The Call of Thunder: Hidden Heroes Series Book One

by Sarah Blynne

She’s desperate to break out of a life of hiding. But doing so could get her killed.

Twenty-year-old Havanna wants nothing more than to use her powers without reserve. However, she's forced to hide in a village, away from the evil, power-hungry Dormant King. Using her lightning power could expose her to the Backers—who do the Dormant King's dirty work in hunting down her kind—and the bloodthirsty, fatal Dormants.

Havanna’s desperation moves her to use her power for the first time, but with disastrous consequences. To make things right, she breaks out of hiding to hunt down the Dormant King. While searching for clues, understanding the scope of her power, and exploring the kingdom she begged to see her whole life, she finds that this quest is more difficult than expected. Will she be able to face the Dormant King on her own, or will she have to form an alliance of trusted confidants to help her?

265 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2025

Reviews

[Katlyn Bolingbroke · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first reaction was this is a book I would gladly reread in the near future. It kept my interest the entire time. I could feel the authors passion for writing through out the entire novel. There were times were I couldn't understand what I was feeling during a particular interaction between characters or a certain scene. The call of thunder is an amazing action packed book that I would highly recommend. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gee Readssss · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Call of Thunder is a YA fantasy novel written by the author Sarah Blynne, published in September of 2024. Spanning 279 pages, it marks the first installment in the Hidden Heroes series. Aimed at readers aged 15 to 18, this debut weaves elemental magic, rebellion, and self-discovery into a fast-paced coming-of-age adventure. At the heart of the story is Havanna—a young woman with lightning powers who’s spent her life hiding to survive. But when she finally reaches her breaking point, the fallout is both explosive and transformative. Her journey from fear to fierce determination is as gripping as it is relatable. She’s imperfect, impulsive, and entirely human—making her growth throughout the book both believable and satisfying. The world-building is vivid and immersive, with a kingdom steeped in fear under the Dormant King’s rule. The stakes feel high from the very first chapter, and the tension rarely lets up. I appreciated how the narrative balances action with introspection, as Havanna not only confronts external threats but also wrestles with her own identity and power. While romance takes a backseat in this installment, the plot more than makes up for it with its adventure, emotional depth, and promise of alliances to come. If you enjoy stories with strong female leads, elemental magic, and high-stakes rebellion, The Call of Thunder is worth picking up.

[Angela Brannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the general premise of this and the storyline. However, most of the book felt like I was reading a Legend of Zelda game walkthrough. The foods mentioned were similar to the kinds in the video games and the different areas and map descriptions felt derivative. This interfered in the flow of the story for me, since I am a huge Zelda fan and kept comparing book items to game items.

The FMC Havanna did grow on me as she made her way through the land exploring and trying to figure out the location of the big baddie. Her companion creature was unique and I really liked the way he could transform into an eagle, horse or mouse as needed.

The MMC Quill was introduced late in the book, which did not give them a chance to bond. I would have liked them to meet up a little sooner. I am looking forward to see how the author plays out the storyline in the next book.

I think this story would really appeal to a younger reader base. I think tweens, especially gamers, would enjoy the references and familiar terrain of video games. I would recommend this story for that readership without reservation.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anna Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow college leaves no time to read!

I received this book as an ARC and I did enjoy it! The plot kept me hooked until the very end. I did enjoy the little character quirks and the consistency there with the fireflies, and where she found joy in life. The plot itself was interesting to read. It’s been a while since I’ve read a wholesome, traditional, YA novel and it was refreshing. The continuous forward movement of the book was enjoyable, and the pacing kept me engaged but didn’t seem to go too fast.
Something that I found to be a bit of a struggle is that the writing errs on the juvenile side, and there were moments where I felt pulled out of the scene due to long explanations. I do wish we would have met Quill sooner, but I’m looking forward to getting to know him better in future books!

[Nospicereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an ode to all the girlies tho love the Legends of Zelda, who wonder what it would be like if Link was a girl. The world building was easy to follow and had some similarities to LOZ, but was unique in its own way! The main character goes through so much in a short period of time and has to learn to deal with her grief while fulfilling her destiny.
She is strong, resilient, and is done hiding her true self. There is little romance in this first book, it reads more high fantasy with a the smallest bit of potential romance at the end of the book. I look forward to seeing where this series goes! Thank you so much to Sarah for gifting me an arc copy of this book, I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Sentinelle23 · Rating 3 out of 5]

⛈️⚡️Intriguing.

Havanna was having another terrible recurring nightmare, linked to her early childhood.

She woke with a start, sweating and her heart pounding.

It took her a moment to remember where she was, and that she was safe...

>>>>

An amazing Fantasy/Superhero novel that tells the story of the misadventures of a young protagonist, Havanna, searching for her roots.

I really liked her shapeshifting pet and protector, Bolt (a very imaginative touch from the author).

I really enjoyed the end of the novel, starting around chapter 10, which is 82% of the way through the book, with the introduction of a new character: Quill.

What a shame he didn't appear sooner.

The ending made me want to read the sequel.

To discover.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Call of Thunder by Sarah Blynne
What you'll find in this book:
⛈ A naive, rebellious heroine
⛈ Tragic consequences 
⛈ Strong female mentors
⛈ Elemetal magic
⛈ A quest to destroy evil
Genre: Fantasy 
This book did have some moments I liked but overall didn't hold my interest that well. I didn't care for the insta love aspect (no romance though). I bet this book would appeal more to younger readers.
Favorite quote: “Just because someone looks happy doesn’t mean they’re not hiding some sort of sadness."
Favorite scene: Calista taking Havanna in
Favorite character: Havanna (our main female character)
Received a copy from BookSirens, review is my own

[Bailey Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this original story line of descendants and banding together to beat the dormant king. Havana’s transformation from a hiding girl to a determined battle ready descendant was amazing to read. She went through so many betrayals and challenges so I’m glad Quill found her. There’s a part of me that hopes her family is still alive! This story has me hooked for the next book in the series due to adventure, sparks of romance, and the magical abilities of those trying to defeat the dormant king. I can’t wait to read more about Havana and the other descendants that I hope she can recruit along the way!

[Carol Demmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story. Havanna is a Decentant and has been raised to hide her powers until she decides to see what she can do when she is twenty. She will bring the Backers and Dormants to destroy her village looking for her. She then decides that she must find the other Decentants and kill the Despontant King. She will face danger, find new friends and will have an Decentant come to her rescue when she was deceived into going to Luna Island. Quill will agree to help find the rest of the Decentants with her. This book ends in a cliff-hanger that leaves you wanting to read the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! This was SO good… a young adult adventure where identity, angst and full on action kept this reader on the edge of her seat while also wanting desperately to shake the main female character, Havanna, for being taken in by people repeatedly!

Enjoyed this clean and, also at times, emotionally charged story… but the reader must find out what happens next in the second book… bring it on quickly!!!

Really enjoyed this writer’s work and would love to read more - well done!

I received this advanced reader copy via BookSirens and am leaving my own opinion voluntarily.

[Meg Bozarth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! Read it in one sitting. Really enjoyed the book! I liked the characters and I enjoyed getting to learn their personalities. I like the world building and the author did a great job at hooking the reader in from the beginning and keeping them engaged and interested through the whole book.

My only complaint is that we didn’t get to meet the MMC sooner.

Very great book and I’m excited to read more from the author!

[Beth Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has all the keys to a good story. I found that I didn’t like the main character. She seems a little too obtuse and the writing is a bit juvenile. The world the book builds though is so much fun. And the storyline keeps you engaged. Will I read all the other books? Yep. I need to know what happens next !.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a coming of age fantasy about a young girl with elemental powers. It's got heart break and action. I enjoyed reading it and didn't want to put it down.

This being the authors first fantasy books with elemental powers was superb. I'd highly recommend reading for fantasy adventure vibes. It reminded me of video game rpgs.

I did receive this as an advance review copy and I'm leaving this review voluntary.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a strong start to the Hidden Heroes series, it had that element that I wanted and was expecting. The characters were wonderfully done and was hooked from the package. Sarah Blynne has a strong writing style and can't wait for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laney Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good start for someone who hasn't published fantasy before this point. Though I have to say the story only really picked up halfway through the book. Before that point it was very slow to get through. But once everything started happening at the midpoint, I was glued to the pages. Already starting the next book and I'm excited to see where it leads

[Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world building and lore was so good! Definitely kept me interested the whole time.

[Star · Rating 3 out of 5]

** 3 stars **

[Laurie Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all, hidden talents, suspense, mysteries to unearth, action, and self-doubt. It is an engaging read of sword and quest. Well recommended for any fantasy readers.

[Read With Grace White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good book! Well written. Chef kiss!

[Megan Miller · Rating 2.75 out of 5]

Struggled to get into this one but it’s so worth it to set the stage for the next two books.