Final Destination #1: Dead Reckoning

Final Destination #1

by Natasha Rhodes

The lead guitarist of an all-girl rock band predicts the destruction of the club they're about to play in. A handful of survivors escape death only for the Grim Reaper to pick them off one by oneÏ¿½

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Young Adult, Thriller, Horror Thriller, Media Tie In, Death

416 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 15, 2005

About the author

NATASHA RHODES is the British-born author of a worrying number of popular novels about vampires and werewolves, including the smash-hit movie blockbusters 'Blade: Trinity,' 'Final Destination: The Movie 1 and 2,' and 'A Nightmare on Elm Street: Perchance To Dream.' Her original Kayla Steele Vampire Hunter novels have been published internationally to occasional critical acclaim.

Natasha currently works on the Research & Threat Intelligence team of a major cybersecurity company. She'd write a book about her experiences if she thought anyone would believe her. She currently lives in in Orange County, California, with her husband (the bass player in a Motley Crue tribute band), and her two rescue cats.

Reviews

[Andy Crow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining novel, some things happened in a somewhat strange way but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it. It's more fun than some of the movies.

“It must be the shock, Jess thought to herself. Shock does funny things to a person.”

But I'd definitely give Jessica a good dope slap for being a jerk.

★★★★☆

[ꭲꮋꭼ ꮩꭺꮇꮲꭹꭱꭼ · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 ⭐

[chucklesthescot · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jess is on stage in a crappy club with her band when she has a detailed premonition of them all dying when the club collapses around them. Her on stage hysteria causes her to be ejected from the building with a few curious onlookers following her outside. As they stand there, the club does collapse and Jess is arrested by the police. Now the survivors face a new problem...Death doesn't like to be cheated.

Jess is not very nice. She dates a married man then steals his wallet to pay her rent, knowing he probably won't call the police on her for robbing him. She seems to think he deserves it for cheating on his wife , yet she's nothing more than a moral vacuum. She gets blamed for the disaster so proves them wrong...by assaulting a police officer and going on the run. She's an idiot. I found it tough to give an actual crap about her, compared to the normal kids in the film series. The cops are the usual dimwits who arrest her with no evidence and chase her all over town.

Also the author really isn't paying much attention to their own writing. One minute Charlie is looking up at her on stage with emerald eyes, two pages later Jess is gushing about his gorgeous blue eyes. OK, make your mind up then. Charlie is also a vain cokehead, the sorority girls are plastic bimbos and Eric the rich frat boy is obnoxious. Starting to think it would've been better to have them all die when the building collapsed.

Poor plot, characters you don't care about.

[Nao · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pop Sugar challenge #30 Książka która przypomina mi o dzieciństwie

Ta książka byłaby dobrym scenariuszem na kolejny film z tej serii ale jako książka wypada to dosyć słabo, postacie nie są głębokie (trochę im IQ brakuję) robią głupoty/mówią głupie rzeczy, niemiłosiernie się to ciągnęło i mogłoby być o co najmniej 100 stron krótsze i może wtedy ocena byłaby większa.

Poza tym bez szału i właśnie przez to zastanowię się nad przeczytaniem reszty (bo o ile 5 pierwszych tomów ma mieszane recenzje tak 3 następne na podstawie filmów i ostatni nie związany ma już dużo lepsze)

[Jade Annabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listen, I did love the book, I had a lot of fun, and by the end I couldn't put it down. I love Jess and Jamie, I love how those two interact, how we learn so much about them through the simple things. I love Ben, how while he seems a lovable goof whose not all that bright, he cares fiercely for those worth caring for, and is willing to go the extra step even if others aren't. I love the little side characters such as the bikers, the homeless. There was a lot of love and attention put towards MOST of the characters.

But some moments just really pulled me out of it, and no matter how much I enjoyed the book, these moments ruined it for me.

The biggest gripe I had was how completely unprofessional the police were in this. I can't imagine any scenario, where a Police Station would be entirely cleared out, especially in LA. "Oh we're going to lunch-" you go in shifts, just like any other job in the world. "Oh well it's night-" Crime happens MORE at night, night shifts exist for a reason.

The poliewomans character was so entirely forgettable, I'm not sure why she was present at all. I didn't even remember she had a name till I checked the wiki. I was actually excited to see how the others would interact with her, whether she'd believe the usual 'we're all being killed off' talk, how she'd handle Jess's constant tangles with the law, whether she'd help the team or dismiss them.

But... no, her death was a footnote in an endless sea of words. She died forgotten, her death was forgettable, she was forgettable. It was disappointing to have such potential swept under the rug. Amber was more excusable, she was just Charlie's side piece, he can't even remember Jessica's name, let alone who he was dating that week, why would we remember? It feel she played the shocker 'remember, she's on the list too' death a lot better than the cop.

Other than that, I wish we got some more details on some deaths, that's part of the fun of the movies. But Ben and Eric were sorta just... left to the imagination. Ben, so much so, it could be assumed he was alive because hey, we didn't really... see what happened.

I did enjoy the book, I really did, around 70% of it was an absolute blast and I really enjoyed watching the characters struggle to survive, the cops, the world, and Eric, constantly against them. But the 30% left a bad taste in my mouth.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possibly one of the greatest books I've ever read. When I was younger I was obsessed with the movies. As soon as I found out there were novels I bought this one as soon as I could find it. This makes the movies look like nothing. Great storyline aside from the usual Final Destination plot line, interesting characters, and is paced out excellently for a Final Destination story.

[Geoffrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second book that I’ve read in the Final Destination book series, and it is also the book with the premise I was most excited to read. When the nightclub that she's just been performing in collapses, killing everyone inside, Jess Golden is more than a little freaked out. She'd seen the whole thing happen in a vision only moments before. Already under suspicion from the police, Jess is implicated even further when the other survivors start dying mysteriously. As the death toll mounts, a twisted plan is hatched so that Jess and her friends might live, a plan that may ultimately place them in further danger. After reading Final Destination: End of the Line where it took awhile to get the main plot started, I was surprised to see this book immediately begin at the location where the disaster occurs. I liked the choice to start the novel at the beginning of the premonition and I liked how the opening disaster was depicted in this book, it could have easily been the script to a Final Destination movie’s opening disaster. The only thing I disliked about the opening is that there wasn’t many clever foreshadowing moments hinting towards the main disaster besides the “Abandon all hope ye who Enter Here” graffiti/sign and Wet Sprocket song “When Will We Fall Down?” playing. One of the bands playing that night is also called Mors Mortis, which literally just means “Death of Death” in Latin, which I felt was incredibly lazy. I tried not to compare this book to Final Destination: End of the Line, but I admittedly noticed how the foreshadowing moments were much more clever in that book. While I did like how this book got to the main disaster rather quickly, I was a little bothered with how long it took for the characters to start dying and begin to figure out what was going on. I didn’t find myself caring about these characters the way that I did in previous Final Destination stories. I thought that some of the creative decisions in this book were corny, like the creepy homeless man who tells Jess to follow the signs. Some of the dialogue felt clunky. I hated the dream sequences and felt like they didn’t add anything to the book or story. We did get to see a “physical” dream representation of Death itself but I felt like it was out of place for a franchise like this and it didn’t fit well. I was disappointed that the characters didn’t figure out what was going on with death’s design and try to stop it the way that most characters in this franchise do. I hated how long it took for the characters to realize what was going on, but I understand that that choice also set this novel apart from most Final Destination stories and I do appreciate that it tried to do something different with the formula. I felt like the deaths in this book were not very creative and kind of boring, and I hated how one of the deaths happens off-screen/off-page. I wasn’t satisfied with how the story wraps up. The ending was weak. Ultimately, I feel like this book wasted its excellent premise, but I’m still glad that I read it in my mission to read all the Final Destination books. I still recommend this book to hardcore Final Destination fans who want to experience every story set in this world, even if I thought this book was a disappointment.

[Geoff Battle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dead Reckoning takes the excellent Final Destination movie formula and brings it to the literary world. A group of people escape death; one of them foreseeing the carnage that will kill them - and ultimately Fate does it's best to catch up with them. The style of anticipation of their impending deaths has been well replicated from the films. Where death seems to loom from an obvious angle, Fate doesn't always always play that card, frequently catching up with the doomed character in a surprising fashion. That makes for interesting reading. However, although the nature of the story will keep you reading, the book itself is rather simplistic. Some of the scenes are well crafted, although at times a more descriptive approach would have added to the sense of horror. Overall, Dead Reckoning is entertaining enough and readers need no prior knowledge of the series.

[Geo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second book that I’ve read in the Final Destination book series, and it is also the book with the premise I was most excited to read. When the nightclub that she's just been performing in collapses, killing everyone inside, Jess Golden is more than a little freaked out. She'd seen the whole thing happen in a vision only moments before. Already under suspicion from the police, Jess is implicated even further when the other survivors start dying mysteriously. As the death toll mounts, a twisted plan is hatched so that Jess and her friends might live, a plan that may ultimately place them in further danger. After reading Final Destination: End of the Line where it took awhile to get the main plot started, I was surprised to see this book immediately begin at the location where the disaster occurs. I liked the choice to start the novel at the beginning of the premonition and I liked how the opening disaster was depicted in this book, it could have easily been the script to a Final Destination movie’s opening disaster. The only thing I disliked about the opening is that there wasn’t many clever foreshadowing moments hinting towards the main disaster besides the “Abandon all hope ye who Enter Here” graffiti/sign and Wet Sprocket song “When Will We Fall Down?” playing. One of the bands playing that night is also called Mors Mortis, which literally just means “Death of Death” in Latin, which I felt was incredibly lazy. I tried not to compare this book to Final Destination: End of the Line, but I admittedly noticed how the foreshadowing moments were much more clever in that book. While I did like how this book got to the main disaster rather quickly, I was a little bothered with how long it took for the characters to start dying and begin to figure out what was going on. I didn’t find myself caring about these characters the way that I did in previous Final Destination stories. I thought that some of the creative decisions in this book were corny, like the creepy homeless man who tells Jess to follow the signs. Some of the dialogue felt clunky. I hated the dream sequences and felt like they didn’t add anything to the book or story. We did get to see a “physical” dream representation of Death itself but I felt like it was out of place for a franchise like this and it didn’t fit well. I was disappointed that the characters didn’t figure out what was going on with death’s design and try to stop it the way that most characters in this franchise do. I hated how long it took for the characters to realize what was going on, but I understand that that choice also set this novel apart from most Final Destination stories and I do appreciate that it tried to do something different with the formula. I felt like the deaths in this book were not very creative and kind of boring, and I hated how one of the deaths happens off-screen/off-page. I wasn’t satisfied with how the story wraps up. The ending was weak. Ultimately, I feel like this book wasted its excellent premise, but I’m still glad that I read it in my mission to read all the Final Destination books. I still recommend this book to hardcore Final Destination fans who want to experience every story set in this world, even if I thought this book was a disappointment.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept was pretty interesting; I enjoyed it; I'm a fan of the Final Destination series and this defiantly felt like a part of it. One of the things I would of liked to see though was more creativeness in the characters deaths I suppose? like one of the things about the series imo is the many ways one can meet their end but it's not like the deaths were bad per se; like; the main one that confused me was the Amber death with the car; I feel like that could of been more creative.
Also; it took me forever to find this book; it's apparently not easily found but I'm glad I found a copy and was able to read it.

[kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5/5)

this book is not well-written at all. there are tons of errors, and the overall writing technique is lacking. HOWEVER, i am the biggest final destination fan ever, so i still ate up this story! sure, it isn't the most enthralling final destination premise, but it's always fun to see new characters go through the scenario.

oh, & eric is the best character here, by the way! i really loved his dynamic/banter with jess. they were cute together, even if the book decided to throw her with jamie instead (which is just a bad choice, in my opinion. why couldn't they just stay besties?).

[Michelle Ramos · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Final Destination movies, so I thought that maybe the books would be as entretaining.
I wasn't expecting the best quality, and still, I was disappointed with how poorly written this book is.
It's confusing, the protagonist is insufferable, and most part of the time the author writes many unnecessary things and over explains implicit stuff.
However, it's so terrible it's fun to read. So, 2 stars, wouldn't recommend reading it.

[Bailey Wakeling · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling first book in the final destination series. poor jess sees club kitty crumbling and no one will believe her and once grim comes back to claim the survivors you know whats about to happen. this book was written well. jess was a fun character to read. I think some of the deaths were pretty well imagined and the premotion was great. overall a triumphant start to this series

[Cade · Rating 4 out of 5]

really enjoyable book. not the best thing ever written but it’s worth it as someone who is a fan of the films in the Final Destination series. only real problems are that it’s at times really really dumb and makes literally no sense as well as some typos i saw but that’s not a big problem. all in all very fun

7/10

[Chai LeFaiver · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of the Final Destination movies, I loved this book. It stayed true to the formula. My only gripe is a very minor inconsistency. It's said that they die in order like in the first movie, but they die in the reverse order like in Final Destination 2. Other than this, I enjoyed this book. A real good read.

[horrorhayleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was wild honestly very much early 2000s

[Kayla Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rock and heads roll

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Athena (Taylor's Version) · Rating 2 out of 5]

what did I just read

[wiwi · Rating 5 out of 5]

i actually loved this book, especially Eric he was so funny every time he would say something i cried🤣.

[Kimhok Taing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would give 2.5 for a good read but it comprises several grammatical errors and typos with inconsistent information.

[Hazel Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

i’m literally at a loss for words. what is that ending? like what? not to mention changing deaths rules compared to the movies??

[fiona app1e · Rating 3 out of 5]

Girl what was the random homeless people hate for?

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mistakenly read these out of order, starting with the second and then reading this one, which is the first in this series. While they can be read out of order, and are stand alone, the second does make a few of references to this one.

I felt that with Destination Zero, the characters were not well enough developed and there were too many of them. This one has a lot less characters, so you don’t need to worry about keeping track of so many of them.

This is also written by Natasha Rhodes, who also wrote the first novelisation, amongst others. I feel that she had more of a connection with the reader, having already written something in the series.

I feel like the deaths were just as out there as the films/the others in this series, although one of the deaths near the beginning (although after the main event), occurs off-page, and the reader only sees the aftermath. I felt that could have been better done.

I will agree with other reviewers, this series does suffer from pacing issues - some sections I found I had to go back and re-read, in order to fully grasp what was happening, and others felt that they just dragged on, with lots of false starts, where you thought a death would occur and it didn’t.

I hope that the rest of the series follows this, more than Destionation Zero, as this has been the better of the series so far.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jess was hard to like as a character. If anything, if Jamie had been the protagonist I would’ve enjoyed this more. But still it was a fun little final destination book, and I love the final destination movie series. The ending was very open in contrast to the movies. So we don’t know if they really escaped death, which you can’t, we all die eventually, but I mean escape as in not going to die in a overly tricked up way. Also interesting that the unhoused man is kind of our coroner in this book. We will see about the rest of the series.

[Paul Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this for people who like fiction book. in this book you will read about this band getting in many troubles that cause them to die one by one.