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The Summoning: Darkest Powers, Book 1

(2008, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Kelley Armstrong)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Slow but suspenseful teen supernatural fantasy.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 14 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Visions of ghosts who died gruesomely, including a hanged man, a woman whose skin and hair burns off, a man with melted skin and an eyeball sliding down his cheek, and a man who falls into an industrial saw. A girl hits another girl in the head with a brick, then ties her up and leaves her. A fight with a switchblade. Adults shoot at teens with a tranquilizer gun.

  • Sex:

    Getting a period is a plot point, a description of the first period, a mention of "inappropriate touching," two teens are assumed to be making out (they aren't), a teen is told he will be accused of sexual assault (he's innocent).

  • Language:

    "Bitch" is used more than once.

  • Consumerism:

    Clothing, video game, computer, electronics, department store, restaurant chain, painkiller, car brands mentioned.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Children are given medications they don't need to keep them compliant.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Summoning: Darkest Powers, Book 1

Parents need to know that there are some gruesome visions of ghosts who died violently, and a girl getting her period is a plot point.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about mental illness and the supernatural. Is it possible that people we think are ill are actually in touch with things we can't see or hear?
  • If you had special abilities, would people think there was something wrong with you?
  • Does that happen to kids whose abilities aren't supernatural? Do you know kids who are treated as if there's something wrong with them just because they have an unusual talent? How do you treat them?
Tools and tips that can help

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Selbe
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    7th Graders And Up, So Says The Book Jacket

    I really enjoy the Darkest Powers Series. I liked the pace and I fell in love with the characters. The drugs used on the children aren't really an issue, because they were being used to treat something, but it was not known what by the children. Bad language was infrequent and rare. The sexual content was very minimal. Violence was obvious because it was about a necromancer.

    This review...

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  2. Adult Reviewer
    caitlin89
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    I loved this book! it was amazing! I would recommend it for maybe 12 or 13 years and up. 11 may be pushing it! It all depends on how scared your child is of ghosts and other supernatural beings. It can be a little gruesome in descriptions at times. Other than that, I would highly recommend it!

    This review...

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  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    shanno12
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0

    OMG

    I LOVE THIS BOOK AND THE AWAKENING FINALLY SOME DECENT READING!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    ♥kittykinz♥
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    This book is AMAZING! I definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a thriller. The ghost aren't as gruesome as some books. I've read Steven King books so, I'm not exactly afraid of ghosts (: If you like movies with a little blood then I think you can handle this book.

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    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Bloody Gorgeous
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    Freaking Awesome!

    This book wasn't what I expected. Let me clarify that: This book was amazing, beyond my expectations! I couldn't put it down! I think I should mention that I looked in the mirror after reading the description of Chloe haha. She's like a fictional replica of me! I really enjoyed all the characters and the plot and the twists. It is definitely worth reading. I agree 100% with Melissa Marr's quote "You'll Be Desperate For a Sequel"

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details (1) | Read my mind
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