The Call
I had a hard time keeping focused on this novel. I liked the concept of the story and I enjoyed some of the characters but it seemed that the novel didn’t flow right for me. I did finish reading it, as I wanted to know what happened in the end.
The story takes place in Ireland and it centers on the concept that not many children will live to experience their teen years. Most children will be suddenly whisked away by the Sidhe and perish. These vanishing have been occurring for a few years now and somehow, more children seem to be returning after their Call (from the Sidhe) but they are not the same child they were when they left. Who the Sidhe is, what he does with the children and why he takes them was plaguing my mind as I read.
Concerned about the population, the government setup special schools that the children attend so they can be taught how to survive and how to defend themselves. Nessa is one such teen who is determined to stay alive and avoid the Sidhe. Her determination is felt as she tries to piece together the clues so she can understand the Sidhe to save herself and her friends.
I liked the mystery of these occurrences and as parts of the Sidhe’s behavior and actions came to life, I was more intrigued by these strange events. Children vanishing leaving behind piles of discarded clothing where they once were, the children who started to suddenly reappear after receiving their Call and the changes that had occurred and the schooling that the children received, all odd activities that felt needed to be addressed.
