The Calling is the first book in the Endgame series by James Frey and Nils Johnson-Shelton. Set in a dystopian world, the story follows a high-stakes competition called Endgame, where twelve ancient bloodlines, represented by their skilled players, compete in a battle for survival. The Players must solve a series of global clues in a race against time, with the fate of their bloodlines and the world at stake. The narrative expands the journeys of various characters as they face challenges, uncover secrets, and confront the brutal reality of the game. It will keep you very anxious to know the ending on who wins the competition.
The most compelling aspect of the book is its fast-paced and action-packed plot, as well as its incorporation of puzzles and global treasure hunting. The concept of Endgame and the diverse range of characters from different bloodlines add to the intrigue and suspense of the story. I found it very interesting as I am a fan of young adult dystopian novels, adventure stories, and immersive treasure hunt narratives. Overall, I didn’t notice any major disappointments of this book. The only critique I would have is the plot is very predictable. Mainly because we have seen books like these many times before such as The Hunger Games. However, it isn’t completely like it and is still very different. Ultimately, I would recommend The Calling to readers who are seeking an action-packed, dystopian adventure with an element of mystery and a global treasure hunt. If you're a fan of young adult novels and enjoy books with fast-paced plots and diverse characters, this book might be a good fit for you. I would rate this book a five out of five.