ARC Review--The Calling by Kelley Armstrong

In The Calling, the sizzling second book in the Darkness Rising trilogy, #1 New York Times bestselling author, Kelley Armstrong, pumps up the romance, danger, and suspense that left readers of The Gathering clamoring for more.

Maya and her friends have been forced to flee from their homes during a forest fire they suspect was deliberately set. They they're kidnapped, and after a chilling helicopter crash, they find themselves lost in the Vancouver Island wilderness. But Maya has a secret. She can ran faster, climb higher, and see better than nearly anyone else. It's part of who she really it--and it has something to do with the mysterious paw-print birthmark on her hip. Yet as Maya and her friends face unforeseen dangers, it becomes clear that she's not the only one in their close-knit group with something to hide. If they're going to survive, they'll need all their extraordinary abilities to help them get back home.

I received this ARC for review on loan from Amber at Awesomesauce Books

OMG! When Amber at Awesomesauce Books said she would loan her ARC of Kelley Armstrong's The Calling out, I was super happy! It had been a long time since I read The Gathering, but knew I had to read The Calling asap because of the previous ending! Of course now I am eagerly awaiting the next book which isn't even scheduled for publication yet!

The Calling picks up immediately where we left off with Maya and her friends, in a helicopter escaping the fire that may not have been accidental. Yet they aren't out of danger yet, in face they're knee deep in it! After a harrowing escapade that leaves the teens stranded on an island, I was wondering if the book would play out like LOST, luckily it didn't. But the teens are still on an adventure with danger at every turn. 

There are people after them, too many people and it's hard to keep track of who everyone is. They just know they can't trust anyone. We don't get to learn a lot about them or anything. We just get to make speculations along with Maya and her friends. But we do get to pick up tidbits here and there that make the story really interesting. Such as Project Genesis. Remember them? ;)

There wasn't a whole lot of romance in the book, like the cover description alludes to. There's definitely some tension building up and some startling revelations--one I kinda figured even! And the ending leaves you desperate for more! I know I'm looking forward to the next one! 

This was definitely more exciting than The Gathering, which I felt was more of an intro kind of book. The Calling is where the action happens and lots of revelations are made--not just in the romance area either! Never fear though, there are still some unanswered questions lying about that I am sure Armstrong will pick up in the finale next year! Oh the irony--dying to read an ARC, only to have to wait even looooonger for the next book which doesn't release til next year!

Overall rating 5/5 stars

The Calling releases April 10, 2012