Reviewed by Taylin

TITLE: Restitution

SERIES: Reagalos #4

AUTHOR: Rebecca Cohen

PUBLISHER: Self Published

LENGTH: 329 pages

RELEASE DATE: December 2, 2021

BLURB:

Lornyc is good at keeping secrets, because secrets can get you killed.

Will someone rid him of this troublesome Mage? Seemingly not, and Lornyc’s going to have do it himself. There’s a good reason no one had invoked the Reckoning to become the Supreme Mage of Beher for over a quarter of a century, but Lornyc couldn’t keep his big mouth shut.

Five tasks, five chances to fail, and that’s just the warm up for the magical head-to-head. Pity his Reagalos powers don’t work like Mage magic, so he’ll need to think fast, and run even faster.

REVIEW:

Embracing his mother’s heritage and seeking compensation for past injustices, Lornyc makes a play for the mage city of Beher via an event called The Reckoning. To succeed, he must win a series of face-off tests against the current incumbent. Elsewhere, the Valen recognize the qualities between Lornyc and Methian and make plans accordingly.

Restitution is the fourth book in the Reagalos series and marks the end of Lornyc and Methian’s current adventures – although there will be a prequel in the new year. It also brings a welcome return to a world that I’ve fallen in love with.

The story is told in the third person, from multiple viewpoints – mainly those of Lornyc and Methian. I received an advanced uncorrected proof – therefore I won’t be commenting on any technicalities.

The trials Lornyc must face range from intellectual to physical. Everything is in the wording of the challenge – which can have multiple interpretations. As such, much of the book’s first half is dedicated to preparations for the ‘The Reckoning’. Methian’s birthday is also on the horizon, and I am happy to say that the event was an absolute joy to read. Vella (Lornyc’s sister) and Urla (Methian’s mother) were a caustic delight – I loved every word that they uttered and the brutal honesty behind them.

While reading, the love put into this world by the author is obvious – especially as the door has been left open for future adventures. I appreciated the thought and depth that went into creating this word, but I believe overenthusiasm for the world got the better of the author – less could have been more. The extensive narrative occasionally gave too much detail, diluting the effectiveness of some scenes. If a few explanations had been removed, there would have been room to bring in Lornyc’s brothers and sisters in a way that was hinted at but never materialized.

I found Restitution to be a fitting, entertaining addition to the Reagalos series. Lornyc and Methian are a wonderful couple who have a place in my heart, and there were many places within the story that I found myself openly smiling. However, it could have benefited with a little less explanation and more action – that would have made a good book… great.

RATING:

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