Order of Reckoners Book Series

The "Reckoners" series by Brandon Sanderson is a gripping young adult fantasy saga that blends elements of superhero lore with a dystopian setting. Set in a world where powerful beings known as Epics possess extraordinary abilities, the series explores the moral complexities of power and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

The story begins with "Steelheart," where a young man named David Charleston seeks vengeance against Steelheart, an invincible Epic responsible for the death of his father. Alongside a group of rebels known as the Reckoners, he embarks on a mission to take down powerful Epics who reign with fear and tyranny.

As the series progresses, Sanderson delves deeper into the psychology of these superhuman figures, revealing their vulnerabilities and the oft-blurred lines between heroism and villainy. Each installment masterfully builds tension and unfolds complex relationships, all while delivering Sanderson's signature intricate world-building and fast-paced storytelling.

The series ultimately challenges readers to consider what it means to be a hero and the sacrifices that come with the fight for justice in a world where power can corrupt even the noblest intentions. With its thrilling action, thought-provoking themes, and a cast of memorable characters, the "Reckoners" series offers an engaging and entertaining read that resonates with fans of speculative fiction.

Order of Reckoners Series

# Title Year Rating Book Link
1Steelheart
By: Brandon Sanderson
2013Amazon.com
2Mitosis
By: Brandon Sanderson
2013Amazon.com
3Firefight
By: Brandon Sanderson
2015Amazon.com
4Calamity
By: Brandon Sanderson
20164.6Amazon.com

Reckoners Series Books Description

The "Reckoners" series by Brandon Sanderson is a young adult urban fantasy series centered around a world where people gained superpowers, referred to as "Epics," after a mysterious event known as "Calamity." However, these powers corrupt the individuals, making them tyrannical and often evil. The series follows a group of ordinary humans known as the Reckoners, who fight against these powerful Epics.

The series consists of three main books:

  1. Steelheart (2013)

    • The story follows David Charleston, a teenager who witnessed the murder of his father by Steelheart, one of the most powerful Epics. Obsessed with vengeance, David seeks to join the Reckoners, a group dedicated to overthrowing Epics. The Reckoners are led by a determined woman named Prof. David uses his knowledge of Epics to help the Reckoners to devise a plan to take down Steelheart, who reigns over the city of Newcago with an iron fist and is nearly invincible. The book delves into themes of power, corruption, and the human spirit's resilience.
  2. Firefight (2015)

    • The sequel picks up shortly after the events of the first book, with David and the Reckoners now facing new challenges as they continue the fight against Epics. They encounter a powerful new Epic called Regalia, who possesses the ability to control water and is threatening to unleash chaos on the world. David also struggles with his feelings for Megan, a Reckoner who has her own secrets. This installment expands the world, introduces new characters, and explores deeper themes of sacrifice and redemption as David seeks to learn more about the origins of Epics and the nature of their powers.
  3. Calamity (2016)

    • In the conclusion of the trilogy, David faces the ultimate confrontation with Calamity, the enigmatic force behind the creation of Epics. As the Reckoners grapple with the fallout from their previous battles, they must navigate friendships, betrayal, and the ambiguity of good versus evil. David's quest for justice and understanding culminates in a powerful showdown, revealing truths about the nature of power and the choices that define humanity. This book ties together the threads of the series, delivering a satisfying conclusion to David's journey and the Reckoners' fight against tyranny.

Additionally, there is a companion novella titled "Mitosis" (2014), which takes place between Steelheart and Firefight. It features a new Epic and explores further the Reckoners' efforts to combat the rising threats posed by these powerful individuals.

The series is known for its engaging characters, exciting action sequences, and thought-provoking themes surrounding power, responsibility, and the nature of heroism.

Who are the main characters of Reckoners Series

The "Reckoners" series by Brandon Sanderson is set in a world where individuals known as Epics possess extraordinary powers, but they often use these powers for oppression and tyranny. The main characters include:

  1. David Charleston: The protagonist of the series, David is a teenager whose life was shattered when an Epic named Steele killed his father. He becomes determined to take down Epics and joins the Reckoners, a group dedicated to fighting against them. David is intelligent, resourceful, and driven by a desire for revenge, but also shows loyalty and morality.

  2. Megan Kussar: A key member of the Reckoners and an Epic herself, Megan has the ability to manipulate and control darkness. She grapples with her powers and her past, having once been an Epic before joining the Reckoners. Her strong-willed personality and complex background make her an essential character in the series.

  3. Prof (Jonathan): The leader of the Reckoners, Prof is a former Epic who has chosen to fight against his kind after experiencing the consequences of his powers. He is wise, strategic, and deeply conflicted about his identity and the morality of his past actions.

  4. Tia: A skilled strategist and a member of the Reckoners, Tia is focused on research and developing plans to combat the Epics. Her analytical nature and tactical mind are vital to the group's efforts against their opponents.

  5. Abraham: A tough and capable fighter, Abraham serves as an enforcer for the Reckoners. He is fiercely protective of his teammates and brings a strong sense of loyalty and determination to the group.

  6. Calamity: While not a typical character, Calamity is an essential figure in the series as a mysterious Epic who plays a significant role in the overall plot and the dynamics of heroism and villainy in the world.

These characters, along with others in the series, navigate a complicated world filled with power, ethics, and the fight for freedom against oppressive forces. The interplay between their motivations, backgrounds, and relationships adds depth to the narrative.

Interesting facts about Reckoners Series

The "Reckoners" series, written by Brandon Sanderson, is a popular young adult trilogy that includes the books Steelheart, Firefight, and Calamity. Here are some interesting facts about the series:

  1. Unique Premise: The series is set in a world where people known as Epics possess superpowers, but they often use their powers for evil rather than good. This twist on the superhero genre sets a dark yet intriguing tone.

  2. Focus on Humanity: Unlike traditional superhero stories, the Reckoners series emphasizes the importance of bravery, humanity, and the struggles of ordinary people against seemingly insurmountable odds. The protagonists are regular humans fighting against powerful foes.

  3. Diverse Characters: The main characters in the Reckoners series come from varied backgrounds, each with different skills and experiences. The diversity of the team enriches the story and adds depth to the narrative.

  4. Brandon Sanderson's Background: Sanderson is well-known for his intricate world-building and magic systems in fantasy literature. The Reckoners series showcases his ability to mix sci-fi elements with action and moral complexities.

  5. Expanded Universe: The series includes a companion novella titled Mitosis, which provides further background on the world and characters. There are also additional short stories and supplemental materials that expand on the Reckoners universe.

  6. Reception and Popularity: The series has received critical acclaim and a strong fan following. It has been praised for its fast-paced action, clever plotting, and engaging characters.

  7. Colorful Epics: Each Epic in the series possesses unique and often bizarre powers, which are linked to their personalities and moral choices, creating a rich tapestry of antagonists for the protagonists to face.

  8. Themes of Power and Corruption: A central theme in the Reckoners series is the corrupting influence of power. The story delves into how power can change individuals and the importance of responsibility that comes with it.

  9. Visual Adaptation Potential: Given the compelling action sequences and vivid world-building, the Reckoners series has been identified as having potential for adaptation into other media, such as film or television.

  10. Author's Intent: Sanderson has expressed that one of his goals with the series was to explore what it means to be truly heroic in a world where power can be a liability rather than a gift.

The "Reckoners" series continues to resonate with readers, capturing their imaginations with its unique take on heroism and the complexities of human nature amidst superhuman conflicts.