“Sometimes you have to break a few rules to save the world.”
— Evie pondering the sacrifices needed for the greater good.
Archivist's Choice
The Dark Calling
Kresley Cole (2018)
Genre
Fantasy / Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
300 min
Key Themes
See below
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As a dark force corrupts the Arcana and her mind, Evie travels into the wasteland, questioning allies and trusting enemies, to find out about her past and stop Richter's reign before the Dark Calling takes over.
Synopsis
Evie, a strong Arcana, learns a shocking truth about herself that she struggles to accept, suspecting betrayal from those she trusts. Doubting her sanity in the castle of lost time, she escapes into the wasteland to find answers, hoping to learn about her future and Jack's survival. As a dark force called the Dark Calling begins to corrupt other Arcana, Evie forms an alliance with Finn, another powerful Arcana. They go on a dangerous quest to find the Oracle, whose prophecy reveals the growing threat of the Dark Calling and the coming fight with Richter. Evie must face Richter in a final battle, all while dealing with the return of Aric, her former love, and Jack's mysterious return. The story ends with a desperate fight against Richter and the Dark Calling, leaving the world's fate and Evie's alliances uncertain.
Reading time
300 min
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Fast
Mood
Suspenseful, Romantic, Adventurous, Dark
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy fast-paced YA fantasy romance with high stakes, complex love triangles, and a blend of magic and post-apocalyptic settings.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer standalone novels, dislike cliffhangers, or are not a fan of intricate series lore.
Plot Summary
The Revelation and Doubt
Evie, the Empress, is still dealing with the last battle and her feelings for Jack. She gets surprising news from Aric, Death, and the other Arcana: she is pregnant. Evie is disbelieving and suspicious, as she feels no different and questions the timing. She also learns that the baby is said to be the 'Anointed One,' meant to end the Arcana game. Evie's inner conflict grows as she thinks about this pregnancy, especially with her complicated relationships with Aric and the supposedly dead Jack. Her distrust in Aric, despite their growing connection, makes her wary, fearing it might be a trick.
Escaping the Castle and Seeking Truth
Because of her doubts and her need for the truth, Evie decides she must escape the castle of lost time. She feels trapped by the Arcana's expectations and Aric's protectiveness. Her main goal is to get independent proof of her pregnancy, and to look into Jack's possible survival, a hope she holds onto despite Aric saying he is dead. Evie's escape is dangerous, as the wasteland is more unsafe than before, and she knows she cannot rely on Aric's help, fearing he would stop her from finding anything that goes against what he says. This act of rebellion is a big step in her journey to become self-reliant.
An Unexpected Alliance with Finn
While alone in the dangerous wasteland, Evie meets Finn, the Emperor, an Arcana she had a difficult relationship with before. To her surprise, Finn is also running and seems weak. Despite their past, they form a shaky alliance out of necessity. Finn, with his knowledge and skills, becomes an unexpected guide and protector for Evie. This alliance first comes from their need to survive against the wasteland's dangers and Richter's threat. Their interactions are careful, but a respect starts to grow between them as they face challenges together, slowly changing their ideas about each other.
The Dark Calling's Influence
As Evie and Finn travel through the wasteland, they notice a troubling thing: a new, dark power, called 'The Dark Calling,' is spreading. This force affects Arcana, twisting their powers and minds, making them more aggressive and unpredictable. Evie herself starts to feel its pull, having strange visions and strong emotions, making her question her own mind. The Dark Calling makes their quest more urgent, as they realize they are not just fighting for personal answers but against a threat that could destroy all Arcana. Its presence suggests a new, greater enemy than Richter alone, hinting at a cosmic imbalance.
Seeking the Oracle
Realizing how serious The Dark Calling is and still needing proof of her pregnancy, Evie and Finn decide to find the Oracle. The Oracle is known for her foresight and knowledge, making her their best hope for understanding the mysterious power and the truth about Evie's condition. Their journey to the Oracle is dangerous, as they must avoid other affected Arcana and travel through unsafe lands. This quest strengthens their alliance, as they rely on each other to overcome problems. Evie hopes the Oracle can clarify her future, her child, and the true nature of The Dark Calling, which seems to be speeding up the world's end.
The Oracle's Prophecy
When they reach the Oracle, Evie finally gets the answers she wanted. The Oracle confirms her pregnancy, proving Aric's earlier claims. More importantly, the Oracle explains the prophecy of the 'Anointed One,' revealing the child's great power and destiny to end the Arcana game by either saving or destroying the world. The Oracle also explains The Dark Calling, its old origins, and its goal to corrupt and consume all magic, leading to destruction. This news confirms Evie's fears and gives her a new sense of purpose, understanding the big responsibility now on her and her unborn child.
Confronting Richter
With the Oracle's prophecies on their minds, Evie and Finn realize that Richter, the Hanged Man, is not just a personal enemy but a key part of The Dark Calling's spread. Richter has been trying to use this dark power, believing it will give him ultimate control. They understand that fighting him is necessary and important to stop The Dark Calling. They start to plan, knowing that Richter's power has grown a lot. This coming battle is not just for survival but for the fate of all Arcana and possibly the world, as Richter's ambition matches the destructive nature of the new force.
Aric's Return and Reconciliation
Aric, who has been tracking Evie, finally finds her and Finn. The reunion is tense, as Evie is still angry about his earlier lie about her pregnancy and his overprotective nature. However, seeing her with Finn makes Aric jealous and afraid. After a heated argument, they start to make up. Evie explains her need for independent proof and her search for truth. Aric, realizing how desperate she was and the dangers she faced, says he fears losing her. This reunion marks a change in their relationship, as they slowly start to rebuild trust and understand each other's reasons, uniting against the bigger threat.
The Battle Against Richter
Evie, Aric, and Finn's combined forces finally confront Richter. The battle is brutal and strong, as Richter, now greatly influenced and empowered by The Dark Calling, uses terrifying new abilities. He targets Evie specifically, wanting to claim the Anointed One for himself. Evie, using her own growing powers and her allies' strength, fights hard. Aric's Death card abilities are important, while Finn's strategic mind and unique powers provide key support. The fight is not just physical; it is a clash of wills and ideas, with reality itself at stake as The Dark Calling's influence twists the environment around them.
Jack's Apparent Return
In the middle of the chaotic battle against Richter, something shocking happens: a figure looking like Jack, the former Fool and Evie's past love, appears. His presence confuses Evie, who thought he was dead. This appearance throws her into emotional chaos, briefly distracting her from the fight. It is unclear if this is truly Jack, a trick of The Dark Calling, or something else. This sudden appearance makes Evie's already complex feelings and relationships more complicated, especially with Aric watching. The mystery of Jack's possible return creates a big cliffhanger, leaving Evie and the reader wondering about his true identity and intentions in the unfolding crisis.
The Dark Calling's Escalation
Even after the intense fight with Richter, it becomes clear that The Dark Calling is far from defeated. While they may have hurt Richter, the dark power continues to spread its corruption throughout the world, affecting more Arcana and causing chaos. The victory, if it can be called that, is temporary. This realization shows that the real enemy is not just Richter, but the old, widespread force of The Dark Calling itself. Evie understands that the war is not over, and the stakes have only grown, setting the stage for the final book in the series with an even stronger and more mysterious enemy.
Principal Figures
Evie
The Protagonist
Evie evolves from a reluctant participant to a determined leader, accepting her destiny as a mother and the potential savior of the world, while learning to trust her own judgment over others.
Aric
The Protagonist/Love Interest
Aric learns to temper his possessiveness and trust Evie's choices, even when they conflict with his desire to protect her, fostering a more mature and respectful bond.
Finn
The Supporting/Ally
Finn evolves from a self-interested survivor to a loyal, albeit pragmatic, ally, demonstrating a capacity for camaraderie and trust.
Richter
The Antagonist
Richter's ambition and connection to the Dark Calling escalate, transforming him into a more formidable and dangerous foe, pushing him closer to ultimate destruction.
Jack
The Mentioned/Ambiguous
Jack's character remains largely static in terms of direct action, but his ambiguous reappearance reignites Evie's internal conflict and adds a new layer of mystery.
The Oracle
The Supporting
The Oracle's role is primarily to impart knowledge and prophecy, remaining a constant source of wisdom and truth.
Lark
The Supporting
Lark continues to be a steadfast and loyal friend, her character providing emotional stability and support to Evie.
Sol
The Supporting
Sol maintains his role as a loyal and powerful warrior, providing consistent support to the protagonists.
Themes & Insights
Truth vs. Deception
A main theme is Evie's search for truth in a world of lies and tricks. At first, she doubts her pregnancy because of Aric's past lies and her lack of physical signs, causing her to leave the castle to find independent proof. This struggle shows how hard it is to know what is real when trust is broken. The Oracle's revelations eventually confirm some truths, but the uncertainty around Jack's appearance further blurs the lines, forcing Evie to rely on her own feelings to navigate a deceptive world.
““How could I ever truly trust anyone when the very foundations of my reality kept shifting?””
Destiny vs. Free Will
Evie's pregnancy and the prophecy of the 'Anointed One' bring the theme of destiny to the front. Evie struggles with the idea that her child is meant to end the Arcana game, questioning if she has any say in this set future. Her desire to escape the castle and find her own answers is an act of free will, pushing back against the path chosen for her. The Oracle's prophecies confirm the destiny but also suggest that Evie's choices in how she approaches it are still important, showing a balance between fate and personal choice.
““They spoke of destiny as if it were a cage, but I refused to be a prisoner to fate.””
Love and Sacrifice
The complex romantic relationships between Evie, Aric, and Jack explore the depths of love and the sacrifices it needs. Aric's strong protectiveness, though sometimes too much, comes from his deep love for Evie and his willingness to give up anything for her safety. Evie, in turn, is willing to risk her life for answers and to protect her unborn child, showing a mother's ultimate sacrifice. The emotional chaos caused by Jack's possible return further complicates these relationships, showing the sacrifices each character will make for love, even if it means pain.
““Love wasn't always a gentle embrace; sometimes it was a burning, desperate need to protect, even if it meant risking everything.””
The Corrupting Nature of Power
The Dark Calling is a strong example of how power corrupts. This mysterious force makes the negative sides of Arcana stronger, turning them violent and unstable. Richter, already wanting power, becomes even more dangerous when he uses its influence, showing how unchecked ambition combined with a dark force can lead to widespread destruction. The theme warns against the appeal of dark power and its ability to twist people and society, threatening the very existence of the Arcana world.
““The Dark Calling promised strength, but delivered only a twisted reflection of their true power, consuming them from within.””
Motherhood and Responsibility
Evie's unexpected pregnancy introduces the theme of motherhood and its great responsibility. The news of the 'Anointed One' puts a huge burden on her and her unborn child, who is said to end the Arcana game. Evie's initial disbelief and her search for truth are driven by her desire to understand and protect her child. This theme explores the sacrifices and fears of bringing a new life into a chaotic world, and Evie's journey is deeply shaped by her changing role as a mother and her commitment to her child's destiny.
““A life grew within me, not just my own, but a destiny, a world's fate. The weight of it was staggering.””
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Dark Calling
A mysterious, sinister force corrupting Arcana and threatening the world.
The Dark Calling serves as the primary external antagonist and a central mystery. It is a pervasive, malevolent energy that affects Arcana, amplifying their destructive tendencies and causing widespread chaos. It acts as a ticking clock, escalating the urgency of the protagonists' quest. The Dark Calling also functions as a MacGuffin, driving Evie and Finn to seek answers from the Oracle and ultimately leading to confrontations with those who seek to wield its power, like Richter, while also hinting at a greater, more ancient evil.
The Prophecy of the Anointed One
A prediction about Evie's unborn child ending the Arcana game.
This prophecy is a powerful plot device that drives much of Evie's internal conflict and external actions. It provides a clear, albeit daunting, destiny for her child, raising the stakes considerably. It also creates a sense of pressure and urgency, as the child's birth is tied to the fate of the world. The prophecy acts as a catalyst for Evie's journey, forcing her to confront her fears and accept her role, while also providing a potential resolution for the overarching Arcana game narrative.
Jack's Ambiguous Return
The sudden, mysterious appearance of Evie's presumed-dead love.
Jack's reappearance (or the appearance of someone resembling him) is a classic cliffhanger and a major emotional plot twist. It serves to reignite Evie's internal conflict regarding her feelings for Aric and her past love. This ambiguity creates suspense and fuels speculation, leaving the reader questioning his identity, intentions, and the true nature of his return. It complicates the romantic dynamics and adds a layer of personal stakes to the larger conflict, ensuring that Evie's emotional journey remains central even amidst world-ending threats.
The Oracle's Visions
Prophetic insights that reveal crucial information and guide the protagonists.
The Oracle's visions and pronouncements serve as a classic exposition device, providing vital information about the Dark Calling, the Anointed One, and the broader context of the Arcana world. They act as a narrative compass, directing Evie and Finn's actions and confirming previously uncertain facts. By revealing pieces of the future and explaining ancient lore, the Oracle's visions help to clarify the stakes and the nature of the threats, while also adding an element of fate and destiny to the unfolding events.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Love isn't a weakness; it's the greatest strength of all.”
— Jack addressing Evie about her feelings for him.
“The past is a stubborn ghost, always lingering, always whispering.”
— Lillith reflecting on the consequences of past choices.
“Even in the darkest night, there is always a glimmer of hope.”
— Finn trying to encourage the group during a desperate situation.
“True power isn't about control, but about knowing when to let go.”
— A wise elder advising Evie on her burgeoning abilities.
“Our choices define us, not our origins.”
— Evie asserting her individuality despite her destiny.
“Some battles aren't meant to be fought with swords, but with hearts.”
— Kent discussing the emotional toll of their war.
“The greatest prison is a mind trapped by fear.”
— A character observing someone paralyzed by their anxieties.
“Even monsters can love, and sometimes, that love makes them more monstrous.”
— A dark observation about a villain's twisted affections.
“The world doesn't need a savior; it needs people willing to fight for it.”
— Evie rejecting the idea of a single chosen one.
“Trust is a fragile thing, easily broken, and almost impossible to mend completely.”
— A character lamenting a betrayal.
“Sometimes, the only way to move forward is to burn the past to ashes.”
— Evie making a difficult decision to leave old ties behind.
“Magic isn't just about spells; it's about the will to make the impossible real.”
— A mentor explaining the true nature of magic to a novice.
“The truest strength lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Jack comforting Evie after a significant setback.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
Evie receives life-changing news that she struggles to believe, primarily because she doesn't feel any different. This leads her to question the veracity of the information and whether someone she trusts might be deceiving her, sowing seeds of doubt about her own sanity within the castle.
About the author
Biography coming soon.
