by Brandon Sanderson
Series: Reckoners #3
Narrator: MacLeod Andrews
Length: 11 hrs and 51 mins
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4
When Calamity lit up the sky, the Epics were born. David’s fate has been tied to their villainy ever since that historic night. Steelheart killed his father. Firefight stole his heart. And now Regalia has turned his closest ally into a dangerous enemy. David knew Prof’s secret, and kept it even when Prof struggled to control the effects of his Epic powers. But facing Obliteration in Babilar was too much. Once the Reckoners’ leader, Prof has now embraced his Epic destiny. He’s disappeared into those murky shadows of menace Epics are infamous for the world over, and everyone knows there’s no turning back. . .But everyone is wrong. Redemption is possible for Epics—Megan proved it. They’re not lost. Not completely. And David is just about crazy enough to face down the most powerful High Epic of all to get his friend back. Or die trying.
Calamity by Brandon Sanderson is the last novel in the Reckoners series and one of my most highly anticipated audiobooks this year. I have had such a blast listening to MacLeod Andrews narrates this action-packed series and love the characters within. Sadly, while I enjoyed Calamity it ended up fizzling and did not deliver the intense epic final battle I craved.
Caffeinated Aspects:
- After the devastating events that occurred in Babilar, we find David and the Reckoners in a new city, Ildithia. David and the team are looking for Prof (Jonathan Phaedrus). Prof was the leader of the Reckoners until he gave into the darkness of his Epic powers. David believes there is still a way to save Prof before battling Calamity.
- I love the cities that Sanderson vividly describes in this series and Ildithia the former city of Atlanta is made entirely of salt. Sanderson is a master at world-building and his creative talent blows my mind. The city Ildithia appears to move. Since it is composed entirely of salt thanks to an epic power, it crumbles but it is constantly being rebuilt giving the illusion of movement. Listening was fantastic as Sanderson conveyed in vivid detail the wonders of this world.
- The characters and their interactions are one the highlights of this series. This motley crew is hilarious and I loved every moment with them from the action, wisecracks, tender moments and seriously bad metaphors. David is now leader, but he is still totally David and the role of leader suits him. Can I just say that the romance between David and Megan is adorkable?
“You,” I said, tipping her chin up to look her in the eye, “are a sunrise.”
She cocked her head. “A… sunrise?”
“Yup.”
“Not a potato?”
“Not right now.”
“Not a hippo?”
“No, and… wait, when did I call you a hippo?”
“Last week. You were drowsy.”
- Intense action-packed scenes and freaking awesome developments with epic powers made this such a fun listen. Alternate realities, the introduction of Nighthawk, answers to questions and tidbits regarding this world’s history were all fascinating.
- MacLeod Andrews narrated and it is always a pleasure listening to him. He nails the tone and characters perfectly added an additional element to this trilogy that makes listening a must.
Decaffeinated Aspects
- Calamity the villain disappointed me. He was juvenile, whiney and not the fearsome opponent I expected. I will give Sanderson credit for tricking me; I never saw it coming when we learned who he was.
- I could not wait for the final battle with Calamity and it was such a disappointment. For a minute, I actually believed I had missed a bit on my audio. I hit rewind and Nope. Poof. Done. I am not sure whether this happen because most of Calamity focuses on Prof or if Sanderson struggled with how to wrap this up.
- The twists, revelations and wrapping up of the trilogy felt rushed robbing me of satisfaction I typically feel. Yes, we got answers but I was left with questions. I wanted an expanded version regarding Calamity. Why it happened and who ordered him.
While Calamity did not deliver the knockout punch I expected I enjoyed listening and was delighted with the overall Reckoners series. I would recommend grabbing your earbuds for this trilogy.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Jeann
Great balanced review Kimba! I have yet to read a Sanderson but it sounds like this one really packed a punch – it’s a shame the final fight was pretty lacklustre.
kimbacaffeinate
This was a fantastic trilogy, and I truly loved the characters and storyline..even if I ws disappointed with the final battle Jeann 🙂
Lorna
I have never read anything by this author. I am not a big reader of fantasy, at least not this kind. Sorry that the final book didn’t satisfy
you. Actually that really sucks for a series finale!
kimbacaffeinate
This was light fantasy..kind of superheroes and battles. Overall I loved the trilogy.
Cyn
Aww that’s too bad the finale didn’t blow you away, though I’m glad to hear that there’s still some highlights in the book! I recently picked up Firefight, definitely excited to finish off the series (:
Lovely review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
i still enjoyed the heck out of this Cyn and hope you do too
Melliane
It’s always difficult with ends but I heard great things in a whole about this series so I should try. I loved the other books I did read by him
kimbacaffeinate
I still love the trilogy..the characters and world were brilliant 🙂
kindlemom1
I have yet to read one of his books but I’ve heard great things about him. I will try him someday, someday. 😛
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you do 🙂
The Bibliophile Babe
Sorry the ending wasn’t great! The banter is hilarious though, haha.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh the banter is awesome. Really the whole trilogy is, just fizzled for the big epic battle.
Lekeisha
This is an author that I’ve yet to try. I see his books at my library all the time. I may have to grab this series, or one of his others soon.
kimbacaffeinate
I love this writer and totally hope you try his books.
Kathy
I have seen others rave about Brandon Sanderson’s books and always felt like I was missing something because I haven’t read them. They’ve come highly recommended to me by a lot of ya readers.
kimbacaffeinate
He doesn’t have many YA series Kathy. He writes a lot of adult fantasy and science fiction series. He is fabulous
Kathy
Wow. All the recommendations I’ve seen for his books have come from readers of YA. I naturally assumed that is what he wrote. Good to know. Thanks!
Angela Adams
This premise sounds really deep.
kimbacaffeinate
The world is complex, and the way he describes it was impressive.
AngelErin
Sorry this one didn’t end up quite how you wanted. I read the first one in the series, but I decided not to continue the series. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I had a blast with the overall trilogy and loved the characters 🙂
ShootingStarsMag
Boo – sorry the ending wasn’t all that great! I am curious about this series overall though. I might try it out some day.
Braine
I’ve only tried him when he finished Robert Jordan’s series. My library have a lot of his work and I’m planning to read one of his fantasy series soon. I’m on queue 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I am wanting to try some of his earlier work myself Braine 🙂
Heidi
I loved the caffeinated aspects, but then your de caffeinated made me hesitate. I hate it when you have all this buildup toward a great confrontation and then it is a fizzle. I thought that happened at the end of the last Mercy Thompson.
kimbacaffeinate
Don’t hesitate, because aside from that one battle this trilogy was incredible and I loved the worlds and epics..plus the characters are amazing.
Mary Kirkland
I haven’t read this author. Sorry to hear it didn’t end well for you.
kimbacaffeinate
It just fizzled for the one battle, but the trilogy as a whole rocked 🙂
Candace
That’s too bad that this was a bit disappointing. I haven’t started the series yet but I’ve been thinking of listening on audiobook. Maybe one of these days.
kimbacaffeinate
This trilogy rocks despite the final battle fizzle 🙂
Sophia Rose
I’ve heard his descriptions and characters are great. Bummer it wrapped up with a fizzle with the villain.
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, but like I said I still enjoyed this and the overall trilogy rocked 🙂
Tyler H. Jolley
Yes! I love this series so much! And Sanderson is such a great person in real life too. I hope you get to run into him at BEA 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
That would be awesome if I do. I love his work and its nice to hear he is a great guy 🙂
Jenny
I have yet to read anything by Brandon Sanderson, Kim! I really need to remedy that sometime this year. I’m bummed this last book was a touch disappointing in the villain and final battle, especially since it’s the last in the trilogy. I always want those books to blow me away after all the build up! Still, clearly this is a solid series:)
kimbacaffeinate
It is still an excellent trilogy Jenny..but yes you need to try this author!!
Debbie Haupt
Looks good and you know I’ve not read him, thanks for the great review.
kimbacaffeinate
Sanderson writes good stuff Debbie 🙂
Kristin
This may be the EXACT reason why I have not finished so many series. “The pain! Oh, the pain!!! Ahhhhh!!!” <- I'm doing whiney… 🙂 Great review!!
kimbacaffeinate
Bwahaha…no this was still great, I just didn’t get the final epic battle I dreamed of.
Melanie Simmons
Sorry this one didn’t live up. I always worry about that when I have the last book in a series that I love. I’m usually excited and dreading reading those books for this exact reason. I think the last book in a series are the hardest. I’m glad you were still able to enjoy it, even if it wasn’t your favorite in the series.
kimbacaffeinate
Do you know how many unread third books I have because of this fear..LOL I still enjoyed the heck out of this 🙂
Bookworm Brandee
Ugh! Don’t these authors know that when they’ve been building and building towards something epic, we *really* want that epic?? 😉 I’m sorry you didn’t get the epic you were expecting, Kimberly, but I’m glad you enjoyed it anyway. If I was going to start Brandon Sanderson, is this the series to go with?
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, right. I love Sanderson though and overall this is one heck of a trilogy!
Bieke
I’ve only read Steelheart but I loved it, so I really want to finish this series! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
This is a great trilogy..enjoy them all 🙂
blodeuedd
I will read it, waiting for the PB
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy!!
Leona
Sorry this didn’t meet your expectations. The audio sample you provided leads me to believe the Reckoners series is something I might need to check out. Very detailed and informative review!
kimbacaffeinate
While it wasn’t the final battle I desired, the series as a whole is fantastic!!