The Reckoning

Jess Williams, Book 1

By: Robert J. Thomas

Narrated by: Jay Emmitt Caudill

Length: 7 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Don't let the prologue of this book fool you; this is a Western novel.

The Reckoning is the first in the series of Jess Williams Western novels written by Robert J. Thomas. Jess Williams is an ordinary young boy with a loving family, growing up in Black Creek, Kansas. That all changes when he comes home and finds his entire family brutally murdered.

Forced to become a man overnight, he vows to avenge his family's savage deaths. He begins to practice with his Pa's Colt .45, and then a stroke of destiny arrives when he discovers a new pistol and holster that mysteriously appears. Jess practices with it relentlessly until he becomes so quick that he is unbeatable on the draw.

He leaves home transformed from a boy to a highly skilled shootist with no reason to live except to hunt down and kill each of the three men responsible for the murders of his family. As he begins his journey, he does so with a pistol and holster that no one has ever seen before - and won't again for almost one hundred years.

©2003 Robert J. Thomas (P)2015 Robert J. Thomas

Violent Justice!

What did you love best about The Reckoning?

When Jess Williams was a boy and cruel outlaws savagely killed his parents and little sister Jess swore to bring the attackers to justice ...his brand of justice. Practicing daily on his fast-draw and accuracy with a mysteriously appearing gun and holster he prepared himself to set out to find his family's killers.

What other book might you compare The Reckoning to and why?

There are similar westerns with slight variations, but "The Reckoning" is certainly credit worthy.

What about Jay Emmitt Caudill’s performance did you like?

His ability to bring the character's personalities to life.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The sadness of the brutality of the murders of Jess' family and the loss of his innocence.

Any additional comments?

Although I wish there was not so much detailed violence, it shows just how wild and untamed the west was, and how hard it was to enforce the law. How vulnerable small towns and outlying farms and dwellings were at the hands of ruthless men.

I enjoyed the character of Jess Williams, who although showed no remorse for killing the bad guys, had a kindness about him. He performed kind deeds toward those in need, but doled out justice to those who took advantage of those who could not defend themselves.

The reckoning

This book is my favorite western that I have listened to. There is over a hundred books in the series. just not audiobooks. Outlaws kills Jess Williams whole family and he tracks them down and seeks revenge. There is a lot of action and adventure in this. I'm glad I came across it. Jay emitt Caudillo did an excellent job narriating this book. This is definitely a five star book and we'll worth the money or a credit. if my review is any help will you please click in the helpful link below. Thank you

Excellent

Excellent western story of a young boy of 14 who had to become a man after the brutal murders of his father, mother and 7 year old sister. In time he hunts down each of the men that killed his parents bringing justice and Reckoning. In the tradition of Louis L'amour and Max Brand.

Great book

Robert J Thomas is a great author. I have read the entire series of Jess Williams. Thomas has done a good job with this character. He is a killer out for revenge but also a very kind person wanting to give to others

i love this book, ill listen to it again no doubt

never heard another story like this one, its entertaining redemptive sad but ends well .

great book!

a true western and enjoyable characters. very vivid and well written as well. my husband and I listened together and we have listened to almost every book written by Lois L'amore and found this one just about as great. We will find the ones in the Jess Williams series and read or listen to them as well.

Great story!!

This was an outstanding story!!! Highly recommend. Will buy the whole Jess Williams' series. EM

A bit of Sci-Fi in a Western

This is my first book by Robert J Thomas. I have only recently read some of the new western authors and have found them exciting. They have found different ways of approaching and modifying the old western stories to make them fresh and packed with action.

The plot of this book is a very familiar one for a western. Jess Williams a 14 year old boy is sent to town, Black Creek, Kansas for supplies by his father. On his arrival home he finds his entire family brutally murdered. The author creates an exciting new twist to the old western plot and provides a hook with the sudden appearance of a futuristic handgun and holster that would not be seen again in a hundred years. In the story the reader can feel and sense the character change in the beginning of the book. My only complaint is with the repetition of “Jess will go after the killers” I found it annoying after a bit.

The book is well written, fast paced and action packed a great get away book. The author tried to stay close to the historical facts of the time, except for the gun and holster. Jay Emmitt Caudill does a good job narrating the book.

Formulaic and repetitious

I would say this is a pretty good book for pre-teens, if it were not for the profanity in the dialogue and the graphic violence. The story is utterly predictable and the prose is repetitious and an unimaginative. The narrator, however, does a good job with what he is reading.

Amazing Western

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the main character the most. It was easy to relate to him and root for him the entire audiobook. Jess Williams is quite a likable person, but to those that cross him - he is to be feared! The main character comes to life quite easily thanks to the narrator, who creates a voice for him that resonates with the average person - while also maintaining a stand-offish vibe perfect for a loner cowboy. It adds to the mystery of Jess Williams and makes you wonder - what is going on in that guy's head??

Have you listened to any of Jay Emmitt Caudill’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first time hearing this narrator, and I am thoroughly impressed. Will be looking for more audiobooks by him.

Any additional comments?

The story is powerful and is an emotional roller coaster. It starts off in the modern-day world, but it quickly becomes a story about the Western days. There is an unexpected twist that ties the past to the present - that's all I'll say!