In the world of Elipsom, the ability to Call, or summon objects, is a coveted skill. And yet despite being born into a family of Callers, Quin doesn’t have the gift.
But everything changes when instead of summoning an object, Quin makes something disappear. He quickly discovers that the objects Callers bring into their world aren’t conjured at all, but are taken from another land, and another people who have had their lives slowly stolen from them.
Now Quin must team up with Allie, a girl who’s determined to stop this unjust practice, and decide whether he should remain loyal to his family, or betray them-and save the world.
From dazzling newcomer Kiah Thomas comes an arresting, fast-paced and thought-provoking adventure about the consequences of wanting more than we need.
Buy a copy of The Callers here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
The Callers by Kiah Thomas is a fast-paced and original story full of excitement and surprises. We are taken on a journey to the world of Elipsom, where Calling, or summoning items, is crucial. However, most people are unaware that Calling is in fact stealing from others. This book was filled with unexpected twists which kept me reading to the very end. The story is suitable for all ages as there are very important messages focusing on colonialism, exploitation and consumerism. I hope there will be a sequel to follow! Brittany, VIC, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed Kiah Thomas’ new book The Callers. I love the magical world of Elipsom. Quin is such a great character, I really enjoyed his adventures, meeting Allie and finding out the truth about Elipsom society and saving the world. I really hope there is a sequel so I can read more! M, aged 11, VIC, 5 Stars
Quin comes from a magical family of Callers, and he wants to be one, or try to be one, but he isn’t confident because he hasn’t been able to call like everyone else in his family. Quin thinks he is a failure, but he has other abilities, and he must decide whether he will do all he can to help people who think calling is wrong or do what others think is best. My mum and aunty love fantasy and magic books and now I know why. My favourite things about this book are the magic, the adventure and Quin’s friendship with Allie. I really liked that this book was exciting and intriguing because it had a lot of secrets and mystery. Quin was challenged to discover what his powers are and he had to figure out what it is best and what others want. This book makes you think about if you have too much. I hope there is another book. The only thing I thought was confusing was that there were a lot of names that I had to remember. Kahana, aged 11, QLD, 5 Stars
This book was magical and took me into another world, like a fantasy. I really liked this book. Will, aged 9, SA, 5 Stars
I loved The Callers because I loved learning about callers and their special abilities. I want to find out what happens to Quin in the next book. Because we are left on a cliffhanger. Jack, aged 8, QLD, 5 Stars
It was a good book. I enjoyed the character Quin, his character grew and developed through the book, I felt connected to him. I recommend this book for 10 years and older. This book is for those who enjoy imaginary lands and magic. Tora, aged 11, WA, 5 Stars
Page turning, detailed book with the ability to teleport you into the book. I think Kiah Thomas did a wonderful job! Graciela, aged 9, NSW, 5 Stars
It was a really good book. I liked the story and Quin and Allie. It was really interesting and made me feel so sad for the people who had the things stolen from them. It was really nice to read this with my mum and she liked it too. Brooke, aged 7, VIC, 5 Stars
The Callers is a great book packed full of adventure and excitement. I really enjoyed how unique this book is and I can’t wait for a second one. Alex, aged 11, VIC, 5 Stars
My 9 yo daughter was captured by this story instantly. We read it together and found it to be the perfect level for her age. The vivid descriptions of the two worlds and the fantasy element of the story were enjoyable and the themes raised throughout led to some interesting conversations. Quin was a great character and we’d love to see a sequel! Lee, VIC, 4 Stars
From beginning to end, I was captured by this engaging fantasy. Quin feels like the family failure because he doesn’t have the gift of calling, in a world where having the ability to call objects into being is considered a blessing. We are taken on an amazing adventure with Quin seeking truth, understanding and finding a whole lot more. Kiah Thomas, please don’t make me wait too long for the next instalment. Amazing!! Joanna, VIC, 4 Stars
Son (9) and I read The Callers together and we LOVED it. I was stoked that we were picked to receive a review copy of this book from Better Reading because I wanted my son to read a genre that he wasn’t used to. He did have a bit of trouble following the story line with the different place names etc and asked sooooo many questions throughout but he took it like a champ and experienced something different. This was his first fantasy book and we were both hooked from page 1. Jessica, QLD, 4 Stars
I enjoyed reading the book The Callers because it’s very unpredictable. The character I liked the most was Allie because she had very few resources (food, housing, equipment) because of others calling. Calling removes items from her land known as Evantra. Allie told Quin what was really happening when they used their special power to call. My favourite part is when Quin finds out he’s vine-touched. This allows him to have a special connection with the vine and allow him to repair it. This makes the story an interesting plot as it is not unlike our own world of earth. I would recommend this book to others. Thank you @betterreadingau for the opportunity to preview it. Ollie, aged 13, QLD, 4 Stars
This book has a strong theme about nature and how we should look after it. I enjoyed the book, particularly the strange and unusual plants that are hidden away in secret places. I liked the main character, Quin, and that he stayed hopeful despite the pressure his mum puts on him. I would recommend this book for 9 to 14 year olds that are interested in fantasy and the environment. Adam, aged 11, QLD, 4 Stars
I read this with my grandson and both thoroughly enjoyed it. As Archie is only 7 I had to stop and explain some of the concepts, but it also encouraged discussions about people taking what isn’t theirs and people always wanting more than they need. The characters in the book are very likeable and the story is fast-paced enough to keep a young person interested. It’s a great imaginative story you could read with your younger child or an older reader on their own. Archie enjoyed it and so did I, our only criticism is we wanted more and can’t wait to see what Quin does next. Archie, aged 7, QLD, 4 Stars
Great middle school book, perfect entry level to magical realism. Starts off a little confusing but really comes together well. Kate, VIC, 3 Stars
This was an interesting fantasy novel but it took a while to get going. The author writes well though. I really like the hero of the story Quin. He comes from a family of Callers and has a hard time with his mother Adriana regarding this. This story deals with family, friendship, betrayal and is about morals and searching for the good and doing what is right. I really started enjoying the book when Allie came into it and the adventures began. They are a great team. The ending of the book was quite good and it leaves it open for more to explore. Allie, aged 10, VIC, 3 Stars
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