The Black Reckoning

The narrative focuses on siblings Kate, Michael, and Emma as they race to find the Book of Death before the primary antagonist Dire Magnus.

Booklist's Maggie Reagan stated that the novel was both "action-packed and introspective", adding that it had a "startling, sometimes somber conclusion.

"[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.

A reviewer from AudioFile stated that Dale's "timbre has a bright, crisp quality that is immediately engaging.

[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.