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Just as riveting and suspenseful as its prequel... Apr 28, 2009 (12 of 12 found this helpful)
In the sequel to The Summoning, Chloe Saunders finds herself betrayed, and back in the hands of the Edison Group. There she discovers the truth: she's part of an experiment, her genes modified in an attempt to suppress her supernatural powers. But when she manages to get away--with the help of an unlikely ally--and join Simon and Derek again, she finds that the Edison Group is relentless and ruthless, and keeping away from them will be harder than they originally thought. In the meantime, Chloe learns that controlling her powers is a lot harder than she imagined, and there's too much she doesn't know...
The Awakening is even more riveting and full of nonstop action than its prequel. Armstrong offers an unflinching and oftentimes grim look at what life on the streets is like for teens, with the added appeal of a perfectly sinister and powerful enemy and the suspense of unknown supernatural powers. Armstrong's teen characters are smart and resourceful, and each obstacle thrown their way requires them to use every bit of caution, wits, and intelligence they possess. Armstrong focuses a little more on the technical aspects of the teens' powers and abilities as Derek and Chloe especially explore their capabilities and restraints. Their difficulties and the tension that they face help them grow as characters and make them more appealing characters to the reader. This dark, gripping, and highly suspenseful read will have readers chomping at the bit for a sequel.
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Supernaturals on the run May 3, 2009 (11 of 11 found this helpful)
It' a pretty cool idea -- a secret cabal devoted to genetically engineering and controlling supernatural creatures like witches and werewolves.
Kelley Armstrong continues to do the idea justice in "The Awakening," the second book in her urban-fantasy series aimed at kids and young adults. It's a solid novel that lags somewhat in the middle (when it seems like not much is happening beyond bickering), but has plenty of suspense, a dash of necromantic horror, and likable characters with realistic flaws and self-doubts.
Recap: Chloe has been imprisoned by the Edison Group along with Rae (who turns out to be a half-fire-demon), while Dr. Davidoff tries to track Simon and Derek.
But Chloe's terrible situation gets worse as she discovers that Rae actually LIKES the Edison Group, and that other boys and girls who weren't "rehabilitated" were killed. Oh yes, and an uber-creepy demon is whispering rotten nothings in Chloe's ear. When a shopping trip gives her the opportunity to escape the Group, she takes her chance -- only to suffer a devastating loss, and find herself unexpectedly allied with her former nemesis Tori.
Escaping is not the end of their problems, though -- life on the run is hardly glamorous, the streets are full of thugs, and neither girl has anyone they can go to. And reuniting with Simon and Derek only multiplies their problems, as the already-strained relationships start to fray under tension. With a million-dollar bounty on Chloe's head and the Edison Group in pursuit, the kids must find a place of safety before they end up permanently "terminated."
"The Awakening" picks up directly after the first book of the series, and it's a pretty different sort of story -- our heroes are just trying to stay alive, free and semi-hygienic, while they search for Derek and Simon's dad. The plot lags a little in the middle when the Edison Group seems to fade into the background, but fortunately it picks up again for a suitably suspenseful climax at the boys' house.
Armstrong is able to maintain an atmosphere of "The Fugitive"-like suspense all throughout the book. It has plenty of balanced dialogue (with much bickering), solid descriptions, a sense of humour (much mocking of bad movie cliches) and some gloriously eerie scenes that dip into the realm of horror, such as Chloe being assaulted by rotting zombie bats ("The bat was decomposing, one eye shriveled, the other a black pit"). And even when the Group isn't near, she uses switchblade-wielding thug girls and redneck werewolves to remind us that this is a dangerous world.
But as solid as the plot is, the real standout here is how Armstrong develops the characters -- all have their own flaws and insecurities, and some of them are exploring their supernatural powers. Chloe in particular struggles to overcome her "damselitis" and be more assertive, even as she reluctantly faces the prospect of what her necromantic abilities might unleash.
Derek and Tori also get some exploration: he continues to struggle with his bestial instincts and his temper, while the cause of her disgust and dislike for Chloe are explored. Nice twist on the usual "snotty teen queen torments our heroine." And Armtrong gives a chilling look at the brainwashing and cold-blooded methods of the Group, behind all the smiles and pretty promises.
"The Awakening" is a suitable sequel to Armstrong's first young adult book, and it ends with the promise of new problems and solutions in her next one. Definitely a good read, whether for teen or adult fans of werewolves, witches and zombies.
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Can't Wait for the Next Book! Jun 1, 2009 (5 of 5 found this helpful)
If you had met me a few weeks ago, you probably would have described me as an average teenage girl--someone normal. Now my life has changed forever and I'm as far away from normal as it gets. A living science experiment--not only can I see ghosts, but I was genetically altered by a sinister organization called the Edison Group. What does that mean? For starters, I'm a teenage necromancer whose powers are out of control; I raise the dead without even trying. Trust me, that is not a power you want to have. Ever.
Now I'm running for my life with three of my supernatural friends--a charming sorcerer, a cynical werewolf, and a disgruntled witch--and we have to find someone who can help us before the Edison Group finds us first. Or die trying.
Okay I'm just going to do a real quick review on this book because it's been out for a while and I know there are a ton of reviews on it. I just had to put my two cents in though because it was sooo good! This book is even better than the 1st in the series (The Summoning). You know that feeling when you finish a book and you are panicing because it just came out and now you have wait like probably a year before the next one comes out? YES! That was me last night...Anyway, without spoiling anything for you guys who haven't read it yet. I'm rooting for the underDOG to get the girl! My only real complaint about the book (if you can call it that) is that I really wan't to strangle Tori...she is so annoying! Is it bad to want a character to be "offed" so you don't have to listen to her whine anymore? Just kidding, but seriously!
Okay there you have it, not really a review more or less just me saying, "Read this series!" Oh and if you don't know yet this series is a trilogy and the thrid book The Reckoning is due out May 2010
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The Awakening Jul 7, 2009 (3 of 3 found this helpful)
Chloe Saunders is back in the second book of the Darkest Powers series. If you haven't read The Summoning yet read it before reading this review. SPOILERS.
At the end of the first book Chloe and Rae go to Chloe's Aunt Lauren for help, not knowing that she is working for the very group that they are trying to escape from. As a result, Chloe and Rae end up locked in a high security warehouse that houses the Edison Groups many experiments. Luckily, Derek and Simon are still on the run and on the lookout for Chloe and Rae.
After encountering ghosts of some of the former Lyle House occupants Chloe decides to take matters into her own hands and figure out a way to escape, this time for good. With the help of Liz's ghost and a trapped demi-demon Chloe manages to find more information about the Edison group and how she can possibly escape from them.
Once away from the Edison group Chloe is forced to face the reality of living on the run with nowhere and nobody to turn to other than Tori, Derek, and Simon. Her father has posted a $500,000 reward for her safe return and the Edison group is no longer worried about keeping any of them alive.
Will Chloe and the others be able to outrun the Edison group or will their luck finally run out? Will Chloe ever figure out what her true feelings are for Derek and Simon?
The Darkest Powers series is full of paranormal happenings, betrayal, and budding romance. I highly recommend this series for any fans of the Twilight series. Definitely not the same story line but just as good.
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Good Second Book... May 12, 2009 (3 of 3 found this helpful)
I really enjoyed this book. It's YA so it's a pretty quick read but well worth it. My only complaint is that I wish Chloe would admit she has feelings for Derek. They seem to spend a lot of time together during this book and I was hoping for at least some sign that they were interested in each other. But he keeps telling her to go talk to Simon! All in all I really liked this book and can't wait until The Reckoning comes out. I recommend reading The Summoning and The Awakening. Kelley Armstrong is a great author. Check out her Women of the Other World series too. Those are great books!