Amazon Category:  Fantasy Publisher: Port Town Publishing ISBN-10:  1594660921 Type: Fiction Pages: 361 Copyright: September, 2006 Kate Arnold longs for an ordinary life that includes college and sports, but discovers she has an extraordinary destiny as she embarks on a journey with two warriors from another world and realizes the battle they face is the least of Kate’s worries. An ordinary girl. Kate Arnold was raised by her brother, Jonathan, and her best friend, Jace. They are a close family and she trusts them completely. Now, Kate is a college freshman. She’s dreamed of a thrilling career as a collegiate athlete. Volleyball is her life. She’s made a new best friend, Samantha. She’s met an intriguing man. Everything is perfect. An extraordinary journey. College is not what it seems. Life is not what it seems. Jonathan and Jace are not what they seem. Kate is being pulled into a bizarre and overwhelming adventure, with two men she hardly knows, but must entrust with her life. The journey from girl to woman will not come without a price.   Excerpt After changing into knit pants and a tank shirt, Kate returned to the gymnasium and went in search of the multipurpose room she’d seen in the diagram at the entrance. If she’d read the map correctly, it was near the volleyball practice courts. Kate took one wrong turn, did a little backtracking, and finally located the room. She rotated the dial on the dimmer switch, and the area was bathed in soft light. The space was about sixty square feet and completely empty. The floor was cool and spongy beneath her bare feet. She padded to the middle of the floor and began her nightly ritual. The movements resembled the rhythmic form of Tai Chi or yoga, but she had added several combination kicks taught to her by Jonathan over the years. Kate had started training at age eight when Jonathan insisted she learn the disciplines of the martial arts for her own growth, and because he felt it was important for her to know how to defend herself. He was an excellent and patient teacher. Along with Jace, the three had trained in their own unique form for many years. As her breathing slowed, Kate opened her eyes and circled the room, the picture of grace and strength. She performed several long, slow stretches; then pointed her left leg behind her, bringing it straight up as she bent to touch her nose to her right knee. She placed her hands on the floor, palms flat. She gradually rose from this position, lifting her torso and lowering her left leg back to the floor. “Wow.” Kate startled and stepped to catch her balance, her concentration broken. “I’m sorry. I thought you heard me come in.” In the muted light she could barely make out the man’s form, which almost filled the doorway. He was dressed in cargo pants, shiny combat boots, and a turtleneck sweater—all black. He leaned on the doorjamb, his muscular arms folded across a well-defined chest. He stepped into better light, and Kate saw a patch on his upper right arm. It bore the insignia of the Simpson Campus Security. She watched him with uncertain eyes. “Commander Riley Flynn. I lead the campus security team.” His voice was smooth and his walk self-assured. “Kate Arnold. Freshman.” She continued to study him. He looked young for a security officer; he could easily pass for an upperclassman or grad student. He came closer, and Kate saw that his eyes were green. They were warm and sincere, and very much reminded her of Jonathan’s. She dropped her gaze. I’m just homesick. “I was making my rounds. Getting ready to lock up. The gym closes at eleven, and we prefer that female students not be here alone.” Her gaze returned to his. “Oh, I’m sorry.” Riley’s green eyes twinkled as he smiled down at her. “No harm done.” Flynn swung his arm wide in invitation. “I can see that you probably don’t need an escort, but I’m heading in your direction. I’d be happy to drop you at the ladies’ dorm.” Kate realized he wasn’t giving her the option to stay, but at least he was trying to make her think he was. “Okay.” She shrugged. “I’m done here.” She waited in the chilly night air while Commander Flynn locked the gym doors. Kate enjoyed the mournful buzzing of the cicadas and listened to a breeze rustle the leaves. A full moon lighted their way. As they approached the math and sciences building, Riley broke the silence. “How was your first day on campus?” “Not bad. I didn’t get lost. My roommate is great, and I haven’t cried.” Kate cringed. She hadn’t meant to say that last part. “Homesick?” “A little. Training helps take my mind off things.” Riley walked casually, his arms at his sides, but Kate saw his eyes constantly moving, assessing their surroundings. “Commander, is everything all right?” “Yes. Sorry. Most people don’t notice my on duty mode. You’re very observant.” Kate looked over her shoulder. “Is this campus dangerous?” “Not at all. It’s my job to see to it.” He paused. “But it’s always a good idea to be prepared. My team holds regular self-defense classes for students. The next one is in a couple of weeks. You should come.” “Is it required?” “Well, no.” Kate caught the hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth. The smile broadened. “I have a feeling you could show my guys a thing or two.” Kate shrugged and looked at the ground. The heat she felt in her cheeks betrayed her pleasure at his compliment. “I’m really looking for a training partner, but I guess it wouldn’t hurt to check it out.” “The class is listed on the registration schedule. Come. I’ll see if I can get you a lead on a partner.” “Sounds like a plan.” Kate knew Jonathan would be pleased. They arrived at the dorm, and Riley bid her goodnight. He watched her weave among the sofas and chairs that filled the main lounge. She disappeared through the stairway door. Flynn jogged past the men’s dorm, across the grassy clearing, and to the back entrance of the campus security building. Once inside, he went to his office and closed the door. He pulled out his cell phone and dialed. A voice message played. The beep sounded. “It’s Flynn. I made contact with Kate tonight. She has no idea who I am. Call me.”

The Call
A young woman begins college life only to have it disrupted by a destiny she knows nothing about. Feeling betrayed by those close to her, a new friend convinces her that only a stout warrior conquers evil in saving, that which is her birthright.

Kate Arnold loves her life on campus, filling her days with volleyball practice, classes and hanging out with her new friend, Samantha. In the evenings, she resumes martial arts training with a handsome campus police officer, Riley Flynn. From the onset, Kate's life is great. Until the dreams begin, haunting her sleep with perplexing messages. Before Christmas break, a man dressed in red leather visits Kate telling her the answers lie with her brother, and that she will fulfill The Promise.

Jonathan Arnold raised his sister after their mother's death, with the help of his best friend, Jace. Both were young boys when torn from their homes during a war between good and evil, accompanying Jon's mother and two warriors. Jon's mother adapted well to her new world, with three children, preserving their legacy through bedtime tales and her journal. A car accident takes her life leaving the two warriors to look after the children, until Jonathan and Jace are old enough to care for Kate alone. Jon, Jace, and the two warriors suffer nightly from the same dream Kate experiences, waiting patiently for her to embrace destiny or continue life as a college coed. They hope she chooses the former, as Eavan needs her. Samantha convinces Kate whether to answer The Call.

The Call is an engaging story as the suspense builds over the course of the book, carrying the reader through Katie's first year of college, and her preparation for the greatest journey of her young life. However, after entering through a portal the mystery unfolds, revealing a world dominated by Lorcan, an evil man commanding a demon army that destroys the royal family of Eavan, until all that is left is Jon and Kate. The two warriors sent years ago to protect the royal family, Riley and Will accompany her on this crusade, twenty-five years later. With Will, Kate develops a trusting friendship, whereas with Riley, she nurtures that attraction which started when training together. During the perilous trek, Kate discovers personal passions and self-truths - a journey to discovery. The story hands over some amusing moments, revealing that one of the threesome enjoys historical romance novels stealing it through the portal to Eavan. Then readers are sure to keep an eye out for Riley's wristwatch - as it glows in the dark, too. The Call is a captivating story that provides several hours of wholesome entertainment.

Ms. Deaton’s sequel to The Call, The Promise was expected to be released in April 2007.

4/5 Antique Swords
Reviewed by Pamela Jenewein ©, gottawritenetwork.com