Called

by Gillian Fletcher

When Clementine Jones discovers a message from her long-lost father, her world turns upside down. Join her in the quest to learn who she is and what it is she is meant to do all without drawing notice from the Conglomerate Government.

ebook

About the author

Gillian Fletcher is a dystopian science fiction & mystery author and diarist whose creative output bridges high-concept novels, flash fiction, immersive storytelling, and original musical soundtracks. After a chance nudge from a guard at the Tower of London, they adopted a pen name gifted by a cherished mentor and began probing themes of digital defiance, modern alienation, and the immigrant experience. Their debut novel CALLED took second place in the 2024 Bookfest Awards, and their forthcoming work will appear in miniMAG and The Amazine. As a diarist, playwright, and digital artist, Gillian blends narrative and technology with depth and insight with a keen sense of humor.

Reviews

[J.C. Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this high-tech, cat and mouse thriller! Fun twist at the end!

[Gillian Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm incredibly biased.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"An amazing read that takes us on a young girl's search for truth and freedom"
I don't usually read sci-fi books, however, I approached this read with an open mind, and I loved it! I quickly became engrossed in the storyline. The author takes us on a fascinating journey with Clementine as she searches for the truth about her roots, and for the path she must take to survive in a futuristic world where every move is monitored and controlled by the Conglomerate government. The author's writing style makes it easy to connect with the characters and their environment as we follow the journey. Can't wait for the next read in this exciting series.

[Vonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Called had me hooked! A government that controls everything and a girl fighting to break free.... it’s intense, relatable, and impossible to put down. 5 stars!

[Ron Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it art imitating life or life forming the art? This is one of those books that you find yourself not able to put down. Compelling storytelling and a cast of characters easy to connect with. Looking forward to what comes next!

[Anna Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered this book and the author on TikTok. The plot was solid, fast-paced, and kept the reader guessing. My favorite chapters were the ones which featured the heroine, Clementine. I thought the science was believable and the plot eerily possible. Looking forward to more books by this independent author.

[Keasha M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story catches your attention and holds it throughout the book!!! This dystopian society is ruled by the conglomerate using stolen tech and ideas from Jonas, who is classified as subject number one. There are those who are trying to uncover all of his secrets even though he is long since passed.the conglomerate control everything and are looking to expand their reach and control to other parts of the world. In exchange for their protection and sustenance the citizens must provide a service, which typically requires them to have nuroports and link into the system. Clementine in one of these processors but she is using a different name to provide her service. One day things change drastically and the 2 people who raised her have died and she unlocks a message that sets her on a quest to find the truth while hiding who she actually is.

[Autumn Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I don’t read sci-fi and suspense a lot, but this was really good. There was some mystery, twists, suspense, action, and multiple perspectives which made it even better. I will be reading the second book very soon. I highly recommend!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read, and so relevant to the Conglomerate-like world we already live in. Looking forward to reading Clementine’s further adventures!

[Bill Cusano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this incredible story. I should change that and say it is not unbelievable. It is totally credible in today's technological world. There is so much I want to say about this story and Clem, but I don't want to reveal any of the secrets. Venture with your eyes and hearts open. You won't be sorry.

[Alinar Den · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just what I needed...
Realistic worlbuilding, fun structure, interesting characters.
It kept my mind occupied.
It kept me guessing.
Highly recommended! 😃

[Damselinthisdress21 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually read Sci-Fi books. I am usually a fantasy girlie through and through, but I am slowly but surely trying to expand my pallette. While this book definitely wasn't my favorite, it was still good in it's own right, and it is honestly, the best sci-fi book I have read thus far, not that I have too much experience as I have read like 3.
The world building was truly incredible. It lends a very believable view of the world and what could come of too much technological advancement.
Gillian first introduces us to Clementine on her grandparent's farm. She is a young girl who is shut off from the world and not allowed to leave the farm. Eventually, she rebells, starting off small, taking walks along a river, watching a stranger in a park, but eventually she decides to seek out said stranger in her search for knowledge.
Clementine ends up attending college to her grandparent's utter dismay, and moves on with her life away from the farm, until one day she receives a USB with a message from her father, completely changing her life as she knows it.
Fletcher takes us on Clementine's journey to find herself and learn more about her roots while trying to stay under the radar, not arousing the suspicion of the Conglomerate Government.
Overall, it was a very interesting read, and while I still am not the hugest fan of science fiction novels, I will definitely be giving the second book in this series a read once it comes out to continue on with the story.

[Marie Morganelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love dystopian fiction, I love a good story, I love a smart, kick-ass female protagonist, and I love good writing. “Called” has all of these. From the first page, I was hooked. Fletcher has built a frighteningly believable view of what our world can become. With themes of loyalty, family, and what it means to be an individual, this book stands up with the best of futuristic fiction. I can’t wait to read the sequel!

[Mackenzie Kerber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner. I read this book in just a few days, I couldn’t put it down. The level of detail that went into creating this new world is incredible. I can’t wait for the next book so I know what happens!!!