5 Stars
Magic Calls is the first book in the Echoes Series by Miriam Greystone. This is the second book of Ms. Greystone’s that I have read, and while I really enjoyed her first book (debut novel) Truthsight, this story (Magic Calls) is just amazing. I loved every single word. It is a superb fantasy, full of sirens, Echoes, hunters, action, suspense, danger and so, so much more. This is an original take on a Siren story, a real page-turner that will keep you riveted to the pages and unable to put the book down. I was so engrossed in what I was reading, that I read it all in one sitting.
Ms. Greystone’s attention to detail and descriptive style really makes this story come to life. Her characters are fully realised individuals, with complex personalities (somewhat flawed), but entirely believable and endearing. The story is told from several points of view, in fact the book is more like 4 stories in one, as we get to know Molly, Jake, Evie and Bea- as well as all the secondary characters. Ms Greystone takes all these points of view and blends them into a smooth, intricately connected piece that flows beautifully from one page to the next.
Ms. Greystone even tackles the sensitive and difficult topics of terminal cancer and substance abuse in this book, handling both topics with care and respect- but not shying away from giving a truly authentic depiction either. Some scenes were quite raw, gritty and emotional- and I fully appreciate how much heart, soul, and what must have been a lot of research, that went into writing this book.
The story does end on a cliff-hanger, and the next book can’t come quickly enough for my liking!!
A really wonderful story, thank you Ms. Greystone!