This book is fun and thrilling. The writing and character developement aren't the best, but they aren't meant to be. Despite the semi-slow beginning, it really picks up speed towards the end, and will keep you awaiting the next installment. A nice, fun read. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
It was also a great starter to what is sure to be a best-selling series. ( )

This novel is aimed a readers of YA and does end on a cliffhanger but I liked it well enough that I ordered the sequel from the library. Kelly Armstrong is a recent favorite author and this book appears to fit into her Otherworld series though the main characters here are teenagers just coming into their powers. Recommended for Armstrong's fans and for fans of YA contemporary or urban fantasy.

It was scary because dead people started coming up out of the ground. ( )

this book is quite strange.. she has to figure things out and see whats going on.. no one believes her when she says that she can talk to ghost they just thing shes crazy.. she4 has to over come this and pretend like shes getting better because they think she is a schizophrenic.. she meets two others with power one is a sorcerers and the other has inhuman abilities. they all become very close and help each other out. ( )

Reviewed by Margaret Waterman for TeensReadToo.com

"A banner week for me. Getting short-listed for the director spot. Nate asking me about the dance. My first period. And now my first criminal act. After I fixed myself up, I dug into my backpack for my brush and emerged instead with the tube of hair color. I lifted it. My reflection in the mirror grinned back."

Chloe Saunders is a very special girl. Not just because she has an in-depth and intense obsession with movies, filming, and directing. Not just because of her unusual home life. She is special, because on top of all this, Chloe Saunders can see ghosts.

On the day of her first period, she goes to the bathroom and skips class. She dyes her hair, feeling particularly rebellious. Upon exiting, Chloe sees a strange man wearing an old custodian's uniform, who follows her around school. She thinks she is in trouble for skipping class...

When he starts to talk to her, she ignores him. He gets angry, and deliberately shows her his face... and she sees it is burned so badly she can barely distinguish his features. When he disappears into thin air, she starts making a scene and freaking out, and school officials round her up. When she accidentally punches a teacher, they sedate her and take her to the hospital.

From there she is sent to Lyle House, which is a place for troubled teenagers. There she meets a wide variety of people - a pyromaniac, a girl with a poltergeist, an unusually moody girl, a boy with extremely bad people-skills, and a boy who, strangely, she finds nothing unusual about. As her new friends' stories unfold, Chloe begins to question the motivation behind Lyle House.

With everything from ghosts and magic to romance, humor, and growing up, THE SUMMONING will have you laughing, wondering, and in disbelief. This book has many plot twists that will keep the reader guessing throughout the course of the novel. Kelley Armstrong uses great characterization and dialogue, which makes THE SUMMONING an overall good read. ( )