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The Summoning #3
Protector of the Flight
If horses could fly…then Calli Torcher might ride again.But a devastating accident left her in such painshe thought the chimes and chanting in her earswere a hallucination…until she found herselftransported to another world, and met the Lladranans who had Summoned her.Lladrana was a parallel, magical earth filledwith exotic creatures, noble humans andenchantments—all threatened by anencroaching evil.And when the mighty volarans stoppedobeying the Chevaliers, the flying horses'unexpected rebellion had thrown Lladranainto an uproar. In desperation, the sorcerers had sought help from afar—and gotten Calli. If she could fulfill this mission, perhaps shewould also finally find all she had longedfor—a mate, a home, a family. Butagainst this great darkness, she hadno battle experience, no strategyplans. She had only a bondwith horses.…
560 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2004
21 people are currently reading
527 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 8, 2017
Yeah, while I may own the next two in the series already.....I'm not sure if I'm gonna read them.
First and foremost I cannot relate to this character. Her entire goal in life is to be loved: husband and kids. That is her motivation. And throughout the book almost everyone loves/likes her immediately. You know except that mean family on planet earth. They don't love her. So, yeah.
It took to a bit before the halfway part before she receives ANY training on her powers. Remember the other two books where training was the focus and learning how to use their powers was really important? Well, this character already knows how to ride and take care of horses so she gets a pass. Plus, she really needs to find love and that is way more important than saving the world.
The overall plot was thin. Like what she had to do in order to fulfill her duties was not something she really needed a ton of training for. So, the focus was her and her hubby who she married while he was still a stranger (note: if he dies she dies if she dies he dies) have lots of sex and sexual tension. Also, lets shoehorn some adoptions in there so she can have the family she always wanted. Also, lets have almost no interaction with the main character and the children and then have the main character go on and on about how much she loves her children even though she spends almost all of the book away from them.
The relationships felt forced, the love interest didn't seem to actually love her, the children were just slammed in there, there was no real build up to the love: He loves her almost instantly during the ceremony, she loves a kid she has never met and the volarans love her the second she arrives.
Also, if you think the plot if bringing back the rebelling volarans like the back cover implies? Nope. They come back as soon as she is summoned.
Just the worst. Bland, pointless, and not fulfilling at all. The speed at which all of the above transpires is breakneck. There is no tension because we are on to the next thing before we get any build up. Not recommended.
First and foremost I cannot relate to this character. Her entire goal in life is to be loved: husband and kids. That is her motivation. And throughout the book almost everyone loves/likes her immediately. You know except that mean family on planet earth. They don't love her. So, yeah.
It took to a bit before the halfway part before she receives ANY training on her powers. Remember the other two books where training was the focus and learning how to use their powers was really important? Well, this character already knows how to ride and take care of horses so she gets a pass. Plus, she really needs to find love and that is way more important than saving the world.
The overall plot was thin. Like what she had to do in order to fulfill her duties was not something she really needed a ton of training for. So, the focus was her and her hubby who she married while he was still a stranger (note: if he dies she dies if she dies he dies) have lots of sex and sexual tension. Also, lets shoehorn some adoptions in there so she can have the family she always wanted. Also, lets have almost no interaction with the main character and the children and then have the main character go on and on about how much she loves her children even though she spends almost all of the book away from them.
The relationships felt forced, the love interest didn't seem to actually love her, the children were just slammed in there, there was no real build up to the love: He loves her almost instantly during the ceremony, she loves a kid she has never met and the volarans love her the second she arrives.
Also, if you think the plot if bringing back the rebelling volarans like the back cover implies? Nope. They come back as soon as she is summoned.
Just the worst. Bland, pointless, and not fulfilling at all. The speed at which all of the above transpires is breakneck. There is no tension because we are on to the next thing before we get any build up. Not recommended.
February 26, 2008
I have decided that Robin D. Owens is truly a wonderful author. Each book I read of hers makes me exceedingly happy that I picked her up to begin with.
Her strong female characters are a delight, both in their strengths and in their weaknesses.
Romance, sci-fi fantasy... Luna has become my favorite publishing company. C.E. Murphy, Robin D. Owens, Maria V. Snyder among their most wonderful writers in my humble opinion.
Enjoy!
Her strong female characters are a delight, both in their strengths and in their weaknesses.
Romance, sci-fi fantasy... Luna has become my favorite publishing company. C.E. Murphy, Robin D. Owens, Maria V. Snyder among their most wonderful writers in my humble opinion.
Enjoy!
January 5, 2019
It has been at least 10 years since I read this book, so when my mum asked me to find her a used copy, I was so excited to finally get my hands on this book again.
I enjoyed the story, the world building was easy to understand, and you can read this book as a stand alone as well and follow what’s going with no problems (that’s how I first read this years ago). The relationship between Calli and the Volarans (flying horses or Pegasi) is amazing, there is always unconditional love from animals and Owens conveys that in no uncertain terms. However the relationship between people gets a little more complicated, and not all of it is sunshine and roses. Emotional abuse is alluded to, and physical abuse of a minor is mentioned, but not for used on or depicted if you are worried about being triggered.
I had fun rereading this, and just might have to track down a copy for myself.
3.5 stars (for the flying horses and nostalgia)
I enjoyed the story, the world building was easy to understand, and you can read this book as a stand alone as well and follow what’s going with no problems (that’s how I first read this years ago). The relationship between Calli and the Volarans (flying horses or Pegasi) is amazing, there is always unconditional love from animals and Owens conveys that in no uncertain terms. However the relationship between people gets a little more complicated, and not all of it is sunshine and roses. Emotional abuse is alluded to, and physical abuse of a minor is mentioned, but not for used on or depicted if you are worried about being triggered.
I had fun rereading this, and just might have to track down a copy for myself.
3.5 stars (for the flying horses and nostalgia)
January 14, 2024
Une nouvelle jeune femme est appelé sur Lladrana, c’est Callista qui fait du rodéo dans le Colorado.
À son arrivé, on retrouve Alexa et Mariam, c’est agréable de les retrouver cela donne une continuité à cette saga.
Callista a une mission aidée, les cavaliers et leurs chevaux ailés “ Volarans” pour le combat final.
Sur Lladrana, elle rencontre Marrec et 2 enfants, elle qui voulait être aimée, trouve l’amour tant espéré qu’elle n’avait pas sur terre.
Chaque livre nous prépare au grand combat final semble t’il, chaque appel d’exotique avec leurs pouvoirs spécifiques servira pour vaincre les ténèbres enfin, je l’espère, je n’en suis qu’au 3 eme tome sur 5.
Plus qu’à me plonger dans le 4 eme tome.
À son arrivé, on retrouve Alexa et Mariam, c’est agréable de les retrouver cela donne une continuité à cette saga.
Callista a une mission aidée, les cavaliers et leurs chevaux ailés “ Volarans” pour le combat final.
Sur Lladrana, elle rencontre Marrec et 2 enfants, elle qui voulait être aimée, trouve l’amour tant espéré qu’elle n’avait pas sur terre.
Chaque livre nous prépare au grand combat final semble t’il, chaque appel d’exotique avec leurs pouvoirs spécifiques servira pour vaincre les ténèbres enfin, je l’espère, je n’en suis qu’au 3 eme tome sur 5.
Plus qu’à me plonger dans le 4 eme tome.
dnf
January 21, 2026So,
I found this book after having a vague memory of having read it years ago. I think I liked it. Maybe, maybe not. I mean the only thing I remembered was she'd broken her hips, there were flying horses, and she was sent back to earth against her will before making it back to the magical world.
I checked it out. Started reading it and put it down again at the point she got summoned to the world and didn't pick it up again. And then I had to return it to the library.
There is a possibility I'll request the book again but not right now. I have other things to read.
I found this book after having a vague memory of having read it years ago. I think I liked it. Maybe, maybe not. I mean the only thing I remembered was she'd broken her hips, there were flying horses, and she was sent back to earth against her will before making it back to the magical world.
I checked it out. Started reading it and put it down again at the point she got summoned to the world and didn't pick it up again. And then I had to return it to the library.
There is a possibility I'll request the book again but not right now. I have other things to read.
March 22, 2024
Very well written fanrom story. I'm not usually into romance novels, but that part of the novel seemed to be done tastefully. As for the fantasy aspect of the novel, I found it intriguing and suspenseful. The imagination of Owens leaves me wondering why fantasy wasn't the main focus.
Read
July 26, 2023Dnf 60%. Poorly written, story-wise. Reads like an authors early work. Would not recommend, even for pegasi/pnr lovers.
January 23, 2016
Calli Torcher used to ride rodeo---until a bad fall broke her pelvis in three places and left her unable to compete. Now her dreams of having a ranch and training horses seems just shy of impossible. Then the Summons draws her to Lladrana, where she is to be the bridge between the Chevaliers and the Marshalls, as well as helping out the voltrans (flying horses). But it isn't always easy getting everything you ever wanted . . .
This is both better and worse than the first book. The main reason it's worse is how insanely crunched everything is. Calli talks about getting a routine, and then mentions it's only a couple of days. Bonding with family, friends, even husband---very, very compacted. The story worked a lot better for me when I ignored the actual timeframe and just pretended everything took about four times as long (because learning a language in two weeks? or having a handful of days to spend with kids?). Not to mention Calli actually does choose to go through the ceremony to get married after being in Lladrana all of one day. Get married first, get to know your husband later . . .
Well, for all that, her relationship with Marrec was a lot better than Bastien and Alexa. Mostly because it was worse. She and Marrec have an insta-love bond helping them out, but that isn't enough to make everything constantly happy. Calli's need to please undermines her more than once. They have very similar priorities but different opinions about how things ought to be done, which leads to conflict in the relationship. And Calli, unlike Alexa, isn't being pushed into fighting as much because her role is seen as more of a support function. I also liked how Marrec was a lot closer to common than Bastien. Having not been at the top his entire life, he has a cynicism about the upper ranks and how the society is structured to favor certain groups above others, and certain people within groups.
I missed the second book because I don't have it and neither does the library, but that wasn't a problem (mostly because it appears the second book did little to advance the actual war against the baddies). Overall this probably isn't worth picking up if you haven't read at least one of the prior books (and liked them), but it could stand alone. I rate this book Neutral.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
This is both better and worse than the first book. The main reason it's worse is how insanely crunched everything is. Calli talks about getting a routine, and then mentions it's only a couple of days. Bonding with family, friends, even husband---very, very compacted. The story worked a lot better for me when I ignored the actual timeframe and just pretended everything took about four times as long (because learning a language in two weeks? or having a handful of days to spend with kids?). Not to mention Calli actually does choose to go through the ceremony to get married after being in Lladrana all of one day. Get married first, get to know your husband later . . .
Well, for all that, her relationship with Marrec was a lot better than Bastien and Alexa. Mostly because it was worse. She and Marrec have an insta-love bond helping them out, but that isn't enough to make everything constantly happy. Calli's need to please undermines her more than once. They have very similar priorities but different opinions about how things ought to be done, which leads to conflict in the relationship. And Calli, unlike Alexa, isn't being pushed into fighting as much because her role is seen as more of a support function. I also liked how Marrec was a lot closer to common than Bastien. Having not been at the top his entire life, he has a cynicism about the upper ranks and how the society is structured to favor certain groups above others, and certain people within groups.
I missed the second book because I don't have it and neither does the library, but that wasn't a problem (mostly because it appears the second book did little to advance the actual war against the baddies). Overall this probably isn't worth picking up if you haven't read at least one of the prior books (and liked them), but it could stand alone. I rate this book Neutral.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
December 1, 2013
**1/2
This was my least favorite in this series
Book 1: Guardian Of Honor
Book 2: Sorceress Of Faith (The Summoning, #2)
Book 3: Protector of the Flight
Book 4: Keepers Of The Flame
Book 5: Echoes In The Dark
Calli seemed to change personality from the beginning of the book, and not necessarily for the better. She seemed to get mopey and wimpy by the end of the book. Marrec annoyed me as well. He seemed rather obsessed with status, and didn't seem to demonstrate much loving behavior.
Anyway, this book was okay, but I'm hoping the last 2 books in the series will be better.
This was my least favorite in this series
Book 1: Guardian Of Honor
Book 2: Sorceress Of Faith (The Summoning, #2)
Book 3: Protector of the Flight
Book 4: Keepers Of The Flame
Book 5: Echoes In The Dark
Calli seemed to change personality from the beginning of the book, and not necessarily for the better. She seemed to get mopey and wimpy by the end of the book. Marrec annoyed me as well. He seemed rather obsessed with status, and didn't seem to demonstrate much loving behavior.
Anyway, this book was okay, but I'm hoping the last 2 books in the series will be better.
May 8, 2010
A lot of people seem to like this book and the series. I didn't like this at all. The writing is laborious and almost painful to plow through. On top of that, I found more than a few typos and grammar mistakes escaped the editor's notice. My wife gave up on it after 100 pages.
I found the characters shallow, and the main character is constantly down on herself and at times incredibly stupid in not believing she really is in a another realm that is not earth. After a while it becomes extremely tiring.
One of the most annoying things is that many her characters frequently snort. Horses (which are characers in the book as well) do snort. People rarely snort. A sharp release of breath as a derision, which I believe is what she intended, is not a snort. And if one character had done it, it might have been too bad, but several did.
As I said, a number of people liked this book, but check out the Amazom reviews for yourself. There are much better books in the genre to read without wasting time on this one. If you want GOOD reads with strong female characters, try "Son of the Morning" by Linda Howard or any of the Julie Collins books by Lori Armstrong. These authors know how to write.
I found the characters shallow, and the main character is constantly down on herself and at times incredibly stupid in not believing she really is in a another realm that is not earth. After a while it becomes extremely tiring.
One of the most annoying things is that many her characters frequently snort. Horses (which are characers in the book as well) do snort. People rarely snort. A sharp release of breath as a derision, which I believe is what she intended, is not a snort. And if one character had done it, it might have been too bad, but several did.
As I said, a number of people liked this book, but check out the Amazom reviews for yourself. There are much better books in the genre to read without wasting time on this one. If you want GOOD reads with strong female characters, try "Son of the Morning" by Linda Howard or any of the Julie Collins books by Lori Armstrong. These authors know how to write.
July 8, 2019
Book one featured a warrior archetype as the female lead, book two the academic. Book three of the Summoning series has a caregiver with a tender heart and a fiercely protective drive. Calli resonates with me less than Alexa, but more than Marian. She also has the awesome quality of being paired with and cherished by all the volarans—flying horses—in the world of Lladrana. Which is pretty cool. Spending time with flying horses in this novel is great, and helps flesh out the world more.
The romance arc in this third installment is different from the first two. Things happen a little more quickly, and we’re able to see more of the fallout of “how do we make this relationship thing work long-term” instead of the entire book being about getting to a point where the protagonist and her lover can make a commitment to each other. There were interesting conflicts in the relationships in this book, and threads that carry over from the first two books, and threads that you know will carry on to the next two books.
All in all, an excellent middle book to the series. If you’re enjoying the Summoning series so far, don’t stop here! The best is yet to come. :)
This and other reviews by me can be found at www.annaimber.com
The romance arc in this third installment is different from the first two. Things happen a little more quickly, and we’re able to see more of the fallout of “how do we make this relationship thing work long-term” instead of the entire book being about getting to a point where the protagonist and her lover can make a commitment to each other. There were interesting conflicts in the relationships in this book, and threads that carry over from the first two books, and threads that you know will carry on to the next two books.
All in all, an excellent middle book to the series. If you’re enjoying the Summoning series so far, don’t stop here! The best is yet to come. :)
This and other reviews by me can be found at www.annaimber.com
December 24, 2021
I've been reading the series mostly because I really like the world of Lladrana (flying horses? you bet!). And I've mostly liked the main characters. I've not even minded too much when the big scary events seem to be glossed over and time skips ahead so we're spared the horribleness of it all (though it never seems to really be that horrible, after all). For some reason, though, I just didn't like this story very well. A lot happens, but none of it really sticks - it's almost as if the scope of the story was too much and things were telescoped into montages and poignant moments in order to get through the events on time. I will read the next one since I'm practically halfway through the series; I only hope the tone of this next book is more in line with the tone of the first book, which I rather liked.
July 9, 2016
So far, this is my least favourite Summoning book. Again, fantasy and romance. But in this one the level of macho-ness was a bit too high for me, particularly since it was so refreshingly lacking in the previous books. The lady summoned to Llandrana this time (Calli) is a rodeo rider and has to fix some things for the volarans, the flying horses. All the makings of a kick-ass heroine, you'd think, but instead the most important thing she and her new hubbie wish to achieve is to start a cute little family. Ok, Calli does want to perform her task, but the most heroic thing she does is a reconnaisance of the dark's lair. I'm sure it was scary as hell, but somehow still not so impressive.
December 8, 2008
Fantasy is not my usual choice but i found this series by accident on amazon and bought the first 3. I am so glad, because this series has enthralled me. It is well written and fast paced. This series is about magic, love, good and evil, faith, tollerance and community.
Read them all...you will not be disappointed.
This one is about Calli the next in a series of strong women to be brought to Lladrana to help battle the dark. Her place is with the flying horses and Chevaliers (riders). This story builds on the foundation started with the first two books. By book 3 you will be as hooked as I am.
Read them all...you will not be disappointed.
This one is about Calli the next in a series of strong women to be brought to Lladrana to help battle the dark. Her place is with the flying horses and Chevaliers (riders). This story builds on the foundation started with the first two books. By book 3 you will be as hooked as I am.
May 11, 2009
Of the series, so far this one is my absolute favorite. I took a Saturday and just read, stopping only for a couple necessary breaks and to add a few logs to the fire. Robin Owens knows how to captivate and engage a reader. I became so wrapped up in the book I had to finish the book before I could go to sleep. Unfortunately I haven't been able to read the next book in the series as it has been checked out every time I have visited the library since finishing this one. I rarely buy books as for the most part I read them once, but this is a series I know I would read over and over again!!!
September 10, 2007
Not as good as the first book in the series, but a satisfying read none-the-less. The characters covered more territory in this book that in prior ones, but it felt like you didn't get to know them as well. Also, this is definitely a book that you would need to have read the prior books in the series to have a firm grasp of what was going on and why. Still, I liked it and eagerly await the rest of the books in the series.
June 27, 2013
I've liked this book the best so far in the series. I liked Calli, I liked her story. I liked the pair bonding aspect, it was a nice refreshing change as far as hook ups go. I didn't think I'd like Marrec as well as I did. He's more solemn and taciturn than I usually go for, but I liked how well he and Calli fit, and I liked her view on his solemn ways. Seeing things from the volaren pov was also fun. I'm definitely off to the next!
October 28, 2009
Unlike the first two entries in this series, it's not a standalone. Alexa and Marian have prominent roles in this book, at times overshadowing Calli's story. Despite its faults, I enjoyed Calli's story more than Marian's, but not as much as Alexa's.
I plan on reading the next book in the series. As soon as I get it thorough ILL.
I plan on reading the next book in the series. As soon as I get it thorough ILL.
June 9, 2012
Not as good as the first book but good none the less. Her writing isn't amazing but I like the story. Sometimes the male interest bugs me but over all I liked the people over all. I liked Callie from the start actually but I feel like Owens could have done a better job exploring her. Good story and good characters, decent writing.
October 2, 2008
I love the premise of these books. The characters are real with real issues and dealing with their issues isn't easy or trite.
*Partial spoiler*
The real irony was I went to see the Lippizzaners perform the weekend before reading this book.
*Partial spoiler*
The real irony was I went to see the Lippizzaners perform the weekend before reading this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2008
Definitely my favorite so far--but then flying horses are a part of my soul, in a way. I really love the whole series. It's one that I start a book, and don't want to put it down. This one especially.
September 22, 2013
This took a long time to really get going and I found the section where Calli first arrived to be a bit by the numbers. Once she and Marrec started disagreeing the story started moving much better and the final section was excellent.
[Copied across from Library Thing; 22 September 2013]
[Copied across from Library Thing; 22 September 2013]
May 28, 2014
I read the first two of this series. Guardian of Honor and Sorceress of Faith.
Thinly veiled bodice ripper. Romance novel with a thin veneer of fantasy over the top. The concept and premise laid out in the first book could've been developed much better I think.
Thinly veiled bodice ripper. Romance novel with a thin veneer of fantasy over the top. The concept and premise laid out in the first book could've been developed much better I think.
June 16, 2007
A strong woman protagonist faces unusual challenges in this scifi/fantasy setting. I always enjoy a story of a strong woman, and this tale made me smile. I like Owens style.
Read
August 16, 2008Protector of the Flight (The Summoning, Book 3) by Robin D. Owens (2007)
October 23, 2008
The only thing I can say is WOW!
The last few chapters - totally unexpected and totally cool.
The last few chapters - totally unexpected and totally cool.
Want to read
January 26, 2009From Dorri
August 26, 2009
Not as clean as the other too and it was a little too simplistic. Too many woe as me moments that detracted from the story.
Read
January 8, 2010ereader ebook
February 17, 2011
A fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews