Forsaken Souls: Book Four of the Callum Walker series
The critically acclaimed supernatural series continuesby J.M. Shaw
The book is available worldwide in print and digital formats
Driven south by their brethren in the Northern Kingdom, the Der’geron have bided their time for nearly two centuries, nursing hatred and plotting vengeance since their defeat in the great elven war. As a new conflict draws ever closer, Queen Jobella struggles to assert her authority over her northern domain—battling civil unrest, sabotage, and misinformation while attempting to mend fractured alliances.
Meanwhile, Callum and Jax set out on a perilous journey to repair the veil separating the magical realm from the human world. Unbeknownst to them, their path leads directly into the heart of danger, where they are captured by the Der’geron. Imprisoned in the hellish grotto beneath the subterranean city of Elfarian, Callum and Jax are forced to work or die at their enemy’s command.
However, danger turns to horror when Callum learns of the Der’geron King’s plans for the Northern Kingdom and the rest of the realm. What is to come will be a reckoning, not a war. It will be a battle for the ages, where both lives and souls are at stake, and death is not the worst outcome.
Imperilled by violence, assailed by evil energy, and tempted by dark magic, Callum must stand against the rising darkness, but first, he needs to find the strength to face his buried anguish, even at the risk of fracturing what remains of his sanity. Yet, there is hope for a happy ending, if only Callum can summon the courage to accept it.
“I absolutely loved the 3rd book on the Callum Walker series. I had a hard time putting it down. I really want to know what happens next for Callum, Jax and some of the other characters. I love how the author creates and develops her stories. I can’t wait until the 4th book comes out ”_Guardian, Amazon Reviewer
More Books in the Callum Walker series:
About J.M. Shaw:
J.M. Shaw lives in Airdrie, Alberta, with her husband and two young children. She and her family embarked upon a journey of understanding, acceptance, and life-long learning when they discovered their shared diagnosis of autism and ADHD. Â Writing is her passion and, with experience and interests in healthcare, psychology, martial arts, and personal training, she pours her unique insights and knowledge into all her creative fictions.
The book is available worldwide in print and digital formats
Driven south by their brethren in the Northern Kingdom, the Der’geron have bided their time for nearly two centuries, nursing hatred and plotting vengeance since their defeat in the great elven war. As a new conflict draws ever closer, Queen Jobella struggles to assert her authority over her northern domain—battling civil unrest, sabotage, and misinformation while attempting to mend fractured alliances.
Meanwhile, Callum and Jax set out on a perilous journey to repair the veil separating the magical realm from the human world. Unbeknownst to them, their path leads directly into the heart of danger, where they are captured by the Der’geron. Imprisoned in the hellish grotto beneath the subterranean city of Elfarian, Callum and Jax are forced to work or die at their enemy’s command.
However, danger turns to horror when Callum learns of the Der’geron King’s plans for the Northern Kingdom and the rest of the realm. What is to come will be a reckoning, not a war. It will be a battle for the ages, where both lives and souls are at stake, and death is not the worst outcome.
Imperilled by violence, assailed by evil energy, and tempted by dark magic, Callum must stand against the rising darkness, but first, he needs to find the strength to face his buried anguish, even at the risk of fracturing what remains of his sanity. Yet, there is hope for a happy ending, if only Callum can summon the courage to accept it.
“I absolutely loved the 3rd book on the Callum Walker series. I had a hard time putting it down. I really want to know what happens next for Callum, Jax and some of the other characters. I love how the author creates and develops her stories. I can’t wait until the 4th book comes out ”_Guardian, Amazon Reviewer
J.M. Shaw lives in Airdrie, Alberta, with her husband and two young children. She and her family embarked upon a journey of understanding, acceptance, and life-long learning when they discovered their shared diagnosis of autism and ADHD. Â Writing is her passion and, with experience and interests in healthcare, psychology, martial arts, and personal training, she pours her unique insights and knowledge into all her creative fictions.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A brewing war threatens to tear the realm apart as one man must find a way of repairing the veil between the human world and the magical one in author J.M. Shaw’s “Forsaken Souls”, the fourth book in the Callum Walker series.
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The Synopsis
Driven south by their brethren in the Northern Kingdom, the Der’geron have bided their time for nearly two centuries, nursing hatred and plotting vengeance since their defeat in the great elven war. As a new conflict draws ever closer, Queen Jobella struggles to assert her authority over her northern domain—battling civil unrest, sabotage, and misinformation while attempting to mend fractured alliances.
Meanwhile, Callum and Jax set out on a perilous journey to repair the veil separating the magical realm from the human world. Unbeknownst to them, their path leads directly into the heart of danger, where they are captured by the Der’geron. Imprisoned in the hellish grotto beneath the subterranean city of Elfarian, Callum and Jax are forced to work or die at their enemy’s command.
However, danger turns to horror when Callum learns of the Der’geron King’s plans for the Northern Kingdom and the rest of the realm. What is to come will be a reckoning, not a war. It will be a battle for the ages, where both lives and souls are at stake, and death is not the worst outcome.
Imperilled by violence, assailed by evil energy, and tempted by dark magic, Callum must stand against the rising darkness, but first, he needs to find the strength to face his buried anguish, even at the risk of fracturing what remains of his sanity. Yet, there is hope for a happy ending, if only Callum can summon the courage to accept it.
The Review
This was such a gripping and memorable entry into the Callum Walker series. The mesh of world-building and expansion upon the mythos of this magical world was perfectly executed, allowing the reader to fall deeper and deeper into the world the author has created. The conflict the story explores between the Northern Kingdom and the Der’geron, and the dark magic’s impact on those attempting to wield it, are perfectly captured and elevate the action significantly as the story progresses.
This story’s most significant impact is through the character progression, especially for the protagonist Callum Walker. Between his relationship with his brother Jax, the new allies he makes, and his struggle with past trauma, the readers form an emotional and heartfelt connection with this character, one that keeps the reader engaged thoroughly throughout the story.
The Verdict
Entertaining, thrilling, and haunting in its delivery, author J.M. Shaw’s “Forsaken Souls” is a must-read dark fantasy and genre fiction read with hints of horror and magical realism at the same time. The twists and turns this story takes and the story elements that end with an open-ended note leave a promising and hopeful note for the future of Callum Walker and the character’s series moving forward. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
J. M. Shaw lives in Airdrie, Alberta with her husband and two young children. She has a background in x-ray technology, psychology, and personal training, as well variable personal interests in martial arts, airsoft, and running. A diagnosis of autism for herself and both her sons has begun an incredible journey of understanding, acceptance, and life-long learning. She has immensely enjoyed writing creatively for more than thirty years, and with many novels in various degrees of completion. The Ascension is her debut novel in the Callum Walker series.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I have been an avid writer for over thirty years, ever since my mom bought me a typewriter—yes, I’m that old. Exercising my creative muscles has become more than a hobby; it has grown into a passion that, at times, borders on obsession. Fortunately, writing is decidedly cheaper than therapy.
In 2019, I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD. This was a surprise, but rather than viewing my neurodiversity as a hindrance, I choose to see it as a gift. It offers me a unique lens through which to see the world and infuses my creative works with distinctiveness and depth.
Over the years, I have filled several hard drives with poems, short stories, and full-length novels, yet there are still countless ideas rattling around in my head, just waiting to be unleashed.
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What inspired you to write your book?
I’ve always been a “what if” kind of person, and my muse for this series was sparked by the question: “What if fairy tales were more than stories, and monsters were flesh and blood?”
As someone who believes in good triumphing over evil, I started my series with the idea that my protagonist would strive to do good in the world—whether they wanted to or not. Along the way, I drew inspiration from the Arthurian legends, particularly the tales of Merlin, whose power and wisdom have fascinated me.
In many ways, my protagonist became my vision of a young Merlin, brimming with potential, longing for a normal life, but burdened by magical gifts that make such a life impossible.
What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
The overarching theme in my series is being true to oneself despite life’s challenges, trusting those we love to have our backs, and finding a sense of belonging. I enjoy tackling mental health issues—such as guilt, despair, and loneliness—and demonstrating how my characters overcome their adversity in an adventure setting. I also routinely incorporate wholesome messages that give my readers something to think about.
In my latest novel, Forsaken Souls, my protagonist’s metaphysical and magical abilities continue to grow, bordering on uncontrollable, which is both worrying and dangerous. At the same time, Callum is traumatized from the events of the first three novels—particularly those of the third book—which have tainted his outlook and self-concept. Instead of facing his fears, he avoids them, which only deepens his pain. Only by trusting in those he loves, leaning on their strength, and confronting his past can he begin to heal.
Callum’s journey is ultimately one of identity, trust, and connection, a reminder that family and friends are invaluable. I hope readers take to heart the message that emotional pain after trauma is a normal part of life, but the strength to overcome our torment is found through the bonds we forge with our loved ones.
What drew you into this particular genre?
I’m drawn to those genres that offer me creative freedom, and fantasy adventure gives me exactly that. I’m also partial to sci-fi, supernatural, paranormal, thrillers, and horror. Basically, any genre that allows me to explore outlandish concepts while weaving adventure and action into my novels is appealing. Although each genre requires a unique frame of mind, and with the latter two, I must leave the lights on while I write to avoid nightmares.
Oddly enough, I never set out to write an epic fantasy adventure; it just happened naturally. And while I’m committed to finishing my Callum Walker Series, I will eventually branch into other genres.
If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
Honestly, I already know everything there is to know about my characters—their histories, desires, fears, and the choices they’ll make. So rather than asking them a question, I think I’d sit with them. Maybe offer a moment of peace, or even a heartfelt “thank you” for letting me tell their story.
If I had to ask something, it might be this: “Do you forgive me for everything I’ve put you through?”
Because, as any author knows, there is no story without conflict, and we aren’t always kind to our characters.
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What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Instagram and Facebook are my preferred platforms for building readership. Their visual nature allows me to showcase my novels, share behind-the-scenes content, and connect more personally with fans and fellow authors. That said, nothing compares to the impact of face-to-face interactions. Author events and book signings are, without a doubt, my most effective tool—those who take the time to stop and chat often feel a stronger connection to both me and my work. From there, word of mouth takes over, which I’ve found to be the most powerful and lasting form of promotion.
What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Perseverance, especially in the face of criticism, is essential for any writer. You can’t please everyone, and there will always be those who dislike your work. But writing is a passion—untamed and unscripted—it is about personal expression rather than pleasing the masses. You must hold tightly to your reason for writing or risk losing sight of your passion as you pursue everyone else’s expectations. Otherwise, your art will become emotionless and void of authenticity. Thusly, every time I sit down to write, I remind myself that whatever I create must come from the heart. After all, that is where the magic lives.
What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I’m currently working my way through the fifth novel in my Callum Walker Series, with the sixth already in development. Beyond that, I’m toying with the idea of writing a standalone or a novel set outside my current series—something more sci-fi than fantasy, fresh and creatively liberating.
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About the Author
J.M. Shaw lives in Airdrie, Alberta, with her husband and two young children. She and her family embarked upon a journey of understanding, acceptance, and life-long learning when they discovered their shared diagnosis of autism and ADHD. Â Writing is her passion and, with experience and interests in healthcare, psychology, martial arts, and personal training, she pours her unique insights and knowledge into all her creative fictions.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Hero and warlock Callum Walker befriends a demigod while working to heal the barrier between humanity and the magical realm, but in the process is taken by the Furies and must come to terms with the events that brought him to them in author J.M. Shaw’s “The Fractured Veil”.
The Synopsis
Callum Walker triumphed over the darkest of evils but, in doing so, the veil separating humankind from the magical realm was damaged. To protect humanity, Callum patrols the border to prevent malicious vagrants from wreaking havoc. Realizing his self-assigned task is impossible and, after failing to garner support from his elven allies, Callum sets out to repair the fractured veil…alone.
After the veil’s near collapse, Neola, the goddess of the veil, calls upon her demigod son, Jax Foster, to determine if the responsible one poses any further threat to the barrier. Jax finds Callum and accosts him for answers, seriously injuring him in the process. Learning that they are both protecting the veil, Jax atones by forcing Callum to accept help, and their friendship develops.
Meanwhile, the Harpies resent the warlock’s previous escape from their clutches. They manipulate the goddesses of vengeance and retribution, the Furies, into effecting their revenge. As Callum begins to heal, the Furies abduct and pronounce him guilty of the Harpies’ fabricated crimes. While the warlock endures gruesome tortures, Jax seeks to rescue Callum and risks punishment for past misdeeds.
Callum’s deliverance carries a heavy cost, and his experience leaves him broken. Recovery takes time, but the warlock now has a valuable friend in Jax, and the demigod harbors a hopeful secret for their future.
The Review
It’s a genuinely haunting and compelling dark fantasy read. The author found a great way to elevate the dangers and threats the protagonist must face while finding unique ways of making the story feel personal and grounded. The natural ebb and flow of the narrative allow the reader to feel immersed in every aspect of the narrative, from the heavy atmosphere as the protagonist endured more hardship than ever before to the elevated sense of camaraderie that came out of this adventure.
The personal growth of Callum as a hero, the mysteries that the author unveiled within this universe, and the backstory of Callum as a character overall made this feel like such an elevated chapter in the Callum Walker universe. The emotional connection and friendship that form between Callum and Jax add depth to Callum’s overall arc, and the shocking revelations about Callum’s origins will stay with readers and leave them wanting more.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, entertaining, and thrilling, author J.M. Shaw’s “The Fractured Veil” is a must-read dark fantasy meets horror novel. The personal nature of Callum’s struggles, overall arc, and the unique nature of figures like the Furies or Neola will add a new layer of mystery and intrigue to an already powerful mythos. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
J. M. Shaw lives in Airdrie, Alberta with her husband and two young children. She has a background in x-ray technology, psychology, and personal training, as well variable personal interests in martial arts, airsoft, and running. A diagnosis of autism for herself and both her sons has begun an incredible journey of understanding, acceptance, and life-long learning. She has immensely enjoyed writing creatively for more than thirty years, and with many novels in various degrees of completion. The Ascension is her debut novel in the Callum Walker series.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
After returning to Earth to find some normalcy after becoming a powerful warlock, Callum Walker must contend with a new battle as the Goddess of Light faces the Eternal Darkness in author J.M. Shaw’s “The Convergence”.
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The Synopsis
The Winter War is over, but another battle has begun—the tug-of-war between the darkness and the purveyor of light. Theia, The Goddess of Light, steward of goodness and life, must square off against her counterpart, Omus, The Eternal Darkness, fomenter of corruption and death.
Following the ravages of warfare, Esme, the elven queen, is desperate to maintain her hold on her kingdom. Desiring uncontestable power to maintain her reign, she sells her soul to The Eternal Darkness, Omus. This spirit of darkness tricks Esme into becoming his vessel, dominating and suppressing her in his own pursuit of ultimate, unchallenged authority over The Goddess of Light, the warlock, and the world at large.
After narrowly escaping death, Callum Walker has reluctantly accepted his destiny as a warlock, but he struggles to understand and manage his arcane power. Attempting to regain some normalcy in his chaotic life, Callum leaves the magical realm, crossing the hidden veil and returning to the land of humans. Soon after, he is begrudgingly dragged into another conflict. Guided by Theia, The Goddess of Light, Callum commits to using his magic to ensure that the light will prevail over the darkness.
Confronted by orcs, harpies, and other obstacles, Callum forges on, seeking to discern who his true enemies are, who will betray him, and who will aid him in saving the world from damnation.
The Review
This was such a powerful and fantastic sequel. The latest entry in the Callum Walker series did an excellent job of building upon the mythos and world-building that the first book began and elevating the threats and creatures that populate both worlds. The second book utilizes powerful imagery of both the creatures and worlds in the author’s writing, allowing the reader to feel instantly transported each time the protagonist crosses the veil between our world and the magical realm.Â
The first book plays with the protagonist accepting his growing power and role in the Winter War, and the second book explores how the protagonist steps into his role as a warlock and hero in the magical realm. From his connection to local druids to the tension mounting between himself and the Elven Queen Esme and the growing battle between the Goddess of Light and the Eternal Darkness, Callum’s story and journey grows exponentially in this second book.
The Verdict
Harrowing, richly developed, and entertaining author J.M. Shaw’s “The Convergence” is a must-read fantasy thriller and a grand entry in the Callum Walker series. The twists and turns in the story and the constant barrage of intrigue that the protagonist faces as the narrative progresses will keep readers enthralled until the book’s final chapter. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
J. M. Shaw lives in Airdrie, Alberta with her husband and two young children. She has a background in x-ray technology, psychology, and personal training, as well variable personal interests in martial arts, airsoft, and running. A diagnosis of autism for herself and both her sons has begun an incredible journey of understanding, acceptance, and life-long learning. She has immensely enjoyed writing creatively for more than thirty years, and with many novels in various degrees of completion. The Ascension is her debut novel in the Callum Walker series.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
An introverted young man discovers he has gained new powers and becomes embroiled in a war between two evil and powerful brothers in author J.M. Shaw’s “The Ascension”, the first book in the Callum Walker series.
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The Synopsis
A magical war is brewing. While humankind is blissfully unaware, two evil brothers, a sorcerer and a necromancer, are marshaling deadly supernatural forces and armies of mythical creatures in a bid to destroy one another. The triumphant warlord will be free to impose their dominion over Earth’s natural world and a coexisting magical realm concealed from human knowledge behind an ethereal veil.
Meanwhile, Callum Walker is an introverted young man born with gifts that he struggles to understand. As monsters begin wreaking havoc in his city, Callum is compelled to use his unmastered arcane abilities to combat the growing menace. Unfortunately, the scheming warlords notice his vigilante escapades, and both see Callum as a potential threat.
While coming to terms with his extraordinary powers, Callum discovers a hidden world of magic and a cryptic prophecy that proclaims he will end the warfare now breaching the veil. However, Callum soon finds himself pursued by the agents of both factions, plus those seeking personal sanctuary or offering to help.
Ultimately, Callum Walker must overcome his fears and doubts if he hopes to survive, let alone bring the conflict to an end.
The Review
What a magical and powerful read. The author immediately draws the reader in with both personal internal conflict for the protagonist and terrifying supernatural and magical threats to the world. The action is adrenaline-fueled, and the imagery the author uses brings the visceral nature of the fighting and the creatures that make up this magical world to life in a very cinematic way. The pacing is fast-paced, drawing the reader in early on and laying out the wealth of mythos the author cultivated for this series.
The heart of the narrative resides in the character developments that bring this story to life. Not only did I immediately resonate with Callum’s story and personal struggles, especially as an introvert with social anxiety myself, but the wide cast of characters gave readers multiple perspectives that captured the chaos of the war between the two evil brothers and the skewed perspectives their allies have of one another, adding to Callum’s growing problems throughout the narrative.
The Verdict
Memorable, thrilling, and entertaining author J.M. Shaw’s “The Ascension” is a must-read dark fantasy meets horror novel and the perfect first entry into this new series. The twists and turns in the novel and the powerful imagery that keeps the reader engaged with this story and the characters involved will drive readers to want more and more from this fantastic author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
J. M. Shaw lives in Airdrie, Alberta with her husband and two young children. She has a background in x-ray technology, psychology, and personal training, as well variable personal interests in martial arts, airsoft, and running. A diagnosis of autism for herself and both her sons has begun an incredible journey of understanding, acceptance, and life-long learning. She has immensely enjoyed writing creatively for more than thirty years, and with many novels in various degrees of completion. The Ascension is her debut novel in the Callum Walker series.
