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A review by eviethebookworm
Calling of Light by Lori M. Lee
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