What do you think?
Rate this book
Gaeldorcraeft Forces #1
Call to Quarters
Since the days of Merlin, there have been magicians that aid king and country. In modern times, they are known as the Gældorcræft Forces. They do everything that needs to be done, from disaster relief to keeping giant cities afloat – like Los Angeles. Investigating explosions at Air Force Research Labs are outside of the norm, but this explosion doesn’t follow the rules either. It happens nearly right on top of a leyline and the damage it causes is considerable. Noriko is new to California, new to the GF, and has a brand new partner to boot. She wanted to have an easy first week of work, just to adjust to things, but instead she’s thrown head first into a case that is snowballing in complexity. Time is definitely ticking because if they don’t figure it out, then all of California is going to wind up in the ocean.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2016
129 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Honor Raconteur
62 books841 followersEver since I was a toddler, I have been making up stories. I’d entertain anyone willing to listen to my wild fantasies about unicorns and gargoyles and amazing people. At 13, I started writing the stories down. At 23, I finished the first book that was, in my opinion, good enough to publish.
I spent three years trying to publish my book, Jaunten, the old fashioned way. The problem was my story was outside of the norm for young adult fantasy – it didn’t have vampires or the supernatural in it, it was clean enough to earn a PG rating, and there wasn’t any dark overlord to defeat. No literary agent would pick it up because it didn’t fit the “fantasy formula” that all of the popular books did.
I put the idea of having my book published off to the side for a while as I finished a Bachelors in English at Middle Tennessee State University. But as I worked on my third degree, the idea of being published came back to me. This time, while working as a paralegal, I had a better grasp of the laws involved of doing self-publishing. For six months, I did a great deal of research in how to do self-publishing the debt-free way.
It was hard. I was working full time, going to school full time, and living on my own. I never really had a break. I was always working on something. At times I felt like my brain would just go into meltdown from having to learn so many different things to make my idea work.
After six months, I thought I knew enough to publish myself. I put Jaunten out as an ebook, created a website and forum so that fans could communicate with me, and spread the word as best I could. Within three months, I was selling internationally. Within six months, I was making enough to quit my day job and sit at home, writing full time.
After six months of writing, publishing, and building up a reputation, I started to be approached by other people wanting to emulate what I did. I soon realized that there was a niche out there waiting for me to fill it—a place where original fiction could be published and released into the world. As of February 2012, I started my own publishing house, called Raconteur House. Since that point I have signed on four additional authors (not including yours truly) and am attracting more in a steady stream.
I have continued to write and publish the rest of the series through my House. When I’m not writing or editing, I like to go out into the community and give presentations of how to be an author. It’s actually really fun to talk to all of these people who want to be authors. Most people think that you can’t make any money being an author—actually, you can. And you can do quite well. It’s just a matter of working really hard, having a little talent, and knowing how to market your books. All I’m doing with these presentations is giving people the know-how to make their dreams come true.
While it’s true that you don’t need a college education to be an author, I encourage everyone to be as educated as possible. I have a lot of experience and education that most people don’t, and that’s what gives me an edge in writing. I’ve lived in places as obscure as Tehachapi, California and other places as large as Salt Lake City, Utah. I hold three different college degrees. I practice two different martial arts. I think I’ve tried every life experience that came my direction. All of that is incorporated into my books, and that’s what gives reality to my worlds and characters.
Even if I abruptly stop selling books tomorrow—which I don’t see happening—I would still continue to write. Creating characters and worlds is that much fun. Once you start, you become quickly addicted.
I spent three years trying to publish my book, Jaunten, the old fashioned way. The problem was my story was outside of the norm for young adult fantasy – it didn’t have vampires or the supernatural in it, it was clean enough to earn a PG rating, and there wasn’t any dark overlord to defeat. No literary agent would pick it up because it didn’t fit the “fantasy formula” that all of the popular books did.
I put the idea of having my book published off to the side for a while as I finished a Bachelors in English at Middle Tennessee State University. But as I worked on my third degree, the idea of being published came back to me. This time, while working as a paralegal, I had a better grasp of the laws involved of doing self-publishing. For six months, I did a great deal of research in how to do self-publishing the debt-free way.
It was hard. I was working full time, going to school full time, and living on my own. I never really had a break. I was always working on something. At times I felt like my brain would just go into meltdown from having to learn so many different things to make my idea work.
After six months, I thought I knew enough to publish myself. I put Jaunten out as an ebook, created a website and forum so that fans could communicate with me, and spread the word as best I could. Within three months, I was selling internationally. Within six months, I was making enough to quit my day job and sit at home, writing full time.
After six months of writing, publishing, and building up a reputation, I started to be approached by other people wanting to emulate what I did. I soon realized that there was a niche out there waiting for me to fill it—a place where original fiction could be published and released into the world. As of February 2012, I started my own publishing house, called Raconteur House. Since that point I have signed on four additional authors (not including yours truly) and am attracting more in a steady stream.
I have continued to write and publish the rest of the series through my House. When I’m not writing or editing, I like to go out into the community and give presentations of how to be an author. It’s actually really fun to talk to all of these people who want to be authors. Most people think that you can’t make any money being an author—actually, you can. And you can do quite well. It’s just a matter of working really hard, having a little talent, and knowing how to market your books. All I’m doing with these presentations is giving people the know-how to make their dreams come true.
While it’s true that you don’t need a college education to be an author, I encourage everyone to be as educated as possible. I have a lot of experience and education that most people don’t, and that’s what gives me an edge in writing. I’ve lived in places as obscure as Tehachapi, California and other places as large as Salt Lake City, Utah. I hold three different college degrees. I practice two different martial arts. I think I’ve tried every life experience that came my direction. All of that is incorporated into my books, and that’s what gives reality to my worlds and characters.
Even if I abruptly stop selling books tomorrow—which I don’t see happening—I would still continue to write. Creating characters and worlds is that much fun. Once you start, you become quickly addicted.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 25, 2022
Only one book!!!
So sad to see this is a one-off, published in 2016. I guess not enough feedback or reviews etc. I enjoyed it very much. It was interesting to read about magic in our not too distant future and how it could affect the status quo of geological stability. I'd certainly enjoy a series here.
So sad to see this is a one-off, published in 2016. I guess not enough feedback or reviews etc. I enjoyed it very much. It was interesting to read about magic in our not too distant future and how it could affect the status quo of geological stability. I'd certainly enjoy a series here.
July 8, 2017
This was Honor's first Urban Fantasy Mystery . I loved her new style.
September 2, 2020
I felt mislead by the book's synopsis! It was an OK story.
October 15, 2016
Not a bad story, but not up to the standards of her previous books. All the different energy measurements were actually a distraction. There also wasn't enough magic compared to all the discussions of ley lines. Not bad, just not great as most of her other books were.
July 4, 2019
Solid world building and characterization. This is more science fiction with psi than straight fantasy, with a strong helping of criminal investigation. Four stars.
March 9, 2023
2023 bk 83. Honor Raconteur never ceases to amaze me at her ability to come up with unique scenarios and likeable characters. In Call To Quarters, the setting is Earth - but one in which the California cities have expanded into floating cities on the Pacific Ocean, ley lines and their energy are recognized as an important resource, and a folks who can draw from and utilize those ley lines are members of a governmental force associated with the police. Into this book comes our heroic duo, recently graduated from boot camp and ready for the world. Expecting a quiet 'honeymoon' period, the two and their fellow officers are immediately thrown into a mystery. Raconteur deftly weaves learning about the characters and the mystery together. I'm eagerly awaiting a second book and sincerely hope that she doesn't make this a one off.
December 20, 2019
Low-key story, engaging characters. I'm starting to see that as a typical Honor-Raconteur mix. The world might as well be ours, not too many years in the future, except that ours doesn't have magic. The Gaeldorcraeft world does have magic, but its impact is limited: Magic is a force, and practitioners can draw on the power flowing through ley lines and turn it into lift, electricity, or other simple transformations.
Another difference between this world and ours is that in 2021 parts of California including LA and Santa Barbara slid into the ocean, and they have been kept afloat since through a mixture of magic and technology. (Maybe this isn't an actual difference. We'll know in a couple of years.) Managing the flows of power needed to keep the cities afloat is one of the main tasks of the Gaeldorcraeft Forces.
Noriko is just starting her Gaeldorcraeft career, and the story follows her to her first posting - a normally-sleepy outpost where things are suddenly going very wrong. The book is almost a procedural. There is a bit of excitement, but much of the book is devoted to analyzing the site of what might or might not have been an accident. The characters make the book enjoyable.
Another difference between this world and ours is that in 2021 parts of California including LA and Santa Barbara slid into the ocean, and they have been kept afloat since through a mixture of magic and technology. (Maybe this isn't an actual difference. We'll know in a couple of years.) Managing the flows of power needed to keep the cities afloat is one of the main tasks of the Gaeldorcraeft Forces.
Noriko is just starting her Gaeldorcraeft career, and the story follows her to her first posting - a normally-sleepy outpost where things are suddenly going very wrong. The book is almost a procedural. There is a bit of excitement, but much of the book is devoted to analyzing the site of what might or might not have been an accident. The characters make the book enjoyable.
June 21, 2020
Yet another wonderful book by Honor Raconteur. Another shining example of a wonderful heroine but who is made much greater by her supporting cast. Truly a wonderful team spirit of all pulling together. I loved the legal side to this and the complications of the magical system (which forces people to work in pairs and more importantly in balance) and as ever the problem solving. A true reading delight, based in our world, but then slightly different. Natural forces can be harnessed and Noriko is a delightful addition to characters I could read over and over. Please Please write more! Pretty please!
January 1, 2022
Meh! I have read most of this author’s books with much enjoyment. This one, not so much.
Seems formulaic, populated with some leftover characters, situations, and dialogue from other books. The characters are sketchy, and not terribly interesting....even if... we had much of an idea who they were. The heroine is much like the Void Mage, even to having a coterie of girlfriends whom she grew up with.
The world-building could have been interesing. But a mind-numbing amount of unneeded technical detail that made my eyes glaze over. The story begins in the middle, and just rushes thru incidents, with little mental digestion. The plot, and underlying motivations of “the bad guys” are paper thin.
And, being charged 5$ on Amazon for 1/2 a book did not make me very happy.
Give it a miss....
Seems formulaic, populated with some leftover characters, situations, and dialogue from other books. The characters are sketchy, and not terribly interesting....even if... we had much of an idea who they were. The heroine is much like the Void Mage, even to having a coterie of girlfriends whom she grew up with.
The world-building could have been interesing. But a mind-numbing amount of unneeded technical detail that made my eyes glaze over. The story begins in the middle, and just rushes thru incidents, with little mental digestion. The plot, and underlying motivations of “the bad guys” are paper thin.
And, being charged 5$ on Amazon for 1/2 a book did not make me very happy.
Give it a miss....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2023
Hilarious with a Good Original Plot as Well.
If you want a good original storyline with lots of laughs then this is the book for you. I absolutely cracked up when Cam took over Noriko’s call from a telemarketer and spun them the story of dark reptile that lived deep underground and caused wars so they could eat the resultant negative energies this generated. Needless to say the telemarketers hung up. It also contained an excellent plot that included investigating who or what was causing the surrounding ley line disruptions and the explosion at the nearby government research station. A thoroughly enjoyable book; I’m looking forward to more in the series.
If you want a good original storyline with lots of laughs then this is the book for you. I absolutely cracked up when Cam took over Noriko’s call from a telemarketer and spun them the story of dark reptile that lived deep underground and caused wars so they could eat the resultant negative energies this generated. Needless to say the telemarketers hung up. It also contained an excellent plot that included investigating who or what was causing the surrounding ley line disruptions and the explosion at the nearby government research station. A thoroughly enjoyable book; I’m looking forward to more in the series.
January 4, 2025
Chicken Gun
One of the things I love is the reference to the Chicken Gun. Years Ago the engineers at Rolls Royce Aviation created the chicken Gu designed to emulate the effects of a bird strike against an aircraft m the team at Boeing begin firing chickens at thier aircraft. Horrified they discovered that the birds easily penetrated the cockpit windows & thru the rear bulkwards as well. They contacted Rolls Royce Aviation Engineer's explaining the issue with thier test results to date. They requested thier recommendations as to how to reinforce the cockpit properly. The Rolls Royce engineers reply was British at it's best.
Simply - *"Try defrosting the chickens first"*
One of the things I love is the reference to the Chicken Gun. Years Ago the engineers at Rolls Royce Aviation created the chicken Gu designed to emulate the effects of a bird strike against an aircraft m the team at Boeing begin firing chickens at thier aircraft. Horrified they discovered that the birds easily penetrated the cockpit windows & thru the rear bulkwards as well. They contacted Rolls Royce Aviation Engineer's explaining the issue with thier test results to date. They requested thier recommendations as to how to reinforce the cockpit properly. The Rolls Royce engineers reply was British at it's best.
Simply - *"Try defrosting the chickens first"*
July 9, 2023
Decently Researched
Although this isn't my favorite book/series from this author, I was impressed by the research or past knowledge that went into it. Failure investigation, safety engineering and the associated processes did appear. This is refreshing for books set on a magical Earth, where there is an obvious temptation to concentrate on fancy spells etc. rather than thought and logic.
Although this isn't my favorite book/series from this author, I was impressed by the research or past knowledge that went into it. Failure investigation, safety engineering and the associated processes did appear. This is refreshing for books set on a magical Earth, where there is an obvious temptation to concentrate on fancy spells etc. rather than thought and logic.
January 11, 2024
Yet another goody
This Author doesn't hit every book she writes out of the ballpark.
But who cares?
She produces worlds/Universes. Throws her characters into believable jams. And let's them work their way out of the jams.
She is hughly entertaining.
I don't give 5 stars to anything but Hugo/Nebula winners.
But I am reading several very talented and entertaining Authors who get very high 4's.
And she is one of them.
Enjoy.
This Author doesn't hit every book she writes out of the ballpark.
But who cares?
She produces worlds/Universes. Throws her characters into believable jams. And let's them work their way out of the jams.
She is hughly entertaining.
I don't give 5 stars to anything but Hugo/Nebula winners.
But I am reading several very talented and entertaining Authors who get very high 4's.
And she is one of them.
Enjoy.
May 2, 2024
I need more!
This was an interesting story and world. I got to know the characters slowly/organically as they did each other as the story went along. Ideally enjoyed the characters and learning their quirks and the interaction with all of the secondary characters. The only tiny complaint I had, that isn't really a problem, I had questions leftover after the main story wrapped up. I need answers, lol.
This was an interesting story and world. I got to know the characters slowly/organically as they did each other as the story went along. Ideally enjoyed the characters and learning their quirks and the interaction with all of the secondary characters. The only tiny complaint I had, that isn't really a problem, I had questions leftover after the main story wrapped up. I need answers, lol.
January 30, 2018
I am never fond of reading about this earth we are on, I much prefer to read about any other planet, space, or asteroid stories. I only decided to read this because I like the Irin mysteries. But.... I am so glad i did, i could not put the book down. The girl is so much fun, meeting her new partner and team. Please write more of her and them.
March 26, 2021
More of this please
Raconteur tells a good story, very well. There's very little fat or dead air in any of her books. The humor and offhand writing expertise make all of her books fun to read. One hopes that she'll find time to write a couple more Gaeldocraeft books for us to enjoy.
Raconteur tells a good story, very well. There's very little fat or dead air in any of her books. The humor and offhand writing expertise make all of her books fun to read. One hopes that she'll find time to write a couple more Gaeldocraeft books for us to enjoy.
May 12, 2023
Review of Call to Quarters
I really enjoyed the book and was wondering about when the next one was coming. When I saw a copyright of 2016 I despaired that you my not be planning a sequel. My email is 9ladylor@gmail.com. if no sequel is in offing please let me know what you had planned. It's going to drive me crazy otherwise
I really enjoyed the book and was wondering about when the next one was coming. When I saw a copyright of 2016 I despaired that you my not be planning a sequel. My email is 9ladylor@gmail.com. if no sequel is in offing please let me know what you had planned. It's going to drive me crazy otherwise
February 26, 2021
An Entertaining Read
Good world building, likable characters, and good pacing make this an entertaining read. Some of the dialogue is a little wooden but I look forward to a sequel.
Good world building, likable characters, and good pacing make this an entertaining read. Some of the dialogue is a little wooden but I look forward to a sequel.
October 11, 2021
Story only 40% of pages!
I was soooo excited for a new Honor R story. Great story, hope more coming soon. I own the book provided at the end. Otherwise worth a 5+ as usual. Just bummed after seeing page count that so few were the new story.
I was soooo excited for a new Honor R story. Great story, hope more coming soon. I own the book provided at the end. Otherwise worth a 5+ as usual. Just bummed after seeing page count that so few were the new story.
January 31, 2022
Call to Quarters book 1
This was a good book, but harder to believe in the characters as portrayed. I did finish it but got bored toward the end. Will try next in series. If not better then won’t read.
This was a good book, but harder to believe in the characters as portrayed. I did finish it but got bored toward the end. Will try next in series. If not better then won’t read.
May 11, 2022
Magic in contemporary times
An alternative history set in contemporary time with magic added to the world. I liked her version of how magic would be accessed and used and enjoyed Noriko and Cameron as main characters and partners.
An alternative history set in contemporary time with magic added to the world. I liked her version of how magic would be accessed and used and enjoyed Noriko and Cameron as main characters and partners.
February 26, 2024
This was a fun read with great characters and even better world building. The series title suggest there could've been more books and it's too bad there's only this one because I would've enjoyed reading about these characters and this world some more.
January 16, 2018
Write more and fast please
This is the last book by this author on Amazon, I've read every single one and even paid for one. May I have some more please?
This is the last book by this author on Amazon, I've read every single one and even paid for one. May I have some more please?
September 29, 2019
I loved this, I can't believe there is not a second book. Know I'm sad, but eh.
LOOOOOOOOOOVE IT. SAD.
Happy this was awesome.
LOOOOOOOOOOVE IT. SAD.
Happy this was awesome.
July 10, 2021
Believe I will love this series
Still loving Honor's books. Can't wait to see the next one in this series. Enjoy the variety in characters and the new premise for the series.
Still loving Honor's books. Can't wait to see the next one in this series. Enjoy the variety in characters and the new premise for the series.
July 10, 2022
I really like this author!
October 9, 2022
Fun read
Loved it! A quick pace fun read with good characters and interesting storyline. Has magic and a mystery to solve.
Loved it! A quick pace fun read with good characters and interesting storyline. Has magic and a mystery to solve.
May 7, 2023
Quite boring.
May 21, 2023
Hmmm
Another mystical partnership Honor? It's ok, I forgive you. Now head back to the computer and get back to work. I'd like the next book please
Another mystical partnership Honor? It's ok, I forgive you. Now head back to the computer and get back to work. I'd like the next book please
October 4, 2023
Really enjoyed the characters! Entertaining and engaging story. I’d definitely read more if this became the series it should be. Sad to discover despite the way the story ended that there aren’t any other books yet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews