The Summoning (Darkest Powers #1)

Reader reviewed by The Book Girl

Chloe is not crazy. Just because she can see ghosts and, yes, sometimes raise them from the dead, doesnt mean she belongs in the nut house. But that's not the way society sees it. They say Chloe is schizophrenic and put her Lyle House, a group home for troubled teens. But it just so happens Chloe's not the only 'special' kid there, and Lyle House has some ghosts of it's own. Is it a coincidence, or is there something the kids don't know?

This book was amazing from the first page to the last. I love how the very first sentance grabs your attention. The story is very fast paced and there is never a dull moment. It is told from the perspective of a 15 year old girl who has always been able to see ghosts but never really realized what was happening. When she's sent to a group home for troubled teens she meets new friends who also have special powers. It's really cool how it all unfolds and leads up to a very climatic ending. Sadly, this is a series and Kelley doesnt let you forget it. After reading the last page there is no way you won't be first in line to buy the second book, The Awakening. But even with the major cliffhanger you won't be disapointed with this book in the least.

Reader reviewed by Kayla (Midnight Twilight)

Chloe Saunders is a petite strawberry blond; No one ever seems to guess she's 15 years old. All at once puberty hits, and she sees her first ghost since she was a child. Her aunt and father decide to appease her school and send her to a group home for two weeks. She meets a surprising cast of characters at Lyle House, who may have more to them than meets the eye. "Will Chloe be able to uncover the dangerous secrets of Lyle House...or will its skeletons come back to haunt her?"

The Summoning is the first book in the Darkest Powers trilogy, and i can't wait until the next book comes out. The plot was intriguing, the characters were very well developed, and the writing style flowed beautifully. Chloe is exactly the opposite of me (i'm 5'8 and brunette, she's 5'0 and blond), yet i felt a strong connection and was able to put myself in her place very easily. I definitely recommend The Summoning to any reader.

Reader reviewed by Bookluver-Carol

Chloe Saunders used to have a pretty normal life. But that changed on the day she met her first ghost. Now she finds herself in the midst of some really strange situations. First, she gets locked up in the Lyle House, a group home for troubled teens. Then she finds out that there's more to her housemates than meets the eye. Will Chloe be able to uncover the dangerous secrets of the Lyle House... or will its skeletons come back to haunt her?

I loved this book. It was really good. The characters were well-written and the plot was really good.The book kept me on the edge of my seat. It had some twist and turns. The Summoning was really amazing. This book is the first in a trilogy. If you love paranormal books I suggest you read this book.I stayed up all night finishing this book. The only thing I don't like is that now I have to wait for the sequel to come out. :( The book comes out July 1,2008 so go buy it at your local bookstore or get it from your library when it comes out

Reader reviewed by the book muncher

From when Chloe Saunders was just a little girl, she saw ghosts. Of course then, she thought they were only nightmarish imaginary friends. And her life seemed to become almost normal when they moved out of that haunted house and after her mom died. But when Chloe hits puberty, she starts seeing the ghosts again. Now shes forced to stay in Lyle House so she can learn to cope with her schizophrenia. But the other kids at Lyle House have also been incorrectly diagnosed with mental problems. Theres a reason certain doors remain locked and there special kids are gathered in this institution. As Chloe works to uncover these sinister secrets, she starts to question everything around her, from her schizophrenia, to what happened to her roommate who was taken away, and even to her mothers death.

My first reaction after finishing this novel was WOW. Kelley Armstrong does an amazing job of connecting Chloes past with her present and weaving the other characters stories in as well. the story was highly suspenseful and action-packed and the exciting twists and turns kept me guessing. The novel focuses mainly on plot, so there isnt much characterization, but the suspense, secrets, and action were more than enough to hold my interest.

I most definitely recommend this novel, especially to fans of the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson or the Uglies and Midnighters series by Scott Westerfeld. The Summoning will be part of a trilogy, which I am very excited about, and will be published by HarperTeen in late August, which those of you who dont already have a copy of this great book should be thrilled about.

reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com