The Summoning
Book 1 of the Darkest Powers Series
📘 About This Book
'Terrifying ghosts, smatterings of gore and diverse teen voices will prompt young adults to pick up the next in this series.' - Kirkus Reviews, starred review 'Action, danger, supernatural secrets, and a hint of romance--Armstrong's world is one in which trusting the wrong person can have dire consequences. You'll be desperate for a sequel.' - Melissa Marr All Chloe Saunders wants is a life like any normal teenager - the chance to get through school, make friends, and maybe meet a boy. But when she starts seeing ghosts, she knows that life will never be normal again. Soon ghosts are everywhere, demanding her attention. When Chloe finally breaks down, she's admitted to a group home for disturbed kids. At first Lyle House seems okay, but as she gets to know the other patients - charming Simon and his ominous, unsmiling brother Derek; obnoxious Tori; and Rae, who has a 'thing' for fire - Chloe begins to realise that something strange and sinister binds them all together, and it isn't your usual 'problem kid' behaviour. And they're about to discover that Lyle House is not your usual group home, either . . . The first book in the Darkest Powers trilogy - the first YA series by #1 bestselling author Kelley Armstrong. Books by Kelley Armstrong: Women of the Otherworld series Bitten Stolen Dime Store Magic Industrial Magic Haunted Broken No Humans Involved Personal Demon Living with the Dead Frost Bitten Walking the Witch Spellbound Thirteen Nadia Stafford Exit Strategy Made to be Broken Wild Justice Rockton City of the Lost A Darkness Absolute This Fallen Prey Watcher in the Woods Alone in the Wild Darkest Powers The Summoning The Awakening The Reckoning Otherworld Tales Men of the Otherworld Tales of the Otherworld Otherworld Nights Otherworld Secrets Otherworld Chills Darkness Rising The Gathering The Calling The Rising Cainsville Omens Visions Deceptions Betrayals Rituals
📖 Summary
The Summoning, the first installment in Kelley Armstrong's Darkest Powers trilogy, introduces readers to Chloe Saunders, a seemingly normal fifteen-year-old girl living in suburban Flagstaff. Chloe's life takes a terrifying turn when she begins seeing ghosts—specifically, the restless spirits of people who died tragic deaths. After a public breakdown at school, her aunt commits her to the Lyle House, a group home for troubled teens. Chloe initially believes she is merely suffering from a psychological disorder, but she soon realizes the home is not what it appears to be. As she integrates into the group, she befriends a colorful cast of outcasts, including the brooding Simon, the mysterious Rae, and the defiant Derek. Chloe eventually discovers that Lyle House is a front for the Edison Group, an organization that hides and experiments on teenagers with supernatural abilities. She learns that she is a necromancer, a rare and powerful medium capable of raising the dead. As the ghosts surrounding her grow more urgent and dangerous, Chloe uncovers the dark history of the facility and realizes that she and her new friends are being monitored for their latent talents. The atmosphere of the novel is one of mounting paranoia and suspense as Chloe struggles to reconcile her desire for a normal life with the terrifying reality of her gifts. With the help of her fellow residents, she begins to peel back the layers of deception surrounding the Edison Group. The story culminates in a high-stakes realization that her life is far from ordinary and that her survival depends on trusting her instincts and her newfound companions. By the end, Chloe is forced to embrace her identity as a powerful supernatural being while navigating the complexities of teenage friendship, betrayal, and the looming threat of those who wish to exploit her. It is a gripping start to a saga about discovery, the search for truth, and the dark consequences of power.
🎯 Key Lessons
💬 Notable Quotes
"Normal is just a setting on a dryer. It’s not something people are."
"I’m not crazy. I’m just... different. And being different is exactly what they want to hide."
"Secrets are like ghosts. They don't just go away because you ignore them. They rattle the walls until you acknowledge they're there."
"You can't choose who you are, but you can choose what you do with it. That’s the only real power you’ve got."
"The voices don't just speak. They scream. And I’m the only one who has to listen."
"When you’re a freak, you learn to look at the world from the outside in. You learn to spot the cracks in everyone else's mask."
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Fast-paced narrative with strong suspense elements.
Relatable and well-developed teenage character dynamics.
Unique and fresh take on urban fantasy and supernatural tropes.
⚠️ Cons
The ending is clearly a setup for a trilogy rather than a standalone story.
The institutional setting can feel somewhat claustrophobic for some readers.
✍️ About the Author
Kelley Armstrong (b. 1968) is a Canadian author known for the 'Women of the Otherworld' urban fantasy series.
View all books →❓ FAQ
Is this book worth reading? +
Yes, it is highly regarded for its pacing and atmospheric storytelling, making it a staple of the YA paranormal genre.
How long does it take to read? +
The book is approximately 350-400 pages and typically takes an average reader between 4 to 6 hours to complete.
What is the main message? +
The story emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and the courage required to stand up against oppressive forces.
