Childhood Fears and Basement Secrets

Chloe Saunders, a young girl, is haunted by the basement of her childhood home, where she encounters unsettling presences. Her mother warns her to stay away, but Chloe is drawn to the mysterious figures she sees, including a terrifying Mrs. Hobb. This early experience sets the stage for Chloe's later struggles with seeing ghosts, a gift she doesn't yet understand. Her parents' decision to move hints at deeper issues, leaving Chloe with unresolved fears and questions about her abilities.

Chloe's Unsettling School Day

Now a teenager, Chloe wakes from a disturbing dream about her childhood basement. Her day at school is disrupted by strange occurrences, including a boy who seems to vanish into thin air. Chloe's interactions with her housekeeper, Annette, and her distant father highlight her feelings of isolation. As Chloe navigates her day, she struggles with the fear that her childhood visions are returning, leaving her questioning her sanity and the reality of her experiences.

Ghostly Encounters and Realizations

Chloe's day spirals into chaos when she encounters a ghostly janitor at school. Her panic leads to a public breakdown, resulting in her being sedated and taken to a hospital. Chloe's father and Aunt Lauren are concerned but unsure how to help. Chloe is diagnosed with schizophrenia, a label that terrifies her. She is sent to Lyle House, a group home for troubled teens, where she must confront her fears and the possibility that her visions are real.

Lyle House: A New Reality

At Lyle House, Chloe meets other teens with their own issues, including Liz, Rae, Simon, and Derek. The home is structured and strict, with therapy sessions and chores. Chloe struggles to fit in and hide her fear of being labeled crazy. She learns about the other residents' problems, including Liz's poltergeist and Rae's fascination with fire. Chloe's interactions with Derek are tense, and she begins to suspect that Lyle House holds secrets about her abilities.

Secrets, Lies, and New Friendships

Chloe's friendship with Rae deepens as they explore the mysteries of Lyle House. They discover a locked basement door and a hidden crawl space, hinting at secrets the home is hiding. Chloe's encounters with ghosts become more frequent, and she begins to question her diagnosis. Simon reveals that Chloe might be a necromancer, someone who can communicate with the dead. This revelation challenges Chloe's understanding of herself and her abilities.

Unraveling Mysteries and Hidden Truths

Determined to uncover the truth, Chloe investigates the history of Lyle House and her own abilities. She learns that Derek and Simon have their own secrets, and that the home may be connected to a larger conspiracy. Chloe's growing confidence in her powers leads her to question the intentions of the adults around her. As she navigates friendships and rivalries, Chloe must decide who to trust and how to use her abilities to protect herself and her friends.

Confrontations and Revelations

Chloe's journey reaches a turning point as she confronts Derek about his behavior and the secrets he's hiding. Their tense interactions reveal Derek's own struggles and the truth about his powers. Chloe's understanding of her abilities deepens, and she realizes that she must embrace her identity as a necromancer. With new allies and a clearer sense of purpose, Chloe prepares to face the challenges ahead, determined to uncover the truth about Lyle House and her own destiny.

Secrets Unravel in the Dark

Chloe and her friends, Simon and Derek, are on the run from Lyle House, a group home for troubled teens that hides dark secrets. As they navigate the shadows, Chloe discovers that the home is a front for a sinister organization experimenting on supernaturals like them. Chloe, a necromancer, realizes her powers are stronger than she thought, and the ghosts she encounters hold the key to unraveling the mysteries of Lyle House. As they delve deeper, the group uncovers the truth about their abilities and the real reason they were brought to the home.

Dangerous Discoveries and Desperate Plans

As Chloe's necromancer abilities grow, she inadvertently raises the dead, drawing the attention of those who wish to control her powers. The group learns that Lyle House is part of a larger conspiracy involving supernatural experimentation. Chloe's aunt, Lauren, is revealed to be complicit in the scheme, leaving Chloe feeling betrayed and alone. With the help of her friends, Chloe devises a plan to escape and find safety, but the path is fraught with danger as they are pursued by those who wish to exploit their powers.

Betrayal and Unseen Allies

Chloe's trust is shattered when she learns her aunt has been working with the organization behind Lyle House. Feeling isolated, Chloe must rely on her friends, Simon and Derek, to navigate the treacherous path ahead. As they flee, they encounter unexpected allies who reveal more about the organization's plans and the true extent of their powers. Chloe must decide who to trust as she grapples with the weight of her abilities and the responsibility to protect her friends.

Escape and Uncertain Futures

With the organization closing in, Chloe and her friends execute a daring escape plan. As they navigate the city, they must stay one step ahead of their pursuers while grappling with the uncertainty of their future. Chloe's powers continue to grow, and she must learn to control them to keep her friends safe. The group faces difficult choices as they seek refuge and try to uncover the truth about their pasts and the organization's ultimate goals.

Truths Revealed and New Beginnings

In a climactic confrontation, Chloe learns the full extent of the organization's plans and the role she and her friends play in it. With newfound allies, they work to dismantle the organization and free others like them. Chloe embraces her identity as a necromancer and the responsibility that comes with it. As the dust settles, Chloe and her friends look to the future, determined to forge their own paths and protect those who cannot protect themselves.

Characters

Chloe Saunders

Chloe is a young girl with the ability to see and communicate with ghosts. Her journey is one of self-discovery as she learns to harness her powers and uncover the truth about Lyle House. Chloe is resourceful and determined, driven by a desire to protect her friends and uncover the secrets of her past. Her relationships with Simon and Derek are central to her growth, providing support and guidance as she navigates the challenges of her new reality.

Derek Souza

Derek is a strong and intimidating figure, struggling with his transformation into a werewolf. His loyalty to his foster brother, Simon, and his growing bond with Chloe drive him to protect them at all costs. Derek's journey is one of acceptance, as he learns to embrace his identity and the responsibilities that come with it. Despite his rough exterior, Derek is a caring and protective friend, willing to sacrifice himself for those he loves.

Simon Bae

Simon is Derek's foster brother, a charismatic and easygoing teen with magical abilities. He is determined to find their missing father and uncover the truth about their past. Simon's loyalty to his brother and friends is unwavering, and he provides a sense of humor and lightness to the group. His relationship with Chloe is complex, as they navigate their feelings for each other while facing the dangers of their world.

Rae

Rae is a resident of Lyle House with a fascination for fire, which hints at her half-demon heritage. She becomes Chloe's closest friend and confidante, helping her navigate the challenges of life at the group home. Rae's loyalty and sense of humor make her a valuable ally, and her own secrets hint at a deeper connection to the mysteries of Lyle House. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to embrace her identity and find her place in the world.

Aunt Lauren

Aunt Lauren is Chloe's guardian, who initially appears to be a caring and supportive figure. However, it is revealed that she is complicit in the organization's plans, leaving Chloe feeling betrayed and alone. Her motivations are complex, driven by a desire to protect Chloe while also serving the organization's interests. Aunt Lauren's actions force Chloe to question her trust in those closest to her and drive her to seek the truth about her past.

Liz

Liz is a resident of Lyle House who believes she is plagued by a poltergeist. Her struggles with her abilities lead to her being transferred from the home, leaving Chloe questioning the truth about Liz's experiences. Liz's departure serves as a catalyst for Chloe's determination to uncover the truth about her own abilities and the secrets of Lyle House.

Tori

Tori is a resident of Lyle House with a moody and confrontational personality. Her privileged background and connections to the home's board of directors give her a sense of entitlement, but her insecurities and struggles with her own issues are evident. Tori's interactions with Chloe and the other residents are often tense, but her presence adds complexity to the dynamics of the group.

Plot Devices

Necromancy and Ghosts

Chloe's necromancer abilities are central to the narrative, driving her journey of self-discovery and the quest to uncover the truth about Lyle House. Her interactions with ghosts provide crucial information and propel the plot forward, as she learns to harness her powers and protect her friends.

Lyle House and the Organization

Lyle House is revealed to be a front for a larger organization conducting experiments on supernaturals. This plot device creates tension and conflict, as Chloe and her friends must navigate the dangers of their world and uncover the truth about their pasts. The organization's plans and motivations are central to the narrative, driving the characters' actions and decisions.

Friendship and Trust

Chloe's relationships with her friends, particularly Simon and Derek, are crucial to her journey. These friendships provide support and guidance as Chloe navigates the challenges of her new reality. Trust and loyalty are key themes, as Chloe learns who she can rely on in her quest for answers and protection.

Analysis

"The Summoning" by Kelley Armstrong delves into themes of identity, trust, and the struggle for self-acceptance. Through Chloe's journey, the narrative explores the fear of the unknown and the courage required to embrace one's true self. The book highlights the importance of friendship and trust in overcoming adversity, as Chloe and her friends navigate a world filled with danger and deception. The story serves as a metaphor for the challenges of adolescence, as Chloe learns to trust her instincts and the power within her. Armstrong's narrative encourages readers to question authority and seek the truth, emphasizing the value of self-discovery and the strength found in unity.

Last updated: February 27, 2025