The Caller

August 1, 2014
The third and final entry in the Shadowfell trilogy delivers exactly what readers want without feeling either easy or obvious. After the tragic events toward the end of the second volume, the rebels have regrouped. Neryn, the rebel whose magical skill allows the humans and Good Folk to work together to defeat cruel King Keldec, has only months to complete her training. But her plans are derailed by the appearance of a second Caller, one working for Keldec, and by a storm that nearly destroys one of the four Guardians whose magic permeates Alban and whose training Neryn must undergo. Despite Neryn's tendency to restate things frequently in her narration, a tic that deeply slowed the second volume, this entry keeps pace, in part because Neryn has grown into a more proactive figure and in part because the final battle finally arrives. The various threads-primarily the importance of belief and ritual and the struggle between love and duty-come to satisfying, even emotional closings. Medieval fantasy with a strong female lead and a definitive ending: That's enough to keep plenty of readers happy. (map) (Historical fantasy. 13 & up)

COPYRIGHT(2014) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 1, 2014

Gr 9 Up-Neryn, who is destined to become The Caller, will soon be in high demand as she takes the final steps in training with the fairylike Good Folk. With battle against the evil King Keldec imminent, the fate of Alban is in her hands. She faces a new opponent under the evil ruler's control who also has the power to communicate with the otherworldly beings. Flint, a rebel spy and her true love, is also in danger. An epic fantasy for fans of Tamora Pierce and Kristin Cashore.

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.