Calliope Wakes by Constance Kersaint introduces us to Callie Redmond, who at first glance seems like any ordinary eighteen-year-old. However, beneath the surface, something is distinctly amiss. Callie is plagued by relentless nightmares with no apparent cause, and her confusion only deepens when Erik, her former best friend from elementary school, suddenly reappears in her life. Erik, who had inexplicably distanced himself from her throughout high school, now wants to rekindle their friendship—and possibly even more. This sudden shift leaves Callie bewildered and questioning his motives. How could someone who once ignored her for years now desire to be close again? And more importantly, why now? As strange and uncontrollable events begin to unfold around Callie, she finds herself questioning everyone and everything in her life. Unexplained fears and an increasing sense of distrust gnaw at her, further complicating her situation. As these disturbing occurrences intensify and Erik’s presence in her life grows stronger, Callie realizes she must uncover the truth behind these events. What secrets about her past will she unearth? Why are these nightmares haunting her? And most crucially, are Callie and her family truly safe?

What captivated me most about this story was its ability to grip me from the very first page and hold my attention until the very end. The characters are so vividly drawn that they feel like real people—friends I wanted to root for and see succeed. I found myself particularly drawn to Callie and Erik’s relationship. Despite Erik’s mysterious behavior, it was clear that his intentions toward Callie were protective rather than harmful. I yearned for Callie to give him a chance, to let go of the past, and see where their relationship could go now that they were adults. Their shared history and deep connection made me hope they would find a way to move forward together. Ms. Kersaint has masterfully crafted a storyline that not only pulls readers in but also keeps them on the edge of their seats with each new twist. The suspense and action are so intense that I often felt my own heart racing, fully immersed in the danger and drama alongside Callie. This novel is so vividly written that I could easily envision it as an action-packed movie, full of tension and excitement. One of the standout aspects of Calliope Wakes is the brilliant fusion of Celtic and Viking cultures. The seamless blending of these two distinct and complex traditions is something I have rarely encountered in literature or film. The author’s creativity shines through in this unique and fascinating combination, adding an extra layer of depth to the story.

Calliope Wakes is a young adult novel that will appeal not only to its target audience but to adult readers as well. If you enjoy stories that combine action, suspense, and paranormal romance, this book is a must-read. Constance Kersaint has delivered a compelling tale that will leave readers eagerly anticipating her next work.

Pages: 258 | ASIN : B0CS5PKNKT