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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!
morebookspleaseblog's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
What an epic conclusion to a dope trilogy. I should write a review for the first two books, which I will do later. Loyalties and bonds are tested, Sirscha is determined to save the kingdom, and I was left hanging on every word.
Following the events of “Broken Web,” we follow Sirscha on her quest to save the kingdom, but not everything and everyone is what they seem. Every character felt complex and developed, which enhanced the story. This is probably the first time I’ve read a fantasy trilogy that didn’t have an underlying love story apart of the plot, which for me was unexpected, but I loved it.
Soulless is an excellent villain. I sometimes found myself agreeing with Soulless but not his methods. (This isn’t the first time I’ve agreed with the villain, but not their methods… Killmonger… Thanos… but that’s not the point…) I thoroughly enjoyed watching his entire plot play out.
“Calling of Light” has everything: mystery, political intrigue, phenomenal character development, and fantastic writing. I hadn’t considered myself as someone who enjoys political thrillers, but this was phenomenal.
quadratic_queen's review
adventurous
challenging
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
4.5
eviethebookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? N/A
4.0
Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC!
Calling of Light is the third and final book in the Shamanborn Trilogy. It follows Sirscha who is now the new king’s Shadow. But she’s got more pressing concerns than the rumours that she killed the queen. Namely, the Soulless and the danger Saengo faces from the rot afflicting her.
So I dove into this audiobook without having consumed the previous two. I made sure to get familiar with the main story points of the predecessors of Calling of Light, but it’s not the same as taking the journey alongside the characters. Even so, I was able to comfortably join Sirscha in her battles against conflicting nations, dangerous magic, and seemingly insurmountable foes.
The dynamic between Sirscha and the Soulless is reminiscent of Elspeth and The Nightmare in One Dark Window. He’s an ancient, vengeful being with immense power. She’s connected to the Soulless and struggles to keep his control from overwhelming her.
Sirscha herself reminds me of Fie in The Merciful Crow duology – she’s got a gritty robustness and a fierce loyalty to those she holds in high esteem. Her abilities are almost singular (in that no one else has them), and regarded with suspicion and wariness by most others. But she’s also the key to changing the world. Whether she wants the burden or not.
My favourite aspect of this novel is the way the characters interact with each other. There’s plenty of reference to histories shared and complexities informing their actions, which brings a realness to them. Lee has also done marvellous work with world building. I felt immersed in the landscape from the first minute despite never having stepped foot in the narrative before.
This is the perfect trilogy for those who enjoy fantasy that has undercurrents of politics and dark lore that have kernels of truth in them. Readers of Margaret Owen, Rachel Gillig, and Susan Dennard will all likely find pleasure in the pages of Sirscha’s story.
Calling of Light is the third and final book in the Shamanborn Trilogy. It follows Sirscha who is now the new king’s Shadow. But she’s got more pressing concerns than the rumours that she killed the queen. Namely, the Soulless and the danger Saengo faces from the rot afflicting her.
So I dove into this audiobook without having consumed the previous two. I made sure to get familiar with the main story points of the predecessors of Calling of Light, but it’s not the same as taking the journey alongside the characters. Even so, I was able to comfortably join Sirscha in her battles against conflicting nations, dangerous magic, and seemingly insurmountable foes.
The dynamic between Sirscha and the Soulless is reminiscent of Elspeth and The Nightmare in One Dark Window. He’s an ancient, vengeful being with immense power. She’s connected to the Soulless and struggles to keep his control from overwhelming her.
Sirscha herself reminds me of Fie in The Merciful Crow duology – she’s got a gritty robustness and a fierce loyalty to those she holds in high esteem. Her abilities are almost singular (in that no one else has them), and regarded with suspicion and wariness by most others. But she’s also the key to changing the world. Whether she wants the burden or not.
My favourite aspect of this novel is the way the characters interact with each other. There’s plenty of reference to histories shared and complexities informing their actions, which brings a realness to them. Lee has also done marvellous work with world building. I felt immersed in the landscape from the first minute despite never having stepped foot in the narrative before.
This is the perfect trilogy for those who enjoy fantasy that has undercurrents of politics and dark lore that have kernels of truth in them. Readers of Margaret Owen, Rachel Gillig, and Susan Dennard will all likely find pleasure in the pages of Sirscha’s story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Blood
Minor: War and Body horror
bookishmillennial's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial
Thank you to Hear Our Voices tour, the publisher & the author for a physical ARC!
I loved this ending to the Shamanborn series! Sirscha starts out as being in service to the new King, but then annswers a call from Princess Kyrshia to act as bait for the Soulless to come out of hiding. This is so that the royal shamans can finally take him down. However, Sirscha finds herself teaming up with the Soulless a bit as she uncovers more context which reveals the royals to not be as benevolent as they seem! We learn about the Mountain Spirit, return to the Dead Wood, and Sirscha builds up so much self-regard 😭
Look, I was indeed disappointed that there was zero romance between Sircha and Saengo, because I really thought they would have a friends-to-lovers arc. However, Sirscha’s fierce protection and care for her friends is truly what kept her rooted to making choices she was proud of. I loved that ultimately, though everyone kept trying to define Sirscha or convince her of certain choices, she reminded herself of her humble roots, and the people who were counting on her.
The Soulless continues to be such an intriguing character to me, and I was really happy with how his arc played out in this final installment. I genuinely do adore an adventurous fantasy with a villain that is so layered! I appreciate that every single character (except for maybe Saengo) wasn’t painted in either “good” or “bad” light; they all had shades of grey to them, especially the Soulless.
I am sad to say goodbye to this series, but I am again asking the powers that be to adapt this onscreen for a tv series or a movie trilogy. It would translate so well on screen and would be so much fun to watch!
Thank you to Hear Our Voices tour, the publisher & the author for a physical ARC!
I loved this ending to the Shamanborn series! Sirscha starts out as being in service to the new King, but then annswers a call from Princess Kyrshia to act as bait for the Soulless to come out of hiding. This is so that the royal shamans can finally take him down. However, Sirscha finds herself teaming up with the Soulless a bit as she uncovers more context which reveals the royals to not be as benevolent as they seem! We learn about the Mountain Spirit, return to the Dead Wood, and Sirscha builds up so much self-regard 😭
Look, I was indeed disappointed that there was zero romance between Sircha and Saengo, because I really thought they would have a friends-to-lovers arc. However, Sirscha’s fierce protection and care for her friends is truly what kept her rooted to making choices she was proud of. I loved that ultimately, though everyone kept trying to define Sirscha or convince her of certain choices, she reminded herself of her humble roots, and the people who were counting on her.
The Soulless continues to be such an intriguing character to me, and I was really happy with how his arc played out in this final installment. I genuinely do adore an adventurous fantasy with a villain that is so layered! I appreciate that every single character (except for maybe Saengo) wasn’t painted in either “good” or “bad” light; they all had shades of grey to them, especially the Soulless.
I am sad to say goodbye to this series, but I am again asking the powers that be to adapt this onscreen for a tv series or a movie trilogy. It would translate so well on screen and would be so much fun to watch!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
queer_bookwyrm's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? No
5.0
5 ⭐ CW: violence, death
Calling of Light by Lori M. Lee is the final book in the Shamanborn trilogy. I loved this one so much 😭! It's definitely my favorite of the three books in the series. There is so much growth from Sirscha, so much heartfelt friendship between all the characters, and it's confirmed that Sirscha and Saengo (probably) is bisexual. Potential spoilers for previous books ahead.
We pick up with Sirscha after the events of the last book, and she is now the King's Shadow. There is a lot of social strife to be dealt with now that King Meilek has freed the Shamanborn. The Shamanborn are naturally angry and distrustful of the soldiers who imprisoned them, and the rest of the non-shamans are wary due to years of prejudice from Queen Meilyr. This is also a time of great political upheaval with a new reign, plus the threat of the Soulless to the Nuvali Empire.
So much happens in this book! We get to learn more about the Mountain Spirit and how it is alive and has a will of its own. We see the return of Kendara, who is seemingly betraying Sirscha, and the continued conflict between the Kazan clans and the Nuvali. The Soulless is such a great villain, because in a lot of ways, he isn't wrong, but his methods are. Lee had me so stressed about Saengo! The ending was so epic and perfect, it had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
This was such a wonderful series that had zero romance and focused solely on the friendships between Sirscha, Saengo, Theyen, and Meilek. Wonderful world-building, with beautiful prose, morally gray characters, and political intrigue. I'm sad to see this world go. I'm so glad my friend Kaitee convinced me to read these books!
Calling of Light releases April 16th!
Calling of Light by Lori M. Lee is the final book in the Shamanborn trilogy. I loved this one so much 😭! It's definitely my favorite of the three books in the series. There is so much growth from Sirscha, so much heartfelt friendship between all the characters, and it's confirmed that Sirscha and Saengo (probably) is bisexual. Potential spoilers for previous books ahead.
We pick up with Sirscha after the events of the last book, and she is now the King's Shadow. There is a lot of social strife to be dealt with now that King Meilek has freed the Shamanborn. The Shamanborn are naturally angry and distrustful of the soldiers who imprisoned them, and the rest of the non-shamans are wary due to years of prejudice from Queen Meilyr. This is also a time of great political upheaval with a new reign, plus the threat of the Soulless to the Nuvali Empire.
So much happens in this book! We get to learn more about the Mountain Spirit and how it is alive and has a will of its own. We see the return of Kendara, who is seemingly betraying Sirscha, and the continued conflict between the Kazan clans and the Nuvali. The Soulless is such a great villain, because in a lot of ways, he isn't wrong, but his methods are. Lee had me so stressed about Saengo! The ending was so epic and perfect, it had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
This was such a wonderful series that had zero romance and focused solely on the friendships between Sirscha, Saengo, Theyen, and Meilek. Wonderful world-building, with beautiful prose, morally gray characters, and political intrigue. I'm sad to see this world go. I'm so glad my friend Kaitee convinced me to read these books!
Calling of Light releases April 16th!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Death
chloehanrattyfairbairn's review against another edition
2.25
This series is perfect for fans of YA fantasy with a heavy political intrigue plot line and a friendship forward storyline - there is absolutely no romance in this.
I liked the first 2 books in the trilogy but was ultimately bored by this last instalment - I feel like this would’ve been snappier as a duology as this was extremely slow paced.
I’m also just not really a fan of this narrator - I’ve listened to a few books by her before and can confirm I don’t really like the style.
I liked the first 2 books in the trilogy but was ultimately bored by this last instalment - I feel like this would’ve been snappier as a duology as this was extremely slow paced.
I’m also just not really a fan of this narrator - I’ve listened to a few books by her before and can confirm I don’t really like the style.