Stars: ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book has sat on my shelf for a while; as it has a sequel I wanted to read it at a time when I could go straight on to the second book and not keep myself waiting. As it happens, it didn’t matter when I read it as I absolutely D E V O U R E D this book. I read the entire thing in 24 hours (putting it down to go to sleep was a challenge) and found myself leaping straight into the next instalment.

As I read the book I messaged my Irish friend to check I was reading Sídhe correctly, at which point she gave me some of the mythical tales that this story has behind it; it was really fascinating to learn about – thanks Al! This just made the book all the more interesting to read about, knowing it was steeped in Irish fairy folklore.

When The Call comes, you are taken to the Grey Lands where you will be hunted down by the enemy – the Sídhe. They don’t only want to catch you and kill you, but they want to torture you before the time runs out too. For you, it is a whole day in an unfamiliar land full of haunting scenery and horrific creatures. Back in Ireland, it’s a mere 3 minutes and 4 seconds before your body is returned – alive or dead.

For Nessa, The Call will be even more of a challenge than others. As a child, she had Polio which means she has little use of her legs beyond walking; something that won’t help her when she has to flee the fairies. Despite this, she makes the most of the lessons at Boyle Survival College and uses her ingenuity and quick-thinking to find solutions her other classmates can’t.

Seeing the peers at her school be Called one-by-one, she knows it can’t be long until she is next. But with other events unfolding, will she make it to her Call at all?

Nessa was an endearing main character, who you root for throughout the entire book. I also really liked Megan as a character; her sassy, witty persona makes her likeable throughout the story. The dynamics and relationships between everyone at the college had an exciting impact on the book – they were well-thought out and interwoven brilliantly into the plot. Each person had their own important role.

The action was fast-paced and lasted from the first page to the last. This is the perfect book for anyone who likes action, suspense, mystery, horror or YA books; I honestly couldn’t recommend it enough!

Like the sound of this book? Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3dF8jwI

Emily x