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The Callers: The Hidden Forest: Book 2 — Spooky For Kids

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The Callers: The Hidden Forest: Book 2 — photo 2

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The Callers: The Hidden Forest: Book 2

Name: The Callers: The Hidden Forest: Book 2
Price: 14.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781797222585

✍️ Thomas, Kiah

Reader Score

4.5

(1 review)

$14.99 ~~$17.99~~ Save $3.00 (16%)

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

This middle-grade fantasy novel follows two siblings on opposing sides of a magical conflict. In the city of Elipsom, Davinia faces pressure from her mother, the Chief Counselor, to suppress political dissent. In the exploited land of Evantra, her brother Quin races alongside his friend Allie to restore a dying magical plant called the Vine. Their journey leads into a hidden forest, uncovering personal origins and structural corruption. Written by Kiah Thomas, the narrative presents a world divided by class, resource theft, and political control.

Thomas, Kiah

📚 all books by this author (5) →

Praise for this book

“Timely and invigorating.”

— Kirkus Reviews

🏛 Chronicle Books 📅 2025 📖 272 pages 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9781797222585

Fun Fact

Kiah Thomas’s second installment, though presented as a juvenile fantasy, transcends its genre by plumbing profound ethical depths. It deftly explores the moral architecture of power and the unseen consequences of 'creation.' While those seeking only lighthearted adventure might find its philosophical undercurrents challenging, readers yearning for a narrative that interrogates societal foundations and personal responsibility will discover a rich, thought-provoking journey. It sits as a compelling allegorical work within the broader tapestry of speculative fiction.

📝 Description: The Callers: The Hidden Forest: Book 2

In the world of Elipsom, magic users known as Callers summon physical objects out of thin air. The consequence of this power is that it secretly steals raw resources from another nation, Evantra. A month after Quin flees Elipsom for revealing this truth, his sister Davinia remains behind under pressure from their mother, the Chief Counselor of the Callers. Sent to plant evidence in a rebellious district, Davinia begins to question her duties. Meanwhile, Quin and his friend Allie race across Evantra to heal the dying Vine, the source of all plant life in the country. Their search draws them into a mysterious forest that holds answers to the dying land and Quin's past. Author Kiah Thomas, who began by rewriting book endings as a child, brings a background in writing stories for children and adults to enjoy together. This second volume in the series focuses on adolescents navigating choices around social themes, values, and environmental exploitation. The narrative explores how the privileged exploit other lands and how young people choose to resist established power structures. This title suits readers of middle-grade fantasy who enjoy stories about resistance, adolescence, and environmental consequences. It is not meant for readers seeking adult non-fiction, historical occult studies, or real-world magical manuals, as it is a work of juvenile fantasy fiction.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Thomas delivers a thought-provoking continuation that prioritizes ethical inquiry over pure escapism. The focus on the systemic costs of magic provides a unique angle for the genre, appealing to intellectually curious readers. However, those seeking fast-paced action or traditional hero’s journeys may find the pacing deliberate and the themes heavy-handed. It does not suit readers who prefer unambiguous moral binaries or lighthearted adventures without philosophical weight. The rigid authority dynamics might feel familiar to some, yet the execution remains distinct enough to warrant attention for its thematic depth and character introspection.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who enjoy complex moral dilemmas wrapped in high-stakes fantasy will find this title deeply engaging. It appeals to those fascinated by the mechanics of magic when viewed through a lens of consequence rather than mere wonder. The narrative offers a compelling look at how authority figures shape truth and how dissent can emerge from established systems. Fans of character-driven plots where personal convictions clash with rigid societal structures will appreciate the nuanced exploration of loyalty and betrayal. It is ideal for those seeking stories that challenge the notion of 'good' magic, offering a refreshing perspective on sacrifice and the hidden burdens of creation.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5

★★★★★

Seekers of profound allegories and those who ponder the ethical dimensions of power will find resonance within these pages. If you are drawn to narratives that explore the unseen costs of apparent magic and the awakening of conscience, this journey awaits your contemplation.

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Thomas delivers a thought-provoking continuation that prioritizes ethical inquiry over pure escapism. The focus on the systemic costs of magic provides a unique angle for the genre, appealing to intellectually curious readers. However, those seeking fast-paced action or traditional hero’s journeys may find the pacing deliberate and the themes heavy-handed. It does not suit readers who prefer unambiguous moral binaries or lighthearted adventures without philosophical weight. The rigid authority dynamics might feel familiar to some, yet the execution remains distinct enough to warrant attention for its thematic depth and character introspection.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While this book continues the unfolding saga from 'The Callers: Book 1,' its central themes of ethical awakening and the consequences of power offer a compelling narrative arc that can be appreciated independently by the discerning reader.

This narrative probes a form of 'magic' that transcends simple spellcasting, delving into the metaphysical implications of creation through transference. It examines the moral weight of such abilities, questioning whether true magic can exist without a reciprocal balance in the cosmic order.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

The Illusion of Creation

This narrative explores the profound spiritual cost of perceived creation. It unveils how seemingly miraculous abilities, like 'Calling,' can be a veil for exploitation, demonstrating that true power often demands a sacrifice unseen, questioning the very definition of bringing something into existence without inherent balance.

Ethical Responsibility of Power

The story delves into the moral quandaries faced by those wielding extraordinary abilities. It scrutinizes the burden of knowledge when confronted with systemic injustice, challenging characters to choose between maintaining a comfortable but corrupt status quo and embracing difficult truths that demand revolutionary change and personal integrity.

Awakening to Hidden Truths

Central to this volume is the journey of characters who begin to perceive the deeper, often uncomfortable, realities behind their world. It illustrates the transformative process of shedding ignorance and confronting inconvenient truths, highlighting the courage required to question established norms and seek a more just and harmonious existence.

📜 Historical context

While ostensibly a modern fantasy, this work echoes ancient philosophical inquiries into the nature of creation and the balance of energy. It aligns with traditions exploring the hidden costs of dominion and the karmic repercussions of imbalance, reminiscent of Gnostic thought or alchemical principles where every transmutation has a consequence, seen or unseen.

📚 Glossary

Calling
Elipsom
Evantra

📔 Questions to reflect on

Consider a resource you utilize daily. What unseen costs or hidden sources might contribute to its existence, and how does acknowledging this shift your perspective?
If you possessed a power like 'Calling,' how would you ensure its ethical application, and what personal sacrifices would you be willing to make to maintain cosmic balance?
Reflect on a time you encountered an uncomfortable truth about a system or belief you held. How did you reconcile that truth with your previous understanding, and what actions did it inspire?