pub: Orbit. 390 page paperback. Price: £ 6.99 (UK). ISBN: 978-1-84149-710-5).

check out websites: www.orbitbooks.net and www.kelleyarmstrong.com

Aimed at the teenage market, 'The Summoning' is the story of Chloe Saunders who sees dead people. She been living a normal life but fifteen year-old Chloe has been having bad dreams and might be remembering something.

There's an incident and Chloe is sent for treatment in a home for disturbed teenagers. After she's met the other kids, Chloe realises just how much they have in common but she still finds it difficult to believe that she has the power to summon the dead.

Derek, one of the long-term inhabitants, seems at once reluctant and at times over-eager to share vital information with her but it's his brother, Simon, who she is drawn to. She can't help but wonder why Simon's there when he doesn't seem to have any problems.

'The Summoning' is aimed at the Young Adult market and its sets out its stall early with some vivid scenes when Chloe is first re-awakened to her skills.

Everyone, especially teenagers, want to feel special and different and to blame their parents for everything. This novel fits in with the current trend of Young Adult novels that isolates the hero/heroine with absent parents and unexpected jeopardy. There's a love interest, menace and revelations. It's neatly set out and although predictable in places there are enough embellishments to make it worthwhile.

It's all good and very readable because Kelley Armstrong has been practising with different styles and age groups. This is the first instalment in 'The Darkest Powers Trilogy'.

Sue Davies