The Rising

From Goodreads:    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 Timesbestselling Darkness Rising trilogy.

My Thoughts:

-    I felt like most things got wrapped up, but I was a bit disappointed.

-    I really didn't need all the recap at the beginning. It was a bit annoying, and slowed down the beginning.

-    A lot of the book was telling instead of showing, and I wanted more showing. 

-    I knew there was a love triangle!! Urgh! I really hoped that Daniel was more of a brother figure, but no! I didn't like how the love interests were settled. 

-    There were a lot of characters introduced, and it was a bit confusing. 

-    I wasn't expecting things to go down so smoothly.

-    I liked Ash. He was a fun addition to the gang. 

-    Overall, I just feel like not a lot changed. There wasn't really any progress. The characters end up in almost the exact same situation they started with. 

The Calling

From Goodreads:    Maya Delaney's paw-print birthmark is the mark of what she truly 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.

My Thoughts:

-    I enjoyed this one a little more than the first book. There were still some slow parts, but overall, it was more entertaining.

-    I got a couple answers to some questions, but not a lot. I want more info! The third book better deliver or I'm going to be frustrated!

-    I think Maya is growing as a character. Traveling through the forest with her friends has taught her a few things, and I hope her character continues to grow and develop.

-    I love how much Maya's dog is involved in the story and with Maya's safety! I wish more books would incorporate an animal. I love Maya's relationship with her dog. I'm so jealous!

-    Daniel is a natural leader. He knows how to keep everyone together and how to lead. I really like that about him. He seems too perfect though, and I feel like he is keeping something from Maya.

-    Is there a love triangle? I'm still unsure, but I think there is. I hope it doesn't develop into one, but I pretty sure it is going to happen. Ugh!

-    RAFE!!!! 

-    Another killer cliffhanger!! Dang! I'm so glad I have the next book! I hate awful cliffhangers! 

-    To be honest, not a lot happened to move the story along. The characters traveled through the forest for most of it, and the story did progress, but I don't feel like it progressed enough. I hope the last book can give all the answers and tie everything up. 

First book in the Darkness Rising trilogy

(cover is linked)

The Gathering

Goodreads Description:    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.

My Thoughts:

-    I don't understand how the title connects with the story.

-    There was a lot of description about the town and the surrounding area in the beginning, and it was kinda boring. 

-    I almost quit reading, but there was enough there for me to keep going. I wanted to see if the story would get better, and it did. Most of the beginning is setup, but towards the end, things pick up a bit. 

-    I really like Rafe. I don't know why yet, but I like him. For some reason I kept picturing him as Bender from The Breakfast Club. 

-    Maya wasn't a strong female lead. She seemed kinda dull. I really want more depth to her character. I kinda wanted more depth to a lot of the characters.

-    There is a lot of mystery surrounding this little town and it's residents. I think a lot of the characters have secrets, and Maya isn't the only one trying to figure out who and what she is. 

-    The writing was easy to read, and things seemed to flow ok. I did get confused on who was saying what a couple times. 

-    The ending is a killer cliffhanger! I didn't feel like this was a complete book. It was missing a whole lot! I have a lot of questions, and not enough answers!

-    I'm really glad this trilogy is complete, so I don't have to wait to find out what the heck is going on. Hopefully the next books keep up the momentum with the story. I don't want another slow beginning.