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Callum Walker #2

The Convergence: Second Novel in the Callum Walker Series

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Expanding epic fantasy world and escalating stakes.

In a realm where magic, monsters, and betrayal shape the fate of nations, one man must confront the forces gathering against him.

Callum Walker survived the trials that would have destroyed most warriors—but survival was only the beginning. As ancient powers awaken and rival factions close in, the fragile balance holding the world together begins to fracture.

A dark queen rises. Powerful forces gather. Armies move in the shadows.

Callum and his allies must navigate dangerous alliances, primeval forces, and the growing realization that the war for the future of their world has already begun.

But some battles cannot be won with steel alone.

And the greatest threat may come from powers no one fully understands.

The Convergence continues the Callum Walker saga with high-stakes adventure, sweeping fantasy worldbuilding, and a hero forced to face the cost of destiny.

421 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 10, 2026

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About the author

J.M. Shaw

4 books14 followers
J. M. Shaw is an award-winning Canadian author who lives in Alberta with her husband and two young children. She’s been writing since childhood, building worlds from raw imagination and quiet observation, but it took years before she found the courage to share them. For Shaw, storytelling has always been more than a hobby; it’s a passion.

In 2019, Shaw was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, a turning point that brought clarity to a lifetime of feeling “too much” or “too different.” Her intense focus, emotional depth, and ability to live inside fictional worlds became not flaws but the superpowers of a neurodivergent mind. These qualities shape her stories, infusing them with realism, heart, and meaning, and giving her the courage to finally share her creative works. Her worlds may be fantastical, but her characters—flawed, searching, and deeply human—resonate on a personal level.

When she’s not writing, Shaw enjoys connecting with nature, curling up with a good book, and dreaming up new worlds. She also finds joy in encouraging young writers to pursue their own passions.

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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Rebekah Maciborsky.
82 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2023
I liked this one better than the first. The pacing was better and the tension built well. It was neat seeing her writing improve from the first to second book.

Callum Walker really cannot catch a break again. I really liked a lot of the side characters and it was great watching the characters grow.

There wasn't a lot of clear direction in the book. Most of it was just Callum taking things as they happened without really seeming to try to get anywhere.

However, it was a fun, quick read that I didn't want to put down until it was done.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
7 reviews
September 7, 2023
An easy and enjoyable read! I found much improvement since the first book as the author develops her writing style and flow. With constant action and misfortune happening to Callum, the book is interesting from start to finish. There was also satisfying character development for all old characters as well as the introduction of new and unique personalities.

I'm looking forward to the third book to see how this new development continues and where Callum's adventures will take him next.
Profile Image for Melina Lobo.
892 reviews104 followers
August 2, 2026
The Convergence is the second book in the Callum Walker series by J.M. Shaw and as someone who just read book one in April, I was looking forward to book two.

It’s been great watching Callum’s character develop from where he was in book one. This instalment feels a lot more fantastical, with plenty of adventure, big battles and powerful enemies. Alongside all the action, there’s also a lot of interpersonal drama that gives the story a touch of humanity. The layer of humour throughout helps balance the darker moments and keeps the pages turning.

I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first one and found myself far more invested in both the story and the characters. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Scribble's Worth Book Reviews.
240 reviews15 followers
March 17, 2025
Callum Walker makes his return in author J.M. Shaw’s second installment in her Callum Walker series. The Convergence will continue Callum’s story as the aftershocks of the war with the brothers continue to ripple throughout the magical world. But now, there is a new and bigger problem. All of the evil, cruelty, and darkness have opened up an avenue for an ancient evil to return to this world. This darkness will force Callum to return, whether he wants to or not.

The Convergence has a simplistic cover similar to the other books in this series. The Convergence depicts a forest scene decked out in varying shades of green spread out. Spread across the cover of this book are glowing orbs of light in varying sizes. These orbs appear to be depictions of magical energy. In the center of the cover is a young man appearing to be mostly decked out for a hike deep into the woods.

He’s carrying a backpack, wearing shorts, a baseball cap, and a long-sleeved jacket. From his posture, he appears to be hesitant, but set on what he must do – and that is to take the path laid ahead for him. There is a shimmer of mist in front of him that could be a representation of the Veil that he will be crossing back over as he crosses from the human realm, back into the realm of magic and danger at every turn.

As The Convergence begins to unfold author Shaw reunites readers with Commander Agis, the elf who serves Queen Esme, and who was responsible for some of Callum’s hardships in The Ascension. Commander Agis is not alone as he makes a trek across the land. With him is the infamous Queen Esme. The big questions of “Where are they going?” and “What are they doing?” will soon be answered with a few more turns of the page.

Queen Esme is on a quest for answers and Callum is the source of her consternation. She desires information about Callum and his unique power. Of course, her quest for answers is far from being “purely academic.” If you remember carefully dear reader, you’ll remember that Queen Esme craves Callum’s power. In fact, in The Ascension, she fully intended to kill him to acquire it. It appears that in The Convergence, little has changed when it comes to Queen Esme and she is a clear and present danger to Callum.

The first chapter in The Convergence closes with Agis and Emse parting ways. Agis has been given his “marching orders” and Esme expects him to follow like the good and loyal soldier he is supposed to be. The story shifts to the human realm where we will find Callum in relative “hiding.” After everything that Callum experienced in The Ascension, we honestly can’t blame him. He simply wants peace in his life.

Unfortunately, for Callum, peace is but a dream at this point. Regardless, readers will be pleasantly surprised to learn that despite the distance, Callum has remained in touch with the magical realm. Author Shaw fills readers in on some of what Callum has been up to in the second chapter of The Convergence. He spent a good amount of time across the veil learning with the druids before eventually returning home. But he has maintained a connection with them by giving a druid by the name of Jobella, a cell phone.

It’s through this means of communication that Callum’s self-imposed distance from the world across the veil is about to begin to crumble. Jobella and the other druids request him to investigate a strangeness plaguing the land. A village has gone silent and this silence worries those who care most about the residents. Author Shaw’s conjuring of a sense of impending danger at this point in The Convergence is sure to pull you to the edge of your seats.

While Callum reluctantly agrees what he finds when he goes there is jaw-dropping. All we’ll say is that it is a heralding of a dark and dangerous enemy rising and gathering power. Readers will be pleased that it’s not just Callum who will come to this revelation. Author Shaw sees the importance of having Jobella and another druid apprentice see it for themselves as well.

The Convergence proceeds forward alternating between Callum and a small collective of secondary characters. Told from the third person POV this story progresses forward mostly following Callum as he is pulled back into the world across the veil. He is also reunited with characters with whom he has some history and with whom he has never met before.

The deeper that readers proceed into The Convergence, the author Shaw impresses on us the impact that Callum’s encounters in The Ascension had on him. Callum is more jaded in The Convergence compared to book one. One really can’t blame him. People that he gave a degree of trust to ended up betraying him or taking advantage of his willingness and desire to be helpful.

The Convergence will showcase another side of Callum. In this installment of the series, readers will witness Callum being a touch less benevolent and kind. He’s slower to trust and quicker to hold a grudge. Forgiveness comes slowly from him, which lends Callum to coming off as more realistic. It also lends to showing Callum’s character development not just in The Convergence, but also across the Callum Walker series as a whole.

As The Convergence unfolds we get to see that once again, danger swirls all around. There is the threat of this evil darkness consuming life and leaving ash in its wake. Callum is being hunted by Queen Esme who turns around and puts a bounty on his head. Of course, this goes to compound the danger that Callum must face. While Esme wants him alive, so that she can steal his power, others aren’t so scrupulous and are willing to end his life.

The Convergence moves at a moderate pace and is relentless in the amount of drama that readers will encounter. Author Shaw showcases Esme’s depravity in her quest to maintain power and portray herself as a “benevolent” queen. Well, more like a queen who will do anything (and we mean ANYTHING) to quash any and all dissent towards her.

While Callum tries to distance himself from any form of relationship he finds himself making friends. The way that he constantly pushes individuals away is understandable. He suffered much loss in The Ascension. However, at the same time, his behavior and attitude towards those who try to win his friendship sets up a double standard that at times will have you questioning why some even try. His attitude just tends to be off-putting.

For a follow-up book in the Callum Walker series, The Convergence is a good addition to the series. It takes a while to get to see the title of the story tie in, but it’s a nice journey getting there. Once again readers will tag along as author Shaw puts Callum through the paces. He is pushed to struggle, survive, and overcome.

The Convergence is packed with magical creatures, drama, and yes, magic. While this book isn’t a burning page-turner, it will keep you engaged in what unfolds with Callum and the secret behind the divine magic that hides inside of him. Readers who enjoyed The Ascension will not want to miss out on Callum’s continued story in The Convergence.

Pros:

Nice amount of detail

Lots of magical creatures

A healthy amount of drama

Good character growth and development overall

Cons:

Callum’s attitude tends to be off-putting.

The story needed a more epic battle with the enemy.

Cover Score: 8.5/10

Overall Book Score: 8.6/10

Profile Image for Melodie.
6 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2023
Callum’s continuing adventure was just as riveting as in the first book. I really enjoyed the development of some of the characters that I met in the first book. I appreciate the authors humour and creative ideas.
Profile Image for Anthony.
Author 29 books223 followers
September 29, 2024
The Review

This was such a powerful and fantastic sequel. The latest entry in the Callum Walker series did an excellent job of building upon the mythos and world-building that the first book began and elevating the threats and creatures that populate both worlds. The second book utilizes powerful imagery of both the creatures and worlds in the author’s writing, allowing the reader to feel instantly transported each time the protagonist crosses over the veil between our world and the magical realm.

The first book plays with the protagonist accepting his growing power and role in the Winter War, and the second book explores how the protagonist steps into his role as a warlock and hero in the magical realm. From his connection to local druids to the tension mounting between himself and the Elven Queen Esme and the growing battle between the Goddess of Light and the Eternal Darkness, Callum’s story and journey grows exponentially in this second book.

The Verdict

Harrowing, richly developed, and entertaining author J.M. Shaw’s “The Convergence” is a must-read fantasy thriller and a grand entry in the Callum Walker series. The twists and turns in the story and the constant barrage of intrigue that the protagonist faces as the narrative progresses will keep readers enthralled until the book’s final chapter.
Profile Image for Chelsey Anderson.
268 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2024
I'm not sure what happened, but my previous review was deleted. I just wanted to say that this book was SO much more enjoyable to read, it flowed well and was easier to read!

What an adventure! I really enjoyed this story, and enjoyed all the wisdom within. Here's a few of my favorite quotes from the book:

" Dwelling on the past does not help our future."- Agis

"few remember that the light cannot be appreciated without darkness, nor can the darkness be known without seeing the light. Both are equally important in their own right."- Nyssa

" Why are you laughing?" Thea puzzles.

" It's better than crying," Callum says, then groans as his spasmodic snickering reveals a myriad of new aches and bruises. " I'm going to need some serious therapy if I survive all this," Callum grunts a laugh.

"all I want is to go home, but I don't even know where that is."- Calum

"You may never find the fulfillment you expect, but you can create your own peace and fill the yearning hole in your heart. "- Thea

"Not everyone is either a friend or enemy. Nothing is purely black or white but rather a spectrum of colors. Even the darkness and I have our depths and varying shades. "- Thea

"loneliness can be just as painful as losing those you care about." - Ummig

"All things come to an end. Sometimes we can become so caught up in the moment that we cannot see beyond our struggles."- Damostom

"Fear isn't a weakness. It can be a good thing. It keeps you alert to danger, and it's helped me stay alive this long. I wouldn't call it a pleasant feeling, but it is part of life. If you always suppress it, then how do you learn to conquer it?"- Callum

J.M. Shaw if you happen to make a revised version of this book, I'd like you to know that I happened to find typos on pages 19, 50, 277 & 383. Hopefully that helps! Thanks for the adventure!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,844 followers
October 11, 2024
‘Fear isn’t a weakness. It can be a good thing. It keeps you alert to danger’

Canadian author J.M. Shaw understands the spectrum of ADHD and autism and that fact imbues her creative writing of Young Adult fantasy fiction in her Callum Walker series: THE ASCENSION, THE CONVERGENCE, and THE FRACTURED VEIL.

Fantasy fiction succeeds best if the make-believe characters become visual and credible, allowing the strange new worlds’ occupants to enter our imagination and propel a storyline that captures attention from page one to the end. Shaw not only achieves that literary goal: she excels in creating the ongoing fantasy featuring Callum Walker. In this second episode Callum is now a warlock and hero of the magical realm painted in volume 1. The operatic grandeur of this journey into an imaginative, richly colorful world, with all of the elves, druids, oracles, and goddesses of Light and Eternal Darkness, becomes a reading experience that is captivating. This volume is a success on every level. Curtain up on satisfying imagination!
Profile Image for Randi-Lee Bowslaugh.
Author 28 books18 followers
May 9, 2025
Author JM Show gets better the more they write. I enjoyed the first book introducing us to Callum Walker and the magical realm; the second book was even better. I couldn't put it down, and I truly loved it from start to finish. 

As I hoped, Callum and the others introduced in book one continue their growth. Character development is an integral part of creating a memorable series. Just as we change through life, when it is reflected in a book, we can relate to the characters on a deeper level. 

The book was chock-full of moral dilemmas. Do the means justify the ends? Is the world black and white?

Titan, my new favourite character, comes to life in this book. He is a large wolf, which I imagine is gorgeous and super soft. His attitude and way of 'speaking' are just as I imagined my animals would speak. I want to see more of him! 

Overall, this was a great read. If you enjoy fantasy, pick up the Callum Walker series!
Profile Image for Dani Urban.
Author 12 books172 followers
July 13, 2026
The Convergence by J.M. Shaw is the second amazing installment to the Callum Walker series! Inside readers explore the themes of power, war, betrayal, and light versus darkness. J.M. Shaw's writing is so phenomenal that I kind of like I am reading The Hobbit in a way. Like the hobbit taken on a journey to help resolve worldly issues involving life, power, and magic. So too, is Callum Walker doing the same. This book is an action-packed adventure that is character driven mostly by Callum himself. I liked the high risks, dangers, and the mysterious atmosphere created in this story. It was very entertaining. For readers wanting a magical realm with power, evil versus good, and lots of drama then this is the perfect read.

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
231 reviews
February 16, 2026
More interesting and flowing than book 1. Great lessons in trust and friendships. Looking forward to reading last of the story in book 3.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews