Sacred: Eslura’s Calling Review

Sacred: Eslura’s Calling

Author: M.C. Beeler

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Sacred: Eslura’s Calling is a new YA fantasy series by debut author M.C. Beeler. The story ships you off directly into a magical world filled with strange creatures, adventure, prophesies, ancient enemies and reluctant allies forced to cooperate towards their common goal.

A peculiar young girl – Beatrice Tidal lives with her Foster parents after her mother goes missing. However, her days and nights are filled with visions of a strange symbol that apparently only she can see. Confining this to her foster parents, they decide that a little change of scenery will benefit Beatrice and send her off to a one-week summer camp. During the trip she meets a girl named Reagan. However, little do they know that their destinies are intertwined and that a wild adventure awaits in the dark.

After a series of unfortunate events during the camp, Beatrice runs deep in the woods where she inevitably falls ‘into the rabbit hole’ much like Alice in Wonderland. In an attempt to save her, Reagan follows her friend into the unknown and the two begin a new quest filled with danger and peculiar creatures. During the journey, Bea and Reagan find themselves in the company of Alistair – a lizard, Alpin – a gopher, Barnaby Britto – an Olphin and Mauz – his little toad. The strange group of allies has now to work on a plan to prevent the return of Eslura’s longtime enemy – Obellius Kalaar, who is also on the hunt for Beatrice.

Little does the young girl know that her destiny is already foretold. However, she is first tasked with the venture of uncovering the mystery of her past and then accepting the challenges of her future. A future which includes an ancient prophecy stating that in 14 years, a new Sacred Head would be chosen by Eslura who will bring the book of fire to its rightful place and cast Obellius into oblivion.

The story has a large set of characters and is told in multiple POVs, the world-building is presented gradually which is perfect as the reader does not feel overwhelmed with information. It is a wholesome, thrilling read with a pinch of adventure and perfect for any fans of Alice in Wonderland and The Chronicles of Narnia. I do highly recommend it and cannot wait to see where to story takes us next!