Essence Books

Everyone is good. Sometimes they just do evil things. Despite the loss of Calloway’s parents, the torment he deals with at Fresno High School for being poor, and the responsibility of the entire world on his shoulders, he still believes life is worth living—even if it isn’t. The only things he has left are the gifts his father left behind, a glowing orb and a picking knife. Calloway doesn’t understand the use of these gifts. The globe only responds to him, shining in the darkness at his command. And his knife can open any lock. But what are they for? After Calloway steals the Kirin book from the Grandiose Historian Library, he is hunted by the Hara-Kirs, an ancient race that seeks to harbor the essence of all humans. Constantly looking over his shoulder, Calloway doesn’t understand why he’s being followed. And, more importantly, why he hasn’t been killed. The creatures had the chance many times, but his life has never been claimed. With the help of his two friends, they decode the ancient text and investigate the portal that leads to the other side. The Anti-Life. During their research, Calloway realizes his father may not be dead after all. But if he isn’t, where is he? Why would his father abandon him? Did he ever love Calloway? His friends suspect his father was actually a Hara-Kir, which was how Calloway received the gifts, but Calloway refuses to believe it. His father was a good man. He’ll prove it. Weston, the girl that Calloway immediately feels connected to, is the leader of the White Wing, a group of warriors that fight against the Hara-Kirs. But she doesn’t trust Calloway. All the information works against him. If his father was a Hara-Kir, what is he?

When Calloway returns to school after the winter break, high school only becomes more difficult, and not academically. Beatrice, the girl who he's had his eye on since the beginning of high school, finally acknowledges him. Calloway doesn't understand what any of it means. They are still trying to locate the portal, and when chance strikes, they believe they found the answer. But now they have to decide what to do, Should they tell Weston or go on their own? Hawk's torments are ever present for Calloway. When it becomes too much, Calloway turns to his mentor, Mr. Avey, for help. There's only so much Calloway can take. With graduation, prom, and the Hara-kirs chasing them every step of the way, Calloway and his two friends have to stay a step ahead. If not, the game could end for good.