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The Callers: The Hidden Forest: Book 2 Thomas, Kiah

Thomas, Kiah
Reader rating
4.5
(1 reviews) 108 sold
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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

What if the power to create comes with a hidden cost, echoing ancient cosmic imbalances?

In the wake of devastating revelations, the realm of Elipsom grapples with the true nature of its cherished 'Calling' ability. A month has passed since Quin exposed the unsettling truth: their creative power depletes a parallel world, Evantra. As whispers of this cosmic imbalance spread, Davinia, under her mother's rigid authority, finds her own convictions tested while investigating dissent. Meanwhile, Quin, alongside his companion Allie, embarks on a desperate quest, racing against the unfolding consequences of a magic built on unseen theft. This volume delves into the ethical labyrinth of power and sacrifice.

Key themes
The Illusion of Creation Ethical Responsibility of Power Awakening to Hidden Truths
Historical context

This work sits within the contemporary young adult fantasy tradition, specifically exploring themes of ethical magic and cosmic responsibility common in modern occult-inspired narratives. It reflects a current cultural interest in the moral implications of power and the hidden costs of supernatural abilities.

Difficulty
●● Moderate
Fans will love it
V.E. Schwab · Leigh Bardugo · Cassandra Clare
🕯️ Occult Philosophy
🏛 Chronicle Books 📅 2025 📖 272 pages 📔 Hardcover 📐 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 Thomas, Kiah

Return to the world of the Callers in this exciting middle-grade fantasy series that explores the amazing power of summoning objects into being and the ominous consequences of doing so. Perfect for fans of Rick Riordan. The Callers, Book 1 set the stage for a riveting series that introduced the world of Elipsom and its inhabitants' unique ability to Call--or summon. In Book 2, a month has passed since Quin fled his home world of Elipsom after revealing the shocking truth about Calling: that the magic ability to conjure something out of thin air actually steals resources from another place. And that other place is Evantra, a nation suffering from exploitation by the Callers. Across the country, rumors are spreading that perhaps Calling isn't a force for good after all. Even so, Quin's sister, Davinia, has maintained calm under the pressure of her mother, the Chief Counselor of the Callers, who is determined to keep the status quo and quash anyone who questions the rightness of Calling. But when Davinia is assigned to investigate and plant evidence in a rebellious part of the city, her loyalties begin to waver. Meanwhile, Quin and his friend Allie are in a race against the clock to heal the Vine, the source of all growing things in Evantra, which has been slowly dying. Their search leads them to a mysterious forest that may have the answers they seek--and the truth about Quin's past. Arresting and thought-provoking, this story explores some of the most crucial topics of our time and shows the power of standing up and fighting for a better tomorrow. SERIES PRAISE: Book 1 received a Sunshine State Young Readers Award (SSYRA) nomination and glowing praise, including a blurb from Printz-Honor-winning author Garret Weyr, who called it "beautifully told and engaging and just thrilling." RICH THEMES: This series takes a deep, thoughtful look at complex and essential issues--including haves and have-nots, environmental exploitation, colonialism, truth, and social responsibility. In doing so, it takes after some of the best works the fantasy genre has to offer. PAGE-TURNER: This easy-to-read, fast-paced page-turner will be a joy for middle-grade readers who love immersive adventure and fantasy stories. DUAL POV BOOK: Alternating between the main character and his sister's narratives, The Callers: The Hidden Forest introduces new characters and new mysteries to unravel, along with Quin's continuing discovery of his powers.

💎 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 4.6/5
★★★★
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
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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

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.

🎯 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.

💬 Quotes from the book

“To summon is not to create, but merely to shift the burden. A grand illusion, masking a profound depletion.”

“The truth, once seen, demands more than just acknowledgment; it demands a reckoning with all that was built upon the lie.”

📜 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

  1. 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?
  2. 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?
  3. 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?

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