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."