The Reckoning

"The Reckoning" by Robert W. Chambers is a captivating historical novel set during the American Revolutionary War. It pulls readers into the divided world of northern New York, where families face the ultimate test of loyalty. Carus Renault, the main character, exists in a shadowy world as a spy, torn between blending in with British society and secretly aiding the revolutionaries. Working as a secretary for a loyalist, Carus wrestles with his hidden identity, knowing that his friends and those around him are oblivious to his true purpose. Themes of honor, duty, and the painful results of war emerge as Carus confronts his internal struggles with resolve and a hint of self-disgust. The novel surrounds readers with rich historical details and high-stakes espionage, pulling them into Carus's hidden life and the dangers of the era.