A Crack in the World: The Reckoning is the propulsive second book in the occult horror thriller series The Marcotti Cases, written by James Mordechai. An excellent sequel that takes us back to the 90s, weaving a new layer over the Meren-Ptah story, introducing new characters and, especially, returning with Carter and Gino, the explosive duo that will have to face more dangers (and technically, it can work as a standalone).

In the center of our new story will be again Meren-Ptah to create the chaos, but in this new story, we will also deal with the internal conflicts of our duo. Despite Carter wanting to get far from the paranormal, knowing that Gino needs him and his muscle will take him to new situations where we will see him finally having to deal with the paranormal; and even if Gino feels old and is thinking about passing his mantle, we will have him again having to tackle over an evil force. The chemistry between the duo is simply amazing, and even when they are from opposite places, they form the perfect pair.

Mordechai takes the reader on a new journey into the occult and mysticism, a fascinating one that will see our main characters putting their lives at the stake in order to stop Meren Ptah. Introducing new characters also helps in building a new layer in this world, especially with that prologue and the Intermezzos, which act as a second timeline in the story, putting some light over Gino's father and the incident that is described at the start of the novel.

The writing works well, descriptive enough to create an atmosphere that draws tension towards the reader, but keeping an agile pacing that suits well with the thriller structure. It invites you to continue reading.

A Crack in the World: The Reckoning is an excellent novel if you are in the awe to read a thriller that draws into the occultism for the horror elements with a great duo of main characters. A worthy sequel to the excellent first novel in Mordechai's series.