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Darkness Calling
Even the smallest light can dispel the dark
In the Queendom of Valdaron, dreams turn dark and a force older than memory stirs. The Garden Born siblings, with guidance from their parents and mentors, must master their extraordinary gifts and unravel hidden connections to face this ancient foe.
Dreams are woken
Lifelines are woven
Secrets are whispered
And the Darkness is calling...
In the Queendom of Valdaron, dreams turn dark and a force older than memory stirs. The Garden Born siblings, with guidance from their parents and mentors, must master their extraordinary gifts and unravel hidden connections to face this ancient foe.
Dreams are woken
Lifelines are woven
Secrets are whispered
And the Darkness is calling...
338 pages, Paperback
Published October 24, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 22, 2026
NOTE: I received an ARC copy of the book from the author to review; however, all the opinions expressed in the review are my own
Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect before I read Darkness Calling. Tonally, it differed greatly from what I expected, but it has its own whimsicality. Two brothers of a Garden Born house are assigned distinct roles in their community, the Queendom of Valdaron, at their Calling Rites. The youngest, Skillian, is assigned to be a Weaver, mages in charge of the lifelines of the community. While the Seers assign his elder brother Anjohn to be taught under them. However, while the two boys leave their home behind to learn their respective new roles, they uncover dark secrets about their own magic and their family’s past. Meanwhile, their mother, Skandie, a Brewer’s wife, struggles with her own identity as she develops her own zoolinguist abilities.
Initially, the reader is introduced to quite a lot of characters at the beginning of the novel, and I initially struggled to remember everyone’s names and their relationships with each other. Likewise, it was often common for the POV to switch between multiple characters within the same scene, which made it difficult for me to distinguish between the characters. However, with time I could get a good grasp of all the main characters and their respective relationships. Otherwise, I actually found the prose itself to be quite wonderfully simple, making it more than accessible for its young audience.
There are actually three main POVs throughout the narrative: Skandie’s, Skillian’s, and Anjohn’s. While I initially found it unconventional for Skandie to have such a prominent POV in a middle-grade book. She’s the deuteragonist of the novel, it was often compelling to connect with her own struggles about her true identity and abilities which she balances with trying to understand her own daughter’s growing zoolingualism abilities. While Skandie is content with her more domestic role in the Garden, her youngest, more restless daughter, Anjanette, acts as a foil to her own nature, despite her great love for her. Likewise, many of the final chapters directly relate to Skandie’s own family history.
However, I definitely found Skillian’s POV to be the strongest of the narrative. As the lifeline, emotion, and memory-sharing abilities of the Weavers reminded me a bit of a combination between the Fates of Greek mythology and Lois Lowry’s The Giver. Likewise, the mentor and mentee relationship in the later work, The Giver, is mirrored in Skillian’s relationship with The Sage, an elder weaver, who has his own secrets.
Anjohn’s POV wasn’t really my cup of tea, as initially, it’s not that distinct from Skillian’s. Though, for what it’s worth, it focuses a bit more on him standing up to a bully, which provides a great lesson for children. And his own abilities as a Seer, who can predict the future through dreams, greatly impact the final events of the novel.
Ultimately, though there were a few times I wished the prose could have been more vivid, on the whole with its focus on familial bonds, unique magic systems, and worldbuilding, Darkness Calling holds great potential as the first book of a middle-grade fantasy series.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect before I read Darkness Calling. Tonally, it differed greatly from what I expected, but it has its own whimsicality. Two brothers of a Garden Born house are assigned distinct roles in their community, the Queendom of Valdaron, at their Calling Rites. The youngest, Skillian, is assigned to be a Weaver, mages in charge of the lifelines of the community. While the Seers assign his elder brother Anjohn to be taught under them. However, while the two boys leave their home behind to learn their respective new roles, they uncover dark secrets about their own magic and their family’s past. Meanwhile, their mother, Skandie, a Brewer’s wife, struggles with her own identity as she develops her own zoolinguist abilities.
Initially, the reader is introduced to quite a lot of characters at the beginning of the novel, and I initially struggled to remember everyone’s names and their relationships with each other. Likewise, it was often common for the POV to switch between multiple characters within the same scene, which made it difficult for me to distinguish between the characters. However, with time I could get a good grasp of all the main characters and their respective relationships. Otherwise, I actually found the prose itself to be quite wonderfully simple, making it more than accessible for its young audience.
There are actually three main POVs throughout the narrative: Skandie’s, Skillian’s, and Anjohn’s. While I initially found it unconventional for Skandie to have such a prominent POV in a middle-grade book. She’s the deuteragonist of the novel, it was often compelling to connect with her own struggles about her true identity and abilities which she balances with trying to understand her own daughter’s growing zoolingualism abilities. While Skandie is content with her more domestic role in the Garden, her youngest, more restless daughter, Anjanette, acts as a foil to her own nature, despite her great love for her. Likewise, many of the final chapters directly relate to Skandie’s own family history.
However, I definitely found Skillian’s POV to be the strongest of the narrative. As the lifeline, emotion, and memory-sharing abilities of the Weavers reminded me a bit of a combination between the Fates of Greek mythology and Lois Lowry’s The Giver. Likewise, the mentor and mentee relationship in the later work, The Giver, is mirrored in Skillian’s relationship with The Sage, an elder weaver, who has his own secrets.
Anjohn’s POV wasn’t really my cup of tea, as initially, it’s not that distinct from Skillian’s. Though, for what it’s worth, it focuses a bit more on him standing up to a bully, which provides a great lesson for children. And his own abilities as a Seer, who can predict the future through dreams, greatly impact the final events of the novel.
Ultimately, though there were a few times I wished the prose could have been more vivid, on the whole with its focus on familial bonds, unique magic systems, and worldbuilding, Darkness Calling holds great potential as the first book of a middle-grade fantasy series.
February 22, 2026
First I wanna say thank you Liston for letting me be an ARC reader for this book! Second I just wanna say that this is one of my first ever real reviews (besides for the short blurbs I’ve written) and I might be repetitive! Anyways it was phenomenal. The unique universe was just overflowing with lore that just made it so interesting. It was definitely a wholesome read, it really outshone in character development. I’d recommend this book for any one wanting a lighter read but still had great characters and had an atypical plot to it. The only ONE thing I didn’t like was that women/girls couldn’t be mages. I loved all the different groups, if you wanna call them that, but where are the women? Maybe it’ll be revisited in the next book on why they aren’t allowed to be mages but it just ticked me off. Another thing that was so well done was the different perspectives, they were beautifully written and didn’t make me want to skip over them (I know all of us have experienced this). I also loved how family centered it was. It was really a highlight in the story and I think what really made this wholesome because they all supported each other with their full hearts.
In the end a 5/5 read, super good, and I would totally recommend it!
In the end a 5/5 read, super good, and I would totally recommend it!
March 17, 2026
I went into Darkness Calling by Vic Liston expecting a fairly classic fantasy adventure… and while it does deliver that, it also surprised me in quieter, more meaningful ways.
This is one of those stories that doesn’t rush to impress you—it slowly pulls you in, wrapping you in its world until you realize you actually care a lot about what happens next.
At the center of the story are the Garden Born siblings, each carrying their own unique abilities and emotional weight. When a growing darkness threatens their world, they’re forced to step into something bigger than themselves—and not always gracefully. And honestly? That’s what makes it feel real.
What stood out to me most was the family dynamic. This isn’t a lone-hero narrative. It’s messy, layered, and sometimes frustrating, like real relationships. The siblings don’t always get it right, but they try—and that effort, that loyalty, is what gives the story its emotional core.
The world itself feels soft-edged but intriguing. Magic exists, but it isn’t flashy for the sake of it—it feels tied to purpose, to identity, to balance. There’s a quiet kind of wonder here that reminded me of older fantasy stories I used to love, where the journey mattered just as much as the destination.
That said, the pacing leans more slow and thoughtful than action-packed. It takes its time introducing characters and building the world, which might not work for everyone, but I found it comforting, like settling into a story that wants you to stay awhile.
If I had one small critique, it’s that, with multiple perspectives, it can take a bit to connect with each character fully. But once you do, it clicks.
By the end, I wasn’t hooked because of epic battles or shocking twists—I was hooked because I cared. About the siblings. About what they might lose. About who they’re becoming.
And sometimes, that kind of connection hits harder than anything else. A gentle but gripping fantasy about courage, connection, and facing the dark—even when you’re not ready.
This is one of those stories that doesn’t rush to impress you—it slowly pulls you in, wrapping you in its world until you realize you actually care a lot about what happens next.
At the center of the story are the Garden Born siblings, each carrying their own unique abilities and emotional weight. When a growing darkness threatens their world, they’re forced to step into something bigger than themselves—and not always gracefully. And honestly? That’s what makes it feel real.
What stood out to me most was the family dynamic. This isn’t a lone-hero narrative. It’s messy, layered, and sometimes frustrating, like real relationships. The siblings don’t always get it right, but they try—and that effort, that loyalty, is what gives the story its emotional core.
The world itself feels soft-edged but intriguing. Magic exists, but it isn’t flashy for the sake of it—it feels tied to purpose, to identity, to balance. There’s a quiet kind of wonder here that reminded me of older fantasy stories I used to love, where the journey mattered just as much as the destination.
That said, the pacing leans more slow and thoughtful than action-packed. It takes its time introducing characters and building the world, which might not work for everyone, but I found it comforting, like settling into a story that wants you to stay awhile.
If I had one small critique, it’s that, with multiple perspectives, it can take a bit to connect with each character fully. But once you do, it clicks.
By the end, I wasn’t hooked because of epic battles or shocking twists—I was hooked because I cared. About the siblings. About what they might lose. About who they’re becoming.
And sometimes, that kind of connection hits harder than anything else. A gentle but gripping fantasy about courage, connection, and facing the dark—even when you’re not ready.
March 25, 2026
Vic ListonDarkness Calling:
Note: I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, but all opinions are my own.
I went into Darkness Calling expecting something fairly classic, and while it does have those elements, what stood out more was the narrative weight it places on family. That isn’t an unfamiliar trope in fantasy literature, but here it operates less as backdrop and more as the foundation the story builds on. In a middle-grade context especially, this focus allows the story to explore themes of loyalty and responsibility, where showing up for one another really matters.
The beginning does take some effort to settle into. There are a lot of names, characters, places, rites, alongside multiple POVs, which creates a fairly dense opening. It reads as a high-context narrative, where the reader is expected to orient themselves within the world as it unfolds. This initial cognitive load eases over time, but not immediately.
The story is set in Valdaron, where four siblings from the Garden Born family are chosen to follow each of the four magical paths- Brewer, Seer, Jeweler, and Weaver. As they leave home to train, their paths begin to intertwine, with family secrets surfacing alongside a growing darkness.
Magic here is not rendered through spectacle. Instead, it feels more intrinsic, tied to purpose, nature, identity, and even memory. The effect is a more grounded approach, where meaning comes less from display and more from how that magic functions and connects. I really enjoyed this representation of magic.
The writing is clear and accessible, well aligned with its middle-grade audience, though at times I found myself wanting more vivid detail.
By the end, what stayed with me wasn’t the plot so much as the characters, how they grow into their roles and how they show up for each other. The narrative is not built around a single hero or chosen one as such. It’s about relationships and bonding, driven by a strong emotional core.
Overall, a great character-driven, reflective fantasy that works best if you want a break from chaos and action.
Note: I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, but all opinions are my own.
I went into Darkness Calling expecting something fairly classic, and while it does have those elements, what stood out more was the narrative weight it places on family. That isn’t an unfamiliar trope in fantasy literature, but here it operates less as backdrop and more as the foundation the story builds on. In a middle-grade context especially, this focus allows the story to explore themes of loyalty and responsibility, where showing up for one another really matters.
The beginning does take some effort to settle into. There are a lot of names, characters, places, rites, alongside multiple POVs, which creates a fairly dense opening. It reads as a high-context narrative, where the reader is expected to orient themselves within the world as it unfolds. This initial cognitive load eases over time, but not immediately.
The story is set in Valdaron, where four siblings from the Garden Born family are chosen to follow each of the four magical paths- Brewer, Seer, Jeweler, and Weaver. As they leave home to train, their paths begin to intertwine, with family secrets surfacing alongside a growing darkness.
Magic here is not rendered through spectacle. Instead, it feels more intrinsic, tied to purpose, nature, identity, and even memory. The effect is a more grounded approach, where meaning comes less from display and more from how that magic functions and connects. I really enjoyed this representation of magic.
The writing is clear and accessible, well aligned with its middle-grade audience, though at times I found myself wanting more vivid detail.
By the end, what stayed with me wasn’t the plot so much as the characters, how they grow into their roles and how they show up for each other. The narrative is not built around a single hero or chosen one as such. It’s about relationships and bonding, driven by a strong emotional core.
Overall, a great character-driven, reflective fantasy that works best if you want a break from chaos and action.
April 1, 2026
Darkness Calling is a heartfelt tale that celebrates family and the unshakeable bonds that hold people together. The Garden Born siblings must unite, honing their magical abilities to protect everything they cherish as a rising darkness strikes at the very heart of their home.
The worldbuilding is thoughtful and immersive, offering a setting that feels both expansive and intimate. Its magic system is refreshingly unique, adding depth without ever overwhelming the story.
This is a gentle, comforting read, perfectly suited to its intended audience, and it carries a sincerity that makes it easy to sink into. The lore is imaginative and distinctive, grounding the world in a rich sense of history that sets everything up for book 2.
The worldbuilding is thoughtful and immersive, offering a setting that feels both expansive and intimate. Its magic system is refreshingly unique, adding depth without ever overwhelming the story.
This is a gentle, comforting read, perfectly suited to its intended audience, and it carries a sincerity that makes it easy to sink into. The lore is imaginative and distinctive, grounding the world in a rich sense of history that sets everything up for book 2.
March 14, 2026
Thoughts:
If you're into:
✅Multiple POVs
✅Familial Bonds
✅Magic and Nature
Then I think this book is for you!
Characters:
At first it was confusing to get who was who considering the fact that everyone and everything was being introduced all at once. I got the hang of it after awhile but it did take a bit of brain power to do so haha. I just loved seeing the family bond of everyone, it reminded me of my own and it put a smile on my face.
Pacing:
Around the start it's pretty fast paced, slows down a bit towards the middle, becomes a bit more fast paced near the end which was fun. ✨
Ending:
The redemption arcs, the tiny plot twists, the reveals UGH it was beautiful.
• What I can say that the story is the kind that you'll read when you just wanna shut your mind off. I honestly liked it because I've been reading way too many fast paced action packed books recently.
If you're into:
✅Multiple POVs
✅Familial Bonds
✅Magic and Nature
Then I think this book is for you!
Characters:
At first it was confusing to get who was who considering the fact that everyone and everything was being introduced all at once. I got the hang of it after awhile but it did take a bit of brain power to do so haha. I just loved seeing the family bond of everyone, it reminded me of my own and it put a smile on my face.
Pacing:
Around the start it's pretty fast paced, slows down a bit towards the middle, becomes a bit more fast paced near the end which was fun. ✨
Ending:
The redemption arcs, the tiny plot twists, the reveals UGH it was beautiful.
• What I can say that the story is the kind that you'll read when you just wanna shut your mind off. I honestly liked it because I've been reading way too many fast paced action packed books recently.
January 3, 2026
My daughter reads a lot of books. A lot! And she really loved this one.
March 24, 2026
I received this book as an ARC reader.
I am not a fantasy reader, never have been but I wanted to support the author and expand my genres.
The book hooked me from the beginning I loved the world Vic Liston has created. The story is from several POV and done exceptionally well. I usually struggle switching between different POV but this author blended it perfectly.
I loved and connected with all the characters, my nephew was a cat boy and I love the feline connection throughout the book.
Vic Liston has added great stakes throughout that makes you want to keep reading.
As I first mentioned I'm not a fantasy reader but I think my mind is slowly changing.
I can see young readers loving the world Vic Liston created and deciding what power they would prefer or would suit them.
It's a great, captivating story. I can't wait to see what's in store as the author develops the series.
I am not a fantasy reader, never have been but I wanted to support the author and expand my genres.
The book hooked me from the beginning I loved the world Vic Liston has created. The story is from several POV and done exceptionally well. I usually struggle switching between different POV but this author blended it perfectly.
I loved and connected with all the characters, my nephew was a cat boy and I love the feline connection throughout the book.
Vic Liston has added great stakes throughout that makes you want to keep reading.
As I first mentioned I'm not a fantasy reader but I think my mind is slowly changing.
I can see young readers loving the world Vic Liston created and deciding what power they would prefer or would suit them.
It's a great, captivating story. I can't wait to see what's in store as the author develops the series.
September 28, 2025
A darkness seeking dominance. A simple Brewer's wife. She is the mother of four sons who were destined for the four magics of Valdaron. A Jeweler, a Seer, a Brewer and a Weaver. All with their own magic gifts. Gifts they must rely on. And they must find their strength in both gift and in each other. It is the only way they can fight the darkness that threatens everything they've ever known.
Darkness Calling is written from many perspectives. Two can be difficult enough to keep track of, let alone more, but the author did a beautiful balancing act of multiple POVs without detracting from the story being told. The development of the individual characters was phenomenal and their individual relationships with each other and their masters were perfectly paced. And can we take a moment to appreciate the ending, and how much was accomplished given the ages of everyone involved?!
Unlikely friendships were formed, hearts were softened, strength was found and so was family, in many ways. I'm happy to give this five stars, one for each child.
Ravenheart Rating: 10/10
Be you, stay true.
Darkness Calling is written from many perspectives. Two can be difficult enough to keep track of, let alone more, but the author did a beautiful balancing act of multiple POVs without detracting from the story being told. The development of the individual characters was phenomenal and their individual relationships with each other and their masters were perfectly paced. And can we take a moment to appreciate the ending, and how much was accomplished given the ages of everyone involved?!
Unlikely friendships were formed, hearts were softened, strength was found and so was family, in many ways. I'm happy to give this five stars, one for each child.
Ravenheart Rating: 10/10
Be you, stay true.
September 26, 2025
Review is coming.
March 7, 2026
Darkness Calling is a story about family versus destiny. It is set in the Queendom of Valdaron. There is a subtle but unique magic system that incorporates 4 distinctive ‘magics.’ Brewer, Seer, Jeweller, Weaver. If chosen, apprentices are called to follow one of these paths. They leave their homes under the guidance of a Mage and learn the skills and magic associated with their path.
Families would usually only have one child called as an apprentice but the four Garden Born boys in this story are all called, something which has never happened before. It seems their individual destinies are entwined but as family secrets are revealed is a greater force at work? And what about their sister, Anjanette? She is not happy to have been left in the garden whilst her brothers follow their destinies. Could it be that she is also set to follow a path even more unique than them?
Darkness Calling is the first book in the Garden Born Series. I enjoyed following the various characters as their stories began to unfold. I suspect these will continue into the books that follow although this could be read as a standalone book. I would recommend to readers from about 9 years to adult who enjoy a fantasy story with a cast of characters that grow and entwine.
Families would usually only have one child called as an apprentice but the four Garden Born boys in this story are all called, something which has never happened before. It seems their individual destinies are entwined but as family secrets are revealed is a greater force at work? And what about their sister, Anjanette? She is not happy to have been left in the garden whilst her brothers follow their destinies. Could it be that she is also set to follow a path even more unique than them?
Darkness Calling is the first book in the Garden Born Series. I enjoyed following the various characters as their stories began to unfold. I suspect these will continue into the books that follow although this could be read as a standalone book. I would recommend to readers from about 9 years to adult who enjoy a fantasy story with a cast of characters that grow and entwine.
September 22, 2025
Darkness Calling is beautiful story about beautiful characters, but don’t be mistaken Darkness is Calling and the fate of the Queendom is in the hands of three youngsters.
V.J. Liston’s first book is beautifully written with great character development. It is the perfect book for young readers transitioning from children’s books to novels, but has something for everyone.
V.J. Liston’s first book is beautifully written with great character development. It is the perfect book for young readers transitioning from children’s books to novels, but has something for everyone.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews