH. And the ending. And all the little details throughout! I love the beautiful attention to detail.
This book disrupted my life. I've had it two? Three days? And all I wanted was to read it. My own productivity fell by the wayside. My household tasks were a nuisance(seriously, why do people always need to eat?). I kept thinking about it when I was forced to do other things. I loved it.
This is the fourth in the Lightning Conjurer series, and it picks up four years after the third book ends. It's the wrap up we didn't fully realize we needed(cause 3 was amazing), but OH MY GOODNESS IT IS PERFECT AND WE ABSOLUTELY DID NEED IT.
The cast of characters is broad, and they couldn't be more different from each other. Each POV was perfectly distinct, and every character was sympathetic and I felt EVERYTHING they felt. So. Many. Freaking. Feelings. I love them all. I felt for them, I laughed at/with them, I cried a couple times.
The plot itself was tense and fast and brutal, and it was so very creative. I usually have a great many theories while reading a book, and I had a few, but mostly I couldn't even guess where it was going. I loved the foreshadowing. So clever. Just. AUGH. And the ending. And all the little details throughout! I love the beautiful attention to detail.
July 17, 2021
11/5 stars!!!
I received an ARC Copy of this book ahead of its publication on Sept 13 and HO BOY was I thrilled to leave this honest review.
Um. So. Wow. I.... didn't realize I needed this book. Until I read this book... and wondered how the heck I'd survived so long without it. And dangit I'm going to get ALL of my feelings down on paper without dropping a single spoiler. Promise!
The events of The Christening wrapped up The Lightning Conjurer trilogy flawlessly. I honestly think it may have been my favorite 3-book wrap-up of all time. Because of that, I'll admit I was really anxious when Rachel announced a HUGE surprise, which was that one final TLC book was coming. This one takes place 4 years in the future and OMG the stakes are HIGH. Everything in this book is UPPED: The steam, the intrigue, the suspense, the inter-personal relationships, the character development, the fate of the world... but it defintely doesn't feel overdone or melodramatic. It hits all of the perfect notes, with literally each chapter leaving me breathless. Also I don't know how she did it but EACH voice is so distinctly different and true. I was blown away.
Rachel's ability to write true, raw, authentic, REAL-feeling characters is essentially unparalleled. How the HECK did she make me cry over a character I literally hated before? How did she make me all at once feel and empathize with every single POV? AND HOW ARE THEY ALL SO UNIQUE AND DIFFERENT? They literally felt like they were written by 7 different people. S much so that I'm starting to wonder... Are Aspen and Aiden and Ori and everyone else actually real-life characters and Rachel just pretends to write them??? Seriously, I am floored.
If book 1 was 4.5 stars and book 2 was 5 stars... then I guess book 3 was 6 stars and this one is like 11 stars. I cannot remember the last time an author had tears literally POURING down my face - in grief, in joy, in hysterical laughter, and in true, genuine sadness that this series is over.
On that note, may I take this moment to humbly request spin off series of both Ori AND ???? CAUSE THAT WOULD BE GREAT.
Thank you, Rachel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I received an ARC Copy of this book ahead of its publication on Sept 13 and HO BOY was I thrilled to leave this honest review.
Um. So. Wow. I.... didn't realize I needed this book. Until I read this book... and wondered how the heck I'd survived so long without it. And dangit I'm going to get ALL of my feelings down on paper without dropping a single spoiler. Promise!
The events of The Christening wrapped up The Lightning Conjurer trilogy flawlessly. I honestly think it may have been my favorite 3-book wrap-up of all time. Because of that, I'll admit I was really anxious when Rachel announced a HUGE surprise, which was that one final TLC book was coming. This one takes place 4 years in the future and OMG the stakes are HIGH. Everything in this book is UPPED: The steam, the intrigue, the suspense, the inter-personal relationships, the character development, the fate of the world... but it defintely doesn't feel overdone or melodramatic. It hits all of the perfect notes, with literally each chapter leaving me breathless. Also I don't know how she did it but EACH voice is so distinctly different and true. I was blown away.
Rachel's ability to write true, raw, authentic, REAL-feeling characters is essentially unparalleled. How the HECK did she make me cry over a character I literally hated before? How did she make me all at once feel and empathize with every single POV? AND HOW ARE THEY ALL SO UNIQUE AND DIFFERENT? They literally felt like they were written by 7 different people. S much so that I'm starting to wonder... Are Aspen and Aiden and Ori and everyone else actually real-life characters and Rachel just pretends to write them??? Seriously, I am floored.
If book 1 was 4.5 stars and book 2 was 5 stars... then I guess book 3 was 6 stars and this one is like 11 stars. I cannot remember the last time an author had tears literally POURING down my face - in grief, in joy, in hysterical laughter, and in true, genuine sadness that this series is over.
On that note, may I take this moment to humbly request spin off series of both Ori AND ???? CAUSE THAT WOULD BE GREAT.
Thank you, Rachel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 30, 2025
While a bit different in tone in that we get multiple POV's mainly from the other characters, it is the perfect ending to the series. They had some peace, but Aspen is forced back into the limelight with things quickly escalating. This is definitely a wild ride and so much happens, with so many funny, sweet, and crazy moments that I could barely put it down.
Evelyn's chapter 🍪 and the Epilogue 😭😍 were the best HEA I could have hoped for.
Evelyn's chapter 🍪 and the Epilogue 😭😍 were the best HEA I could have hoped for.
February 3, 2023
4.5
There were things I found very frustrating about this series, but overall it is well done, action packed, easy to get invested in the characters, and the last book was a good wrap to the series.
Most of my issues were tropes I don't care for and a couple of places where the solution was so obvious it was the one that was eventually used but the characters took too damned long to get there leaving it feel like service to word count more than to the story.
It's a NA series that's more story than romance, the romance is very slow burn and most of it is fade to black, the love triangle is mild and only slightly annoying (mostly because it's not a true triangle and more an unrequited situation), and there is a lesbian couple who have a prominent secondary role. There is also a lot of real science thrown in here and there. The rock hounds will love it
It was good but seemed like a first effort in spots. It did leave me excited to read her adult series that begins with Inked.
Rener has a lot of potential and no small amount of here and present talent for story telling. I'm excited to see how she grows as an author.
There were things I found very frustrating about this series, but overall it is well done, action packed, easy to get invested in the characters, and the last book was a good wrap to the series.
Most of my issues were tropes I don't care for and a couple of places where the solution was so obvious it was the one that was eventually used but the characters took too damned long to get there leaving it feel like service to word count more than to the story.
It's a NA series that's more story than romance, the romance is very slow burn and most of it is fade to black, the love triangle is mild and only slightly annoying (mostly because it's not a true triangle and more an unrequited situation), and there is a lesbian couple who have a prominent secondary role. There is also a lot of real science thrown in here and there. The rock hounds will love it
It was good but seemed like a first effort in spots. It did leave me excited to read her adult series that begins with Inked.
Rener has a lot of potential and no small amount of here and present talent for story telling. I'm excited to see how she grows as an author.
July 26, 2025
So the last book ended the original trilogy really well, but this one felt more realistic. The happy ending isn't always as simple as books make it seem, and they really had to struggle and push to get things the way they wanted them.
August 3, 2021
What can I say about this book? It's the book I didn't know we still needed when book 3 wrapped up. But as I looked over my reviews, I remember how sad I was for the story to come to an end. Silly me, Rachel never said she was done, and she never called it a trilogy, and for that, we can all be thankful.
Four years have passed and life is good, normal for Aiden and Aspen. But the stupid Asterians can't seem to do anything right and Aspen is summoned to help clean up their mess. She won't have to do anything high profile, they say. She can just support the next candidate for minister, they say. She won't even have to use her powers, they say. Yeah right, Aiden says. And so the journey begins. This time we get to travel to Japan along with some pretty cool US locations. And unlike the first three books, we get to see the story, Aspen's story, through the eyes of her friends. They're all back. Aiden, Ori, Eileen, and Sophia. After all, when Aspen needs them, where else would they be?
It's a wild ride. The stakes are even higher than they were in book 3, but that doesn't mean there isn't time for sweet moments, heart-to-heart conversations, spicey times with Aspen and Aiden, and Aspen's grandmother's opinions on everyone and everything. Trust me, you won't want to miss out on this one! I loved every second of it and am again sad to be leaving Aspen's world when it was over. I'm still hoping for a spin-off series. Or maybe a short retelling of events from Evelyn's perspective.
I had the privilege of reading this book as the author was still writing it and have reviewed it because it's incredible and I wanted to.
Four years have passed and life is good, normal for Aiden and Aspen. But the stupid Asterians can't seem to do anything right and Aspen is summoned to help clean up their mess. She won't have to do anything high profile, they say. She can just support the next candidate for minister, they say. She won't even have to use her powers, they say. Yeah right, Aiden says. And so the journey begins. This time we get to travel to Japan along with some pretty cool US locations. And unlike the first three books, we get to see the story, Aspen's story, through the eyes of her friends. They're all back. Aiden, Ori, Eileen, and Sophia. After all, when Aspen needs them, where else would they be?
It's a wild ride. The stakes are even higher than they were in book 3, but that doesn't mean there isn't time for sweet moments, heart-to-heart conversations, spicey times with Aspen and Aiden, and Aspen's grandmother's opinions on everyone and everything. Trust me, you won't want to miss out on this one! I loved every second of it and am again sad to be leaving Aspen's world when it was over. I'm still hoping for a spin-off series. Or maybe a short retelling of events from Evelyn's perspective.
I had the privilege of reading this book as the author was still writing it and have reviewed it because it's incredible and I wanted to.
September 13, 2021
Literal FIRE.
I originally received this book as an ARC and also reread the final version. This is my honest review.
Oh my goodness. Seriously. Please go read the series bc this book is FIRE. (well. And water and wind and earth and lightning too. Bc its elemental. But you know what I mean.)
I didn't know I needed this book until I read it. Rachel Rener's The Lightning Conjurer series is my favorite magical realism, elemental magic series of all time. I love the science. I love the contemporary fantasy focus and the eventual, natural romance. I love the baddies, the good guys, the magic learning and the family. It's just.... GOOD. And each book is somehow better. And I was happy with the trilogy.
But, apparently, what I needed was an epic unleashing. This book takes the governmental turmoil left 4 years prior in the end of the last book, settles it for just a second before releasing hellacious chaos. Oh the beautiful stressful chaos.
The temp is turned up, the stakes are world-ending epic, and the relationships are shifting, tenuous and then growing. Best and worst of all, my opinion of the character-I-love-to-hate went through complicated turns. And I (gag) I llllliiiiii (cough) LIKE HER. There. I said it.
Aspen's arc was my absolute favorite and that ending was just -chefs kiss- perfect. It was massive. It was awesome. And It's everything I've ever wanted in a series and finale. I am just so full.
Sometimes there are books that just imprint on your soul. And this is one for sure.
I originally received this book as an ARC and also reread the final version. This is my honest review.
Oh my goodness. Seriously. Please go read the series bc this book is FIRE. (well. And water and wind and earth and lightning too. Bc its elemental. But you know what I mean.)
I didn't know I needed this book until I read it. Rachel Rener's The Lightning Conjurer series is my favorite magical realism, elemental magic series of all time. I love the science. I love the contemporary fantasy focus and the eventual, natural romance. I love the baddies, the good guys, the magic learning and the family. It's just.... GOOD. And each book is somehow better. And I was happy with the trilogy.
But, apparently, what I needed was an epic unleashing. This book takes the governmental turmoil left 4 years prior in the end of the last book, settles it for just a second before releasing hellacious chaos. Oh the beautiful stressful chaos.
The temp is turned up, the stakes are world-ending epic, and the relationships are shifting, tenuous and then growing. Best and worst of all, my opinion of the character-I-love-to-hate went through complicated turns. And I (gag) I llllliiiiii (cough) LIKE HER. There. I said it.
Aspen's arc was my absolute favorite and that ending was just -chefs kiss- perfect. It was massive. It was awesome. And It's everything I've ever wanted in a series and finale. I am just so full.
Sometimes there are books that just imprint on your soul. And this is one for sure.
September 15, 2021
When I heard about a surprise book 4 I literally cheered! *\o/* I was not disappointed! Book 4 is written in not just Aspen’s point of view but all our Main Characters we already fell in love with! You get a nice flash forward to see what life has brought them and then an epic adventure again! We are also gifted with an amazing epilogue that I really hope inspires some Novellas in the very near future!! The entire series is one you can’t miss, not a single story disappoints!
August 9, 2021
This is vastly different from the prior 3 books in the series and incredibly well done. I had a hard time believing that all of the POVs were written by Ms. Rener because they were so unique and differentiated. It takes real talent to pull that off, especially with 1st person narratives. A beautiful end for a beautiful series.
Brava!
Brava!
June 21, 2022
I'll admit, I was a tad concerned when I started this. All the threads had been tied off so neatly in the last book of the initial trilogy that I feared an overly long epilogue. I should have had way more faith. As another reviewer put it; this is the book that I didn't know I needed. I laughed, I cried and you can tell you've gotten overly attached to a set of characters when you read a scene and feel genuinely proud of them only to remember that they are fictional and you are being daft.
At the end of the third book it seemed like the world was finally at peace, that Aspen and Aiden could waltz off into the sunset in their happily ever after and the Asterians wouldn't need their handy Pentamancer to save the day. But four years later, everything is once more going to hell. But this time, the stakes are even higher. Before Aspen was fighting for the Elementalist community. Now she's fighting for the entire world.
I was delighted to see the return of all the characters I loved... or hated; and they become even more real as instead of just being from one perspective, this splits the story into different perspectives and so you see events through their eyes and in their words. It's difficult to write unique character perspectives, particularly when you have so many of them, without falling into the pitfalls of them either sounding the same or the narrative becoming increasingly fractured. This is a shining example of when it is done spectacularly well; the different perspectives all felt unique and individual. I rarely had to glance up to see who was narrating from the chapter heading as it was obvious from the tone.
And oh boy, does this put those characters through the wringer and then some. I once read a quote from Lois McMaster Bujold about her writing, which was along the lines of 'I think of the worst possible thing that could happen to my characters, make it happen and watch them scramble to get out of it' (paraphrased and probably badly - sorry!), and this definitely takes a leaf out of that approach. It's nail-biting, heart-wrenching and gut-churning at points as the characters fly from one disaster into another and you are never quite sure who is going to make it out alive. It's fast paced, yet manages to convey the emotions and the characters beautifully; it's never action for the sake of action, everything has a purpose and even when everything seems to be going well(ish), you are just waiting for the next boot to fall.
So yeah. I'm not going to sulk for a little bit as I want more and there isn't more and that's just not fair. But absolute hats off to Rachel Rener who has once again produced an absolute marvel here. Just umm... ignore my sulking.
At the end of the third book it seemed like the world was finally at peace, that Aspen and Aiden could waltz off into the sunset in their happily ever after and the Asterians wouldn't need their handy Pentamancer to save the day. But four years later, everything is once more going to hell. But this time, the stakes are even higher. Before Aspen was fighting for the Elementalist community. Now she's fighting for the entire world.
I was delighted to see the return of all the characters I loved... or hated; and they become even more real as instead of just being from one perspective, this splits the story into different perspectives and so you see events through their eyes and in their words. It's difficult to write unique character perspectives, particularly when you have so many of them, without falling into the pitfalls of them either sounding the same or the narrative becoming increasingly fractured. This is a shining example of when it is done spectacularly well; the different perspectives all felt unique and individual. I rarely had to glance up to see who was narrating from the chapter heading as it was obvious from the tone.
And oh boy, does this put those characters through the wringer and then some. I once read a quote from Lois McMaster Bujold about her writing, which was along the lines of 'I think of the worst possible thing that could happen to my characters, make it happen and watch them scramble to get out of it' (paraphrased and probably badly - sorry!), and this definitely takes a leaf out of that approach. It's nail-biting, heart-wrenching and gut-churning at points as the characters fly from one disaster into another and you are never quite sure who is going to make it out alive. It's fast paced, yet manages to convey the emotions and the characters beautifully; it's never action for the sake of action, everything has a purpose and even when everything seems to be going well(ish), you are just waiting for the next boot to fall.
So yeah. I'm not going to sulk for a little bit as I want more and there isn't more and that's just not fair. But absolute hats off to Rachel Rener who has once again produced an absolute marvel here. Just umm... ignore my sulking.
June 14, 2022
After book three, and the apparent ending of the series, I was content. More than content. I was satisfied. The Lightning Conjurer, for me, felt like a perfect trilogy with the character of Aspen fully explored, documented, and the world Rener created left in a terrific place where much of the conflict had been resolved, and the future could live on in the imagination.
But what I didn't know was I really needed this fourth book. The trilogy was perfect, but, like all brilliant worlds, and, to quote Frodo Baggins, there's always room for a little more.
I'm glad there was. The Reckoning is exactly that. Rener allows us to exist in the happy ending that's existed for four years before unleashing chaos, and the hard-fought new world Aspen and co battled and died for in the previous three books is torn asunder. The stakes are world-ending, the battles are epic, and the action is exhilarating.
While I think book three in particular packs a heftier emotional punch, there's no denying Reckoning is a book from an author on the top of their game - the multiple POVs are handled well, and gives fans of the series a deeper look into some of their beloved characters, and there's a confidence in the material and in the author's own skill that underpins every page of this book.
Reckoning is the perfect series capper but, even then, I'm hopeful that, one day, there will still be a little more...
But what I didn't know was I really needed this fourth book. The trilogy was perfect, but, like all brilliant worlds, and, to quote Frodo Baggins, there's always room for a little more.
I'm glad there was. The Reckoning is exactly that. Rener allows us to exist in the happy ending that's existed for four years before unleashing chaos, and the hard-fought new world Aspen and co battled and died for in the previous three books is torn asunder. The stakes are world-ending, the battles are epic, and the action is exhilarating.
While I think book three in particular packs a heftier emotional punch, there's no denying Reckoning is a book from an author on the top of their game - the multiple POVs are handled well, and gives fans of the series a deeper look into some of their beloved characters, and there's a confidence in the material and in the author's own skill that underpins every page of this book.
Reckoning is the perfect series capper but, even then, I'm hopeful that, one day, there will still be a little more...
January 11, 2024
🌟 THIS REVIEW WAS WRITTEN FOR THE WHOLE SERIES 🌟
Star Rating-
⭐⭐⭐✨
Spicy Rating-
🚪
Darkness Rating-
🖤
Emotional Damage-
❤️🩹
📖 THE AWAKENING
📖 THE ENLIGHTENING
📖 THE CHRISTENING
📖 THE RECKONING
by Rachel Rener
Overall, I thought this series was okay. Each book plot was better than the one before it... which means that the last book was the best of the series. But I think I prefer how Aspen was written at the beginning of the series. I really liked when it was only Aspen and Evelyn.
This series reminded me of the THE CIRCLE series by Tamora Pierce. The way each person has their own elemental affinity and how the group comes together, I think. The last time I read that series was in 1999.
The FMC that Rachel created definitely grows as a person. I remember while reading the second book, I was getting annoyed with her recklessness and her need to just follow through with the first idea/solution to the problems.
After reading two separate series by Rachel Rener, i can definitely see her love of the no nonsense grandmother/mother depicted in both series. So, if there is/was a real life inspiration for the role- that person probably feels honoured. 😁
Also, hats off to including a Jewish character in both series. It does add depth and diversity into the writing. But maybe that's because maybe I'm just so used to reading Magical /Paganistic or Christian characters.
Star Rating-
⭐⭐⭐✨
Spicy Rating-
🚪
Darkness Rating-
🖤
Emotional Damage-
❤️🩹
📖 THE AWAKENING
📖 THE ENLIGHTENING
📖 THE CHRISTENING
📖 THE RECKONING
by Rachel Rener
Overall, I thought this series was okay. Each book plot was better than the one before it... which means that the last book was the best of the series. But I think I prefer how Aspen was written at the beginning of the series. I really liked when it was only Aspen and Evelyn.
This series reminded me of the THE CIRCLE series by Tamora Pierce. The way each person has their own elemental affinity and how the group comes together, I think. The last time I read that series was in 1999.
The FMC that Rachel created definitely grows as a person. I remember while reading the second book, I was getting annoyed with her recklessness and her need to just follow through with the first idea/solution to the problems.
After reading two separate series by Rachel Rener, i can definitely see her love of the no nonsense grandmother/mother depicted in both series. So, if there is/was a real life inspiration for the role- that person probably feels honoured. 😁
Also, hats off to including a Jewish character in both series. It does add depth and diversity into the writing. But maybe that's because maybe I'm just so used to reading Magical /Paganistic or Christian characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2024
This is the fourth and final book in the series. Aspen has been enjoying her retirement from politics but when a rogue group of Elementals declares war on humans she’s forced to get back in the game. She and her friends journey across the world and face many increasing dangers. When they hear that another pentamancer is leading the opposition, Aspen knows that battle will be hers alone - but can she win against someone who’s trained his whole life for the fight? The stakes are about as high as they could get. Can Aspen save the world or will she burn with it?
I have to admit it took me a little while to get my head around the jumping points of view in this book (as the earlier ones had been written from Aspen’s) but once I did it was so good! The pace just kept moving. Each character had amazing moments. Surprisingly, I particularly enjoyed Savannah’s character this time around - her arc was so well written. The villain was especially creepy, which of course made for good reading. My only complaint is that there wasn’t enough of Evelyn in this one.
Having read the whole series now, I can heartily recommend that you all pick it up and read it right away!
I have to admit it took me a little while to get my head around the jumping points of view in this book (as the earlier ones had been written from Aspen’s) but once I did it was so good! The pace just kept moving. Each character had amazing moments. Surprisingly, I particularly enjoyed Savannah’s character this time around - her arc was so well written. The villain was especially creepy, which of course made for good reading. My only complaint is that there wasn’t enough of Evelyn in this one.
Having read the whole series now, I can heartily recommend that you all pick it up and read it right away!
August 5, 2024
This story returns to our lovely group of element wielding young adults who have in the last four years settled down in life, gone back to school - gone to work and settled into society in peace. That is, until a supremacist group decides that they don't like their lot in life and want to essentially take over the world and everyone in it. Why? Cause their better than everyone else and their power should be feared.
Well, lets gather and head BACK to the Asterian Parliament to help Ori and the election to right these wrongs that are about to take place. Oh and guess what, the one person that I despise most goes with them! Yeah. She can still kick rocks in my opinion. She can always kick rocks. So many rocks.
Aspen and crew can not and will not let the world down, and they GO THROUGH it in order to create some order out of this mess. Given that, I loved the side footnotes throughout the book. Ori's distaste for the english language as confusing as it can be was a lovely giggle worthy touch throughout this book.
In the end, this book was a lovely way to wrap up this series, and I'm glad to have spent time here.
Well, lets gather and head BACK to the Asterian Parliament to help Ori and the election to right these wrongs that are about to take place. Oh and guess what, the one person that I despise most goes with them! Yeah. She can still kick rocks in my opinion. She can always kick rocks. So many rocks.
Aspen and crew can not and will not let the world down, and they GO THROUGH it in order to create some order out of this mess. Given that, I loved the side footnotes throughout the book. Ori's distaste for the english language as confusing as it can be was a lovely giggle worthy touch throughout this book.
In the end, this book was a lovely way to wrap up this series, and I'm glad to have spent time here.
March 5, 2024
The Reckoning by Rachel Rener
*****
WOW! After the last book, I really wanted one more entry in the series and THIS WAS IT! The Reckoning is everything I could have hoped for and more. Rachel is an author I am now following closely because everything she has written, I love (AND WITH REASON!!!). Her works rival so many other big names you may be familiar with including Sarah J Maas. She is arguably one of the best authors of our time. This series of hers appears to be a hidden gem, I'm very glad to have read it.
And can I just say...thank you to the author for making a believable lesbian couple? Sometimes I feel like lesbian/gay/trans/etc relationships feel less than authentic. In The Reckoning, the relationship between Sophia and Eileen feels incredibly natural and convincing and I was cheering for it. Characters are wonderfully developed and each one is very interesting with their own unique personalities.
The Reckoning is the wonderful conclusion that this series deserved. I'll be recommending this to readers for years to come.
*****
WOW! After the last book, I really wanted one more entry in the series and THIS WAS IT! The Reckoning is everything I could have hoped for and more. Rachel is an author I am now following closely because everything she has written, I love (AND WITH REASON!!!). Her works rival so many other big names you may be familiar with including Sarah J Maas. She is arguably one of the best authors of our time. This series of hers appears to be a hidden gem, I'm very glad to have read it.
And can I just say...thank you to the author for making a believable lesbian couple? Sometimes I feel like lesbian/gay/trans/etc relationships feel less than authentic. In The Reckoning, the relationship between Sophia and Eileen feels incredibly natural and convincing and I was cheering for it. Characters are wonderfully developed and each one is very interesting with their own unique personalities.
The Reckoning is the wonderful conclusion that this series deserved. I'll be recommending this to readers for years to come.
July 23, 2025
Truly fabulous read and what a finale for the series! I absolutely loved every moment of this conclusion.
While the first three books are mostly focused on Aspen's point of view, this wonderful addition brings in the viewpoint of several of her friends to fantastic effect. The differences in what they observe and focus on, as well as the author's attention to detail with things like formatting and having footnotes as the non-English speaking character's internal comments on the insanity of the English language simply make this story into an unforgettable one.
I cherish these characters and absolutely loved every moment I got to spend with them on this once-again insane adventure. I love the scientific basis for the magic system. I adore how the author shows us that tolerance of difference is the only way to truly create a peaceful society. And I cannot wait to see what more this wonderful crafter of words will come up with next. Every single one of her books is amazing; this series has once again proven that rule to me.
While the first three books are mostly focused on Aspen's point of view, this wonderful addition brings in the viewpoint of several of her friends to fantastic effect. The differences in what they observe and focus on, as well as the author's attention to detail with things like formatting and having footnotes as the non-English speaking character's internal comments on the insanity of the English language simply make this story into an unforgettable one.
I cherish these characters and absolutely loved every moment I got to spend with them on this once-again insane adventure. I love the scientific basis for the magic system. I adore how the author shows us that tolerance of difference is the only way to truly create a peaceful society. And I cannot wait to see what more this wonderful crafter of words will come up with next. Every single one of her books is amazing; this series has once again proven that rule to me.
July 29, 2023
This is the final book in the Lightning Conjurer series. This book takes place a few years after the last book. Everyone is finally settling into their normal lives when of course trouble arises. Just when they think the resistance has been pushed down, Kaylie decides to run for prime minister wanting elementalists to be out in the open. Aspen and Aiden are upended from their nice normal lives and pulled back into the chaos. The first part is a lot of getting to know what has been going on and then a lot of political and relationship drama. But once it gets going, there is a lot of action. Aspen is pushed to her limits to do what she thinks is right and save the entire world. It was wonderful to see that everyone got a break and was able to be normal for a few years and it was sad to see they had to go back to saving the world no matter how good they are at it! And the ending! Maybe this means another series… who knows!
November 16, 2021
I love books that are set after the events of previous ones and this one didn't disappoint. I liked the idea that not everything was as wrapped up as we thought from the previous book and I love the idea of all the characters having an equal part in putting it all back together again.
Also, the way that we got to hear from all the characters in their own chapters was amazing. I love them all so much.
I think my favourite part of this was that Aspen's destiny ended up being chosen by her and yes, it's partly a path she was pushed down, but it's also partly what she chose and it's perfect. Also on a little side note, she and Aiden were super cute in this one. I loved their scenes in Paris - I read them with a continuous smile.
Also, the way that we got to hear from all the characters in their own chapters was amazing. I love them all so much.
I think my favourite part of this was that Aspen's destiny ended up being chosen by her and yes, it's partly a path she was pushed down, but it's also partly what she chose and it's perfect. Also on a little side note, she and Aiden were super cute in this one. I loved their scenes in Paris - I read them with a continuous smile.
July 28, 2023
So after The Lightning Conjurer: The Christening I needed to let Aiden and Aspen have their HFN (Happy for Now) for a little while before I could read this last book in the series. They’ve already been through so much!
But I gave them a couple of weeks, (and this book is set 4 years after the last) so I was ready to dip back into their story to see what fiendish things Rachel has in store for them this time. And wow- very exciting high stakes, high octane adventures!
I loved the multiple povs, how everyone in the gang got to participate, some epic battles, and all the cool magic.
It’s a really awesome group of great characters, but Ori truly shines in this one. (or, sparks? since, you know, he wields lightning 😂.)
I LOVED the epilogue ❤️
But I gave them a couple of weeks, (and this book is set 4 years after the last) so I was ready to dip back into their story to see what fiendish things Rachel has in store for them this time. And wow- very exciting high stakes, high octane adventures!
I loved the multiple povs, how everyone in the gang got to participate, some epic battles, and all the cool magic.
It’s a really awesome group of great characters, but Ori truly shines in this one. (or, sparks? since, you know, he wields lightning 😂.)
I LOVED the epilogue ❤️
July 26, 2024
I have to admit that I did not like this one nearly as much as the first 3 books. The weird love triangle.....square thing was plucking my nerves. I am glad they all finally worked that out. The first half of the book was politically driven and it took me a while to get to the action of the plot, but once it got to that point shit hit the fan and got really intense really fast. So I enjoyed the second half of the book more than the first half. I liked the book well enough but do feel like the series was good with just the original 3 books and the way that ended. There was also a question I don't feel was answered clearly at the end. But regardless of how I feel about this 4th book, this series was amazing and you should all add it to your TBR!
January 21, 2022
I relished this final book in a four-part series, excited to get a glimpse into the future of the characters I grew to love in the first three books. I was not disappointed! After all the problems of the world had seemed to be put to rest at the end of the third book, what could possibly go wrong? This book was just as fun to read as the last, and offered story-telling from several of our protagonists’ alternating points of view. It is the grand finale of an exciting series start-to-finish and my only disappointment is that it’s over! Note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 26, 2022
the conclusion I didn’t know I needed
I thought book 3 wrapped up the series well. But The Reckoning, set 4 years later, follows Rowan/Aspen and her friends through another threat - this time Elementalist Supremacists are threatening the entire world.
I loved the different points of views. Especially Ori’s, who always made me laugh. I liked the new and diverse characters, the chance to learn more about Savannah (I was surprised by this!), and the ending feels entirely well-thought out and well-deserved.
I thought book 3 wrapped up the series well. But The Reckoning, set 4 years later, follows Rowan/Aspen and her friends through another threat - this time Elementalist Supremacists are threatening the entire world.
I loved the different points of views. Especially Ori’s, who always made me laugh. I liked the new and diverse characters, the chance to learn more about Savannah (I was surprised by this!), and the ending feels entirely well-thought out and well-deserved.
December 11, 2023
yep- I loved this book
This book was written with a different style than the rest of the series. It’s various chapters come from different group member’s points of view. I wasn’t sure how much I would like it- but I ended up LOVING it so darn much! The love triangles were the drama I needed, along with the true love wins all. The battle scene had my tummy in knots and I was rooting for Aspen out loud! This book has the great ending and wrap up this series needed with points of view from every member of the “group” and it was really fantastic to read!
This book was written with a different style than the rest of the series. It’s various chapters come from different group member’s points of view. I wasn’t sure how much I would like it- but I ended up LOVING it so darn much! The love triangles were the drama I needed, along with the true love wins all. The battle scene had my tummy in knots and I was rooting for Aspen out loud! This book has the great ending and wrap up this series needed with points of view from every member of the “group” and it was really fantastic to read!
September 21, 2024
Four years after the fall of the Inner Circle the Asterian Order is functioning as the late Magistrate and Aspen envisioned our crew is pulled back into action.
It's time to elect a new Magistrate. One of the candidates is from a new wave of Elemental Supremacism which causes Ori to throw his hat in the ring to try and stop them from getting another hold on the Asterian Parliament.
The world is at stake this time around. While Aspen campaigns with Ori, Aidan, Eileen, and Sophia are joined by an old nemesis for their secret mission.
The highlight for me was the Wedding in Paris, finally.
It's time to elect a new Magistrate. One of the candidates is from a new wave of Elemental Supremacism which causes Ori to throw his hat in the ring to try and stop them from getting another hold on the Asterian Parliament.
The world is at stake this time around. While Aspen campaigns with Ori, Aidan, Eileen, and Sophia are joined by an old nemesis for their secret mission.
The highlight for me was the Wedding in Paris, finally.
January 6, 2025
The entire series was a 3 for me. I actually feel the series easily could have ended with the last book. This one was ok, just even more back and forth for Rowen and some political as well as relationship drama. Almost every chapter was from the POV of a different person in the primary team (Eileen, Sophia, Ori, Aiden, Rowen - add in Savannah (yep)). The plot drug on in a few places with the last half being a lot of action - some easier to follow and make fit into the storyline than others. Total HEA ending.
September 22, 2025
Oh man how I loved this story. I was and still am pissed with Ori but I loved this story. Aspen is a firecracker that is for sure and Aiden and hot headed as he is, is absolutely her rock in all of it. too many things happening all at once to fully understand the first read through so I absolutely will be doing a second read through, if nothing else because I miss the characters and this world. One thing I will say for this is that trauma has a way of sneaking up on you in ways you don't expect. It's how you choose to move past them that matters.
August 8, 2025
Oh my god, how bloody brilliant was that fourth book! I have so many emotions coursing through me that I can't put them into decent words! Absolutely loved it. Will read again.
And how is it possible to have SO MANY great characters? It's nearly impossible to choose a favorite!
Also .. I feel blessed to have a very similar network that Aspen has around her. Makes me feel grateful and extremely lucky ❤️
And how is it possible to have SO MANY great characters? It's nearly impossible to choose a favorite!
Also .. I feel blessed to have a very similar network that Aspen has around her. Makes me feel grateful and extremely lucky ❤️
August 28, 2024
loved this fourth book in the series
In the interesting world of elementalists, this series it is a lesson in acceptance of everyone’s differing abilities and strengths. We are all different and the most important thing is to respect and support those differences, especially for the strongest among us. What a wonderful story.
In the interesting world of elementalists, this series it is a lesson in acceptance of everyone’s differing abilities and strengths. We are all different and the most important thing is to respect and support those differences, especially for the strongest among us. What a wonderful story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews