The Calling
by Kelley Armstrong
Publisher: HarperCollins
Expected Publication: April 10, 2012
Pages: 336
Age Demographic: Young Adult
Received via: ATW ARC Tours
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In The Calling, the sizzling second book in the Darkness Rising trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong pumps up the romance, danger, and suspense that left readers of The Gathering clamoring for more.
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. Plentiful action and romance in this second installment in the Darkness Rising series will keep readers enthralled to the very last page!
* Summary taken from Goodreads.
The Calling is daring and adventurous, starting off with a bang. Maya and her friends are on the run from scientists who only want them for samples of their DNA. They are kidnapped in the beginning and manage to escape later finding out that none of them are human. It's almost a startling revelation, where friendships are tried and tested over and over, and possibly destroyed beyond repair. Hidden discoveries are brought to light, while other purposes begin to unravel completely and small intimate moments of romance begin to blossom between two unlikely characters. Armstrong pens an extremely captivating and enthralling novel, that's highly suspenseful and filled with amazing twists and turns that will keep readers guessing and wondering what's to come next.
Every character (including the supporting) has a reason for their presence that only adds more depth and flavorful personality to the story. Maya is filled with many admirable qualities, yet possesses realistic flaws of her own. She's fiercely strong, amazingly intelligent, and has full of the perfect blend of witty cynicism. She has quite the stubborn streak, but has an equally amazing heart when it comes to those she's loyal to and cares about. Maya is definitely strong and resilient in her survival skills and tactics, while Daniel is becoming more honest with her and the two are growing closer. There is some wonderful character development and progression as this novel continues on.
The specifics of Daniel and Maya's abilities are fleshed out a bit more, as well as more information is being shared and readers get to know Daniel and Sam a little better. It is chalk full of drama and heightened intensity, as it brings some serious trust issues to light. It seems as if they have a hard time trying to figure out who to trust, including each other a good portion of the time. The paranormal element of this novel is unique and fascinating, while the writing style is flawless and creative. Armstrong has a wonderful knack for taking traditional paranormal and penning it in such a way that she almost re-invents it, breathing new life and originality into whatever story she's telling.
The Calling is fast paced, action packed, and filled with amazing adventure and peril at every turn. It contains hidden secrets that are supported by intriguing storylines, and wonderfully developed characters that are simply fascinating to follow. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy the wonderful paranormal authors such as Kim Harrison, Rachel Vincent, and other paranormal books that are thrilling crossovers from adult fiction into the realms of young adult.
{ This ARC was provided by ATW ARC Tours, in exchange for an honest review which I have provided. No money exchanged hands, I review books for fun because I love to read. I am not interested in monetary gain. Any piece of this ARC that was/wasn't quoted, is not part of the finished product and should not be perceived as such.}
Eek..i cannot wait to read this..loved your review!
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