Book 36 - The Summoning

I've been on a bit of a Kelley Armstrong bandwagon these past few months, mostly because after falling in love with Bitten, I vowed I'd be much more responsive to my BF's recommendations.

So when Karen encouraged me to read the first in Armstrong's young adult series, The Summoning, I didn't hesitate. And for good reason.

The Summoning has all the good stuff - good craft, good characters, good plot, good pacing, good dialogue, good cliffhanger ending. It's just a damn good book. But then, I didn't expect anything less from the author who has fast-tracked her way to the top of my most-recommended list.

Fifteen-year-old Chloe Saunders has led a relatively normal life until one day she realizes she can see - and communicate - with dead people. Her family doesn't believe her (surprise), and Chloe is sent to the Lyle House, a place for...disturbed teens. Where of course, nothing is really as it seems.

While at the Lyle House, Chloe interacts with several sidekicks - some of whom are long dead. As typical with this author's work, Armstrong gives as much attention to the supporting characters as she does the protagonist, creating a wonderful cast of great people. I really love how the sensory detail throughout the book drew me in and allowed me to live vicariously through Chloe.

Between feeling sick and then playing catch-up at the day job, I didn't have as much time to read as I'd hoped - and so I'm not sure if the slight drag in the middle of the book was due to a lack of concentrated reading time or a bit of a plot sag. Nevertheless, I kept turning the page. When it comes to Armstrong, I seem to always turn the page...and then reach for the next book.

Not this time, though. Much as I loved The Summoning - and am very much aware that this is the first in the trilogy - I'm in the mood for a thriller by an author I've not read before. Last night I picked up a book I scored at a used book sale...and I have a feeling I'll be writing about it by end of week.

The Book In My Bag This Week: The Broken Hearts Club, Ethan Black