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Calec of the Woods #3

Knights, Witches, and the Missing: Dark Fantasy Mystery

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“Eeek! I loved this book so much!” – Amanda Felton, Book Blogger


The children of Hillsvale are disappearing. A feeling of dark magic lingers.

Over three decades ago the first child was lost and could not be found. Now, in the past year, twenty children have gone missing.

There are no traces left behind by these children and no clues. The locals claim the old wood spirit is stealing their children, but no one has ever seen this ghost or been able to track it. Most believe it is legend.

Calec of the Woods is summoned to assist the people of Hillsvale. Along with Serileen, Calec must uncover who or what is behind the abductions. And with magic returning to the world with the reemergence of the ancient sky sea, anything is possible.

Neither Calec nor Serileen could imagine what terrors stalk this land and them or what they will have to face with the people of Hillsvale to unravel all of the village’s ancient secrets.


Each Calec Horror Mystery is a complete story without a cliffhanger ending, but there are some secondary questions that continue throughout the series. These stories can be read and enjoyed in any order.

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Published January 13, 2024

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About the author

R.M. Schultz

25 books423 followers
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R.M. Schultz is a #1 best-selling author of fantasy and science fiction.

After reading Tolkien, Ryan wrote his first 100,000-word fantasy novel as a freshman in high school. When he’s not saving animals, he continues reading and writing fantasy and science fiction, and has done so for over two decades. Ryan founded and heads the North Seattle Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Group and has published over a dozen novels.

And more than anything, he wants to be knighted by George R.R. Martin.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Tiffany aka Chai Tea And Books.
977 reviews49 followers
February 24, 2024
I think this was my favorite so far in this series. I was
More invested in this one and didn’t want to put it down. I love the main characters and the way they complement each other. Each one has strengths that help cover the other’s weaknesses. They make a good team! I love the blend of medieval and mystical, and honestly had no idea what the ending of this one was going to be.

Calec and Serileen are back from the coast and are looking into her mother’s murder that occurred 21 years ago. While investigating their short list of suspects, a summons comes for Calec. Children are going missing in the south, and they need help. Natural or unnatural forces, they aren’t sure what they are up against, but it is escalating and the villagers are about to riot. Will Calec and Serileen be able to figure out what is happening before anyone else goes missing or gets hurt?

Thank you to Love Book Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Krystina.
261 reviews12 followers
February 28, 2024
I feel like this review might sound a little bit of a repeat of the last two of this series but I just completely adore reading the series and seeing how the world the R.M Schultz has created expands.Every time we get to step into Calec and Serileen's world we get to wander further out from settings we already know and into the unknown with them but this time we get to have interactions with characters already known to us. I found it really interesting to see how the dynamics between Calec and the King and to some degree the jester have changed since book one, it was really good to see Calec standing up for himself in a way he wouldn't have two books ago. I think he's much more comfortable with his chosen path than he was as a knight and it shows in how he interacts with people from that past life of his, and the lessons he learned from being a knight have stood him in good stead with the investigations he's undertaken.
I've really enjoyed seeing how Calec and Serileen's relationship has grown over the past two books, and how they've compromised in how that relationship is. Calec is very much someone who believes in marriage and would happily marry Serileen but the way she grew up and how relationships are between the people of the woods that's not really what happens. And there are other parts I'd happily talk about but you know I hate adding in spoilers so I will behave and not type it!
I think every book in the series is better than the last and the lore and world-building are fantastic so I'm very much looking forward to starting book four but I'm trying to pace myself because I don't want to get to the end of the published books before the new one comes out at the end of this year!
Profile Image for Sharey.
90 reviews
February 22, 2024
This was a captivating and engaging read that delves into the mystery of missing children in the village of Hillsvale. The story follows Calec of the Woods and Sherileen as they work together to uncover the truth behind the disappearances while facing ancient secrets and dark forces along the way.

Schultz creates a rich and immersive world filled with legends, magic and fascinating characters. This story gripped me from the very beginning, I was a little disorientated early one as I hadn't read the first 2 books in the series as I was under the impression that you didn't have to. The story quickly picks up and then I just couldn't put the book down. Calec and Serileen are such compelling characters that face personal struggles as they navigate the dangers of their quest. The dynamic between just adds an extra depth and complexity to the story, which makes it that much more engaging.

This is spellbinding read that will appear to fans of fantasy and mystery genres. Schultz has crafted a beautiful story with well-rounded characters and a plot that keeps you guessing they mystery until the end. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good fantasy book and I can't wait to read more from this amazing author.
Profile Image for Siobhain.
972 reviews46 followers
February 27, 2024
I have really enjoyed the first two books in this series and have to say that the third was just as good if not better than the previous two. It is the perfect blend of historical, fantasy and thriller and will appeal to fans of each or all genres. Once again we follow Calec and Serileen as they try and solve another mystery this time of missing children in Hillsvale.

Once again we get to see Calec develop, particularly where is want to focus on logic is tested by more magical means coupled with Serileen who often goes with a more open mind to the ‘cases’. (And of course Shep who is the best boy). The pacing is perfect for the story and genre and I love how we learn bits and pieces as we go. There was more than a few twists and turns that really keep you engaged as well. The writing is also fantastic, it reads like a high fantasy of sorts, but with the elements of the thriller and historical as well. You can easily envision yourself in the world along side our heroes as they go along their journey.

I cannot wait to read book four and will definitely re-read this series in the future. In the meantime I look forward to the next installments and more Serileen, Shep and of course Calec.
Profile Image for April.
455 reviews28 followers
February 26, 2024
Brilliant Book 3!

Well, then my favourite ex-Knight come wood dweller is back for his 3rd book.

Calec and Serileen have been requested to travel to a village to investigate the disappearance of their children that had been going on for over 30 years...

I honestly think these books get better and better the further into the series we get.

These can indeed be read as standalone novels as there are no cliffhangers, but of course, if you read them in order, you see the characters develop and understand some of their more complex backgrounds.

As always Calec is a fantastic character, though in this book you start to feel like he is starting to accept himself and I get an air of comtentment surrounding his identity compared to Book 1 where I think he was more troubled over it.

R.M Schultz has created a rich fantasy world without making the story too world heavy, which is great to see.

I do enjoy the little snippets of information you find out in each book surrounding a very old murder. I am saying no more on the subject, only that it links the books together nicely but doesn't leave a cliffhanger for those reding as standalones.
79 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2023
This is another great story, which isn't in my normal reading genre. I am looking forward to more of Calec's adventures with Serileen. I will be buying more of this series just to get the enjoyment of reading well written books. I don't purchase a lot of ebooks but I'll follow R.M. Schultz on his writing endeavors. I found it hard to put this book down and felt empathy for both of the main characters. Without Serileen, I believe the series would be over because of Calec's demise. She seems to be there to keep him from death in every story. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I found it very hard to stop reading at just about any point but had to. I read this book in about a day and I like the style and story lines of these books so far. I couldn't ask for a more enrapturing series to get lost in. Thank you for writing such a great series of books and each one is better than the last. If you like intrigue and well written mysteries than these are for you.
Profile Image for Tami Wylie.
671 reviews34 followers
February 29, 2024
Calec is summoned to the village of Hillsvale to find out why children are disappearing. He and Serileen, the witch, are not welcomed by everyone upon their arrival. Almost immediately they both see that the cause of the disappearances is rooted in something dark and evil. It's going to take everything they have to save the children. I really love these two characters and have enjoyed watching their relationship grow and develop throughout the course of the series. Serileen seems to be a bit more compassionate in this one, especially when it comes to the children and her love for Calec. Calec shows his love by trying to solve the murder of her mother long ago. I'm really hoping the the hints of the two of them starting a family will become a reality in the next book. As ever, the world building in this book is exceptional and puts you into the action immediately. I'm so glad that there is another book on the way, as this is one of those series that you never want to end.
Profile Image for Echizero Rincewind.
95 reviews3 followers
July 13, 2024
A good mystery fantasy story. Very original and well explained.
Clear descriptions and a bit of action.
This is not a mindless adventure where action fulfill the story. It's a mystery, where the thoughts of the main characters lead the story. And they are not super lucky powerfull beings, but almost normal people with flaws wich make mistakes. That's the bright of it.

In my opinion this is the weakest book of the series because, though it can still be read as a stand alone, it has a great part of it devoted to the secondary story, wich is going to dwell upon the whole series.
That's not bad (a background story holds the series as a whole), just leaves you with an unfilled hole at the end, while the other books pass over it as something from the past wich can wait for a while. Fortunatly you can get another Calec's mystery story soon enough. So far there are 9.

Nevertheless, the mystery part will catch you till the end.
Profile Image for Gemma Best.
483 reviews
February 18, 2024
I think ‘Knights, Witches and the Missing’ is my favourite Calec of the Woods book so far. Calec and Serileen travel to Hillsvale to investigate missing children. The town seems to have a lot of secrets and it’s difficult to know who can be trusted.

We really get to know Serileen better in this book and I love her independence and the witches' customs. She really goes through it and I wish she could talk to Calec about how she is feeling. She seems to be so much older than Calec in so many ways but they make a really good team.

This series is really entertaining and easy to read. I love how magic is woven into the story and how it affects people who don’t have it. I am really looking forward to reading the next book.

I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
500 reviews20 followers
March 20, 2024
This is my favourite Calec book so far! They've all been great,  but I've enjoyed this one the most. 

Calec really feels like he's grown up and accepted that he is "of the woods" in this book. His character has developed so much since the first book. His understanding and trust in the witches has also increased in this book. 

The pacing, world building, and language are all brilliant. Each book expands on the one before, but they can also be read as standalone stories. 

As a parent, stories about missing children are always going to hit hard.  But in some ways, that makes the book better for me. I become so emotionally invested in the story because my inner Mum is just desperate for a happy ending.

I quite honestly will read this series forever if the author keeps writing. Even if there's 100 Calec books, I'm reading them all. 
Profile Image for Sapphyre Haynes.
337 reviews10 followers
March 1, 2024
This is book 3 of The Calec of The Woods Mystery Thriller series and I've really been enjoying how each book has its own storyline but that they all intertwine with an overarching mystery/storyline.
So far, this is my favourite of the series. I think this is mainly because I'm more invested the characters. I love Serileen, I think she is my favourite character. She seems to understand herself but at the same time learning more about herself as the stories progress (this makes sense in my head 😅).
Although Calec had grown more comfortable with his life with the witches in the woods in the last book, it felt like he was a lot comfortable with himself and his place there in this book.
I am really enjoying this series and I look forward to continuing with it 😊
22 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2022
Thrilling mystery/fantasy
An enjoyable mystery mixed with fantasy and the supernatural. This is the third book in the series and it’s a bit different with the mystery involving the disappearance of children instead of murder. I thought it was a great twist of a mystery and kept me engaged and turning pages throughout. The book also has an outstanding group of support characters/suspects, ones that not only add their own life to the story, but add so much to a mystery like this, when you’re thinking through who could it be? This series keeps getting better and I can’t wait for the fourth book!
Profile Image for callistoscalling.
920 reviews24 followers
February 15, 2024
Another thrilling mystery to add to the RM Schulz collection! While there is a list is suspects, no one knows who is taking the missing children, as our protagonist Calec steps up to try and save the day again. Poetic language and perfectly paced action move the story as Calec wonders if his presence is a help or a reminder of the dark past. Deductive reasoning and problem solving mixes delightfully with ancient mysteries and magic as Calec works to solve where the missing children are going and if a dark force is behind it. Knights Witches and the Missing is a beautifully told story filled with emotions that run as deep as the mysteries from the dark woods.
Profile Image for Dwayne Mathers.
115 reviews7 followers
February 26, 2024
I have become engrossed in this series and each book keeps bringing great storylines and character growth. Calec has been asked by the King to visit a town that has asked for help in discovering why children are going missing. When Calec and Serileen arrive they are not greeted well by some of the locals.

The book can be read as a standalone but there is a story ark that continues from book 2, though this is not a large element of the story as a reader it is nice to see a background story spanning across the novels and I look forward to seeing how this develops. The character growth continues in a very strong way and I love both the characters of Serileen and Calec. Another great addition to a series I’m thoroughly enjoying.
193 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2022
Good mystery and magic. Calrec and Serileen travel to the southern part of the kingdom at the king's request. The residents of that part of the kingdom ask for the king's help because they suspect a necromancer living in the forest is kidnapping their children. Calrec doubts magic, but his doubt is weakening. Serileen, after visiting the forest, believes something evil not of this world is there. Very good story, look forward to next book in series. I should note I got an Advance Reader Copy.
25 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2022
A phenomenal twist and continuation of a series of very original fantasy mysteries with high tension.

Also has excellent world building, life-like characters, and writing that makes you 'see' everything.

I don't know how the author does that last part, but I feel like I'm watching it in a theater sometimes. Other times it's as if I'm walking in the characters' shoes and feeling the wind and trees and people and tension growing around me.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,510 reviews25 followers
October 3, 2022
Knights, Witches, and the Missing: A Fantasy Murder Mystery and Paranormal Thriller with Suspense (Fantasy: A Calec of the Woods Mystery Thriller Book 3), my fourth read from author R.M. Schultz. Well-written, entertaining & enjoyable fantasy read. I'll read more from this author. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Profile Image for Bookish Coffee UK.
312 reviews19 followers
February 26, 2024
I have fully enjoyed this series so far and I must say this was my favourite so far! They just keep getting better and better!

It grabbed me quickly as I wondered who / what was causing the children to disappear and where they were going.

I feel that we get to know Serileen more as they investigate together.. hopefully one day she can open her mine to voicing herself more!

Anyway what an epic adventure for part 3! Bring on part 4!!
Profile Image for Maddie.
486 reviews17 followers
February 27, 2024
This is book three in the Calec of the Woods series. While this book could be read as a stand-alone, the ark from the last book is carried out into this book although not as a big part. To read this book without at least reading book two you miss out on great character growth. With this book, the word building has been expanded and I have to say this is one of my favorite book worlds. This series is one I recommend for fans of fantasy.
27 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2022
Wow!

So gripping and original.

This series is growing and progressing in a way I love and is not more of the same.

If you want to read fantasy with great plotting, tension, mystery and intricate prose that makes you feel like you can see and feel the characters and scenes, you might enjoy these books.
132 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2022
This is an interesting and very readable blend of the supernatural and good old fashioned mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

I received a free ARC copy of this book and am under no obligation to review it.
13 reviews
July 18, 2022
I devoured this book! This unique mystery series keeps getting better and better. With each book comes amazing character growth. Impossible to put the book down, R.M. Schultz has captured the perfect blend of character development, world building and mystery.
26 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2022
My favorite kind of writing and stories. Engaging and vivid.

Great mystery and fantasy combo with thriller-like pacing.

You'll NEVER see the ending of this one coming.

I loved it!
5 reviews
July 18, 2022
Wow! This third book was phenomenal. I can't get enough of this series. Hands down, one of my favorite authors now! I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Sam Symonds.
240 reviews8 followers
February 21, 2024
I enjoyed reading books 1 and 2 in the Calec of the Woods series, but Knights, Witches, and the Missing has to be my favourite so far!
It feels like Calec has finally started to understand and respect the witches in this book, and accept that he is also one of the people of the woods and what that means.
Anything that deals with kids missing or anything like that really hits me, so the storyline of children going missing no matter what the adults do has me in its grip. The possibility of something like that happening to my own children made for a more emotional experience than I was expecting to have.
The one thing about this book that frustrated me was Serileen. I still like her character but her responses and attitude towards things in this book made me incredibly frustrated with her. And I do really like her so I’m hoping the frustration goes away in the next book 😅
As I mentioned before this book has been my favourite in the series so far, the storyline, the characters, the setting, the pacing, all of it was soo on for this book!
6 reviews
July 6, 2024
Somehow I missed this book in the series. I'm so glad I went back and read it. I enjoy this author so much.
Profile Image for kirsty.
1,242 reviews80 followers
February 23, 2024
I love books that combine two genres together, and, I always appreciate it when a genre combines with a mystery as that is one of my favourite genres. I don't think I have read many fantasy books that combine with mystery, but, I really enjoyed this and I think it did it very well.

I really like the writing, I have read a few things by this author and the writing style is always very engaging and really draws me in, the story is compelling and the characters are well developed and I found myself really liking Calec and Serileen and thinking about them long after the book had finished.

I loved the mystery element in this book, it was full of suspense and tension and the whole thing was quite dark, there were parts when I felt like I couldn't breathe, with it surrounding the disappearance of children and local legends believing that it is the wood spirit, an old ghost who steals children and leaves absolutely no trace. I loved reading about the legend but also going along on the journey whilst old secrets that the village would prefer to stay hidden unraveled.

I would definitely recommend and I will be reading more from this author in the future for sure
Profile Image for jennifer langdon.
615 reviews17 followers
March 16, 2024
This has to be my favourite in the series so far.
It was a thrilling mystery that truly keeps you on your toes.
When children started disappearing, Calec and Serileen were sent to Hillsvale.

I felt we got to find out a lot more about Serileen in this book. And it seemed Calec was a bit more acceptive of Magic.
And i loved learning about the old legends and secrets.

I am truly enjoying Calec's adventures with Serileen, and I'm looking forward to more books in the series
Profile Image for Sonja Charters.
2,586 reviews133 followers
March 3, 2024
This is the third book in this exciting series - A Calec of the Woods Mystery Thriller.
There are currently 9 books in this series, so plenty of story to get hooked on and having read books 1&2 a couple of weeks ago, Knights, Witches And Murder and Knights, Necromancers and Murder, and loving it, I couldn't wait to continue the journey.

I'm really loving this series and think that the storylines are getting better and better.

Although connected, these are great standalone reads.

I love how the storylines for each book are complete and leave us with no questions or great cliffhangers - which make them totally accessible in whatever order you'd like - but I am really loving going through these in order and seeing how the characters are developing.

In this book, Calec is much more at ease with his identity, which is lovely to see.
Working closely together with Serileen allows him to gather some more background on his upbringing and also adds another viewpoint to the mysteries that are being unfolded.

This storyline had me gripped - being a mum, always more sensitive to plots involving children - especially having them going missing!
But along with this, I think the writing style is just so good that it draws you in from the first page. Just who...or what is it that's taking the children....and why!?
Well, you'll have to give it a read and find out for yourself! ....
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