Book Review: The Calling (Darkness Rising Book 2) by Kelley Armstrong

Title: The Calling
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Darkness Rising #2
Pages: 326
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Maya Delaney's paw-print birthmark is the mark of what she truy 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.

In THE CALLING, the sizzling second book in the Darkness Rising trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong pumps up the romance, danger, and suspense that left readers of THE GATHERING clamoring for more.

The Calling was just as good as The Gathering, or maybe even just a bit better! In the first novel, we got to know the main characters, but in this installment we were able to see more of the supporting characters, and I really love how Armstrong did it.

Even though we were learning more about the characters, the story did not lag one bit. There was one action scene right after another! And, of course my emotions were all over the place! When reading a book, there is nothing better than feeling like you are part of the action, and just as torn emotionally as the characters are. Armstrong does a fantastic job of this!

One thing that did change with this novel is that we are exposed to a more vulnerable side of Maya. Being strong and brave is harder than what you think, and Maya lets us see the struggle that is happening inside of her. Not only did this make me like her even more, but it also made me even more appreciative of Daniel. The way he helped and supported Maya was very sweet, and he is a really great guy (just like what the book says!). You cannot help but love Daniel!!

I can't wait to read the next and final installment of the Darkness Rising, and am sure that it will be just as action packed as its predecessors!

"'Right.' A soft, choked laugh. 'Kind of ruins the dramatic effect if I'm storming off in the wrong direction, doesn't it?'"

"When you accept a leadership role, you take on extra responsibility for your actions toward others. If you shun someone, the effect will trickle down through those who value your opinion."

"I'd always thought of myself as an open-minded person. I had no patience with anyone who put down other kids because of their race, religion, or sexuality. But that's just one kind of open-mindedness. There's another kind, too, the kind that's willing to see people for who they really are and admit when you were wrong about them."

"I started rubbing my temples and she suggested I don't really get headaches. It just hurts me to think." 

Book Review: The Rising (Darkness Rising Book 3) by Kelley Armstrong

Title: The Rising
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Darkness Rising #3
Pages: 406
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Things are getting desperate for Maya and her friends. Hunted by the powerful St. Clouds and now a rival Cabal as well, they're quickly running out of places to hide. And with the whole world thinking they died in a helicopter crash, it's not like they can just go to the authorities for help.

All they have is the name and number of someone who might be able to give them a few answers. Answers to why they're so valuable, and why their supernatural powers are getting more and more out of control.

But Maya is unprepared for the truths that await her. And now, like it or not, she'll have to face down some demons from her past if she ever hopes to move on with her life. Because Maya can't keep running forever.

Old secrets are revealed and unexpected characters make a surprising return in this stunning conclusion to Kelley Armstrong's New York Times bestselling Darkness Rising trilogy.

Ms. Armstrong sure knows how to drive a person absolutely crazy! Throughout the book I was just waiting for a certain something (wink wink) to happen. I was over 3/4 of the way done, and I was almost freaking out that it was never going to happen. So, at that point, I naturally could not put the book down and probably looked like a reading maniac (yes, don't judge me). But, then it did happen and now I am for certain that The Rising is my absolute favorite of Armstrong's Darkness Rising Series!

So, if you have read the Darkest Powers Series, this novel is where the characters you love from the series come into play. It is also mentioned that there is a large werewolf pack and I'm kind of wondering if that is also a crossover from another of Armstrong's series? However, I don't really know, so I may have to read more books written by Ms. Armstrong. What a sacrifice...not! I would definitely read more of her books! The Rising had me chomping at the bit to get to the end of the book; I just couldn't wait to find out the ending!

This was a series full of suspense, and I absolutely loved it! I pretty much loved everything about it, the characters, the scenery, the action, etc. (really I could go on and on!). If you haven't read anything from Kelley Armstrong, get a move on it!

"That depends. Are you going to call me an ass again?"
"That depends. Are you going to act like one?"

"I'm going to need to save you."
"Excuse me? No one needs-"
"I'm saving you, so shut up and be grateful."

"After this, he'd probably be going to zoos, climbing the enclosure, saying, 'Here, watch this...' Famous last words, as yet another unfit human is removed from the gene pool."

Book Review: The Gathering (Darkness Rising Book 1) by Kelley Armstrong

Title: The Gathering
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Darkness Rising #1
Pages: 359
My Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

Sixteen-year-old Maya is just an ordinary teen in an ordinary town. Sure, she doesn't know much about her background - the only thing she really has to cling to is an odd paw-print birthmark on her hip - but she never really put much thought into who her parents were or how she ended up with her adopted parents in this tiny medical-research community on Vancouver Island.

Until now.

Strange things have been happening in this claustrophobic town - from the mountain lions that have been approaching Maya to her best friend's hidden talent for "feeling" out people and situations, to the sexy new bad boy who makes Maya feel...different. Combine that with a few unexplained deaths and a mystery involving Maya's biological parents and it's easy to suspect that this town might have more than its share of skeletons in its closet.

In THE GATHERING, New York Times best-selling author Kelley Armstrong brings all the supernatural thrills from her wildly successful Darkest Powers series to Darkness Rising, her scorching hot new trilogy.

Before getting this book, I hadn't realized that it was actually said to be a companion series to Armstrong's Darkest Powers Trilogy. I read a review saying it was meant to be. Seeing as how I had never read any of Armstrong's books, I was a little hesitant to go ahead and start The Gathering. As it turns out, reading the other series was not necessary...at all. I knew just as much as the main character did - well, except about sports, she had me beat there.

I don't know anything about Armstrong's other works, but I do know that she painted a pretty great picture with The Gathering. I thought the pace was very steady and not rushed. Instead of hurrying through the plot, things were allowed to develop more slowly, and as a result, were much more detailed. This allowed you to get to know the main players in the game, especially Maya.

I absolutely loved Maya and the town of Salmon Creek! I know it is super small, with a population of less than 200, but it seemed like a great little town. Everybody knew everybody, and of course gossip spread like wildfire. Can you say Stars Hollow (except even smaller, and without all of Taylor's cheesy town functions?). It was just your average tiny town, except of course for the fact that secret medical research is conducted there. However, that isn't all that the town is hiding...

Okay, enough about the cute small town with its adorable 50s themed diner. I get it, I'll move on. Our female lead, Maya has all the athleticism that I wished I had! Seriously, she climbs cliffs! Overall, Maya is a great strong female character. She's not whiny or wimpy, and I can't wait to see more of her!