Monday, August 10, 2009

Book Review: The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

After years of frequent moves following her mother’s death, Chloe Saunders’s life is finally settling down. She is attending art school, pursuing her dreams of becoming a director, making friends, meeting boys. Her biggest concern is that she’s not developing as fast as her friends are. But when puberty does hit, it brings more than hormone surges. Chloe starts seeing ghosts–everywhere, demanding her attention. After she suffers a breakdown, her devoted aunt Lauren gets her into a highly recommended group home.

At first, Lyle House seems a pretty okay place, except for Chloe’s small problem of fearing she might be facing a lifetime of mental illness. But as she gradually gets to know the other kids at the home–charming Simon and his ominous, unsmiling brother Derek, obnoxious Tori, and Rae, who has a “thing” for fire–Chloe begins to realize that there is something that binds them all together, and it isn’t your usual “problem kid” behaviour. And together they discover that Lyle House is not your usual group home either…

The past few books that I've read have had paranormal themes, and this book was no exception. Despite that, however, this story felt very refreshing and unique. Chloe has moved in with her aunt Lauren, and after being "attacked" by a ghost (and struggling with a teacher), she is sent to the Lyle home. I find places that seem perfect are usually anything but (i.e evil teachers, killer neighbors, Stepford Wives, etc.). So, of course this "home" was filled with secrets (and...the description on the back of the book gave it away). As a psychology student I found this place really interesting (and suspicious). A place that is really quick to diagnose and prescribe medication? Chloe was there a day before they labeled her with mild schizophrenia and gave her drugs to stop the hallucinations.

At first I thought the story was going to be predictable, but I never could have guessed how the book would end. In fact, I ended up finishing the book in the early hours of the morning because I had to know what was going to happen. I'm looking forward to Book 2: The Awakening (I almost gave in and bought it last week, despite the fact that I am trying not to buy anything until I finish my huge TBR pile). I'm hoping to get a little bit more information on Chloe's parents, and also to see the characters again (hopefully exacting revenge on a few, less savory, characters).

The Summoning
By Kelley Armstrong
390 Pages
Published by HarperCollins
Rating: A

8 comments:

Kelsey said...

Nice review! I really enjoyed this book. I just got the sequel from the library so hopefully I can start it soon. (:

Tales of Whimsy said...

Great review :)

Briana said...

I'm really excited to read this book!

-Briana

Amanda said...

I've seen this book and the next around in many places, but I've never been much interested in reading it. However, your review actually makes it sound not only interesting, but like something I'd like. I might just have to take a look at it after all.

Emma said...

I read this one just yesterday, and completely agree with you. I am going to start The Awakening in the next fifteen minutes. Awesome review. :)

Faye( Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm) said...

I really need 2 read this book. awesome review :P

Sandy said...

I couldn't put down this book either! I actually have to review it (and two others...eeps, I've been so lazy!) Do you think something might happen between Chloe and Derek? >D

I was really close to buying the second book too. But I snapped out of it and moved on...lol. Thank you for the awards, especially the zombie chicken one. I've always wanted it! xD

Lenore Appelhans said...

I've bought the first two books in this series but haven't gotten to them yet. Soon...

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