The Call of Eirian by C. Aubrey Hall

311 pgs.
Target audience: Young adult
Rating: Fairy

 In the second installment of “The Faelin Chronicles,” Cynthe and Diello make their way to their mother’s homeland, the realm of the Embarthi. Here they will seek refuge with their uncle, deliver the dangerous and powerful sword, Eirian, and rescue their kidnapped sister, Amalina. Dogged at every step by goblin attacks, the small group finally arrives in Embarthi to an unenthusiastic welcome. This is in part due to their mother’s betrayal to the royal crown and birthright. Could their journey have led them to a place no safer than the Antrasian realm of their childhood? Their family reunion takes a back seat to the intrigues of the royal court. More than half of the book recounts their journey to Embarthi which is cluttered with chatty and superfluous dialogue drowning the author’s attempt at character development. By the time the pace picks up, many readers will have lost interest. The cast of characters and map do serve as helpful storyline tools. For a more suitable choice in a quest  fantasy, recommend “The Great Tree of Avalon” series by T. A. Barron.
(Book provided for review by Children's Lit  - www.childrenslit.com)