Title: Sir Callie and the Witch’s War
Author: Esme Symes-Smith
Publisher: Random House Children’s
Publication date: October 29, 2024
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Summary
In the third book in the Sir Callie series, Callie and their friends have found themselves scattered across the realm. Callie and Willow flee to Fairkeep in hopes of finding allies in their fight in Helston. Elowen finds herself at the Witch Queen’s side, battling between her heart and ambition. Edwyn accepts a mission that takes him back home, forcing him to face his demons. As war looms, the four kids have to find the truth that has been hidden behind all of the lies.
Review: Sir Callie and the Witch’s War
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for an advanced copy of Sir Callie and the Witch’s War by Esme Symes-Smith to review! If you’re not reading middle grade fantasy, honestly you’re missing out. There is some great stuff being published, this series included!
One of the best parts of this series is the core cast of characters we’ve come to love from the beginning. In this installment, we are split between a couple of different plot lines, but Symes-Smith does an excellent job not making the overall plot too confusing. Each character gets their opportunity to shine, each dealing with their own struggles in relation to the larger overall struggle.
Symes-Smith also isn’t afraid to tackle difficult situations head on. In particular in this book, Edwyn struggles with the absue from his past. It’s not easy to write kids books in a way that doesn’t water down tough situations, but Symes-Smith seems to do it with ease. Despite the trials and the darker tone of the book overall, it still ends with hope. And not as much as a cliffhanger as the last book.
If you’ve been sleeping on this series, don’t! You’ll definitely want to jump in when this book comes out at the end of this month.
4.5/5 stars