Surprisingly, I found myself enthralled by THE SUMMONING, the first in Kelley Armstrong’s young adult paranormal trilogy, the Darkest Powers. I say ‘surprisingly’ because I have never really gotten into her Otherworld books; I’ve read them, but they’re not insta-buys for me like other series.

THE SUMMONING (and sequels) are set within her Otherworld universe, and supposedly that would be recognizable to any Otherworld fan. Armstrong makes a point on her website to say that she didn't dumb down THE SUMMONING just because it was for a younger audience—she merely removed sexual situations and the more gruesome violent elements of the adult Otherworld books.

Chloe is your average teenager—in both her concerns and reactions. I wouldn’t call her vain, but she has normal concerns about her self-image versus that of her peers. I worried over her friends at first, or one in particular, but once the paranormal part of the plot catches speed that’s not an issue. That’s another thing—this is a paranormal series, but for a good portion of it there’s enough doubt to make me wonder if Chloe isn’t so much seeing ghosts as having a mental breakdown.

I enjoyed the interactions once she reached Lyle House. Characters, at first, play to stereotype (Victoria the snobby Queen Bee, Simon the nerdy asian kid, Liz the flighty airhead and such), but as things progress, facades are torn away and reality sets in.

The most interesting part for me was when Chloe would ‘see’ things from the perspective of a director shooting a film (her main ambition in life). When things became too weird or tense or horrifying, she would take a step back and say something like ‘What would the heroine in a horror movie do now?’ and gauge her reaction based on that. Perhaps not the most full proof method, but it does help her keep calm in some otherwise terrifying situations.

The second book, THE AWAKENING, is due out soon, with a third book already underway. I am looking forward to seeing more of what happens to Chloe and her friends and learning the secrets that Lyle House has been hiding. ( )

Really enjoyed this book, fascinating story! ( )

I really enjoyed this one, there were several twists/reveals that I wasn't expecting. This is definitely a Fantasy type book, but since it just barely touches on those elements, it's almost equally a mystery fiction. I really struggled putting it down.

BUT - it ends in a cliffhanger. A cliffhanger with a million questions left unanswered. This usually ticks me OFF but since this is an older series then I can just open up the next book as soon as I get my hands on it. ( )

Started off slow but got interesting towards the end. First in a series. ( )

NOT REALLY SCARRY OR SPOOKY, BUT NOT VERY SCI FI

supernatural powers start to show again now that she has gotten her period
She is put into an asylum and discovers she can see ghosts, but remembers that she saw them when she was very young.
This asylum was previously used to house people with powers, but for experimentation.
Mental health
Small crush
Discovering her gift which may be suppressed even though it is very powerful for someone her age ( )