Memory Wipe, Forced Marriage, and Space: Falling for Siobhan Davis’s The Calling

It’s hard to imagine a more torturous choice than the one at the heart of this book:

"I wonder which situation is hardest. Mine, because I remember everything, or hers because she can't."

That quote perfectly captures the tragic dilemma in Siobhan Davis’s The Calling. This is a thrilling, high-stakes Young Adult Dystopian romance that I could not put down. If you're looking for a new series that combines political intrigue with a heart-wrenching love triangle, look no further than the chilling world of Planet Novo.

A Chilling Dystopian Concept

The setting immediately hooked me: Planet Novo, a new home for humanity nestled twelve hundred miles above the surface of a damaged Earth. The new society is sterile, controlled, and deeply unsettling.

Seventeen-year-old Cadet Ariana Skyee finds her future thrown into complete disarray. Not only is she deeply confused by a government-sanctioned memory erase (the biggest red flag ever!), but she is also horrified by her impending forced marriage and state-mandated motherhood. This is a government that seeks total control over its citizens’ bodies and minds.

As the traumatic events surrounding her family unfold, Ariana becomes increasingly isolated and alarmed by the authorities' suspicious preoccupation with her. The stakes feel incredibly high from page one.

Character Growth and the Unmissable Love Triangle

What truly hooked me, more than the thrilling sci-fi premise, was the people. Ariana starts as a relatively typical teenage girl, but her internal growth throughout the book is what kept me desperately turning pages. She quickly transforms from a confused student into a strong, sassy, clever, and fiercely caring heroine. She was incredibly easy to root for.

Then there are the boys.

Cal Remus, her fellow Cadet and main love interest, is the protective, strong male lead we all crave. I loved watching the depth of his personality revealed, especially how he handles the stress of life on Novo and his protective instincts toward Ariana.

The romance is complicated by a fantastic love triangle, and I was constantly flipping between Team Cal and Team Zane. Zane is the mysterious figure who appears in Ariana’s continuous, inexplicable dreams, and the mystery surrounding him drives the plot forward with incredible tension.

Pacing, Perspective, and the Hunger Games Vibe

This book is utterly action-packed. There wasn't a single boring page, which is a rare feat for a longer dystopian novel—the story moves at a breakneck pace and the stakes never dip.

I also have to praise the use of dual perspective. I'm usually not a fan of stories told from multiple points of view, but getting little sections from Zane’s perspective actually worked perfectly here. It added layers of complexity and intrigue, smoothly moving the larger conspiracy plot along without spoiling the central mystery.

The whole thing culminates in a massive, high-profile event called "The Calling."

If you liked the high-stakes selection process and political drama of The Hunger Games, you will probably enjoy The Calling. The dystopian pageant elements—with talk of dresses, makeup, and appearances—appeal to that "girly girl" part of me, but it quickly drags you back into the relentless, brutal action of the Novo world.

Ready to Dive In?

The story's premise—discovering the past helps shape your future, with devastating personal consequences—is unlike anything else I've read. If you’re craving a fast-paced, character-driven story filled with political rebellion and an agonizing love triangle, this is it.

I am incredibly excited to read more from Siobhan Davis and absolutely need to know what happens next in this series!

You can find your copy of The Calling and start the series today right here: Link