Mark Bertrand’s Reckoning is a bold and intense addition to the Nirvanaing Series, blending speculative fiction with biting social commentary. The novel follows Lydia Daniels, a literary agent on the brink of professional and personal collapse, as she navigates her crumbling marriage, a failing business, and an unexpected pregnancy. Meanwhile, the story also delves into a high-stakes ideological battle between radical feminists, transhumanists, and those caught in the middle, culminating in a confrontation over the future of human evolution. Bertrand takes readers on a winding journey through power struggles, identity crises, and moral ambiguity, creating a world that is both unsettling and fascinating.

From the very first chapter, the book sets an electrifying tone with Lydia’s explosive argument with her husband. The dialogue is raw, the emotions unchecked, and the intensity palpable. Lydia’s fierce independence clashes with her own self-destructive tendencies, making her a compelling yet frustrating protagonist. While her internal struggles feel painfully real, her aggressive outbursts sometimes push the boundaries of believability. The scene where she berates the hotel clerk for merely doing his job is particularly grating. Her flaws are part of what makes her an interesting character, but there are moments when her anger feels less like righteous frustration and more like unchecked cruelty. Bertrand paints a complex picture of a woman on the edge, but at times, it’s difficult to sympathize with her.

One of the book’s most engaging aspects is its deep dive into the ideological war over gender, power, and technology. Laura Benton, a former politician turned musician, serves as a counterpoint to Lydia’s struggles. Laura’s goal is clear: to dismantle the oppressive structures of the past and forge a new future where women hold the reins of society. But she is not without flaws. Her vision is extreme, her tactics ruthless. The moments where she reminisces about her lost love, a man who chose to become a transhuman hybrid, add depth to her character, revealing the personal cost of her crusade. Bertrand creates a world where the line between hero and villain is constantly shifting, forcing readers to question where they stand in the ideological battle.

The novel’s most chilling figure is Dr. Victor Lang, the architect of AnthroGenesis, a future where humanity is stripped of gender and biological limitations. His appearance on the World Show interview is one of the book’s most riveting moments. The contrast between his calm, calculated rhetoric and Adam Cole’s desperate attempts to expose the truth makes for a gripping scene. The idea of humans being “optimized” into a soulless collective is terrifying, and Bertrand taps into the deep fears surrounding transhumanism and loss of individuality. However, Lang is not a caricatured villain; his motivations are layered, and his beliefs are unsettlingly logical. This is where the book truly shines. It doesn’t offer easy answers. Every side has its strengths, its pitfalls, and its moral compromises.

Reckoning is a thought-provoking and unsettling read, perfect for those who enjoy speculative fiction with a strong philosophical edge. Readers who appreciate books like The Handmaid’s Tale or Brave New World will find much to dissect here. If you enjoy stories that challenge your worldview and aren’t afraid to wade into uncomfortable territory, Reckoning is a must-read.