The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong

Genre: Young Adult Urban Fantasy

Pages: 400

Copyright: 2009

Rating:


The Awakening is the second book I've read in Kelley Armstrong's Darkest Powers series and it was fantastic! While it didn't end on a cliff-hanger (thankfully) it successfully created a buzz of anticipation for the third and final installment in this spooky YA series. I find it hard to believe that there will only be one more book about Chloe and her friends when there still seems as though there is so much of the story left to tell. I don't know how if I can wait till May 2010 for the final book to be released!

The Darkest Powers series has a great storyline/premise that is sure to appeal to teens and adult YA readers alike - a group of supernatural teens genetically altered by a scientific group with the goal of 'controlling' their powers. This series may also pique the interest of adult readers who are looking to further immerse themselves in Kelley Armstrong's Otherworld series.

In book one, Chloe discovered that she is a necromancer (she can raise the dead), is diagnosed with schizophrenia and is locked up in an institution for 'disturbed' teens by her father - a pretty tough series of events for a fifteen year old girl who hasn't led an easy life. Along with three other teenagers from the institution (Derek, Simon and Tori), Chloe eventually finds herself on the run from the malicious Edison group and their struggle to survive and unlock their powers comprises the plot.

Book 2 sees all of the teens do a fair bit of growing-up as they discover more about the Otherworld and their own powers. Chloe in particular, makes some painful discoveries about herself and her family. The friendship between 16 year old Derek and 15 year old Chloe deepens into what could be the beginnings of romance - although they seem unaware of the trust they have developed in each other. Derek's powers further evolve in this novel as he and Chloe spend a lot of time together on the run. You may find the young witch, Tori irritating as she embodies all the angst and bitchiness of adolescence however I do suspect she has a lot more power within her than has currently been revealed. Simon (Derek's foster brother) plays an interesting part in the story and is clearly a potential love interest for Chloe. Although I am probably like most fans though and would much prefer to see the spark between Chloe and Derek ignite.

Chloe is a strong protagonist and you can't help but fall in love with her as she faces the events of her life with courage. Chloe is easy for adult readers to like - she's not whiny or irritating like your real teenage daughters are (or were in my case LOL). I can't wait to see what Kelley Armstrong has in store for her in Book 3, The Reckoning. I am busting to find out what the meaning of her necklace is!

The Awakening has plenty of suspense and will keep you turning those pages. If at all possible I'd recommend reading it in one sitting (definitely accomplishable - only 400 pages). Now remember, this book was written for young adults and that's how I've reviewed it, I don't have the same expectations for plot and character development that I would if it where a straight Urban Fantasy for adults.

The Summoning is Kelley Armstrong's first book in the Darkest Powers series. If you'd like to read my review of this book go here.

THE RECKONING is the third and final book in the Darkest Powers Trilogy and is due for release in May 2010. Visit Chloe’s blog for a free novella about Simon and Derek and events leading up to their arrival at Lyle House.

These books are set in the same universe as Kelley Armstrong’s Otherworld series. You can read my review of the first book in the Otherworld series Bitten or The Empress of Good and Evil's reviews of the first 2 in that series Bitten and Stolen.

Trailer for the Darkest Powers Series: