The Awakening

By Kelley Armstrong

Book II in the Darkest Powers trilogy takes us deeper into a world where the supernatural intrudes on the everyday with riveting effect.

If you had met me a few weeks ago, you probably would have described me as an average teenage girl – someone normal. Now my life has changed forever and I’m as far away from normal as it gets. A living science experiment – not only can I see ghosts, but I was genetically altered by a group of people who call themselves The Edison Group. What does that mean? For starters, I’m a teenage necromancer whose powers are out of control: I raise the dead without even trying. Trust me, that is not a power you want to have. Ever.

I’m running for my life with three of my supernatural friends – a charming sorcerer, a cynical werewolf, and a disgruntled witch – and we have to find someone who can help us gain our freedom back before The Edison Group finds us first. Or die trying.


From the Trade Paperback edition.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: May 29, 2009
• ISBN: 9780307373236

Kelley Armstrong

Kelley Armstrong is the author of over fifty novels, including the Rip Through Time mysteries and the horror novel, Hemlock Island. She lives with her family in Canada.

Reviews for The Awakening

[moniquesnyman-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Picking up pretty much exactly where The Summoning ended, The Awakening continues the journey as Chloe, now a prisoner in the Edison Group’s testing facility. While she tries to escape, she comes across information that will help her and the other Lyle House kids, and she also meets a demonic entity that powers the facility. Eventually she does make it out of the facility alive and catch up with Derek and Simon, but much to their dismay, Chloe’s brought someone else along for the ride.

The Awakening started off a little slower than the previous book, but it was a compelling read nonetheless. Like The Summoning, though, it has its tropes and its guilty pleasure status, so bear that in mind. That being said, you can’t read the one and not the other.

As far as the characters are concerned, well … I could tell you what I think, but then you’d figure out the premise and then there’ll be spoilers and everyone will be grumpy.

[crystaljoy04 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the second installment of the Darkest Powers Trilogy. It picks up right where it left off in first book The Summoning so I don't suggest you read this if you haven't read it. With that said, this was a great book! I haven't read a book this fast in a long time.Chole finds herself caught and locked up by the very people she tried to escape from after the betrayal of the aunt who she trusted. She comes to terms that she is a necromancer able to raise zombies and communicate with ghosts. The next hurdle is trying to control her newfound powers. She was very frustrating in the first book but her character has been improved and her flaws are bearable. However, my favorite character is still Derek and I love how the author expanded on his character. The only complaint that I have, is there is a very expected and predictable twist in the story that questions who can be trusted.This book doesn't have a dull moment and holds the readers interest throughout. The author did a great job at making the characters likable and believable. In this one, you learn a lot more about their back story and the events leading up to how they all met at Lyle House. The story is very well written and I love the suspense. I absolutely cannot wait to read the final installment: The Reckoning.

[thebacklistbook · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What is most refreshing about these books is that they do not focus on any kind of romantic intentions. But seriously the design of the hands on the cover is so screwed up!!!!! great story anyway, but that was so distracting.

[kimmyray · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

really good book!!!

[katiep15 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love this book! Kelley Armstrong does not disappoint. In her novels, she hits every important point you should have in a perfect book. You have the mystery, the magical/supernatural, the love, and the sadness. Darkest Powers series is not like a lot of books, which is sometimes rare to find. It's similar to the Maximum Ride series, but only in the theme and genre. It's a great page turner, and I stayed up all night and read the whole book, because I couldn't put it down. It's one of a kind and I can't wait to read more from Kelley!

[christineellei · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The continuing adventure of Chloe and her supernatural friends escaping from The Edison Group. I am enjoying this Y/A series. Reading this book on the heels of finishing MEN OF THE OTHERWORLD, I am quite impressed with Kelley Armstrong's ability to fluctuate between adult novels and those geared for a younger audience. Reading them back to back is rather like sitting at a table and trying to translate between two people, from one language to another and back again. Kudos to Ms. Armstrong!

[wealhtheowwylfing · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Chloe Saunders is a fifteen year old necromancer on the run. This book is fast paced, with good details and great characterization. To my pleasure, Armstrong complicates the classic "magic teenagers on the run from a secret organization" with touches of realism. They run into problems like being ten dollars too poor to get to their next quest point, or not having ID. They bicker and don't always make courageous choices. The werewolf has anger issues--and it's not portrayed as being a sign of what a sexy Alpha Male he is, but rather, a serious problem he needs to work on. Chloe's power is indistinguishable from mental illness to most people, and instead of it making her seem interesting and tragic, the book points out the stigma and mockery often attached to appearing non-neurotypical. And the relationships between the characters feel real, built by believable conversations about their interests and experiences. I look forward to the next book!

[rosa.mill · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

In this book not only do we confirm the characters powers, but we find out that they were genetically experimented on and that while the experiments were supposed to make their powers less extreme, it seems to have enhanced them. We find out where all the betrayals come from and eventually Chloe escapes and joins the boys. They are coming ever closer to reaching someone who can help them.
There is one thing that is driving me totally nuts though. It is completely obvious that Derek is in love (or at least in like) with Chloe and she persists in believing that he dislikes her. It's starting to irritate just a little and it's why the book only got three stars.

[ahnya-2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

At first i didn't think the story was going to be good, but i ended up liking it. I really liked where the author took it.

[newskepticx · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Now I don't like this book as much because although all three books work together I would have been beyond unsatisfied if I hadn't had the next books. They don't stand well alone. I still liked Chloe's character development.

[milaxox-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really liked this book. Mostly because this is just the kind of book i am into. The plot is very intriguing and I love the characters. The only reason i didn't give it a 5 was because of the ending. I finished the book feeling like the should have been more to it.

[yogiboo_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have also just finished The Reckoning so it's difficult to review this with while the last book is on my mind. All I can say is that I loved this trilogy. It's fun, alive and fast paced. It's written wonderfully. I had reservations about reading The Summoning but now all I want to do is read every book Kelley Armstrong has written. It's almost Chick-lit and indulgent. Just loved it!

[shanaqui_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I can't remember what I said about The Summoning, when I finished reading it, but I imagine I enjoyed it in much the same way as I enjoyed The Awakening. It's quite fun, and if there's shades of Twilight here, well, at least Derek's behaviour isn't considered normal and okay, and even he apologises for it (after a shockingly realistic period of calming the hell down). I found myself liking him more through this book, which was probably the point: things with Simon seem forced (though it would be equally forced for him to get together with Tori, please no).The main problem is that it seems like a repetition of the first book: the same basic problems are encountered and overcome, and I don't really feel like we learn much or further the plot any. Obviously if what you're interested in is a breathless chase scene rather than answers and character/plot development, it might be more to your taste.

[sszkutak_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I am really enjoying this series about young supernaturals. The ending to this, book 2, in the series was kinda crappy tho, a cop out really. Chloe, the main character is 'growing' but her young voice still carries to strongly in my mind.

Going to read the 3rd book eventually.

[cheryl_in_cc_nv · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

3.5 stars. Quick and exciting. Of course, it's the middle book of a trilogy, so it suffered from being not much more than a bridge, but there were definitely some fun and a few thought-provoking bits. I was totally creeped out by the zombie bats. And I loved the line, ... he'd showered twice a day, and it still hadn't fixed the puberty smackdown." And the 4th-wall discussions, eg (parashrasing cuz I forgot to save the place): 'If this were a movie, right now we'd be talking about how we have to overcome our differences to work together as a team. But we won't, because we don't want to get eaten my a shark like Samuel L. Jackson was.' Looking forward to finishing the next within a couple of days."

[staciesnape-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Warning: May contain spoilers The Awakening starts of where The Summoning ended. The kids are on the run from the people that were suppose to be looking after them. Only its not just the Edison Group any more, after learning that Chloe's aunt and Tori's mum knew what was going on, the kids can't trust any one any more. Sleeping rough in alleyways and struggling to keep going they make their way to a friend of Simon/Dereks dad.Chloe and Derek get separated from the bunch on their travels, when Darek thinks he's about to change (oh yeah, he's a werewolf. Did I forget to mention that?) and the grow closer as they attempt to make it back to the others. They both care for each other, and there is obviously some sort of strange feelings but it always feels like Derek is trying to keep Chloe at an arms length And the might have something to do with the fact that Simon likes her.This book is mainly centered around the kids, what their abilities are (I'll get to that) and watching each one come more into their own and grow, after all they are just a bunch of kids. Yes they have supernatural powers, but they are still kids trying to survive after finding out their life (or the majority of it) was nothing more than a lie.You have Chloe, the necromancer who is really struggling with her powers in this book, bringing back more than just the soul she requires, but she has no one to help her or guide her.Simon, a sorcerer who's only real tricks are levitation and mist projection.Tori who is a witch and whose powers seem to be sparked mainly by anger, leaving her completely without control. And Derek. Derek is a werewolf, and according to him shouldn't be going through the change right now. So you can understand why he was alarmed at the end of The Summoning.This books was a lot better than first. I felt like you got to see sides to the characters you might not have witnessed in the last book. It was very well written and enjoyable.

[comixminx · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Quick, fun, gripping read. I do like Kelley Armstrong's books a lot.

[jenj5 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very quick read that's a lot of fun - definitely one of the better paranormal suspense/romance offerings out there for young adults. After finishing this, I was reminded that I never did read all of Armstrong's adult novels and I should do that. The world she's built is fascinating and I'd like the opportunity to immerse myself in it even further. Perhaps I'll grab a bunch of hers for my next vacation.

[krumbs_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Again, fun, but less fun than the first book as the characters are mostly running and getting away and running and arguing, etc., etc., so nothing is resolved and the story doesn't move forward that much. And this one gets one fewer stars due to the partial story. You can't read this book without the first book (it would make no sense) and the book doesn't end, it just comes to an abrupt halt as a hook for the third book.

[zabetreading · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I am a huge fan of Kelley Armstrong but I am finding this series a little hard to love. Perhaps though the fault of her editors, there is not enough description for my liking. I find it difficult to picture the scenes because there aren't enough details provided. The main character, Chloe, is likable enough, but she is just blah. There is nothing outstanding about her character, her intelligence or her actions, she simply seems to be along for the ride. For the second time in this series, the reader has been left only a few scant details about what is really going on behind the scenes and little or no closure for the characters. Since this is being billed as a trilogy, I was expecting much more action and much more information. I can only hope that the third book with have enough of both to satisfy the readers.

[bunwat_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Solid second entry in this series about a contemporary teen girl coming into possession of magical powers. I liked that having magical powers doesn't solve her problems and make her life terrific, it ushers in a whole new level of problems and makes things geometrically more complicated. I also liked the realism of the kids sleeping in a warehouse and trying to scrounge enough money for bus fare to get to someone who might help them. Stepping out from the protection of school and parents when you aren't of age yet does put you into a world of panhandling and getting mugged for your coat, even if you don't have a choice about leaving.

[laphenix · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A fantastic sequel! I devoured this book in less than two days! I loved the narration choices, the characters have depth and are wonderfully alive, and I love the direction that the author is going!

[saramllr · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is kind of a teen version of the Otherworld series (which I LOVE). I keep hoping that Clay or Elena will make an appearance. We'll see.

[readerworm12345 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the second book in the Darkest Powers seris. It really was amazing and i really enjoyed it. Like first book it also had a lot of cliff hangers and was very suspencful not a book you should read if you don't have a lot of time on your hands. You really start to like simons brother Derek in this book and some of the other caracters you wouldn't think you would ever like. I would recomend this to anybody that liked the first book and if your considering reading this book i would recomend reading the first book before you start this one.

[wyvernfriend · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Chloe learns more about her powers and about the fact that she doesn't really control them. She also learns about the Edison Group and finds that things aren't as benevolent as they seem. The other three Tori, Simon and Derek, also have to work on their powers and on their relationships. Things are complicated and messy and nothing seems to be in any way straightforward.I'm curious now as to what's going to happen next. It didn't quite gel for me, somehow the characters didn't seem to feel well-grounded in the world but I'm hoping that will resolve itself over the next few books.

[jibar_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Spoilers ahead!Well, directly after finishing this book I thought not a lot had happened - it was just my initial feeling. But after thinking about it for a moment, I realized that in fact a lot had happened, but because I read so incredibly fast it seemed to me like there wasn't a lot to talk about in this book.I couldn't have been more wrong, because a lot of the secrets mentioned or revealed in the first book in the series are explained or unveiled in the second, as well as quite a few monstrosities. Some would think that the things the Edison Group did could never happen in the real world, but we all know that some people are obsessed with science and what it could do to make people's life easier - preferably the life of the scientist at hand.I really grew to like Derek better in this book. I couldn't have cared less for him in the first book but it's possible that was only due to the fact that there wasn't a lot of his personality shown. Simon remained his likeable self, and Tori ... well, let's say she isn't as mean as before. I personally wouldn't have minded if they had left her at Andrew's house.I have to say that I'm growing wary of the concept of the supernaturals in this series. Something just seems ... itchy. Like it doesn't belong. I don't know if this is because there is in fact something wrong, or that I just don't like how Armstrong handled it. I hope it's the first.

[mountie9_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Mini Book Review: Once again Kelley has me hooked from the very first page to the very last sentence and leaves me excited about reading the next book in the series. Non stop action, intriguing and well developed characters & some dark humour this time which was a nice added bonus. Some questions answered but even more left to figure out. Kelley is truly a natural born storyteller. Liked the addition of a couple of adult characters that were not total douche-bags. A pretty good transitional second book, often the 2nd book is a bit dull, but not this one. Will be cracking open the next book as soon as I get home tonight -- didn't bring it with me to work today because I knew I would be too tempted to read it instead of getting work done. Nice to see the development of the secondary characters with some back story. Also found myself liking Chloe more and love the dialogue between her and Tori.4.5 Dewey'sI borrowed this from Helen

[sedelia_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Awakening is definitely better than the first book of the series. There's more of a focused conflict, there's more action and adventure, and the characters are rapidly evolving. As always, Armstrong's writing is suspenseful and makes for a quick read (I don't know how she does it!)I like that more and more is being revealed about their powers and about the Edison Group, but we're definitely still not getting the full story. In any case, Chloe is learning a bit more about her powers and is practicing more often. We get to see more of Derek, who is awesome, and Victoria, who I'm actually starting to feel bad for.The one thing I didn't like about this novel was how stupid Victoria could be sometimes. I know she's spoiled, I know there should be conflict between the characters, but really? Sometimes, I just wanted to jump through the book and give her a good slap. I also got tired of Chloe continually comparing her life to the movies. I know, she's a movie buff and that's probably what a movie buff would do, but it did get overwhelming. I don't like it in general when authors use the whole "in movies/novels, it works like this, but this is real life" for when their characters are thinking. This just draws my attention to the fact that I am reading a book and it isn't real life.However, other than those two things, The Awakening was perfect. Armstrong does not make it easy on her characters, which makes for a suspenseful, exciting read. There are also some really cool (horribly frightening?) zombie scenes when Chloe's power gets a little out of control. :) I love the weird stuff.I am very excited to read The Reckoning. If you haven't started this series yet and you're a paranormal young adult fan, run, don't walk, to the nearest library or bookstore and pick these books up!

[talksupe3blogspot · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

full review on talksupe.blogspot.comThe lack of teen romance is probably the reason why I managed to just breeze through the book and kept flipping the pages, totally engrossed. The focal point is the main premise, a group of special teenagers who wants to escape the clutches of evil scientists. There are no distractions of petting, backward glances, tear-eyed love confessions and unrequited or forbidden love. It's just creepy apparitions and the reanimation of the dead. Vintage YA, love it!

[roxyrolla · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Just as good as the first! There are some parts that made me cringe and say, "Ew!" out loud, which I love, and I really like how the relationships are developing between Chloe and the other supernaturals. Starting to read the third already!