Call of the Desert: Exile
The mystical journey continues!
Return to the magical world of the Beloved Daughter series with this award-winning second book.
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Saudi Arabia feels like home now—the only place Claire’s ever had friends, ever belonged. Too bad her time here is running out.
Because Claire and all the other ninth graders must leave home for boarding school next year. Unless she and her boyfriend Luke can convince their parents to send them to the same school, this could be their last year together. But when Claire begins wearing a painful, restrictive back brace for scoliosis, she finds herself sliding into exile. Right where Beatrix, the new girl, wants her.
The black lioness, Claire’s mysterious mentor, gives warnings and advice but no real help. Even the Presence seems not present. Can Claire find her way home from ‘exile’ before it’s too late?
Content Warning:
Call of the Desert: Exile includes elements of bullying and references to pain, open sores, and dissociation. Readers who may be sensitive to these elements, please take note.
Buy or borrow Call of the Desert: Exile
from Trillium Creek Publishing
Only the paperback format is available from the author's publisher.
from a Retailer
Paperback and eBook formats are available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, etc.
from the Indie Author Project
Only the eBook format is available to borrow from the BiblioBoard Library (mobile and web).
Call of the Desert: Exile
supports the JDC Spine Program
Half of all proceeds from the sale of Call of the Desert: Exile are donated to support the work of Dr. Rick Hodes, the Medical Director of JDC in Ethiopia. Dr. Hodes founded the JDC Spine Program in 2006 to provide life-saving and life-changing spine treatment to those most in need.
A. A. Vogel has had scoliosis since she was thirteen. After you read Exile, you'll understand why the work Dr. Hodes does is near and dear to her heart, and why she has supported it for years. You can support it, too, by buying this book or by donating directly from Dr. Hodes' website!
What readers are saying
Slide 1 of 11
"This beautifully written novel will captivate a young adult reader with its classic themes of love, jealousy, betrayal, and alienation, all within an exotic setting and with a touch of the supernatural. Claire, the protagonist, deals with feelings for and about a first love, an incredibly difficult physical hardship and, of course, (because no high school is without one) the mean girl. A highly recommended offering by this up and coming author in the style of the great Madeleine L’ Engle."
- KAHB
"A Gripping Coming-of-Age Story! Claire’s happiness feels within reach—until scoliosis changes everything. Strapped into a back brace that makes her feel awkward and isolated, she fears losing her dreamy boyfriend. As she confronts an unfair world, her struggles with pain and self-doubt begin. The tension of how Claire faces these challenges was deeply relatable and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the story. With emotional depth, romance, and a compelling protagonist, this book is a powerful coming-of-age tale."
- Screenwriter
"This is the second installment in a YA series that follows Claire, a young teen whose family is living in an American compound in Saudi Arabia in the early 1970s. Since her adventures the previous year, Claire has solidified her friendships and has reconnected with her boyfriend, Luke, after a summer apart. Overshadowing this reunion is the knowledge that she, Luke, and her friends will be scattering to different boarding schools next year. Then Beatrix, a new student from the Netherlands, shows up and immediately casts her eye on Luke. Claire also finds out that she has scoliosis and will need to wear a back brace 23 hours a day. What follows is the story of how Claire finds herself exiled from the people she loves and even from herself, and of how she finds her way back—with the help of some magical friends and insightful adults."
- Jean
"Wisdom for ages 14 to 84. Once again, A. A. Vogel crafted a story that takes her readers into the depth of a teenager's thoughts and emotions as she engages with parents, school, friends, and a boyfriend while forced to wear an excruciatingly painful and restrictive brace. This story tugs at one's heartstrings as Claire must learn to deal with the type of othering similar to that endured by those with disabilities."
Diane S.
"Claire's journey continues. This is a lovely sequel to 'Call of the Desert: Crossing' and I enjoyed seeing Claire grow as a character. She goes through serious hardship in the book (not only the condition of being a teenage girl) and comes out stronger and more self aware. There is a lot to learn for all ages about vulnerability, pain, communication, and love in this book. I'm looking forward to what she gets up to at boarding school (and if any of her mysterious/magical mentors follow her there) in the next book!"
- Laura
"This story always kept me wanting to know what would happen next, complete with a mysterious disappearance, mystical rings, and a cast of believable young characters whose relationships and actions will be familiar to anyone who has ever been (or parented) a teenager. With beautiful descriptions of the desert environment and the culture immersed in it, I would recommend this book not only to young adults, but also to the young at heart."
- Jean
"AN UPLIFTING READ FOR TEENS OR ADULTS WHO ARE TIRED OF 'BAD NEWS.' The Call of the Desert/Beloved Daughter series continues Clare's journey as she deals with a painful medical issue amid the insensitivity of her peers. Her teen romance with Luke is also threatened by their parents' objectives and by an aggressively interested classmate. There is still an element of magic that directs Clare's conscience/judgement as she finds her way through challenges of adolescence. A fun, light read with subtle themes teens or adults will find familiar."
- book-kritik
"Enjoyable for children and adults! My 10 year old daughter and I both truly enjoyed A. A. Vogel's in-depth work. My daughter enjoyed the love story and the many character dynamics, as well as the magical realism elements. For myself, I enjoyed the psychological elements of the story as Claire navigates friendships, relationships, and pain. I finished it yesterday, and I'm still pondering many of the book's messages today. My daughter can't wait for the third installment."
- Sandra
"Genuine and Enjoyable! I very much liked the first book in the series; I loved this one. The fantastical portions of the story serve the beautifully and delicately written realism of a young teen girl struggling with self consciousness, doubt, friendship and young love, as well as a blossoming relationship with The Presence. I'm ready for the next book!"
- Fluffy
"Inspiration with a Touch of Magic. Call of the Desert: Exile is a heartwarming novel that resonates with readers of any age. The setting in Saudi Arabia blends intrigue with the physical beauty of the desert and the Red Sea. The story weaves the challenges of teens learning about themselves, the value of friendship, the angst of jealousy, and first love. Claire navigates cultural differences in a foreign country and coming of age with the help of a wise and magical lioness. She finds ways to handle and overcome the obstacles and challenges she faces. Readers can’t help but admire Claire’s emotional and intellectual intelligence, determination, and integrity. As the story unfolds, we see Claire’s personal growth and inner strength develop. She gives readers the encouragement that they, too, can find peace and happiness with the power of friendship, love, and believing in themselves and each other."
- Brooke
"Magical creatures are sprinkled from beginning to end adding to the ethereal hue of the story, as are the author’s wonderful descriptions of the desert landscape. Magical people also play their part in helping Claire come to terms with her Scoliosis, the brace she’s wearing to fix her spine, and her budding romance with Luke. This is a great YA read! The author smartly defines words that young readers may not know. Life lessons on love, relationships, parenting, and socialization in a foreign land are explored with heart and soul. Highly recommended read!"
- Jeri
"This beautifully written novel will captivate a young adult reader with its classic themes of love, jealousy, betrayal, and alienation, all within an exotic setting and with a touch of the supernatural. Claire, the protagonist, deals with feelings for and about a first love, an incredibly difficult physical hardship and, of course, (because no high school is without one) the mean girl. A highly recommended offering by this up and coming author in the style of the great Madeleine L’ Engle."
- KAHB
"A Gripping Coming-of-Age Story! Claire’s happiness feels within reach—until scoliosis changes everything. Strapped into a back brace that makes her feel awkward and isolated, she fears losing her dreamy boyfriend. As she confronts an unfair world, her struggles with pain and self-doubt begin. The tension of how Claire faces these challenges was deeply relatable and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the story. With emotional depth, romance, and a compelling protagonist, this book is a powerful coming-of-age tale."
- Screenwriter
"This is the second installment in a YA series that follows Claire, a young teen whose family is living in an American compound in Saudi Arabia in the early 1970s. Since her adventures the previous year, Claire has solidified her friendships and has reconnected with her boyfriend, Luke, after a summer apart. Overshadowing this reunion is the knowledge that she, Luke, and her friends will be scattering to different boarding schools next year. Then Beatrix, a new student from the Netherlands, shows up and immediately casts her eye on Luke. Claire also finds out that she has scoliosis and will need to wear a back brace 23 hours a day. What follows is the story of how Claire finds herself exiled from the people she loves and even from herself, and of how she finds her way back—with the help of some magical friends and insightful adults."
- Jean
"Wisdom for ages 14 to 84. Once again, A. A. Vogel crafted a story that takes her readers into the depth of a teenager's thoughts and emotions as she engages with parents, school, friends, and a boyfriend while forced to wear an excruciatingly painful and restrictive brace. This story tugs at one's heartstrings as Claire must learn to deal with the type of othering similar to that endured by those with disabilities."
Diane S.
"Claire's journey continues. This is a lovely sequel to 'Call of the Desert: Crossing' and I enjoyed seeing Claire grow as a character. She goes through serious hardship in the book (not only the condition of being a teenage girl) and comes out stronger and more self aware. There is a lot to learn for all ages about vulnerability, pain, communication, and love in this book. I'm looking forward to what she gets up to at boarding school (and if any of her mysterious/magical mentors follow her there) in the next book!"
- Laura
"This story always kept me wanting to know what would happen next, complete with a mysterious disappearance, mystical rings, and a cast of believable young characters whose relationships and actions will be familiar to anyone who has ever been (or parented) a teenager. With beautiful descriptions of the desert environment and the culture immersed in it, I would recommend this book not only to young adults, but also to the young at heart."
- Jean
"AN UPLIFTING READ FOR TEENS OR ADULTS WHO ARE TIRED OF 'BAD NEWS.' The Call of the Desert/Beloved Daughter series continues Clare's journey as she deals with a painful medical issue amid the insensitivity of her peers. Her teen romance with Luke is also threatened by their parents' objectives and by an aggressively interested classmate. There is still an element of magic that directs Clare's conscience/judgement as she finds her way through challenges of adolescence. A fun, light read with subtle themes teens or adults will find familiar."
- book-kritik
"Enjoyable for children and adults! My 10 year old daughter and I both truly enjoyed A. A. Vogel's in-depth work. My daughter enjoyed the love story and the many character dynamics, as well as the magical realism elements. For myself, I enjoyed the psychological elements of the story as Claire navigates friendships, relationships, and pain. I finished it yesterday, and I'm still pondering many of the book's messages today. My daughter can't wait for the third installment."
- Sandra
"Genuine and Enjoyable! I very much liked the first book in the series; I loved this one. The fantastical portions of the story serve the beautifully and delicately written realism of a young teen girl struggling with self consciousness, doubt, friendship and young love, as well as a blossoming relationship with The Presence. I'm ready for the next book!"
- Fluffy
"Inspiration with a Touch of Magic. Call of the Desert: Exile is a heartwarming novel that resonates with readers of any age. The setting in Saudi Arabia blends intrigue with the physical beauty of the desert and the Red Sea. The story weaves the challenges of teens learning about themselves, the value of friendship, the angst of jealousy, and first love. Claire navigates cultural differences in a foreign country and coming of age with the help of a wise and magical lioness. She finds ways to handle and overcome the obstacles and challenges she faces. Readers can’t help but admire Claire’s emotional and intellectual intelligence, determination, and integrity. As the story unfolds, we see Claire’s personal growth and inner strength develop. She gives readers the encouragement that they, too, can find peace and happiness with the power of friendship, love, and believing in themselves and each other."
- Brooke
"Magical creatures are sprinkled from beginning to end adding to the ethereal hue of the story, as are the author’s wonderful descriptions of the desert landscape. Magical people also play their part in helping Claire come to terms with her Scoliosis, the brace she’s wearing to fix her spine, and her budding romance with Luke. This is a great YA read! The author smartly defines words that young readers may not know. Life lessons on love, relationships, parenting, and socialization in a foreign land are explored with heart and soul. Highly recommended read!"
- Jeri
"This beautifully written novel will captivate a young adult reader with its classic themes of love, jealousy, betrayal, and alienation, all within an exotic setting and with a touch of the supernatural. Claire, the protagonist, deals with feelings for and about a first love, an incredibly difficult physical hardship and, of course, (because no high school is without one) the mean girl. A highly recommended offering by this up and coming author in the style of the great Madeleine L’ Engle."
- KAHB
"A Gripping Coming-of-Age Story! Claire’s happiness feels within reach—until scoliosis changes everything. Strapped into a back brace that makes her feel awkward and isolated, she fears losing her dreamy boyfriend. As she confronts an unfair world, her struggles with pain and self-doubt begin. The tension of how Claire faces these challenges was deeply relatable and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the story. With emotional depth, romance, and a compelling protagonist, this book is a powerful coming-of-age tale."
- Screenwriter
"This is the second installment in a YA series that follows Claire, a young teen whose family is living in an American compound in Saudi Arabia in the early 1970s. Since her adventures the previous year, Claire has solidified her friendships and has reconnected with her boyfriend, Luke, after a summer apart. Overshadowing this reunion is the knowledge that she, Luke, and her friends will be scattering to different boarding schools next year. Then Beatrix, a new student from the Netherlands, shows up and immediately casts her eye on Luke. Claire also finds out that she has scoliosis and will need to wear a back brace 23 hours a day. What follows is the story of how Claire finds herself exiled from the people she loves and even from herself, and of how she finds her way back—with the help of some magical friends and insightful adults."
- Jean
"Wisdom for ages 14 to 84. Once again, A. A. Vogel crafted a story that takes her readers into the depth of a teenager's thoughts and emotions as she engages with parents, school, friends, and a boyfriend while forced to wear an excruciatingly painful and restrictive brace. This story tugs at one's heartstrings as Claire must learn to deal with the type of othering similar to that endured by those with disabilities."
Diane S.
"Claire's journey continues. This is a lovely sequel to 'Call of the Desert: Crossing' and I enjoyed seeing Claire grow as a character. She goes through serious hardship in the book (not only the condition of being a teenage girl) and comes out stronger and more self aware. There is a lot to learn for all ages about vulnerability, pain, communication, and love in this book. I'm looking forward to what she gets up to at boarding school (and if any of her mysterious/magical mentors follow her there) in the next book!"
- Laura
"This story always kept me wanting to know what would happen next, complete with a mysterious disappearance, mystical rings, and a cast of believable young characters whose relationships and actions will be familiar to anyone who has ever been (or parented) a teenager. With beautiful descriptions of the desert environment and the culture immersed in it, I would recommend this book not only to young adults, but also to the young at heart."
- Jean
"AN UPLIFTING READ FOR TEENS OR ADULTS WHO ARE TIRED OF 'BAD NEWS.' The Call of the Desert/Beloved Daughter series continues Clare's journey as she deals with a painful medical issue amid the insensitivity of her peers. Her teen romance with Luke is also threatened by their parents' objectives and by an aggressively interested classmate. There is still an element of magic that directs Clare's conscience/judgement as she finds her way through challenges of adolescence. A fun, light read with subtle themes teens or adults will find familiar."
- book-kritik
"Enjoyable for children and adults! My 10 year old daughter and I both truly enjoyed A. A. Vogel's in-depth work. My daughter enjoyed the love story and the many character dynamics, as well as the magical realism elements. For myself, I enjoyed the psychological elements of the story as Claire navigates friendships, relationships, and pain. I finished it yesterday, and I'm still pondering many of the book's messages today. My daughter can't wait for the third installment."
- Sandra
"Genuine and Enjoyable! I very much liked the first book in the series; I loved this one. The fantastical portions of the story serve the beautifully and delicately written realism of a young teen girl struggling with self consciousness, doubt, friendship and young love, as well as a blossoming relationship with The Presence. I'm ready for the next book!"
- Fluffy
"Inspiration with a Touch of Magic. Call of the Desert: Exile is a heartwarming novel that resonates with readers of any age. The setting in Saudi Arabia blends intrigue with the physical beauty of the desert and the Red Sea. The story weaves the challenges of teens learning about themselves, the value of friendship, the angst of jealousy, and first love. Claire navigates cultural differences in a foreign country and coming of age with the help of a wise and magical lioness. She finds ways to handle and overcome the obstacles and challenges she faces. Readers can’t help but admire Claire’s emotional and intellectual intelligence, determination, and integrity. As the story unfolds, we see Claire’s personal growth and inner strength develop. She gives readers the encouragement that they, too, can find peace and happiness with the power of friendship, love, and believing in themselves and each other."
- Brooke
"Magical creatures are sprinkled from beginning to end adding to the ethereal hue of the story, as are the author’s wonderful descriptions of the desert landscape. Magical people also play their part in helping Claire come to terms with her Scoliosis, the brace she’s wearing to fix her spine, and her budding romance with Luke. This is a great YA read! The author smartly defines words that young readers may not know. Life lessons on love, relationships, parenting, and socialization in a foreign land are explored with heart and soul. Highly recommended read!"
- Jeri