I loved Spirit Caller, so this is gonna be one of those gushing reviews. It’s got parts that are scary, intense and deals with some dark themes, but also much cosy awesome friendships and a dopey crush. I like light with my darkness, and this book shines. 

It’s and urban(rural?) fantasy about Rachel, who can see ghosts and has moved to a very small town in Newfoundland, dealing with various ghostly threats to herself and the town. 

I got the first three novellas in the series in a bundle: Spirits Rising, Dark Whispers and Knight Shift and they’re so short I’m going to do this review more as if it were one book. The series is complete and the other three novellas are included in another bundle.

Characters

I think the characters are the best thing about the series. 

Apart from being able to deal with the dead like it’s NBD, Rachel is the protagonist I’ve related to most in recent memory. There are so many things coming out of her mouth that could’ve come out of mine, though she is a better person. 

She really grows a lot, becoming more assertive and accepting of who she is. She’s a great and loyal friend, and so much of her focus is on helping people. She’s really awkward romantically. 

Mrs Saunders, Rachel’s 90+ year old neighbour is kick ass. I can only hope to be as witty and confident as she is when I’m that old. She doesn’t take shit from no one and fiercely defends her friends. 

Jeremy is a  Mountie, he’s dreamy, and Rachel dreams about him a lot. He’s very nice and such a good friend, everyone’s a good friend in this book it’s amazing. Ye Gods that ass 

Dema is an ancient ghost that pops up now and then exuding confidence and often a good amount of sass

The relationships 

Hmm maybe these are the best thing about the series 

Rachel has a great relationship with her (adoptive) parents which I always say we need more of in fantasy. She also has great supportive friends. Strong friendships are very important in Spirit Caller. Even some of the relationships with antagonists develop well. 

Plots

Each novella managed to pack interesting plots, intense bits of actions and mysteries to figure out in a very small amount of space. Because it relies on such a strong foundation of good characters and relationships the series is able to tackle dark themes such as death, suicide, depression, the fear of losing loved ones, without it getting grim. There’s a new threat in every instalment, but they are all connected. 

Setting

Spirit Caller takes place in a small coastal Newfoundland town, population of 20. As a medium-city girl, I’ve never experienced that sense of knowing everyone and community, but it seems lovely. A bit too windy, but otherwise lovely. Also Krista really knows her food and the cooked dinners she mentions sound so comforting. I’m very concerned about driving in the area now, there’s a lot of talk about looking out for moose. 

Bingo squares: novella, self-published, personal recommendation, local to ” Alberta.  Deer Lake, Newfoundland, Bonne Bay/Woody Point.