Official Review: The Reckoning by Mike Torreano

[Rosemary Wright]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Reckoning" by Mike Torreano.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The Reckoning, by Mike Torreano, is a Western historical fiction novel about Ike McAlister and his siblings. Ike returns home after the American Civil War, only to discover that his parents are no more. He vows to hunt down the Quantrill's Raiders responsible for the demise of his folks. In a bid to locate the raiders, his sister, Sue, disappears. Thereafter, Ike and his brother, Rob, set out to search for their sister. Eventually, Ike meets two men and a lady in Cottonwood, who offer to assist him find Sue, and a powerful gang is formed. With his new friends, will Ike succeed in taking revenge on the bushwhackers? Will he be able to locate his sister?

Set in South Park, Colorado, this fast-moving narrative is a blend of historical and mystery fiction. It's intriguing, and I got hooked from the first page. Every chapter was gripping. Although the book has a sequel, it stands alone. It ends in a satisfactory manner, and it's light and easy to read. I commend the author for his coherent writing style and ability to describe events vividly. For certain, this narration will make a good script for a classic Western movie.

Mike Torreano actually recreates the American life in the late nineteenth century. Featuring cowboys, horses, and Native American warriors, the narrative is a compelling page-turner. Revealing gunfights, knife fights, the use of tomahawk, and an organized search, it's suspenseful and full of twists that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. You can't guess what will happen next or how the story will end. Honestly, right now, this narration tops my list of the amazing books I've read recently. However, if you don't like tales set in the Old West, you may not like this particular one.

The characters give so much life and appeal to the story. The author described their physical appearance and mannerisms very well. The good guys are simple, strong, and determined. Ike, the protagonist, is easy-going but tough. He is a die-hard. He reminds me of Clint Eastwood in the movies, High Plains Drifter and The Outlaw Josey Wales. The female personae are portrayed to be ladylike, zealous, but headstrong sometimes. They don't like to be left out of the action. My favorite character is Lorraine, a widow and the owner of the boarding house Ike stayed in. She is a hard-working, motherly, and no-nonsense woman. She plays a vital role in the tale by providing Ike and the rest of her friends support.

Lastly, the narrative is well written and engaging. I enjoyed reading it. In addition, it was professionally edited; I found no grammatical and typographical errors. With delight, I rate it 4 out of 4 stars and recommend it to persons who enjoy reading historical mystery novels.

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The Reckoning
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Like Rosemary Wright's review? Post a comment saying so!

[davidcoin]

The story is very captivating from the expository review presented.I think a must read book and a good review too.

[Rosemary Wright]

The story is very captivating from the expository review presented.I think a must read book and a good review too.

Yes, it is. You'll enjoy reading it too. Thanks.

[Marissa Michael]

Cowboys and horses reminded me of South Dakota. Historical fiction set in 19th century? Count me in! I hope I will be given a chance to read this book. Good review!

[Dahmy 10]

We've got so much non-fictional emphasis on the civil war. I love the feeling they usually bring especially one written so well - I believe this novel will take us there. I am already relating with Ike. I do hope he finds his sister.

Beautiful review here! Thank you...

[Dahmy 10]

Themes in the civil war have been quite rampant lately, have come through so much. I love the feeling the well written one's bring it seems this one isn't an exception....

A very well written review here...

[Praise Everliving]

The story will be very interesting even though I haven't read it yet
looking forward to get a copy

[Kevinb54]

Sounds like a great book plenty of action and joining of characters. Hope to be able to read this book sometime.

[Nerea]

Quite an interest arousing historical fiction novel. The book convey the notion that one can do anything for family. Can't wait to peer into it. Nice review.

[drunyan]

This sounds like a great book. The premise of getting justice for family killed during the time of the Civil War sounds exciting. So often we read books about the Civil War or about the old West, but I think we often forget the families of those who were killed in the war.