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gh0st0fth0ught's review
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
willrefuge's review
5.0
9 / 10 ✪
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com/2024/04/13/calling-of-light-by-lori-m-lee-review/
Beware spoilers for the first two books in the Shamanborn trilogy, and/or check out my reviews of Book 1, Forest of Souls, and Book 2, Broken Web, here!
With the death of Queen Meliyr, Prince Meleik is set to ascend the throne, ushering Evewyn into a more peaceful age. Yet there is still evil in the world, and problems to his rule. One is the Dead Wood. With the Soulless released from his prison, the Wood stands as a greater threat than ever before, and one that is still growing, slowly but surely encroaching on the Empire’s borders. The Soulless himself is another. One soulrender would be bad enough, but the Empire harbors one more, this one still fresh to her powers, but seen as more dangerous than anything—even the Soulless—to the peace.
Sirscha.
Sirscha stands at the right-hand of the throne, as the King’s Shadow, a position she always wanted, always dreamt of, until she achieved it. But with every other kingdom calling for her head, and no free time to see her friends and loved ones, Sirscha is questioning the power of the position, power she never even wanted.
While the entire world (outside the King, whose position shields her) thinks her a monster, Sirscha knows where the real danger lies: at the feet of the Soulless, and the Dead Wood. Two things she’ll do anything to destroy, even if it kills her.
The Soulless, for his part, doesn’t seem to share the feeling. Rather than wanting Sirscha dead, he seeks to recruit her, to mentor her, and to usher in a new world, with the two of them at its forefront.
As the lines blur and the way forward dips deeper and deeper into shadow, the whereabouts of right and wrong grow indistinct. With power within her grasp and everything on the line, Sirscha must face the two questions that really matter—how can she see her friends through the chaos safely, and what is she willing to do to see it happen?
—
Calling of Light marks conclusion to the Shamanborn trilogy, a series where each successive entry delivered more than the one before it. As such, I thoroughly enjoyed this one, especially that the lack of romance doesn’t seem forced or absent, nor does it detract from becoming immersed in the tale or enjoying its conclusion. Now, I personally really enjoyed the lack of discernible romance in this series, but I’ve found a lot of readers and a lot of reviews struggling with it, as it’s not exactly typical of YA. Still, people can read between the lines. Through the first two books, there has been much debate over who Sirscha will end up with. And, following the conclusion of this one, I’ve read several reviews that think they have it pegged, despite there again being no clear romance at any point (again, at least half the early reviews I read referenced the lack of romance, but also what exactly the implied romance WAS, lol). One of the characters even addresses it at one point and Sirscha pretty much ignores it.
So, if the lack of romance is a problem for you, I guess maybe you should skip this one. Personally, I really enjoyed the series: the character building especially—relationships, friendships, how they’re forged and tested throughout, again, even without any sexual hints of any kind. While I really enjoyed the setting and the magic, I think both could’ve been established a bit more, to really help the immersion. But then again, since I read Book #3 in a day, maybe it came together well enough at the close.
Do read this if you like fantasy and character development told through deep and tested ties. Something a bit darker than the norm, where the lines of good and evil blur a bit at the edges, and politics have a clear undercurrent that hints at a much greater complexity. I’d say it’s a great jumping-off point for something like V.E. Schwab, Joe Abercrombie, or N.K. Jemisin. Something slightly dark to start with, but with a deep dive coming later on.
TL;DR
An improvement in every way over each of the two before it, Calling of Light deepens character development—especially through interactions and (non-sexual) relationships—improves immersion, and completes the story it set out to tell in both an entertaining and impactful manner. I thoroughly enjoyed the ending, sadly more so than the journey to reach it (that is, I enjoyed CoL more than the previous two books put together). I’ll certainly miss the world, though I’m glad I came along (and stayed on) for the ride. While its lack of discernible romance might ruin Calling of Light for some, others can find more than enough beneath the surface if they look hard enough. A good, entertaining series that won’t break the bank, with a good narrator should one choose to go that route.
Audio Note: I loved Cindy Kay’s performance in this, feeling like she finally got enough into the role to capture the essence of all of the key characters. While Sirscha and Saengo have always been strong, up til now any male characters have just sounded brooding no matter the instance. In this book, however, Theyen actually sported a range of emotions, ranging from anger to boredom to spite AND BACK to brooding. Now that might sound like sarcasm, but it’s pretty much Theyen’s character; there is more than just brooding, but it’s mostly all angst-adjacent. But until this third book, all the “adjacent” spheres sounded exactly the same. I’ll have to look out for her in the future, as now I know she can deliver a solid read no matter the circumstances.
https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com/2024/04/13/calling-of-light-by-lori-m-lee-review/
Beware spoilers for the first two books in the Shamanborn trilogy, and/or check out my reviews of Book 1, Forest of Souls, and Book 2, Broken Web, here!
With the death of Queen Meliyr, Prince Meleik is set to ascend the throne, ushering Evewyn into a more peaceful age. Yet there is still evil in the world, and problems to his rule. One is the Dead Wood. With the Soulless released from his prison, the Wood stands as a greater threat than ever before, and one that is still growing, slowly but surely encroaching on the Empire’s borders. The Soulless himself is another. One soulrender would be bad enough, but the Empire harbors one more, this one still fresh to her powers, but seen as more dangerous than anything—even the Soulless—to the peace.
Sirscha.
Sirscha stands at the right-hand of the throne, as the King’s Shadow, a position she always wanted, always dreamt of, until she achieved it. But with every other kingdom calling for her head, and no free time to see her friends and loved ones, Sirscha is questioning the power of the position, power she never even wanted.
While the entire world (outside the King, whose position shields her) thinks her a monster, Sirscha knows where the real danger lies: at the feet of the Soulless, and the Dead Wood. Two things she’ll do anything to destroy, even if it kills her.
The Soulless, for his part, doesn’t seem to share the feeling. Rather than wanting Sirscha dead, he seeks to recruit her, to mentor her, and to usher in a new world, with the two of them at its forefront.
As the lines blur and the way forward dips deeper and deeper into shadow, the whereabouts of right and wrong grow indistinct. With power within her grasp and everything on the line, Sirscha must face the two questions that really matter—how can she see her friends through the chaos safely, and what is she willing to do to see it happen?
—
Calling of Light marks conclusion to the Shamanborn trilogy, a series where each successive entry delivered more than the one before it. As such, I thoroughly enjoyed this one, especially that the lack of romance doesn’t seem forced or absent, nor does it detract from becoming immersed in the tale or enjoying its conclusion. Now, I personally really enjoyed the lack of discernible romance in this series, but I’ve found a lot of readers and a lot of reviews struggling with it, as it’s not exactly typical of YA. Still, people can read between the lines. Through the first two books, there has been much debate over who Sirscha will end up with. And, following the conclusion of this one, I’ve read several reviews that think they have it pegged, despite there again being no clear romance at any point (again, at least half the early reviews I read referenced the lack of romance, but also what exactly the implied romance WAS, lol). One of the characters even addresses it at one point and Sirscha pretty much ignores it.
So, if the lack of romance is a problem for you, I guess maybe you should skip this one. Personally, I really enjoyed the series: the character building especially—relationships, friendships, how they’re forged and tested throughout, again, even without any sexual hints of any kind. While I really enjoyed the setting and the magic, I think both could’ve been established a bit more, to really help the immersion. But then again, since I read Book #3 in a day, maybe it came together well enough at the close.
Do read this if you like fantasy and character development told through deep and tested ties. Something a bit darker than the norm, where the lines of good and evil blur a bit at the edges, and politics have a clear undercurrent that hints at a much greater complexity. I’d say it’s a great jumping-off point for something like V.E. Schwab, Joe Abercrombie, or N.K. Jemisin. Something slightly dark to start with, but with a deep dive coming later on.
TL;DR
An improvement in every way over each of the two before it, Calling of Light deepens character development—especially through interactions and (non-sexual) relationships—improves immersion, and completes the story it set out to tell in both an entertaining and impactful manner. I thoroughly enjoyed the ending, sadly more so than the journey to reach it (that is, I enjoyed CoL more than the previous two books put together). I’ll certainly miss the world, though I’m glad I came along (and stayed on) for the ride. While its lack of discernible romance might ruin Calling of Light for some, others can find more than enough beneath the surface if they look hard enough. A good, entertaining series that won’t break the bank, with a good narrator should one choose to go that route.
Audio Note: I loved Cindy Kay’s performance in this, feeling like she finally got enough into the role to capture the essence of all of the key characters. While Sirscha and Saengo have always been strong, up til now any male characters have just sounded brooding no matter the instance. In this book, however, Theyen actually sported a range of emotions, ranging from anger to boredom to spite AND BACK to brooding. Now that might sound like sarcasm, but it’s pretty much Theyen’s character; there is more than just brooding, but it’s mostly all angst-adjacent. But until this third book, all the “adjacent” spheres sounded exactly the same. I’ll have to look out for her in the future, as now I know she can deliver a solid read no matter the circumstances.
misswinchester84's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
srishtidear's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
writicious's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
himalaya's review
3.75
A solid end to the trilogy! I did find that it solved everything quite quickly. - i thought i was maybe approaching half way then checked and it was 80% lol. I think that’s just it being YA. It’s more wrapping up the plot from the previous two books than anything else. I definitely had forgotten the intricacies of the politics and plot too, (which is on me) - but the focus of this series is definitely on the MC’s journey and her relationships with others anyway.
Really all I wanted for this book was for it to continue to have no romance! Do you know how hard it is to find YA series with no romance at all in them? So I am satisfied in that regard! (and very amused by other reviews that continue to refer to the dudes as love interests. the amount of times they’re referred to as friends/family-)
ettaviereads's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The final instalment in the Shamanborn series follow Sirscha from her point of view. It was clear as I was listening that the author’s goal was to wrap up loose ends.
Overall the pace was medium but it ebbed and flowed with some sections being extremely slow moving and others very fast.
Sirscha’s friendship with Seango was a major driver of Sirscha’s choices in the book. Her personal conflict between her magic, the soulless, and her duties led her to make some interesting choices which led her to the most daring decision to save the kingdom.
The sacrifices of all the major characters in the series made this book emotionally strong and even devastating at times for the reader or in my case, listener.
This book was filled with magic, inner conflict, tough choices, strong friendships, and political intrigue. The strength that Sirscha gains throughout the book and the series makes for a wonderful read.
Overall the pace was medium but it ebbed and flowed with some sections being extremely slow moving and others very fast.
Sirscha’s friendship with Seango was a major driver of Sirscha’s choices in the book. Her personal conflict between her magic, the soulless, and her duties led her to make some interesting choices which led her to the most daring decision to save the kingdom.
The sacrifices of all the major characters in the series made this book emotionally strong and even devastating at times for the reader or in my case, listener.
This book was filled with magic, inner conflict, tough choices, strong friendships, and political intrigue. The strength that Sirscha gains throughout the book and the series makes for a wonderful read.
thegeekishbrunette's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I have been waiting for this conclusion for a while! I am happy that I was finally able to finish the series.
The book is told from one point-of-view and it comes from Sirscha. She has a lot of responsibility as the king’s Shadow and with people believing that she killed the queen stakes are high when it comes to trust. Not many are willing to risk it because of her power. They would rather see her gone. I thought that she was still a great character as she was in book 1 and 2. She had more development and learned that sometimes you have to let go even if it hurts and its not exactly what you want.
I was happy to see that her friendship with Saengo remained strong throughout. It was one of my favorite plotlines. It’s one of the only relationships that sticks out because there was never any romance in the book. I don’t think that was a bad thing because the plot didn’t need it and friendships are just as important!
Although I liked this book I wasn’t as intrigued by it. There were some lulls and I found myself not feeling as connected to the story as I had hoped.
Overall, this was a decent conclusion and I am happy I finally know how it all ended! Maybe the lapse in time is why I didn’t love it as much. Who knows!
bookishdamzel's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Calling of Light was such a great ending to a series.
Lee mentions that her first drafts of Forest of Souls (Book 1 of the Shamanborn Series) started in 2014 in her afternotes and you can see the improvement in her craft in each book since. Personally, I think this is the best book out the series with how well done the book wraps up everything.
My favorite thing about the Shamanborn series, and especially in Calling of Light, is the friendship between Sircha and Saengo. They're tied together so well and I absolutely love their love for one another. Sircha struggles with the thought of losing Saengo and letting her be on her own a lot of the series, which is very understandable seeming as Saengo is infected with the rot that can be barely be contained. I'm glad this book challenged it more, as well as showing a bit of that risk. I enjoy their interactions together and the mountain scenes were probably some of my favorite of them together.
I also think Sircha's interactions with the Soulless were well done in this. Showing Sircha's similarities to ancient shamanborn of the Soulless' time, being one of only few of their kind as a Soulrender. It also shows Sircha dealing with the fact that she either could either use her craft like the Soulless or ultimately choose her craft for good and not be held down to stereotypes. I think this book shows the growth in Sircha's character well and I enjoyed that aspect too. Also, showing a glimmer of the Soulless as human in some instances had a lot of impact as well, with regards to what he and those close to him had been through in the conquests.
Although not seen as much, I do like Prince Meilek, Theyen, & Kendara as side characters as well. They aren't the main focus but they do contribute to Sircha's growth and the plot of the story while also being their own person. Each one of them has their own distinct objectives and motivations for doing things and how they act even being far removed from what Sircha is doing at any given point. I think their interactions with Sircha in this book are well done and add to the theme of friendship. Alsoooo, that Kendara scene man, if you know, you know.
I also want to mention how I felt like the series gradually grew in brightness with each book and by the ending/last chapter it felt the most hopeful and the brightest. It was probably intentional but it was a random thought that came to mind to describe how I pictured scenes/atmosphere.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book (and series) and would love to see more of Lee's work in the future!! I think this series has a great atmosphere, characters, magic system and world building/lore. I'd definitely recommend this for dark YA fantasy enjoyers!!
Disclaimer: I received Calling of Light as an ARC and I'm voluntarily leaving this review. Thank you to Hear Our Voices for giving me the opportunity to be on one of y'all's arc tours!
Lee mentions that her first drafts of Forest of Souls (Book 1 of the Shamanborn Series) started in 2014 in her afternotes and you can see the improvement in her craft in each book since. Personally, I think this is the best book out the series with how well done the book wraps up everything.
My favorite thing about the Shamanborn series, and especially in Calling of Light, is the friendship between Sircha and Saengo. They're tied together so well and I absolutely love their love for one another. Sircha struggles with the thought of losing Saengo and letting her be on her own a lot of the series, which is very understandable seeming as Saengo is infected with the rot that can be barely be contained. I'm glad this book challenged it more, as well as showing a bit of that risk. I enjoy their interactions together and the mountain scenes were probably some of my favorite of them together.
I also think Sircha's interactions with the Soulless were well done in this. Showing Sircha's similarities to ancient shamanborn of the Soulless' time, being one of only few of their kind as a Soulrender. It also shows Sircha dealing with the fact that she either could either use her craft like the Soulless or ultimately choose her craft for good and not be held down to stereotypes. I think this book shows the growth in Sircha's character well and I enjoyed that aspect too. Also, showing a glimmer of the Soulless as human in some instances had a lot of impact as well, with regards to what he and those close to him had been through in the conquests.
Although not seen as much, I do like Prince Meilek, Theyen, & Kendara as side characters as well. They aren't the main focus but they do contribute to Sircha's growth and the plot of the story while also being their own person. Each one of them has their own distinct objectives and motivations for doing things and how they act even being far removed from what Sircha is doing at any given point. I think their interactions with Sircha in this book are well done and add to the theme of friendship. Alsoooo, that Kendara scene man, if you know, you know.
I also want to mention how I felt like the series gradually grew in brightness with each book and by the ending/last chapter it felt the most hopeful and the brightest. It was probably intentional but it was a random thought that came to mind to describe how I pictured scenes/atmosphere.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book (and series) and would love to see more of Lee's work in the future!! I think this series has a great atmosphere, characters, magic system and world building/lore. I'd definitely recommend this for dark YA fantasy enjoyers!!
Disclaimer: I received Calling of Light as an ARC and I'm voluntarily leaving this review. Thank you to Hear Our Voices for giving me the opportunity to be on one of y'all's arc tours!