Original Novels
The Calling
Meet the answer to your prayers.
HEAR THE CALLING.
No one would guess by looking at Tom Nash that he’s extraordinary, and that’s just fine with him. A tall, broad-shouldered jack-of-all-trades from Sawyer, Pennsylvania, Tom has a knack for fixing things. He also hides a secret talent: he hears people’s prayers. Stranger still, he answers them. Maybe it’s because he’s a handyman, but Tom feels compelled to fix people’s problems. Which is all well and good — until the soul-shattering plea of a terrified girl sends him on the darkest journey of his life…
SEEK THE TRUTH.
Heeding the call and leaving his home for New York City, Tom discovers a secret world beyond the range of mortal perception — a world of angels and demons and those who serve them. With the guidance of a knowing stranger named Erin, Tom learns that he himself is one of The Called, born with a divine purpose and a daunting task: to help the powers of Heaven in the war against the agents of Hell, an army of fallen angels known as the Scorned. Thrust into an epic battle of the sacred and the profane, Tom Nash must find the girl who prayed for his help — because her fate will determine whether humanity deserves to be saved, or damned for all eternity…
Reviewers' Comments
"The higher the Call, the harder the fall. A protagonist too good for his own good, action, fantasy, and a race to save an innocent that keeps going relentlessly right down to the wire."
—Rob Thurman, New York Times bestselling author of Deathwish
"Mack's world and characters are real. A reader will care about them in an edge-of-their-seat way. I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting."
"Readers should keep an eye on David Mack — here is a new voice in Urban Fantasy with new characters and a fresh new twist on the genre."
—Phaedra Weldon, author of the Zoë Martinique Investigation series
"The supporting characters are vivid and mysterious. … [T]here are several twists to the story, with some revelations at the end that leave it open-ended for a sequel. Here's hoping!"
"The Calling is an exciting, dark and suspenseful urban fantasy tale. Fast-paced and thrilling, this is definitely one of my favorite original novels of the year. This is a must read for urban fantasy fans."
"The author of the best-selling Star Trek Destiny series turns to fantasy in this supernatural thriller, which pits a righteous man against the powers of Hell."
"Mack excels in characterization and the kind of gentle humor that surfaces in perilous situations, making his stories come alive. A good pick for fans of fantasy thrillers."
—Library Journal
"In The Calling, David Mack tries something pretty original by bringing us (instead of vampires and werewolves) guardian angels and their evil counterparts. …"
"For the first book in what appears to be a new series, I was extremely impressed. David Mack writes very well and gets the story moving at a pace that keeps you interested without blowing through too much too quickly. He also does a great job of creating the tension that a supernatural thriller needs. I strongly recommend The Calling as a quick read, and I hope that more from David Mack will soon be on its way."
"The Calling desperately wants to be on film, with all the fight scenes and the breakneck pacing."
"… [I]f you dig urban fantasy but have tired of all the vampires and werewolves dominating the genre, this just might be something you'd like to pick up."
"Mack is a master of writing action sequences. … There is one scene in a subway station that involves a running gunfight that is so well done that it honestly felt like I was watching [a] movie."
"As [an] Urban Fantasy novel, this is one of the better ones that I have read. The story has the no-nonsense style of Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden character and mixes it [with] the mystery of a Dennis Lehane novel."
—Robots and Vamps
"David Mack is a new talent in the fantasy genre, and The Calling is an amazing book. The action is nonstop and heartpoundingly exciting, the characters are believable and appealing, and the premise behind the action is skillfully woven into the plotline."
"This book is highly recommended for all fantasy readers, and for those who enjoy thrillers."
"The Calling represents [David Mack's] first novel in a universe of his own making, and it is indeed a fine debut. His world of angels and demons among us is timely given the popularity of urban fantasy these days, but it also feels fresh. Mack is particularly adept at action scenes, but he also achieves a fine balance of characterization by placing the everyday Tom into a hardboiled world."
"The story is completely self-contained, yet hints at intriguing layers of complexity in this new universe that readers will look forward to exploring further."
—Amy Sisson, SFReader.com
"The Calling is a wonderful addition to the urban fantasy genre. … The action is gritty and turbulent, and the outcome is phenomenal. … Definitely a must-read for all scifi and paranormal fans!"
"Tom was a great character — he was very down to Earth, loves his wife (I really like that in a man), yet is in a position where he has a calling to help other people."
"On his mission, he meets Erin … I loved her. She was saucy, funny and was a major kick a$s character. We are kept at the edge of our seat as Tom and Erin head from one dangerous situation to the next."
"I found the storyline to be very engaging … Full of twists and turns that kept you guessing … I can envision this becoming a series and I would definitely love to read more of Tom Nash. … I recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy, good writing and powerful characters."
"This story is filled with action, purpose, and … one bad-ass lady."
"The Calling is fast-paced and spellbinding. The author delivers a satisfying end with room for what may be another Tom Nash story. There's still quite a bit left to learn about this darker world."
—Bambi Reads
"One of the best books I've read this year. David Mack's The Calling had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through and felt like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book. My favorite part was the action. What great fight scenes!"
"I really hope this becomes a series because I would love to see the world of Sages, Seekers, Seerers and the Scorned in more detail."
—Simply Vamptastic
"I loved it. I was drawn in right away and did not want to put this book down. … If you like Fantasy, then this is a book you don't want to miss."
"The story is fast paced, but full of detail and exciting. Mack hangs just enough mystery above you to compel you to keep reading for answers."
"[R]ecommend it highly to anyone who likes fantasy, action, and mystery/crime."
—Morbid Romantic
"…a fast-paced, action-packed ride, which sets up an intriguing world hidden beneath our own…"
"Mack's strengths are his characterisations and action sequences, and he gets the opportunity to demonstrate both in this."
"It's a tribute to Mack's writing that you never feel that his characters are grandstanding (well, except those that love it!) . … Pray for a sequel."
—Peter Quentin, Total Sci-Fi Online
"Incredible."
"A refreshing topic, brilliantly plotted and executed. Read this book: you won't be disappointed."