The Summoning (Darkest Powers, #1) in Pick-a-Shelf

Jan 05, 2010 BJ Rose rated it it was amazing

Shelves: paranormal, library-books, young-adult, series

'I see dead people' - well, it worked in "Sixth Sense" and it definitely works here, mainly because there's so much more here than that. Chloe gets her first period and is harassed by a very gross-looking ghost on the same day - at school, of course! She's happy about the first event, even tho she has to vandalize the bathroom dispenser to get a sanitary napkin, but the ghost (her second of the day) really freaks her out, and the school insists on two weeks of counseling in a group youth center ...more

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Sep 13, 2010 Yz the Whyz rated it really liked it

Shelves: kelley-armstrong, 2012-challenge-books, 2012-reads

Crap! This book ends with a cliffhanger. Unfortunately, it's not enough to make me rush out and read the next installment (although I own the complete trilogy).

The Summoning is the story of Chloe whose 'normal' life turned tupsy-turvy when she started seeing ghosts. Diagnosed as crazy she was sent to Lyle House, where she met other kids with supernatural powers.

Told in first person, the story started out slow for me. I've always found Armstrong's prose to be fluid, so it was no hardship for me ...more

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Jun 22, 2009 Christina rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult, 2009-reads

Once again, Kelley Armstrong pulls through and reminds me of how much I. LOVE. HER.

I initially started reading this to avoid writing an essay, and finding the first 9 chapters for free on the HarperTeen website was pretty much like adding fuel to fire. Once I found, I had to read. And once I started reading, I couldn't stop.

In Kelley's "new" trilogy, Chloe Saunders sees dead people. It comes on quite suddenly, at the brink of puberty, so everyone just assumes she's cracked it and sends her off Once again, Kelley Armstrong pulls through and reminds me of how much I. LOVE. HER.

I initially started reading this to avoid writing an essay, and finding the first 9 chapters for free on the HarperTeen website was pretty much like adding fuel to fire. Once I found, I had to read. And once I started reading, I couldn't stop.

In Kelley's "new" trilogy, Chloe Saunders sees dead people. It comes on quite suddenly, at the brink of puberty, so everyone just assumes she's cracked it and sends her off to a group home for troubled teens. The doctors diagnose her as a schizophrenic, and she's eventually happy to believe, so long as she can get the hell out and go back to leading a normal life.

That'd be fantastic, except the now 'imaginary' people won't leave her alone, and soon enough, it dawns on her that maybe she really is seeing dead people. And maybe it's time to listen.

I finished this within twelve hours because it was just that awesome (would have been quicker if it wasn't broken up with a half-game of monopoly too). The beginning sort of bumps along - it's clear this style of writing is new to Kelley (as compared to her Otherworld series, which are a lot more mature), but she quickly settles in, and the bumping turns to smooth sailing.

The characters are fresh and interesting. A few felt like stock characters (Tori, for one), but Kelley's still given them an edge that makes them unique. And let it be known that just because this book is aimed at younger readers, doesn't make it any less thrilling. There were scenes that had me JUMPING out of my skin, and had me regretting reading this at midnight. Downstairs. All by myself. (I'm still wondering how I'll make it to my bedroom... eeep...)

Anyway, I loved it. I had to BEST fun picking out the supernaturals, however I'm so annoyed one of them was completely lost on me (my favourite supernatural, hence the annoyance). Oh and of course, awesome ending. True Kelley style. I adore her endings.

Now onto the essay... or The Awakening... :) ...more

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Sep 16, 2011 Ashley rated it liked it

Shelves: paranormal-themed, series, ya

Good YA paranormal. Nice start to a series. The beginning seemed to drag a bit, I couldn't wait to get to Chloe's awareness of what was happening to her. Nice twists and huge cliffhanger ending. I'm really glad I have the next book ready and the other on hold. ...more

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