Getting Enchanted by The Summoning: Darkest Powers, #1
You know that feeling when you find a book that seems to resonate with the hidden corners of your mind? That’s exactly how I felt picking up The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong, a recommendation from my lovely We Love Lisa Kleypas Group "Secret" Santa, JessicaB. Thank you, Jessica! This marked my first venture into the world of Kelley Armstrong, and what a journey it has been!
At the heart of the story is 15-year-old Chloe Saunders, a relatable late bloomer who experiences a not-so-ordinary coming-of-age. Just as puberty starts to hit, Chloe finds herself caught in a whirlwind of creepy phenomena—like, really creepy. After an emotional breakdown at school, her loving yet overwhelmed guardian, Aunt Lauren, sends her to Lyle House, a group home that promises healing but ultimately reveals some chilling truths. The layers of friendship, trust, and self-discovery resonated deeply with me. Who among us hasn’t felt misunderstood or labeled in their teenage years?
Initially, I found the pacing to be on the slower side, but as Chloe befriends the fiery character who introduces her to the possibility that she isn’t just “crazy” but “special,” I found myself captivated. Armstrong’s first-person narrative style drew me in effortlessly, making me feel like I was experiencing Chloe’s turmoil firsthand. I appreciated her realistic approach to mental health issues, tackling the stigma around labels like “schizophrenia.”
The character dynamics at Lyle House were particularly intriguing. Chloe’s interactions with Derek, the brooding and complicated one, quickly became a highlight for me. At first, I wasn’t his biggest fan—he came off as rough around the edges, unlike his fairer and more charming brother, Simon. But as I delved deeper, Derek’s complexity piqued my interest far more than I anticipated. Perhaps it’s the allure of characters who are both flawed and redeemable that keeps us turning pages?
One quote that stood out to me was, "Life experience. I can talk it up, vow to broaden my horizons, but I’m still limited to the experiences with my life." This reflection hit home, reminding me that our understanding of the world is shaped by our own experiences, much like Chloe’s growth throughout the book.
Now, let’s talk about that ending! Oh, the cliffhanger! It left me eager to uncover what lies ahead for Chloe and her friends. I rated this book between 3.5 and 4 stars—it’s a solid read, but it felt like something was missing; perhaps the slow build-up made the action-packed conclusion a bit jarring. Yet, I can’t deny my excitement to dive into the next book in the Darkest Powers series, eager to unravel the mysteries that await.
In a nutshell, I’d recommend The Summoning to fans of young adult fiction who enjoy paranormal elements woven into coming-of-age narratives. It’s perfect for anyone needing a gentle kick-start back into the world of reading—it’s easy to pick up and even easier to get lost in.
This journey has certainly ignited my curiosity for Kelley Armstrong’s other works, like her Women of the Otherworld series, which I’m excited to explore next. If you’re seeking a read that explores the nuances of adolescence, friendship, and perhaps a supernatural twist, give The Summoning a whirl. You might just find yourself enchanted by Chloe’s tale, much like I did!
Discover more about The Summoning (Darkest Powers, #1) on GoodReads >>