For Calum Ranson, seventh grade brings changes in his relationship with his parents and his friends, and a confrontation with his bully. Calum’s talents have also developed to a level unheard of in the Sidhe world, and he surprises everyone when he cleverly catches the person responsible for casting Finley out from the Otherworld.
When Calum goes against everything he knows is right, he makes a choice that may cost him his friendship with Laurel. An old friend steps in, but her mysterious ways leave Calum questioning her motivation.
In the second book of the Sidhe Series, Calum, Laurel, and Hagen reunite in their search for Finley. And while many things have changed, Calum remains steadfast in his belief that Finley is still alive and that Calum will bring him home.
Cindy Cipriano lives in North Carolina with her husband, son and their 27 pets.
Not really.
Just two dogs who think they are children and three cats who think they are raccoons. It only seems as if they make 27. When Cindy isn't writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and the avoidance of cooking.
We often feel responsible for events that were not our fault. We try to shed responsibility for things that go horribly wrong. We tend to gather praise and credit for the good stuff, even if we do not know how it happened. We want to be heroes in the eyes of others while being zeroes in our own minds.
We all have to choose, but sometimes someone else overrules our choice. It all comes together when the time is right. But youth is not patient. And adults are often not ready yet. Friends try to help, but time does not stand still, unless....
Seasons change. Weather changes. People change. But does the future change or do we change the future?
This series gets better and better. Great for tweens and early teens. The author really knows how to spin a tale bringing fantasy to life. Love the relationship and characters. It is detailed but it only paints a more vivid picture.
Note: This copy was given to me before its book release by the author/publisher, as per requested, in Net Galley in exchange of an honest review.
It was so hard to create a review for this book just because I haven’t read the first installment. I know I’ve made a mental note-to-self to only request books in Net Galley that are interesting and the first book should it ever be the series. So I don’t know and I can’t remember how I’ve requested for this one and not see it was the second book.
Nevertheless, I indulged myself and my interest for it because, while I can’t find my bearings to the series, it was so interesting. The depth of this story, the mystery and wonders of Sidhe (which I haven’t heard of until now), the fully developed characters.
My love for mythologies grew strong in this novel as I immersed myself in the cultures and traditions of an Irish myth. And while, I’ve already had a knowledge gap of some sort with not reading the first book, certain characters have already risen my curiosity on what their roles will be in the entire series, such as Natali the Hobayeth girl. Well, especially her. I also want to know what would happen to Sun afterwards. And of course, Finley. The kind-hearted, loyal Finley.
For some reason, Laurel sometimes comes off slightly whiny to me and the stubbornness of her father was kind of annoying. But I understand where these things where coming from seeing the situation that they were in.
Overall, this book, in itself, was a wonderful read, obviously crafted meticulously. The Choice is filled with lessons about friendship, morals, love, and loyalty. And written in such a deep and profound way that I find lacking among most YA authors today. With this book, itself, I already wanted to know about what will happen to Finley. The Choice is an engaging read and the description of the Sidhe’s world was vivid in my mind. And I wanted to be part of it.
At the end of the first book Laurel’s brother Daniel returns from the Sidhe. They saw Finley but before they could get him out Brownshire, a brownie, says something and Finley disappears in a puff of smoke. Calum is determined to find out where Finley is.
Laurel begs Calum to give her and Daniel the Talents. Laurel’s mother catches them and stops them. Laurel’s parents are angry at the Sidhe and the part they played in Daniel’s abduction years ago. Calum and Hagen miss spending time with Laurel. Her father has made it impossible for the boys to interact with Laurel or Daniel.
Laurel finds a way to meet Calum she tells him she has the Talents and needs his help. Something has been trying to get in the house to steal her new baby sister, Mary. At one point she traps Brownshire but he gets away without telling where he sent Finley. Calum’s grandfather tells him that Laurel is the key for Finley’s return.
Part two of the book focuses on Finley. He is in a strange world with blue sand. There is a golden vortex that opens and drops a body. A little boy runs out drags the body in a cart to a crevice. They hear screaming from the crevice. Finley approaches the boy and asks who he is and where are they. The boy tells Finley he is the Fetch and they are in the Void. He doesn’t know how long he had been in there. He is there because another Sidhe switched with him and sent him instead a as a punishment for something he didn’t do. Each time the vortex opens means a year has passed. Finley tries to find a way out but the boy tries to dissuade him. Calum and Kira work together and find a way to locate Finley. With his ring Calum can only bring back one person. Calum has no control over the situation and Finley makes the decision.
This is a young adult book that I completely enjoyed. It was a fast read and I look forward to the next book in the series, The Lost: Book Three of the Sidhe.
I am really enjoying this series. This second book cleared up lots of questions I had lingering from the first book, but definitely introduced new ones as well. I am excited to read the third book! I had a smaller learning curve with this book compared to the first- things started to flow better for me and make sense more quickly- it was easier for me to transport myself into the fairie realm this time around. There were also plot twists and aspects of storyline development that I just did not see coming in this book, which always impresses me. The author also does a great job developing the characters through coming-of-age experiences and relationship dynamics. I really feel like the complex nature of middle-school years is very well portrayed under the surface of a fantasy storyline in this series. It portrays the "un-relatable" experience of adolescence in a way that's seemingly alien through the fantasy storyline, but in so doing it actually highlights commonalities and relatable life experiences for the preteen set. Great job!
I was so excited to be able to read the second book in the series, and I was not disappointed! This book continues the story of the Ranson family who run their own bookstore while navigating the world of the Sidhe. Calum Ranson is starting to come into his own, and he is trying to find the balance of traveling back and forth between the mortal world of man and the Otherworld of magical beings. I think the author did a great job in the first book of defining the characters, and she added more depth this time around. It was neat to see how the relationship of Calum, Hagen, and Laurel develops as well as how Daniel fits into their group now that he is back home in the human world. I really liked how the whole Ranson family works together again to find a way to get Finley home - cousins, aunts, uncles and of course Grandpa Uilleam. I think this a book that children and adults alike will enjoy. At least I know what I want for Christmas this year....book #3!
I am enjoying this series. The Circle gave readers a great storyline, and many unanswered questions to create anticipation for Book Two. The Choice doesn't disappoint. Calum and his friends are growing up and facing challenges at school, at home, and in the faerie realm. Many questions from The Circle are answered, but more are raised. I am one of those people who has a hard time waiting to find out what happens next, so I can't wait to read the next book!
Like The Circle, The Choice is refreshingly appropriate and relatable for middle grade readers, but can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Well done, Cindy!
This is the second book in The Sidhe series - so if you haven't read The Circle I suggest starting there. This book brings back our favorite cousins Callum and Hagen with their best friend Laurel. They are continuing the search for their cousin Finlay. Danger and obstacles test their relationships - but the kids have heart.
I personally loved this series. It is a great series for tweens/teens.
I love the banter between Calum and Hagen! This book has it all, family dynamics, love, adventure, action, and mystery! I really hope there will be a third book! Cindy is amazing author! My 8 year old will be reading this next!
I did enjoy the first and second books of the Sidhe trilogy. I thought the characters were likable and the story intriguing for a middle grade. The only reason I have not continued and read the third book is because it took a while for it to come out and I had purchased the first two books at a book expo and couldn’t find the third. Otherwise I would have continued. 3/5 Stars for both books