The hidden forest by Kiah Thomas

Quin and Davinia are back in the sequel to The Callers in this exciting fantasy book. The shocking truth about Calling has been revealed: the magical ability to conjure something out of thin air is stealing resources from another place.  Quin has left Elipsom and is searching for answers with his new friend Allie, on Evantra.  Davinia is struggling with missing her brother and dealing with her mother, Chief Counselor of the Callers, whose need to quieten the rumors and maintain control of the city is becoming increasingly desperate.

The story is told from the siblings’ perspectives with alternate chapters showing what they are each doing.  Quin searches for the place that will help him heal the vine, the source of all growing things in Evantra, while Davinia is sent to the heart of the rebellion in Elipsom and tasked with finding answers as to where her brother is and what these citizens are hiding.  As she learns more about the community she is torn between her loyalty to her mother and her brother.  When Davinia is told that if she can’t find a reason for the Council to invade, she must plant evidence to make this happen, her loyalties are tested and she begins to question and investigate on her own. 

This story is an interesting look at how power and truth often don’t share the same space and the way that people who question and seek answers are called rebels or cast out rather than being accepted.  I really enjoyed this book as it was engaging and showed the power of fighting for what you believe in. 

This book would appeal to younger readers and would be excellent as a class text or read aloud.  I am looking forward to reading more in the series as the ending has left me wanting more.

Themes: Fantasy, Family, Environmental issues, Greed, Secrets, Friendship, Sibling loyalty.

Mhairi Alcorn