The Calling by Kelley Armstrong Series: Darkness Rising #2
Published by HarperTeen (4.10.2012)
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Format: Hardcover, 326 pages
Source: I own it
Maya Delaney's paw-print birthmark is the mark of what she truly is -a skin-walker. She can run faster, climb higher, and see better than nearly everyone 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.
My thoughts
Just like the first book, this one wasn’t very memorable. In fact, it was even less memorable. Practically nothing happens the entire story – it’s just a lot of wandering around, lost, looking for help while running from the bad guys.
But somehow, it was still enough to hold my attention. I never got bored, and it was still enjoyable. Much like the first, the details will fade quickly and I probably won’t remember much of it.
It was cool to get to know the side characters – stoic, steadfast Daniel; headstrong, no-nonsense Sam; and I have to say that even Hayley grew on me. Despite her horrible execution, I think her intentions were in the right place. She’s just a bit on the selfish side sometimes. And Nicole? Well…I’m not really sure about her, I guess.
I did enjoy Maya’s first Change! I still love the cougar shape-shifter part of the story!
The major downfall of this book was the same as The Gathering: I felt nothing. At all. View Spoiler »
The only twinge of anything I got was when they mentioned the Edison Group. I got a little excited about that! View Spoiler »
I honestly don’t have much else to say, because like I said, nothing really happened. Major second book syndrome here, sadly. I hope The Rising makes up for it!
Overall Assessment
Plot: 3.5/5
Premise: 4/5
Writing style: 4/5
Originality: 3.5/5
Characters: 3.5/5
Pace: 4/5
Feels: 2/5
Cover: 3.5/5
Overall rating: 3/5
Previous Book
Too bad this series is feeling totally awesome for you. :( I have a copy of The Rising that has been sitting on my shelf for ages. It’s even signed! So I’m sure I’ll read this series someday.
Hmm bummer. I think I’ll look for a better shape shifting series. The girl on the cocer looks a lot like Jessica Alba though!