The Call
By J. S. Deaton
Port Town Publishing
September
357 pages
$12.95, paperback
ISBN: 1-59466-092-1, paperback
A young woman begins college life only to have it disrupted by a destiny she knows nothing about. Feeling betrayed by those close to her, a new friend convinces her that only a stout warrior conquers evil in saving, that which is her birthright.
Kate Arnold loves her life on campus, filling her days with volleyball practice, classes and hanging out with her new friend, Samantha. In the evenings, she resumes martial arts training with a handsome campus police officer, Riley Flynn. From the onset, Kate's life is great. Until the dreams begin, haunting her sleep with perplexing messages. Before Christmas break, a man dressed in red leather visits Kate telling her the answers lie with her brother, and that she will fulfill The Promise.
Jonathan Arnold raised his sister after their mother's death, with the help of his best friend, Jace. Both were young boys when torn from their homes during a war between good and evil, accompanying Jon's mother and two warriors. Jon's mother adapted well to her new world, with three children, preserving their legacy through bedtime tales and her journal. A car accident takes her life leaving the two warriors to look after the children, until Jonathan and Jace are old enough to care for Kate alone. Jon, Jace, and the two warriors suffer nightly from the same dream Kate experiences, waiting patiently for her to embrace destiny or continue life as a college coed. They hope she chooses the former, as Eavan needs her. Samantha convinces Kate whether to answer The Call.
The Call is an engaging story as the suspense builds over the course of the book, carrying the reader through Katie's first year of college, and her preparation for the greatest journey of her young life. However, after entering through a portal the mystery unfolds, revealing a world dominated by Lorcan, an evil man commanding a demon army that destroys the royal family of Eavan, until all that is left is Jon and Kate. The two warriors sent years ago to protect the royal family, Riley and Will accompany her on this crusade, twenty-five years later. With Will, Kate develops a trusting friendship, whereas with Riley, she nurtures that attraction which started when training together. During the perilous trek, Kate discovers personal passions and self-truths - a journey to discovery. The story hands over some amusing moments, revealing that one of the threesome enjoys historical romance novels stealing it through the portal to Eavan. Then readers are sure to keep an eye out for Riley's wristwatch - as it glows in the dark, too. The Call is a captivating story that provides several hours of wholesome entertainment.
Ms. Deaton’s sequel to The Call, The Promise was expected to be released in April 2007.
4/5 Antique Swords
Reviewed by Pamela Jenewein ©, gottawritenetwork.com
