a non-indecent treatment of the occult to keep our teen daughter reading in the summer.

I just had to add that I too thought this was a wonderful book. While I am an adult, and this isn't my normal fare, I can't wait for the next to come out in this fantastic series. Indeed, while I checked this out of the library, I will definitely be buying and adding it to my collection. Even better than Armstrong's adult books!

While I found the first book in this series fairly entertaining, this sequel is tedious, repetitive and downright boring. Chloe suffers from too much Sue-ness and the rest of the characters are uni-dimensional and monotonal. And, honestly, at one point, Simon talks about doing a little CSI work, but the author clearly doesn't know that, once the flesh and ligaments have disintegrated, there's nothing keeping a skull anchored to the spinal column. None of the reanimated corpses in an advanced state of decay--human or otherwise--should have their skull attached in any way.

This read is predictable. Check it out of the library, if you must.

These books are NOT only for young teens. I read the last book and was extremely impressed. In the beginning, I was a bit concerned that these books may have been a little young for me, but as I read on, I was entranced by the spell that Armstrong must have casted upon them while writing! I couldn't put the first one down, and I practically read the entire second one in the car today, on my way home from Florida, with my fiance driving, of course :) I can't wait for the next!!

I'm really starting to love this series. Although it can be slow at times it not boring. But like the first book, they leave you hanging wanting more! The writing is great and for a teen novel isnt at all preachy. And with all the other supernatural books other currently this one is very refreshing and different.

THE AWAKENING picks up right where the THE SUMMONING left off. Chloe Saunders escapes, but with an unlikely ally, Tori. Soon they meet up with Simon and Derek in hopes of finding the boys' missing father. The Edison Group is after them and danger waits at every turn. They can't let their guard down for a minute. To make things worse, Derek change is coming, while Chloe can't seem to sleep without waking the dead.

THE AWAKENING is the second installment of the Darkest Powers trilogy. It was wall-to-wall excitement that I was sorry to see end. If you haven't read book one, start there first. Book two does have background information from the previous book, but I wouldn't have enjoyed book two nearly as much if I had started with it first.

I can't seem to get enough of this story, and loved it so much that I could read it again as soon as I finished it. I had loads of fun with this book and can't wait for more. This is a must read! Addictive & fun, & sure to get you hooked!

Ths book is a great read. Even better than the first book, "The Summoning." Kept me on edge and wouldn't let me go.

I LOVE THIS BOOK! It was amazing! I stayed up ALL night reading it. Started at 7 in the evening and finished around 5! It was just so good I couldn't put it down. The whole plot line kicked it so well. It took turns i wasn't really expecting and now I'm REALLY thinking Derek and Chloe are gonna hook up. They BETTER.
The book came rather fast too so that was great. All in all it was a very good product.

loved the first book, and the second one was even better cant wait for the next!!!

In this book Chloe Saunders is back in the hands of the Edison Group and learns new secrets and meets some new ghosts. Chloe learns that she and the others in the house of Lyle are all experimental subject in what the Edison Group is hoping to make them have supernatural powers. Chloe learns that she has been deceived by one of the people that escaped from Lyle house and that her aunt Lauren is involved with the Edison Group. After getting away from the Edison Group she is on the run with Simon and Derek and one other that person whom Simon and Derek don't care for. Chloe is learning more about her powers and how to use them while the others are learning about their powers too.

Chloe Saunders used to think that she was a normal teenage girl. Recently, she found out that she is a walking science experiment. She is a necromancer, and can see ghost and raise the dead. She was sent The Edison Group to get better, when they were the people that started it all. She is now on the run with three of my supernatural friends - a charming sorcerer Simon, a cynical werewolf Derek, and a disgruntled witch Tori. We have to find someone who can help us gain our freedom back before The Edison Group finds us first. Or die trying.
The Awakening was just as good as The Summoning, if not it might be even better. The characters were more developed and more interesting, in the book. The plot was amazing. I liked the parts of them being on the run. It was pretty original. The writing was well done. I can wait for more from her. I think that I will have to check out a few of her adult books. I recommend checking out this series. I can't wait till the third book of this series. By the way, I love the cover. It is amazing and so pretty.

This book was great. I couldn't put it down. The deeper I got the more mysteries there were. There are still many questions to be answered. That was the only thing I didn't like, the cliff hanger ending. But it just makes waiting for the next book that much harder. You will love this book.

This was just a wonderful read. You do need to read the first book in the series to get the full benefits of the story. Once I picked this up, I couldn't put it down and read straight through. I don't know how long I can wait for the next one though. I have all of Kelley Armstrong's books on my shelf and this YA series really makes me want to read them. I think this series is very appropriate for teens since it really touches on the growing pain of emotional issues. I wish I had authors like this when I was at that age.

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.

I may anxiously awaiting the next installment of this series. I am very interested in the turn Ms. Armstrong will take. I am much too old to be interested in these books but I find they are easy to read and distract me from the seriousness of my job and isn't that what good books do? Continue on Ms. Armstrong you have a 47 yr old fan waiting.

This one is quite good, especially as compared to the other "popular" young adult paranormal series out there, like Twilight and House of Night. The teenagers are very believable and not forced into stereotypes, a nice break from House of Night. It isn't predictable although the characters stay true to their personalities. The concept behind the story is quite creative as well, making this an even more compelling read. I'm not a "teen" or young adult, but I found this story riveting and would highly recommend it.

This book was even better than the first book. I felt like the first book mostly introduced the characters and some background information, while this one had some meat to it. Really enjoyed it and so did my 14 year-old. We enjoy reading some of the same books, its helps in bonding! Also nice to read a story that isn't veiled porn!!

Kelley Armstrong writes great supernatural characters. She's particularly good at revealing the character's power and having both the character and power grow, usually in action-packed scenes. And I like Chloe - while she makes mistakes, she doesn't make the same bone-headed, groan-out-loud mistakes throughout the novel. While she does get rescued in some cases, in other situations, she holds her own.

But unlike Armstrong's adult-oriented novels, this series has a story that is creeping along at a snail's pace. In the first book, the characters managed to make it about 5 miles from their original location. In this book, the first half is spent in what seems like the same 2 locations. (If they make a movie, the set building will be very cheap.) The pace picks up in the second half of the novel but all-in-all, while the characters did a lot of running around, they didn't get very far with learning to control their powers. And Armstrong only introduces one major character and that at the end. So while I enjoy the series, I wish she'd pick up the pace.

I beginning to enjoy this series as much if not more than Armstrong's other series. Chloe is a very interesting character. She can't help but be protective and kind to everyone she meets. Even Tori, who was absolutely horrid to her in the last book, she shows concern and protection for. Derek is in her face all the time yelling at her for each and every one of her mistakes and she sits with him and encourages him through his Change. Yet, at the same time she is stabbing a man-hunting werewolf, raising the dead, dropping down from trees to attack, and reaching in her pocket to fondle a switchblade when she thinks there may be danger.

I thought there was a lot of character growth with her, especially now that she is not willing to trust just anyone except herself and the brothers. There is still mystery in the story. Especially with the stone her mother gave her which has turn from red to blue in this one. Also Andrew (the brother's dad's friend) made several very suspecious comments about the foursome at the end of the book that were not elaborated on.

I'm definitely looking forward to the third. Unfortunately, there will be quite a wait. I would recommend reading the books in order for better understanding the characters and how they have changed and relate to each other.

I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. I am so excited for the next one to come out. I really didn't think I would be interested in a book with spells and witch craft. it turned out that it was great. the first book was good and left me wanting more. So i had to get the second one and it was even better.

In Kelley Armstrong's second addition to her first young adult series, Darkest Powers, Chloe finds herself back in the cluches of the Edison Group. It turns out that this Edison Group experimented on them when they were childern in hopes of bettering life for supernaturals, but they had abnormal reaction to the treatment, making then more powerful and more dangerous. Due to their uncontrolable heightened ablilities, some of the subjects were terminated.

After being betrayed by her Aunt Lauren and her friend Rae, Chloe manages to escape with the help of any unlikely ally and reunites with Simon and Derek. Life on the run is filled with more dangers than they can expect and with the Edison Group on their tail, they have to find help soon.

I thoroughly enjoyed the sequel. Following from the atmosphere of the last book, you can really fall into this book. With Chloe's unstable powers escalating and the Edison Group hunting them down, this book has you on your toes for what's going to happen next.

Both Derek's and Chloe's struggle with their ablities and their agruements makes for some interesting drama and draws the two closer, whether it be for their friendship or some other connection, it's hard to tell. I'm rooting for them to be together. ^-^

Great book. Leaves you wanting more.

Chloe Saunders and her friends are back in this sequel to Armstrong's novel ''The Summoning.'' In ''The Awakening'' Chloe, Derek, Simon, and Tori are on the run from the Edison Group. A group that experimented on them as babies because of their supernatural powers.

I really enjoyed reading this book a lot more than I enjoyed ''The Summoning.'' Both books are slow at first, but I feel that ''The Awakening'' picks up much faster and has a stronger plot. Although ''The Awakening'' didn't have a big dramatic breaking point that made me go "Oh my God!" and it did seem kind of filler to set up the next book, it was really, really good. It was also a very fast read.

I'm not sure if Armstrong is trying to work a love triangle or not, but either way I'm definitely ''Team'' Derek and Chloe. I liked all their scenes together the most.

I bought this book and read it in one day. I was exited when I read and finished the first book and coult not wait to get my hands on the second. After weeks of looking up and down the Teen Fiction Isle I finally came across it on a whim considering I was at the book store for something important. :)

I was really surprised how much this book was to the first and normally, like movies, any other books after the first in a series can make or break but this MADE it for me!

The ending leaves you wanting for more as did the first book.

The Awakening is a surprise in itself with the adventure told through out and what Chole and her friends go through to be safe.

If you liked the first book, you'll like this one better. :D

Can't wait for the third even though it comes out next year :(

I was rather disappointed in Awakening. Don't get me wrong, I like the characters, but they simply don't DO anything. Chloe, Tori, Derek and Simon spend the entire book on the run. But even that is sort of boring as no one really chases them until the end.

I applaud the author though, for including Tori. She was a nice balance to the sueness of Chloe which gets a bit tiresome after a while. No one is more understanding, more patient, more kind that Chloe. By contrast Tori, who has been through a lot is portrayed as selfish, cowardly and a whiner. Not everyone is perfect all the time, and it would be nice if the author lets Tori shine now and then and gives Chloe a few selfish self-centered moments.

Overall, this wasn't as good as the first novel, and definitely felt like the middle book. Probably this should've been the first half of a book rather than a stand alone novel.

I'm over 40 and really have gotten into this new series. The story captures you right off the bat and it keeps you pulled in. Can't wait for the next book!

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

This book sucks you in once you open it. You will have had to read The Summoning to fully understand it, but even if you haven't ... you will be caught up from the events. This is simply one of those books (series) you just can't put down. It makes you want more!!!

Ok so the first book draws you in and the second is ok, but definitely not like the first. I would have to say that the first half of the book is kind of slow. I am really disappointed in the fact that Chloe is not getting any smarter or better at protecting herself. I would love to see her character become less damsel in distress. That role gets old really fast. Tori is just plain annoying. I really can't stand her but she did add a little excitement to the book. I still don't have much of an opinion on Simon. He is kind of bland. Derek though I love. I really am hoping that he and Chloe get together. I don't think that Simon is the right one for her. I am excited about the third and final book but I HATE that it still has a year before it comes out. I just hope that in a years time I will remember this series and get the last book.

I'm a big fan of Kelly Armstrong--I've read all of her adult books including the Nadia series. Her books are always fast-paced with great characters, and more importantly, characters that react in a believable way. Since I love YA, I was hoping to enjoy this series too. I have been quite pleased with both books! Armstrong manages to write believable teens while at the same time not talking down to her audience. This series has entered into my rotation of books to lend and recommend!

The Awakening

Picks up where The Summoning left off. Chloe and Rae are caught by the Edison Group but not the boys. The Edison Group are a bunch of supernatural doctors who like to do experiments.
They experimented on Chloe and the other kids when they were little. They were hoping to help them assimilate better. This didn't work. Now Chloe and Tori are trying to find Simon and Derek and hopefully Kit, Simon's dad. He is a supernatural too and supposedly he can help them. They look for a friend of Simon's dad, Andrew, because they think he can tell them where Kit is. Tori and Simon are on a bus while Derek and Chloe stopped off so that Derek could change. He got about 3/4 of the way before the change reversed itself. There appears to be some sort of romance in the air between those two but Derek keeps pushing Chloe towards Simon, prolly cause he, Derek, thinks he might hurt her. They eventually find Andrew but isn't sure he can help them. They also need to find out what happened to Chloe's Aunt Lauren. Chloe has accepted her life as a necromancer and is now looking forward to kicking The Edison Group's butt and hopefully finding Kit. I can hardly wait for the next book! 5 stars and a definite purchase.

I loved this book. I ordered it as soon as it was released. Once I started reading it, I could not put it down. Can not wait for the next one to come out. Hurry!!!!

Picking up right where The Summoning left off, The Awakening is an amazing second installment to this series! Chloe and her friends have been recaptured by the Lyle House doctors, but getting out this time is going to be a lot harder. Also, Chloe's powers continue to develop, and she struggles to control them before raising any more zombie bats... or worse.

This is one of these times that I'm going to recommend you read a series in order! The Awakening was even better than The Summoning. Everything that I loved about the first book was present in this novel too, plus more!

I really love that Armstrong revealed more about the powers that the characters posses. It was fascinating to watch Chloe and Derek discover the extent and restraints on their powers. Excellent continuation on character development!

The plot was even more fast paced than the Awakening, there is a lot more action and adventure in the sequel. Which makes for a very exciting read, but also a very quick one. It was easy to become fully engaged in the story and notice the remaining pages becoming fewer.

I did get my wish, there was a lot more Derek! He is such a unique character, as is his relationship with Chloe. What is going on with those two? It is killing me.

Again, as with The Awakening, the writing is awesome, the story is awesome, the characters, are well, awesome! I CAN NOT wait to read the next book! The Reckoning!

The Awakening starts off right where The Summoning left off and right after reading that first sentence there's no stopping you until you've finished the book.
*WARNING if you haven't read the first one the following might spoil it a bit for you so go read The Summoning!! Don't worry though I won't spoil Awakening for you*
Chloe and Rae were captured because Chloe's Aunt Lauren betrayed her. Now Chloe has to find a way out of this new place the Edison Group has locked her into and find Derek and Simon especially since Simon has a little dark secret that acquires immediate attention. The Edison Group is a group of people who genetically modified a bunch of kids with supernatural abilities. These people are obviously not good people since, as we learned, they are responsible for the death of Liz and possibly other kids.
As we all know would happen, Chloe finds a way out (!!!!). She reunites with Simon and Derek of course. Ahhh Derek!!! I love him!! :D ehem Anywho....They all have to find the one person that might be able to help them and that's Andrew, an old friend of Derek and Simon's dad, thing is they're not sure if he'll still be there after all those years especially since Andrew and D&S's dad had a "falling out". That's not the only problem though. On their journey they get separated, encounter werewolves, crazy people trying to kill them, and much more fun fun fun!! :D
This sequel was much more fast paced than the second one and I loved it!! The story just keeps getting better and better there is never a dull moment. Unfortunately like all great things, it must come to an end, and of course it did which made me soo sad :( but extremely anxious to know what will happen in the third and last installment in the Darkest Powers series. I'm very good at picturing whatever it is I'm reading in my head so it's like I'm watching a movie and I miss it!! I can still "see" it in my head and wish I could go "see" the third book already! hehe
I'm so glad Kelley's writing and creativeness is amazing otherwise I don't think I would like this book as much. :) I am a huge fan of the fact that she wrote this series in the POV of Chloe it just makes it better and I would not like it any other way.
I just LOVE Derek, he's one of my absolute favorite male protagonists. In pretty much every YA book you pick up there's always this perfect hot guy, but Derek is different and I ...LOVE that!! I'm rooting for this guy :D He hasn't really shown any feelings towards Chloe, at least not obvious ones, but I think Kelley's planning it so that in the third he does end up with her, but who knows? We can only hope hehe

And I'm really curious about what's up with her necklace changing color.
-tvandbookaddict.blogspot.com

I can't believe I got suckered by this series again. The second book came out just late enough that I forgot how pissed off I was by the first book. First of all, this should have been a paperback. I understand that it's a series and there will be three of them but this is NOT a stand alone book at allllllll. As a matter of fact, like the first one, you're just reading along and BOOM!! suddenly the book has ended. It was a startlingly sudden ending. I agree, the first book, at least, had some mystery and story to it, this one, well, the first third of the book, it seems like, was the kids wandering around a wharehouse ...round and round the boxes. That got old FAST.

Yeah, there are a couple of fight scenes but they're extremely repetitive. Derek handles it like a pro while Chloe runs like hell. (snore)

I guess the thing that makes me maddest is that I paid for a hardback novel and got a piece of a story. Only a small piece. This story could have easily been ONE hardback book. One. No way am I putting out the money for the third in the series. I'll have spent close to $40 when all is said and done for just ONE story. That's ridiculous!

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!

To be quite honest I think I liked the first one a lot better than this one. This one it seems like it droned on forever, and it was about them walking or running the whole time. It wasn't bad tho. Just liked the first one better

Ok..so I was so excited for this book to come out after I finished The Summoning (Darkest Powers, Book 1). The description on the inside cover doesn't do much so this is a basic summary-
Tori, Rae a demi demon, and Chloe, a necromancer, are in custody of the Edison Group, the people who ran the Lyle House. Tori turns out to be a witch, like her mother (note the "disgruntled witch" on the inside flap of the book"). After managing to escape, Tori and Chloe join Simon and Derek in search of their father.
The book is awesome. I totally did not expect what happened to happen. But, I felt the book ended way too abruptly. I felt i needed a chapter or 2 more. The book picks up almost right after where the summoning ended, just a day or 2 after. If you've forgotten most of the book, i highly suggest re-reading or skim-reading The Summoning.
It was an awesome book. Chloe is a relatable character and provides the perfect amount of detail. Also, Chloe focusses on the book and doesn't obsess over Simon and gush about how much she likes him and stuff. It's noticeable that they have a relationship between crush & dating, but ,like I said, Chloe isn't obsessed. You can definitely see how Derek and Chloe develop as characters. Tori does slightly change in the way that she lightens up on Chloe and gets over Simon. Simon, however, has a smaller part and does not change. He just stays the same Simon he was in The Summoning.

So I very much enjoyed this book. The unfortunate thing about it is that being YA it is a quick, and I mean like 5 hours, read. So now I have to wait who knows how long for "The Reckoning" to come out and wrap things up for me.

This book picks up immediately where the last one left off, and things move at a fairly break neck pace from the get go. The characters are filling out nicely, and a lot of my issues with the first book are being resolved. I will say that the character of Chloe still bugs me here and there, and her obsession with movies and describing things like they were a film alternates between clever and annoying. My favorite part about this book and the first is the taut dynamic between Chloe and Derek which I cannot get enough of. I am glad they were alone and together thru the bulk of the book and we can spy on their relationship becoming more significant. They are two complex characters who play well off each other and have a very believable relationship.

I also found it extremely clever how this book overlaps with her adult novels that take place in the same world. I feel like this is a rare occurence for an author to cross the aisle of adult and YA fiction in the same world. It is smart from a marketing perspective, but also in a carry over way that character's could appear later in The Other world series etc. It would be fun to see them growing up, simultaneously with their YA readers and then show up in the Women of The Other world series.

One final gripe: This book also suffers from the same affliction as the first though, and leaves you hanging on something of a cliff hanger.

I truly enjoyed this book - I am hooked on these kids as well as the plot! this is something to pleasureably fill time until the next Rachel Morgan installment.

If I had to comare the style to a favorite series - I would say it's a nice follow up to Twlight for tweens. This new series gives me something to read and discuss with my 16 year old god daughter!The Awakening (Darkest Powers, Book 2)

I look forward to the next installment!