In the tradition of The Hunger Games, The Calling is the first installment in what promises to be an explosive series that will draw readers into a game of apocalyptic proportions. Twelve highly trained and skilled Players – who represent the 12 tribe-lines that populate present-day Earth – are called to action to fight against one another to the death. Endgame is a ruthless competition that has been designed by higher-order intelligent beings. There are no rules in Endgame.

Much like the principle of Darwin’s natural selection, only the fittest Player will survive, securing the genetic survival of their tribe. But a Player’s triumph is not only dependent on their being lethal assassins – they must also solve challenging riddles to secure the tools that will ensure their success. The battleground is the whole of Earth and the search for clues has Players travel from country to country. When alliances are formed among the Players, some begin to wonder whether a united front could ensure the survival of all tribes. An online game built by Google’s Niantic Labs means readers can play their own version of Endgame in real time.

Natalie Platten works as a bookseller at Readings Malvern.