In this second book in the Darkness Rising trilogy (think X-Men with a little more romance), Native American skinwalker Maya Delany and her friends have narrowly escaped a forest fire that threatened their tiny Vancouver Island home. The real threat, though, comes from the adults following them helicopters th guns and knowledge of the special powers the teens possess. One of the pursuers is Maya's biological father (whom she has never met), but is he friend or foe? The teens are desperate for help, but they have been burned by the scientific community before. Meanwhile, Maya believes she is responsible for Rafe's death, which is especially difficult because of the powerhouse attraction between the two of them. The lightning-fast plot leaves little room for character development, and Armstrong keeps the focus on the motion rather than the emotion while paving the way for the series finale. Fans of the first book, The Gathering (2011), won't find any reason not to stay on board. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Armstrong is a best-seller on both the adult and YA sides, and her many fans are happy to cross over.

Shapeshifters Maya and Rafe (The Gathering) become separated while escaping the scientists who genetically engineered them. When Maya's helicopter crashes in the wilderness, she and other teen survivors must elude the lab's search party and warn their families. Slowly her friends' own powers emerge. Though this installment is more survival story than paranormal romance, the dangers of Maya's situation are underwhelming.

Gr 8 Up- The Calling picks up where The Gathering (HarperCollins, 2011) leaves off. Maya Delaney and her friends are rescued by helicopter while escaping from a suspicious forest fire. In flight, they realize that they are being kidnapped and take action. When the helicopter crashes, they narrowly escape and find themselves alone in the Vancouver wilderness being pursued by their kidnappers. The teens piece together what little information they have and now realize that they all possess supernatural powers. Not knowing whom to trust, they try to find answers by going home. But instead of safety and answers, they are faced with possible betrayal. This engaging read is plot-driven and action-packed, but the many unexpected twists and turns sometimes leave readers with more questions than answers. Armstrong also drops small hints that relate this series to her "Darkest Powers" series (HarperCollins), which is intriguing. Fans of the supernatural will look forward to seeing how the next installment ties all of these loose ends together. Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY