Customer Reviews

The Awakening (Darkest Powers, Book 2)

5 star:		(68)
4 star:		(42)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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.

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

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 was lucky enough to win this book from J. Kaye's Book Blog through one of her many giveaways. The book I read was an ARC, and I have to say it is the first ARC I have touched, let alone read. One day...one day I will be sent an ARC by an author or publisher!!

I was so pleasantly surprised with the first book in the series, The Summoning, when Chloe Saunders first begins her story and I personally think this book was better than the first...and I loved the first one.

Spoilers for Book One, The Summoning

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There is no way to give a synopsis or summary without giving away part of the first book. Again we have zombies, ghosts, witches, sorcerers, werewolves...and much more. The only thing we are missing is vampires!

One of the most endearing things about this book is the growing love triangle between Chloe, Derek, and Simon. Derek and Simon are foster brothers and best friends. All three teens have supernatural powers. Chloe is a necromancer and can not only talk to the dead, but can reanimate them (YES! There are ZOMBIES in this book for all of you zombie lovers out there!!!), Derek is a werewolf...er well...Derek is becominga werewolf, and Simon is a sorcerer. The budding romance between Chloe and Simon is much more obvious. He is a cute, sweet guy with tons of personality. Derek is not quite the obvious choice, but his affections are growing very apparent. The whole thing is done in such a sweet, innocent manner. Come to think of it, this is a very clean read. The only thing that might be questionable is running away, but it is from an institution that wants to kill them...Oh...and while they are on the streets, there is mention of shoplifting.

The Awakening picks up right where The Summoning left off. I do have to say, I had to grab my copy of The Summoning to see if I had missed something in the last chapters. There seems to be a part missing where Chloe tells Liz she is a ghost. I loved the constant adventure and following along as the teens discover new twists and turns with their powers.

I feel like this has been a very rambling review. I'm going to apologize and attribute it to being sick! My overall impressions; fantastic series! I can't wait for the 3rd book, The Reckoning, due out May 2010. If you haven't already, check out Kelley Armstrong's website. Funny enough, she mentions the same problem I had. How do you give a description of the second book in a trilogy without giving away too much information about the first!

[...].

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!

OK so I admit that I haven't read the book before this one The Summoning. I was so excited to see a new Kelly Armstrong that I blindly grabbed it without realising it wasn't from the Otherworld series but a newish one called the Dark Powers.
So I do recommend reading the first one, as it'll set the beginning scenes better for this novel.

The series is about a group of teenagers with various special powers, that will be familiar to any Kelly Armstrong fan (i.e. werewolves, half-demons and necromancer types)

The teenagers are part of some sort of conspiracy to study and control supernatural powers, leaving them with no-one to trust but each other.

The unusual thing about this novel, or my reaction to it, was that it started pretty crappy, but got better as I read through it. I'm more used to novels going pear-shaped as it seems in todays publishing world people really care about hooking readers and selling books not so much whether readers are spitting after they put the book down.

anyways when the book begins, we're hit over the head with a bunch of ideas, there is some demon/ghost thing predicting the apocalypse, Chloe the narrator is arguing with a bitch/bimbo character, and the adults are trying to find some of her escaped friends.

I suspect that Armstrong relied too heavily on the previous boook to set the scene for the opening of this one. Now I know that I should have read that book first, but would you tolerate a film sequal that had the characters out of costume and before a blue-screen?

Aside from that gripe, I did find that Armstrong maybe struggled to write for young adults. Potentially I'm the one out of touch, but I felt like the characters were heavy-handily given temper tantrams or immature lines just to make them 'teenagers'

My final rant (And really the book is good I just enjoy ranting too much) Is that the novel is so blatantly just an episode of the whole saga. I have nothing against multiple novel story arcs, and gradually introduced plot pieces, but i feel that each story line needs to have at least a mini resolution each book (not just vaguely introduced for later plotting). Thats just a minor gripe really.

Once the first 100 or so pages are read the book gets very good, one does get the sense of these kids living on the run, Chloe's powers get all Sixth Sense on her which leads to some complications and a potential love triangle begins to flare.

The book is a very easy read, a must read for urban fantasy fans

In The Awakening (Darkest Powers, Book 2), the second in Kelley Armstrong's Darkest Powers trilogy, we catch up with Chloe, Derek, Simon, Tori, and Rae. Chloe learns more about the extent of her special powers, the intent of the Edison Group's experiment becomes clear, and the threats to each character's safety become more apparent. New alliances are built, old ones are rekindled, and current ones are questioned, all while trying to escape the clutches of the Edison Group.

Like the first book in the series, I enjoyed immersing myself in Armstrong's world. Her writing is strong for a young adult series, and her characters are well-drawn. The roles of some characters are expanded, especially Derek, and relationships are both strengthened and tested between characters. There's more exploration of each character's special skills and how well he/she can master them. Chloe remains a strong teen heroine with a conscience, though she comes off more cliché in this book. Again, the action and the trials the characters experience remain the focus of the novel, not any romantic subplot. There's romantic tension, but it's limited when it appears.

However, also like the first book, the ending leaves the reader without any closure. The series feels like a serialized novel, not a series of books. In this installment, there's no sense of plot other than running from the Edison Group. Though character development and discovery does happen during the journey, the book is almost entirely one flight scene that changes a bit, based on the circumstances. Compared to The Summoning (Darkest Powers, Book 1), it was a lot less satisfying as a stand-alone book.

Despite these misgivings, I'm looking forward to the conclusion of the trilogy this spring with The Reckoning (Darkest Powers, Book 3). Like the first two books, I'm sure it will be a good read and I hope it will provide readers with a satisfying ending to the series.

I seriously love the Darkest Powers books! I'm not sure what it is about them: the characters, the supernatural elements, or the tension between Chloe and Derek, but I suspect it is all those amazing aspects.

I love the characters in The Summoning and The Awakening. Chloe is an awesome main character. I'm enjoying finding out more and more about her powers. I've read Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake novels, and Chloe is a bit like a younger version of Anita, which I love. Derek might be my favorite character though - I just love the brooding guys - plus I know that he's going to make it through puberty and be one of those guys that you wish you would have given a shot before the hotness kicked in! ;) The fact that he is smart just makes him even more appealing.

The awkward, yet trusting relationship Derek and Chloe have definitely keeps me turning pages! They are one of those relationships that, as a reader, I want so badly to turn into a relationship. They'd be so amazing together... !!

I'm liking the sinister Edison Group plot line that is starting to develop. The fact that the boys' father is missing reminds me of Supernatural, which is a definite PLUS (I know there are some Supernatural fans out there)! Kelley Armstrong found a way to weave all those different supernatural powers and creatures into one amazing story - there is never a boring moment and it all comes together perfectly!

enjoyed the first book in this series, The Summoning (Darkest Powers, Book 1), and thought this sequel was a good follow-up. As with the first, it leaves the ending open for another book in the series.

This book picks up with Chloe being held in the facility she was taken to after running away from Lyle House. Simon and Derek are still on the run, Chloe is trying to deal with her aunt's duplicity as well as her abilities as a necromancer.

I think this series is excellent for YA readers. It's got strong characters and a good storyline, and most teen readers will love it.