The Calling (Darkness Rising #2) by Kelley Armstrong

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): Maya Delaney’s paw-print birthmark is the sign of what she truly is—a skin-walker. She can run faster, climb higher, and see better than nearly anyone else. Experiencing intense connections with the animals that roam the woods outside her home, Maya knows it’s only a matter of time before she’s able to Shift and become one of them. And she believes there may be others in her small town with surprising talents.

Now, Maya and her friends have been forced to flee from their homes during a forest fire they suspect was deliberately set. Then they’re kidnapped, and after a chilling helicopter crash, they find themselves in the Vancouver Island wilderness with nothing but their extraordinary abilities to help them get back home.

Book Review:

I am a Kelley Armstrong fan! I just adored her Darkest Powers series. However, I find her Darkness Rising series to be a little lackluster. Don't get me wrong. I still enjoy the stories, but I don't find this series as satisfying as the Darkest Powers series. There are many things that I enjoyed about The Calling. This novel is non-stop action from beginning to end! I had great difficulties setting this book down for that reason alone. I also enjoyed learning more about the St. Cloud research facility. However, it just wasn't enough! I need to learn more!!! I really enjoyed the interaction between Maya and her friends as they tried to outsmart their persuaders. I loved how they were quickly tried to problem solve their way to freedom. Honestly, I think a major part of my problem is that I just can't get enough of this world. I am just dying to learn more! I hope the next book is able to quench my thirst!

Favorite Quote:

“It's a road," Corey said, pointing.
"A dirt road," Hayley muttered.
"So? We've been slogging through the forest for two days. What do you want? A six-lane highway?” 

Cover Art Commentary:
I love this cover! The model they chose was gorgeous. I love the slight blue overtone.

Rating:

The Reckoning (Darkest Powers Trilogy #3) by Kelley Armstrong

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): My name is Chloe Saunders. I'm fifteen, and I would love to be normal. But normal is one thing I'm not. For one thing, I'm having these feelings for a certain antisocial werewolf and his sweet-tempered brother—who just happens to be a sorcerer—but, between you and me, I'm leaning toward the werewolf. Not normal. My friends and I are also on the run from an evil corporation that wants to get rid of us—permanently. Definitely not normal. And finally, I'm a genetically altered necro-mancer who can raise the dead, rotting corpses and all, without even trying. As far away from normal as it gets.

Book Review:
Well, I am officially a Kelley Armstrong fan for life. What a gifted writer! I had a very difficult time setting down the books in this series! I finished them off in just a few days! If you haven't read the series, continue reading my review with caution. First of all, just let me say this is one of the best YA romances I've read. I was very, very with the final outcome. :) Second, I was pleased to learn more about the Edison Group and St. Cloud Research. However, I would have liked to learn even more. Perhaps Armstrong will explain more in the Darkness Rising series (I really, really hope so). Speaking of which, I really wish I would have read this series before reading The Gathering. I mean, it isn't necessary, but it would have made more sense. I kind of want to go back and re-read The Gathering, but I likely wont because there are so many other books I want to read. I will admit, I could easily read another 3 books of this series. I was sad to see Chloe's journey end. I'm also eager to get my hands on a copy of The Calling. April seems really far away! Ok, so to wrap this up...the series is awesome. It is everything I expected and more! I highly encourage you to read it if you haven't already! :)

Favorite Quote:

“Great. So if I saw a guy standing still, and he wasn't wearing an old uniform, I just had to ask him to walk through furniture. If he stared at me like I was crazy, then I'd know he wasn't a ghost."

Cover Art Commentary:
Again, not my favorite covers. However, I'm loving the purple jewel. :P

Rating:

The Awakening (Darkest Powers Trilogy #2) by Kelley Armstrong

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): 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.

Book Review:
This is one seriously amazing series! I am totally in awe of Armstrong's writing. :) It was nice to read a sequel that is even stronger than it's predecessor. The plot deepens and the reader learns more about the Edison Group. I enjoyed watching the characters further develop, both in personality and in power. This book is action packed and really difficult to set down. I can't say much more without spoiling this book and the previous book. All in all, this is one fantastic series. I'm halfway through the last book, and I'm already sad to see it end. Can't wait to pick up the next book in the Darkness Rising series! :) For more info, check out Armstrong's website.


Favorite Quote:

“A girl my age had been murdered in these woods and I'd seen her last terrified moments, watched her bleed to death in this forest. A life like mine had ended here, and it didn't matter how many times I'd seen deaths in movies, it wasn't the same, and I wasn't ever going to forget it.” 

Cover Art Commentary:
Again, not a big fan of the covers of the series. I do like the blue jewel necklace.

Review:

The Summoning (Darkest Powers Trilogy #1) by Kelley Armstrong

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): After years of frequent moves following her mother’s death, Chloe Saunders’s life is finally settling down. She is attending art school, pursuing her dreams of becoming a director, making friends, and meeting boys. Her biggest concern is that she’s not developing as fast as her friends are. But when puberty does hit, it brings more than hormone surges. Chloe starts seeing ghosts–everywhere, demanding her attention. After she suffers a breakdown, her devoted aunt Lauren gets her into a highly recommended group home.

At first, Lyle House seems a pretty okay place, except for Chloe’s small problem of fearing she might be facing a lifetime of mental illness. But as she gradually gets to know the other kids at the home–charming Simon and his ominous, unsmiling brother Derek, obnoxious Tori, and Rae, who has a “thing” for fire–Chloe begins to realize that there is something that binds them all together, and it isn’t your usual “problem kid” behaviour. And together they discover that Lyle House is not your usual group home either…

Book Review:
I have been meaning to read this series for a long time. I didn't know much about this series until I read The Gathering. Several of book blogging friends recommended the series, and I knew I had to see what all the buzz was about. When I started The Summoning, I wasn't so sure that I would really be into it. However, as the story progressed, I knew I stepped into a unique paranormal world. I had to know more. This story is exactly what everyone promised and more. Chloe is an excellent protagonist. I enjoyed watching things unfold through her eyes. I know that Derek is a bit of the underdog, but I'm really looking forward to getting to know him more. I'm also looking forward to discovering more about the "Lyle House." Great first book in the trilogy. I'm hooked and can't wait for more!

Favorite Quote:

“Simon: Anyone ever tell you your sense of timing really sucks?

Derek: That's why I don't play the drums. Now what's up?” 

Cover Art Commentary:
I'll be honest. I'm not really a fan of the covers for this series. I didn't think much them when I saw them on the shelves at the bookstore, which is one of the reasons I think it took me so long to read this series.

Rating:

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

Book Summery (via Goodreads):

Sixteen-year-old Maya is just an ordinary teen in an ordinary town. Sure, she doesn't know much about her background - the only thing she really has to cling to is an odd paw-print birthmark on her hip - but she never really put much thought into who her parents were or how she ended up with her adopted parents in this tiny medical-research community on Vancouver Island. Until now.
Strange things have been happening in this claustrophobic town - from the mountain lions that have been approaching Maya to her best friend's hidden talent for "feeling" out people and situations, to the sexy new bad boy who makes Maya feel . . . . different. Combine that with a few unexplained deaths and a mystery involving Maya's biological parents and it's easy to suspect that this town might have more than its share of skeletons in its closet.

Book Review:
I've heard of Kelley Armstrong before, mainly from her Darkest Powers trilogy. However, I'll admit, I haven't read any of books. Until now. I was at the bookstore the other day, and the cover of The Gathering got my attention. I picked it up and started reading. Before long, I was hooked. This character driven novel is action-packed, and fast-paced. I just adored the main character, Maya. She is strong, smart, sassy, easygoing, and a bit of a tomboy. What isn't there to love about her? Her best friend Daniel, is just as lovable. He is definitely the strong, silent type, and a total pal to Maya. Maya and Daniel try to piece together the mystery of the death of their dear friend Serena, while at the same time attempt to move onward in life. Meanwhile, something is brewing in the town they call home. I crave to learn more about Salmon Creek and the St. Cloud research facility. It seems to me that these kids are protecting something they really don't know that much about. All in all, this was a fun, fast-paced adventure. However, I am left with a few issues. One, I would have liked to see Rafe's character (Maya's counterpart) flayed out a bit more. He's still quite a mystery to me. Two, I have many, many questions regarding the St. Cloud research facility, none of which got answered. Three, I am also quite curious about Maya's birth parents. I am hopeful that these questions will get answered in the following 2 books, this is a trilogy after all. I still can't help but remain curious until then. :P Overall, a great start to a series. I definitely plan on reading Armstrong's other books, most likely starting with Darkest Powers trilogy. For more information, check out Armstrong's website.

Favorite Quote:

"Soon all that was left of Serena was a monument in the school yard. The town moved on. I didn't. Something had happened in the lake, something I couldn't explain. But I would. One day, I would." (p. 6)

Cover Art Commentary:
I just love the cover of this one. It's what initially drew my attention! The dark blue is so pretty. I also love the bling of Maya's earring! ;)

Overall Rating: