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Noughts and Crosses #1.6
Callum
In a hostile alternative society, the pale-skinned noughts are treated as inferiors by the ruling dark-skinned Crosses. Callum’s a nought. Sephy’s a Cross. In their world, they simply don’t fit – it’s as clear as black and white. But their childhood friendship has grown into intense, burning love. They have to find a way to be together. Then Sephy’s kidnapped, and Callum’s faced with a choice– his love for Sephy or his loyalty to his brother. Once that choice is made, there can be no looking back. An explosive and passionate short story, set during the timeline of Malorie Blackman’s original dystopian bestseller, Noughts and Crosses.
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The World Book Day App is available for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and is absolutely FREE!
61 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 2012
28 people are currently reading
2663 people want to read
About the author
Malorie Blackman
156 books4,514 followersAn award-winning children's author, Malorie Blackman was honoured with an OBE in 2008. Her work has been adapted for TV and stage.
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British Council: Contemporary Authors
British Council: Encompass Culture
Channel 4 Learning: Book Box
More information available at:
Myspace
British Council: Contemporary Authors
British Council: Encompass Culture
Channel 4 Learning: Book Box
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
February 13, 2017
Kind of unnecessary, but also kind of cool to see what would have happened if he chose this path.
February 1, 2021
Reading this straight after Noughts & Crosses is heartbreaking. I love Malorie Blackman, but I'm just not a huge fan of this short story - I prefer the original ending of the book. Having said that, this book has some beautiful quotes in it, and I can't wait for 'Endgame' in August, although I don't think I'll get the entire series reread by then.
August 16, 2014
This short story tells us what might have happened if things had gone differently in Noughts & Crosses. However, it makes the series all the more tragic. I recommend reading this after reading Noughts & Crosses but be prepared to get emotional.
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April 13, 2020Callum... baby.
February 1, 2024
- Malorie WHY!!!!!!!!!!!
- Just whenever their story began again, Callum goes dying...... Much quicker than in Noughts & Crosses....
- I mean at least Jude is dead now too so this will mean a much better life for Sephy and Libby whenever she'll be born but..... I was so hopeful of a happy ending, or even a happier ending, they were trusting each other again and confessing their love and Callum is so head over heels for her.
- was>* 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
- I forgot how much I loved their story and how emotional it was....
- Just whenever their story began again, Callum goes dying...... Much quicker than in Noughts & Crosses....
- I mean at least Jude is dead now too so this will mean a much better life for Sephy and Libby whenever she'll be born but..... I was so hopeful of a happy ending, or even a happier ending, they were trusting each other again and confessing their love and Callum is so head over heels for her.
- was>* 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
- I forgot how much I loved their story and how emotional it was....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2012
Callum is a short story set during the time line of Malorie Blackman's Noughts & Crosses that can be read for free via the World Book Day app from iTunes or purchased via Amazon for the Kindle.
I wouldn't recommend reading this if you haven't already read Noughts & Crosses as it tells the end of the story again but this time from Callum's perspective instead of Sephy's and therefore includes spoilers for anyone who hasn't read the original book. If you enjoyed the series you'll love reading Callum's story though.
I'm not going to say much about the plot because anyone who has read Noughts & Crosses already knows what happens. I will say that knowing what the outcome would be just made reading this story even more bitter sweet. It was really nice to get inside Callum's head and see exactly what he was thinking during Sephy's kidnapping. Reading this has reminded me just how much I loved Noughts & Crosses and that I never finished reading the series so I'm going to have to pick up the second book Knife Edge very soon.
I wouldn't recommend reading this if you haven't already read Noughts & Crosses as it tells the end of the story again but this time from Callum's perspective instead of Sephy's and therefore includes spoilers for anyone who hasn't read the original book. If you enjoyed the series you'll love reading Callum's story though.
I'm not going to say much about the plot because anyone who has read Noughts & Crosses already knows what happens. I will say that knowing what the outcome would be just made reading this story even more bitter sweet. It was really nice to get inside Callum's head and see exactly what he was thinking during Sephy's kidnapping. Reading this has reminded me just how much I loved Noughts & Crosses and that I never finished reading the series so I'm going to have to pick up the second book Knife Edge very soon.
July 20, 2019
So I haven't read this short story in many, many years. Maybe not since the year it came out. But I remember thinking when I first read it, that it didn't feel like Sephy and Callum to me.
Having just reread Noughts and Crosses and then picked this up, I can say it fit perfectly. It is a heartbreaking "what if" alternative ending to Noughts and Crosses, and it makes my head hurt to think of how it could have ended instead.
Having just reread Noughts and Crosses and then picked this up, I can say it fit perfectly. It is a heartbreaking "what if" alternative ending to Noughts and Crosses, and it makes my head hurt to think of how it could have ended instead.
September 5, 2014
As usual, Blackman's words grabbed me like magnet. The book is very short though, the second half of it is extracted from book #1!
But the story of Callum itself lacked a little of anticipation and was less "difficult-to-guess" like her other books.
Considering the shortness of the book, the lack of interesting the reader and having them on a hook, yet the good feeling it gives while reading; I'll skip rating it.
But the story of Callum itself lacked a little of anticipation and was less "difficult-to-guess" like her other books.
Considering the shortness of the book, the lack of interesting the reader and having them on a hook, yet the good feeling it gives while reading; I'll skip rating it.
May 24, 2013
What if Callum and Sephy ran away together? What if they ran as far as they could and Sephy didn't have to choose between her child and her lover? What if...?
October 6, 2017
And here I was thinking I'd get my happy end....
September 16, 2018
Oh Callum.
An interesting perspective and alternative to the final events of Noughts and Crosses.
Reading Callum softened how I felt after reading Noughts and Crosses.
An interesting perspective and alternative to the final events of Noughts and Crosses.
Reading Callum softened how I felt after reading Noughts and Crosses.
November 7, 2020
Callum is the short story that shows us more of Sephy and Callum’s final moments together. Following on from Noughts and Crosses we get access to the more intimate moments between the pair and we see how they used to be together before all the social politics and racism got in the way.
This short story reminded me of the scene in Romeo and Juliet when they consulate their marriage and then have to part. It is the last time that they see each other alive. It is similar for Sephy and Callum. Sephy survives but the tragedy is still painful.
Since reading the wonderful Noughts and Crosses I have becomes determined to read the whole series. Even Malorie Blackman’s short story about Callum and Sephy has managed to pack an emotional punch and keep me hooked.
Callum by Malorie Blackman is available now.
This short story reminded me of the scene in Romeo and Juliet when they consulate their marriage and then have to part. It is the last time that they see each other alive. It is similar for Sephy and Callum. Sephy survives but the tragedy is still painful.
Since reading the wonderful Noughts and Crosses I have becomes determined to read the whole series. Even Malorie Blackman’s short story about Callum and Sephy has managed to pack an emotional punch and keep me hooked.
Callum by Malorie Blackman is available now.
April 30, 2022
this perspective was so interesting and also proves how no matter what sephy and callum would try, their fate would not change. also the parallel of the wiping mouth thing actually made me go FERAL i'm not kidding that was so beautiful and it genuinely sent goosebumps down my spine after i clocked it.
January 12, 2020
Although an interesting alternative to the end of Noughts and Crosses, I do not feel that this short story particularly adds anything to the original tale. As well as that, the original is a much better ending in my opinion.
March 12, 2021
Im confused, this novella is completely different to the way the first book ended.
I think the first book was better than this version but it wad definitely interesting.
I think the first book was better than this version but it wad definitely interesting.
September 19, 2021
A well written alternative ending to noughts and crosses, but still not the end we all long for! 😭
April 30, 2023
4,5 stars - This made me fall in love with Malorie Blackman's writing all over again when it comes to the Noughts & Crosses series, but also, MB is absolutely SICK FOR THIS ENDING HOW COULD SHE--
March 6, 2012
A short story, taking place from callum's perspective. I managed to get hold of it through the worldbook day app on my ipod. Can not wait to have it for my kindle next month.
It rewrites the story a little, from when callum and sephy are in the woods. I did enjoy it even if I wanted it to continue on and give me a more satisfying ending. Brought back a little nostagia from when i was a teenager and in love with the series.
It rewrites the story a little, from when callum and sephy are in the woods. I did enjoy it even if I wanted it to continue on and give me a more satisfying ending. Brought back a little nostagia from when i was a teenager and in love with the series.
December 31, 2015
worse than Noughts and Crosses, THIS ONE FINISHED WITH A BLOODY CLIFFHANGER. AT LEAST NOUGHTS AND CROSSES THERE WAS NO CLIFFHANGER!
but I could never hate this story, it will always hold a special place in my heart. it really makes you think you know, what if?
also this alternative world would never happen, to be honest it was really unnecessary, the real ending was much more realistic which I loved about Noughts and Crosses. it was very realistic but truly heartbreaking.
but I could never hate this story, it will always hold a special place in my heart. it really makes you think you know, what if?
also this alternative world would never happen, to be honest it was really unnecessary, the real ending was much more realistic which I loved about Noughts and Crosses. it was very realistic but truly heartbreaking.
February 14, 2016
This was an easy read since it was so short but the reason I only gave it a 3 stars was because it felt unfinished and I would have liked to know what happened. This short story is a written from Callum's perspective and it wasn't related to the real Noughts and Crosses story. It was a 'what if' kind of story.
April 9, 2012
Really interesting, made me wish Malorie would write another book for the series. I miss it.
February 29, 2024
Pretty sad, an alternative ending to the first book in the form of a short story
February 6, 2024
Rating: 4.5 stars
I was in need of a quick read to decompress after work, and I was inspired by a recent Goodreads post which asked who your favourite book couples were. One of mine is Callum and Sephy from Noughts and Crosses, and this World Book Day publication is a little extra 'what if' scene from that story.
It is a beautifully written insert, which adds a whole extra layer of emotion and meaning to the main narrative. It brings to a head so much of what has happened before, and makes what happens afterwards even harder to bear, even with the parallel scenario. These moments with Callum resonate so deeply within my heart; I love both Callum and Sephy's characters anyway, but there has always been something about this extra insight that makes them even more of an epic pairing.
The only complaint I have is that it's not longer - I needed this night of the story to be stretched out for as long as possible! I had misremembered parts too, but that's my fault and I am determined to reread the whole series (or at least the original trilogy) at some point this year as it's been far too long since I last picked up one of the all time great book series.
I was in need of a quick read to decompress after work, and I was inspired by a recent Goodreads post which asked who your favourite book couples were. One of mine is Callum and Sephy from Noughts and Crosses, and this World Book Day publication is a little extra 'what if' scene from that story.
It is a beautifully written insert, which adds a whole extra layer of emotion and meaning to the main narrative. It brings to a head so much of what has happened before, and makes what happens afterwards even harder to bear, even with the parallel scenario. These moments with Callum resonate so deeply within my heart; I love both Callum and Sephy's characters anyway, but there has always been something about this extra insight that makes them even more of an epic pairing.
The only complaint I have is that it's not longer - I needed this night of the story to be stretched out for as long as possible! I had misremembered parts too, but that's my fault and I am determined to reread the whole series (or at least the original trilogy) at some point this year as it's been far too long since I last picked up one of the all time great book series.
January 27, 2021
This novelette (novella?) is not quite as compelling as Noughts and Crosses, which I finished earlier today, but it's still an interesting read. The argument, I suppose, is one of destiny... that no matter your choices, fundamentally you end up with the same fate. In the world in which this is set, though, destiny is closely related to, if not absolutely indistinguishable with, racial prejudice. No matter what Callum chooses - and the story is an exercise in what might have happened had he made a different choice in the novel - the society around him, both Noughts and Crosses, will not tolerate his deviation from the expected behaviour. His romance with Sephy is anathema, no matter what path he takes, and it might doom him differently, but the doom is ultimately the same.
It lacks the sustained weight of the novel. Being so much shorter, it can hardly help it, of course. But without that weight, the misery isn't quite as affecting. I still liked it, but the novel was better.
It lacks the sustained weight of the novel. Being so much shorter, it can hardly help it, of course. But without that weight, the misery isn't quite as affecting. I still liked it, but the novel was better.
September 10, 2021
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Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trigger Warnings: Guns; Violence
Callum is effectively an alternative ending to Noughts and Crosses. This book’s events fit seamlessly into the story’s timeline, to the extent that Callum could have been the ‘actual’ ending! I also loved how it is so obvious where this book starts, in the context of the Noughts and Crosses timeline, so that I knew exactly what had just happened, and what events were about to happen.
Having watched the Noughts and Crosses TV series, I am wondering if Callum could be the way that it transitions into Knife Edge (as the end of either this book or Noughts and Crosses needs to happen for the programmes to progress into the next book). Given all of the tension and drama that Callum encompasses, I do think that this book would look really good on-screen – when reading, I was imagining these scenes playing out in my head! I am definitely looking forward to Series Two of Noughts and Crosses, and I cannot wait to watch it!
Understandably, Callum’s plot was thinner than the plot of a full-length novel. However, a lot did happen in such a short space of time, and the tension and drama throughout certainly did make up for this! This really does show what a skilled author Malorie Blackman is, as she has managed to perfectly create a short and dramatic alternative ending to Noughts and Crosses that fits into every aspect of the story’s timeline.
I was soooooo grateful for more Sephy and Callum scenes in this book, as I love it when these two characters are together (sparks literally do fly!). This really did contribute to more and more tension throughout the story, as I knew that what they were doing could have cost both of them their lives. This book also explored Jude’s character really well – he is such an interesting character! I love it how he’s had much more of a prominent role as the series has progressed, and this is enhanced even further in Knife Edge and Checkmate, when we read from his perspective.
Once again, Callum was not the easiest read due to the sensitive topics encountered (detailled in the trigger warnings at the top of this review). Something else that contributed to Callum being difficult in places to read was that I knew how it had to end – there was no way out of it (unless there was to be an alternative series written . . .). As I got closer and closer to the final page, I really did not want it to end the way that it had to, but I understand and appreciate that the story had to resolve itself so that it fit into the series’ timeline.
Overall, I recommend Callum to anyone who has enjoyed the series, and the Noughts and Crosses series to an audience aged 13+.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trigger Warnings: Guns; Violence
Callum is effectively an alternative ending to Noughts and Crosses. This book’s events fit seamlessly into the story’s timeline, to the extent that Callum could have been the ‘actual’ ending! I also loved how it is so obvious where this book starts, in the context of the Noughts and Crosses timeline, so that I knew exactly what had just happened, and what events were about to happen.
Having watched the Noughts and Crosses TV series, I am wondering if Callum could be the way that it transitions into Knife Edge (as the end of either this book or Noughts and Crosses needs to happen for the programmes to progress into the next book). Given all of the tension and drama that Callum encompasses, I do think that this book would look really good on-screen – when reading, I was imagining these scenes playing out in my head! I am definitely looking forward to Series Two of Noughts and Crosses, and I cannot wait to watch it!
Understandably, Callum’s plot was thinner than the plot of a full-length novel. However, a lot did happen in such a short space of time, and the tension and drama throughout certainly did make up for this! This really does show what a skilled author Malorie Blackman is, as she has managed to perfectly create a short and dramatic alternative ending to Noughts and Crosses that fits into every aspect of the story’s timeline.
I was soooooo grateful for more Sephy and Callum scenes in this book, as I love it when these two characters are together (sparks literally do fly!). This really did contribute to more and more tension throughout the story, as I knew that what they were doing could have cost both of them their lives. This book also explored Jude’s character really well – he is such an interesting character! I love it how he’s had much more of a prominent role as the series has progressed, and this is enhanced even further in Knife Edge and Checkmate, when we read from his perspective.
Once again, Callum was not the easiest read due to the sensitive topics encountered (detailled in the trigger warnings at the top of this review). Something else that contributed to Callum being difficult in places to read was that I knew how it had to end – there was no way out of it (unless there was to be an alternative series written . . .). As I got closer and closer to the final page, I really did not want it to end the way that it had to, but I understand and appreciate that the story had to resolve itself so that it fit into the series’ timeline.
Overall, I recommend Callum to anyone who has enjoyed the series, and the Noughts and Crosses series to an audience aged 13+.
January 16, 2025
Noughts and Crosses offers a gripping and thought-provoking portrayal of a society where racism and power play a central role. Callum is a brave character who fights against prejudice and injustice, but at times his decisions feel hasty. Sephy, who comes from a powerful family, struggles to understand the difficulties that Callum and other Noughts face. Despite the book's depth and important message, some scenes can be difficult to read due to the intense emotions and tragic developments. The world of the book is very well-built and captivating, but the ending is somewhat predictable.
Overall, it's a powerful story that raises important questions about justice and love. However, it can be emotionally challenging, and the ending leaves a little to be desired.
Rating: 4/5
Overall, it's a powerful story that raises important questions about justice and love. However, it can be emotionally challenging, and the ending leaves a little to be desired.
Rating: 4/5
October 26, 2025
4.25🌟
'You and I have never belonged anywhere except with each other'
Interesting scenario of what-if and so romantic and emotional. I love Sephy and Callum and I swear that Blackman can only write amazing books. It wasn't my favourite but that's only because of the limited page length.
🌟more quotes:
'Being with you is the real and only cause worth fighting for'
'It didn't matter how far apart we were, in distance or time, I was hers'
'You've always met far more to me than anyone else'
'If heaven exists, then that would be it'
'It's her or me - or both of us'
'My shadow and my sarcasm are the only things I have left. And even my shadow has been known to desert me when the going gets tough'
'You and I have never belonged anywhere except with each other'
Interesting scenario of what-if and so romantic and emotional. I love Sephy and Callum and I swear that Blackman can only write amazing books. It wasn't my favourite but that's only because of the limited page length.
🌟more quotes:
'Being with you is the real and only cause worth fighting for'
'It didn't matter how far apart we were, in distance or time, I was hers'
'You've always met far more to me than anyone else'
'If heaven exists, then that would be it'
'It's her or me - or both of us'
'My shadow and my sarcasm are the only things I have left. And even my shadow has been known to desert me when the going gets tough'
May 18, 2023
3.5 stars!!
Basically just a “what if?” Scenario for the first book of the series, this book just reiterates that Callum and Sephy are literally star crossed lovers. No matter what happens fate is never on their side :(
I DIDNT BAWL MY EYES OUT (this time) WIN FOR ME IG
Also loved the nostalgic feel (even though it’s tragic) it’s been two years since I finished the first noughts and crosses book and I’m still very much grieving Callum.
Basically just a “what if?” Scenario for the first book of the series, this book just reiterates that Callum and Sephy are literally star crossed lovers. No matter what happens fate is never on their side :(
I DIDNT BAWL MY EYES OUT (this time) WIN FOR ME IG
Also loved the nostalgic feel (even though it’s tragic) it’s been two years since I finished the first noughts and crosses book and I’m still very much grieving Callum.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2023
A lovely little short showing Callums perspective and internal struggle with the decisions he's made. I love reading these little snippets and getting that knowledge on how two different characters think and feel in the same situation. This alternative ending shows what couldve been. A must read for fans of the series!
March 12, 2024
I liked this alternate version of the Naughts & Crosses ending but I much prefer the real version.
I think this one wouldn’t have led into as good a sequel as the original did.
Callum wouldn’t have died as a Naught martyr he would’ve just died in a shack where no one would find him and Sephy wouldn’t get to stand up for him at any point because there would be no trial or press.
I think this one wouldn’t have led into as good a sequel as the original did.
Callum wouldn’t have died as a Naught martyr he would’ve just died in a shack where no one would find him and Sephy wouldn’t get to stand up for him at any point because there would be no trial or press.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews