The Calling

May 1, 2012

Gr 8 Up- The Calling picks up where The Gathering (HarperCollins, 2011) leaves off. Maya Delaney and her friends are rescued by helicopter while escaping from a suspicious forest fire. In flight, they realize that they are being kidnapped and take action. When the helicopter crashes, they narrowly escape and find themselves alone in the Vancouver wilderness being pursued by their kidnappers. The teens piece together what little information they have and now realize that they all possess supernatural powers. Not knowing whom to trust, they try to find answers by going home. But instead of safety and answers, they are faced with possible betrayal. This engaging read is plot-driven and action-packed, but the many unexpected twists and turns sometimes leave readers with more questions than answers. Armstrong also drops small hints that relate this series to her "Darkest Powers" series (HarperCollins), which is intriguing. Fans of the supernatural will look forward to seeing how the next installment ties all of these loose ends together.-Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.