Reviews

Calling by Molly Harper

haileyhep's review against another edition

3.0

Left wanting more from the series I was deeply invested in. I thinking only more time, slower developed and subtle character development rather than being told so quickly about the evolution might have helped. I am so grateful I found this series. I wish the best for Sarah!

kahoefer's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

cmd2010's review

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

banditisafatcat's review

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

4.25

whatsheread's review against another edition

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

 

Calling is the third book in the Sorcery and Society series by Molly Harper, her young adult paranormal series. While I still think the series is cute, this final novel is almost not worth reading. 

There are two reasons for my lukewarm enthusiasm for Calling. One is that Ms. Harper excels at modern snark and ideas. Her dialogue is snappy, and you can all but see the sparks fly between characters. She fills her novels with subtle jokes meant for the modern reader. These little gems enhance your reading experience. 

Calling occurs in a steampunk Victorian era. The characters are young, not yet eighteen, and most of the stories are set in the upper echelons of society, complete with its strict code of behavior. The setting doesn't work with Ms. Harper's strengths. The dialogue does not have that spark the rest of her novels have. Her characters conform to proper Victorian etiquette, dulling the action and stiltifying conversations. 

The other reason I struggle to embrace Calling is that very little happens. Unlike in the previous two stories, the characters know who their enemy is, what they need to do about said enemy, and have adult support for their efforts. As such, the story becomes one long message about how humankind is always stronger when working together to accomplish a goal. It's a good message, but not when you spend the rest of the story using your characters to prove your point. 

I usually rave about Amanda Ronconi narrating Ms. Harper's novels. Their ongoing collaboration always amuses and delights. It is as if Ms. Ronconi is inside Ms. Harper's head and knows how to narrate to make the audio version as entertaining as possible. Calling is a rare miss by Ms. Ronconi, which is another reason for my less-than-enthusiastic review. 

Ms. Ronconi can do Southern drawls, Western twangs, New England stuffiness, and the Midwest elongation. She cannot do foreign accents, and Calling occurs in England. Throughout the story, she must adopt a British upper-crust accent, a Scottish burr, an Irish lilt, and several lower-class accents heard throughout England. I admire her attempts but fail to appreciate her execution. They sound like what they are - someone from the US attempting to sound like the British but not succeeding. 

Calling will not be my last time reading a novel by Ms. Harper. I stand by her adult stories as some of the best brain candy - mindless fun filled with snarky dialogue and sassy characters. I will think twice, however, if she decides to tackle another young adult story, especially if she sets it in the past or in another country.  

kristaallysa's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

tchien's review against another edition

adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

laurenhlindsey's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

sara_of_the_fae's review against another edition

3.0

Although I loved it, and it is a fitting end, I feel that there could have been so much more expansion made on the world and on our beloved characters. Perhaps that's just me being greedy wishing that this was a five book series rather than a trilogy

rebeccalovesreading's review against another edition

3.0

Glad to complete this trilogy.

An enjoyable conclusion. I have truly loved this world. I found this installment slightly less exciting than the others but still great!