The Black Reckoning

Critical reception for the book was positive. Booklist's Maggie Reagan stated that the novel was both "action-packed and introspective", adding that it had a "startling, sometimes somber conclusion."^[2] A reviewer from Kirkus Reviews thought that the novel was satisfying and contained the "realistic, requisite heartbreak that comes with saying goodbye."^[1] Anita L. Burkam, writing for The Horn Book Magazine, felt that there was a lot going on in the novel, but Stephens managed to masterfully pull it off.^[3]

An audiobook, narrated by Jim Dale, was released by Listening Library in 2015. A reviewer from AudioFile stated that Dale's "timbre has a bright, crisp quality that is immediately engaging."^[4] In School Library Journal, Alice Davidson said that the narrator's "ability to create unique character voices is extraordinary", adding that his narration of Willy the Giant was one of his best.^[5] Karen Cruze of Booklist thought that Dale's emphasis on the pride, doubts, and trauma of the three siblings makes "the ending of their quest essential for listeners."^[6]