What do you think?
Rate this book
Summoning
Summoning is based on a “true” Irish witch story in which an evil vicar sells not only his soul but also that of his young servant girl, Meredith, to the devil. After learning the dark craft herself, Meredith finds herself trapped in the demon's shadow when she is accused of witchcraft. It is up to her to find the light and save herself – and those she loves – from the deal.
- GenresYoung AdultFantasy
Nook
First published October 9, 2010
1 person is currently reading
52 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 27, 2011
I find myself ambivalent about this book. The story was an interesting one, but I never really found myself engaged in the story, and I did learn to care about the characters towards the end.
I found the story very choppy as the action moved back in forth through her early years. I usually don't mind a story that moves around, but this one had very short sections on her young life, and then boom, back to 15 and then boom, back to earlier. I never really got to know the character, and I missed that.
I found the story very choppy as the action moved back in forth through her early years. I usually don't mind a story that moves around, but this one had very short sections on her young life, and then boom, back to 15 and then boom, back to earlier. I never really got to know the character, and I missed that.
April 10, 2011
I really, really liked this book. Faulkner brings together a plethora of lovely, harsh and raw elements to form a bewitching (pun intended, I suppose) whole: the cold, wet beauty of Ireland and Scotland, God and the Devil, mysticism and magic, castles, church, betrayal, love, and witchery. The story is told non-linearly; we meet main character Meredith at a different point in her life each time the chapter breaks. This does not feel like some sort of arty-literary device. Rather, it helped me to connect with Meredith’s unconscious (the story is in first person), as if the story is told through memory, with memory’s capricious and flitting nature.
Plot: In order to make their yearly rent, 7-year-old Meredith’s parents sell her into servitude for seven years to Vicar Goldsmith. Meredith’s desire to find/visit/reunite with her parents drives her through much of the book. As she works for the often-cruel Vicar, she discovers the depth of his avarice and his resultant magical and evil connection to the demon Legion…because not only does he sell his soul, but hers as well.
Setting: Raedwald Castle in Ireland with Vicar Goldsmith and Strathclyde in Scotland, where Meredith works after completing her servitude at Raedwald Castle. The setting is beautifully done. I could feel the cold and damp chill of the air, smell the green of the grass, taste the apples, see the dank and dark basement of the castle.
Characters: Another extremely well done aspect of this book. Although basically good or bad, the characters had shades of other aspects to them that made them well-rounded. I loathed the Vicar appropriately, and liked Meredith, although not always. Bridie was an interesting character as well, a mixed blend between a bright and lively friend and a girl with an unfortunate penchant for gossip.
Style: As I mentioned, the time-jumping made for a deeper connection with Meredith; it gave the sense that I had moved beyond reading her diary and had access to her thoughts. I suppose that might be an uncomfortable intimacy because we are so close to that particular lens, but I enjoyed it. There were a few typos that would be easily corrected with a sharp editor’s eye.
Overall Impression: Four and a half stars. An interesting read for anyone who likes historical fiction, cold, raw Irish castles, and conflicted characters. I have to say that I did leave the read confused about the comb. I was expecting something to happen in relation to the fifth tooth but either I missed it or nothing happened. But aside from this confusion, I enjoyed Summoning and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical paranormal young adult literature.
Plot: In order to make their yearly rent, 7-year-old Meredith’s parents sell her into servitude for seven years to Vicar Goldsmith. Meredith’s desire to find/visit/reunite with her parents drives her through much of the book. As she works for the often-cruel Vicar, she discovers the depth of his avarice and his resultant magical and evil connection to the demon Legion…because not only does he sell his soul, but hers as well.
Setting: Raedwald Castle in Ireland with Vicar Goldsmith and Strathclyde in Scotland, where Meredith works after completing her servitude at Raedwald Castle. The setting is beautifully done. I could feel the cold and damp chill of the air, smell the green of the grass, taste the apples, see the dank and dark basement of the castle.
Characters: Another extremely well done aspect of this book. Although basically good or bad, the characters had shades of other aspects to them that made them well-rounded. I loathed the Vicar appropriately, and liked Meredith, although not always. Bridie was an interesting character as well, a mixed blend between a bright and lively friend and a girl with an unfortunate penchant for gossip.
Style: As I mentioned, the time-jumping made for a deeper connection with Meredith; it gave the sense that I had moved beyond reading her diary and had access to her thoughts. I suppose that might be an uncomfortable intimacy because we are so close to that particular lens, but I enjoyed it. There were a few typos that would be easily corrected with a sharp editor’s eye.
Overall Impression: Four and a half stars. An interesting read for anyone who likes historical fiction, cold, raw Irish castles, and conflicted characters. I have to say that I did leave the read confused about the comb. I was expecting something to happen in relation to the fifth tooth but either I missed it or nothing happened. But aside from this confusion, I enjoyed Summoning and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical paranormal young adult literature.
June 11, 2011
I won this book from the Member Giveaways on Library Thing.
I was intrigued by this book, for the fact that it is based on a "true" Irish witch story. I also like stories that are from the distant past and the distant future. This book is set in the distant past. One thing I did not like, although this is purely a personal preference, is the fact that it jumped back and forth between ages of Meredith, the main character. One section would be from when she was 8, the next section from when she was 15. I had a hard time with that, but like I said, that is purely personal preference.
I thought this book was very well written, however. It is a story of a girl named Meredith, who is sent to work at a very young age for the vicar. This vicar is evil, however, and summons the demon, Legion, selling his own soul and the soul of Meredith for money and power. Meredith becomes aware of this plan and finds the secret room where the vicar summons Legion and teaches herself how to summon him as well. Meredith is given a very hard time, as her "supervisor" does not like her. She is eventually accused of witchcraft and thrown in prison to await trial. The whole time, she is constantly trying to find out where her family has gone to. She triumphs at the end through a series of good fortunes.
I did like this book; it was slow at first but it did pick up and it became very interesting to me. I would recommend it!
I was intrigued by this book, for the fact that it is based on a "true" Irish witch story. I also like stories that are from the distant past and the distant future. This book is set in the distant past. One thing I did not like, although this is purely a personal preference, is the fact that it jumped back and forth between ages of Meredith, the main character. One section would be from when she was 8, the next section from when she was 15. I had a hard time with that, but like I said, that is purely personal preference.
I thought this book was very well written, however. It is a story of a girl named Meredith, who is sent to work at a very young age for the vicar. This vicar is evil, however, and summons the demon, Legion, selling his own soul and the soul of Meredith for money and power. Meredith becomes aware of this plan and finds the secret room where the vicar summons Legion and teaches herself how to summon him as well. Meredith is given a very hard time, as her "supervisor" does not like her. She is eventually accused of witchcraft and thrown in prison to await trial. The whole time, she is constantly trying to find out where her family has gone to. She triumphs at the end through a series of good fortunes.
I did like this book; it was slow at first but it did pick up and it became very interesting to me. I would recommend it!
October 22, 2011
This story pulled you in flipping back and forth following the life of Meredith. A young woman sold at the age of six by her parents to an evil vicar demanding his rent of one year he purchases Meredith for seven. The man was twisted and evil he wasn't the pure christian he pretends to be summoning the devil and making packs with him found out later with Meredith for riches and powers. It's based in Ireland in the times of witchcraft scares and paganisms downfall.
Pulled in you get to experience the torture of Meredith's memories that she has to endure as she later gets away from the Vicar running from Legion AKA the Devil and the slip she has made when she summoned him for herself from sneaking and watching the Vicar in order to find her parents she lost so long ago.
Compelling how she has to escape her trouble and is saved by a young man later but not before she beats the Devil at his own game and pulls herself back from the complete damnation of her soul and the horrific moments that almost lead up to her death. For those that like a nice thrilling ride it's a story you should read and see for yourself.
Pulled in you get to experience the torture of Meredith's memories that she has to endure as she later gets away from the Vicar running from Legion AKA the Devil and the slip she has made when she summoned him for herself from sneaking and watching the Vicar in order to find her parents she lost so long ago.
Compelling how she has to escape her trouble and is saved by a young man later but not before she beats the Devil at his own game and pulls herself back from the complete damnation of her soul and the horrific moments that almost lead up to her death. For those that like a nice thrilling ride it's a story you should read and see for yourself.
June 5, 2011
I realize a lot of people don't like narratives where the author is jumping back and forth in time to tell the story, but I'm actually a big fan of it if it's well done. And it certainly is in this case, bringing the story together in a haunting crescendo at the end.
The main ingredients of the story are Meredith, a young servant girl, and a vicar selling not only his but also her soul to the demon Legion. Debi Faulkners writing style drew me in from the first page with her realistic descriptions of these dark and hard (when you look at how servants were treated) times along with the mystical theme of black magic and witch-hunts. If this kind of story is just the thing you love, I can only recommend the book to you as it's so engagingly written. I wasn't surprised to find out that Debi also writes poetry, it certainly shines through in her wording. And if there's one thing I disliked about the book, than that it ended too soon.
In short: A notable first novel and an eerily beautiful book!
The main ingredients of the story are Meredith, a young servant girl, and a vicar selling not only his but also her soul to the demon Legion. Debi Faulkners writing style drew me in from the first page with her realistic descriptions of these dark and hard (when you look at how servants were treated) times along with the mystical theme of black magic and witch-hunts. If this kind of story is just the thing you love, I can only recommend the book to you as it's so engagingly written. I wasn't surprised to find out that Debi also writes poetry, it certainly shines through in her wording. And if there's one thing I disliked about the book, than that it ended too soon.
In short: A notable first novel and an eerily beautiful book!
October 16, 2014
originally appeared on:Bookshelf Confessions
i enjoyed this book.this is great really..since i am really fascinated with magic, spells and witchcraft..
along with other reviewers.. i at first had trouble with the flashing back in time.. it's not really indicated when it's past or present..but once i understand the tactics.. i began to read this with ease..
as for meredith.. i like her character.. but i would also like to recommend to the author to make another book showcasing meredith's life before "summoning" because honestly though she was an interesting character.. the readers would really like to know more of her..the time when she was born..and other aspects of her past..because in the book..it's not really well describe.. i also wish that her relationship with jonas has been more something..
but in all.. this is a great great book for witchcraft lovers..
i enjoyed this book.this is great really..since i am really fascinated with magic, spells and witchcraft..
along with other reviewers.. i at first had trouble with the flashing back in time.. it's not really indicated when it's past or present..but once i understand the tactics.. i began to read this with ease..
as for meredith.. i like her character.. but i would also like to recommend to the author to make another book showcasing meredith's life before "summoning" because honestly though she was an interesting character.. the readers would really like to know more of her..the time when she was born..and other aspects of her past..because in the book..it's not really well describe.. i also wish that her relationship with jonas has been more something..
but in all.. this is a great great book for witchcraft lovers..
November 10, 2012
Reviewed by Monica Sheffo for TeensReadToo.com
After being sold into slavery by her desperate parents, Meredith Pennyfather finds herself at Raewald Castle. As a servant to the Vicar Grimsditch, she encounters a dark force summoned by the Vicar himself - a force named Legion.
An exchange is made, one which threatens Meredith's very soul, as well as that of the Vicar's. Overwhelmed by fear and curiosity, she finds herself at the center of a dark ritual with a potentially deadly outcome.
Debi Faulkner presents readers with an intriguing novel about dark magic and a young girl who discovers it. Meredith is a character unlike any other, and her strength to power through obstacles will inspire young readers. With a suspenseful plot line and unique storytelling style, SUMMONING is a sure-fire hit.
After being sold into slavery by her desperate parents, Meredith Pennyfather finds herself at Raewald Castle. As a servant to the Vicar Grimsditch, she encounters a dark force summoned by the Vicar himself - a force named Legion.
An exchange is made, one which threatens Meredith's very soul, as well as that of the Vicar's. Overwhelmed by fear and curiosity, she finds herself at the center of a dark ritual with a potentially deadly outcome.
Debi Faulkner presents readers with an intriguing novel about dark magic and a young girl who discovers it. Meredith is a character unlike any other, and her strength to power through obstacles will inspire young readers. With a suspenseful plot line and unique storytelling style, SUMMONING is a sure-fire hit.
October 25, 2010
Summoning is a wonderful story that stayed with me long after I finished reading the last word. Faulkner's talent with words and her background as a poet show in her brilliant prose. Strong, interesting characters in an Irish landscape transport the reader to another time and place. Her book, a Faustian tale, but with several interesting twists is part mystery, part fantasy, and part historical fiction.
Craftwise, this is a strong book. A few writing techniques caught my eye. The story is about two time periods in the main character's life. Faulkner uses this technique well, and it allows for multiple storylines to echo and merge. Vivid imagery and the use of senses is another area of writing craft where this book shines.
Great characters. Great story. Great read.
Craftwise, this is a strong book. A few writing techniques caught my eye. The story is about two time periods in the main character's life. Faulkner uses this technique well, and it allows for multiple storylines to echo and merge. Vivid imagery and the use of senses is another area of writing craft where this book shines.
Great characters. Great story. Great read.
April 27, 2015
I enjoyed the Summoning by Debi Faulkner. Meredith is a young girl indebted to a man full of righteous evil but seeking a way to be reunited with her family. For many years she quielty accepts the abuse of the Vicar, a man who has sold his own soul and hers as well to a demon known as Legion. It is only after being accused of witchcraft that she is able to find away to defer the second half of the Vicar's bargain with Legion.
Although I enjoyed the story I feel that it could have been better executed by going through the story year after year rather than jumping back and forth from childhood to the young adult years. I found that a little jarring at times and became a little confused as to what part of life I was getting into even after reading it at the beginning of each chapter.
Although I enjoyed the story I feel that it could have been better executed by going through the story year after year rather than jumping back and forth from childhood to the young adult years. I found that a little jarring at times and became a little confused as to what part of life I was getting into even after reading it at the beginning of each chapter.
June 13, 2011
I found this story well written and engaging. The characters drew me right in. I loved the plot, which gives an inside view of how easy it was to be marked as a heretic and a witch.
I have to admit that I am not normally a fan of books that move back and forth in time. This one does that. Meredith is fifteen while the story takes place, though we go back and meet her at each year of her life from seven on to present. Debi Faulkner handles this well and, though I initially wished the story had taken a linear route, I quickly saw her reasoning for this approach and thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
I have to admit that I am not normally a fan of books that move back and forth in time. This one does that. Meredith is fifteen while the story takes place, though we go back and meet her at each year of her life from seven on to present. Debi Faulkner handles this well and, though I initially wished the story had taken a linear route, I quickly saw her reasoning for this approach and thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
August 10, 2011
As I was reading this, I was trying to look at it from the perspective of a young preteen or early teen. (,15 yrs). Ms. Faulkner did an amazing job on this book. This book was incredibly creepy while remaining CLEAN. No reference to poor language, sex scenes or drug/alcohol reference. Ms. Faulkner's book is a clear example that YA authors can have quality YA books without resorting to what I mentioned above targeted to our young readers!
May 12, 2011
Summoning by Debi Faulkner is based on an old Irish witch tale. Evil Vicor sells his soul and the soul of his servant girl Meredith to the devil (what a guy!!). She spends the rest of the novel trying to redeem herself before she is accused of witchcraft. This story reminded me a lot of the ancient banshee folklore that scared me to death when I was younger. Overall, I really liked this story. It was different and well worth reading.
March 3, 2011
Wow. This book was amazing. I was a little skeptical at first because of the time switch between past and present, but as the book moved on, I realized how brilliant it was and how finely Debi wove the stories together. I would highly recommend this book. I'll post a review on my blog www.karlykirkpatrick.com soon! Awesome book, Debi!
July 3, 2011
pretty impressed with this author. nice characterization and a really interesting story. It kept my interest and I read it in a day. I highly recommend this read
Read
October 12, 2010Shameless promotion here! This is my book -- I wrote it. I'd tell you how wonderful it is, but it would be a totally biased opinion!
So, here's the blurb instead:
The short version of the description is here:
Summoning is based on a "true" Irish witch story in which an evil vicar sells not only his soul but also that of his young servant girl, Meredith, to the devil, and it is up to her to save herself - and those she loves - from the deal.
Here's the longer version (if you're still intrigued):
Seven-year-old Meredith Pennyfather is determined to save her family's home by going to work at Raedwald Castle. Despite her efforts, her parents are evicted a year later. During the years that follow, two thoughts haunt her: the whereabouts of her parents and the safety of her own soul. Meredith learns early on that her employer, the Vicar, once a merciless witch hunter, is not above using the dark art to fulfill his own evil desires when she witnesses him summoning the devil, Legion. The Vicar pays for the demon's help with his tarnished soul and the promise of an innocent: Meredith. Realizing Legion's sinister powers could easily find her parents, Meredith sets about learning the craft, though she is reluctant to use her knowledge - at first.
After Legion collects half his due - the Vicar - fifteen-year-old Meredith leaves Raedwald, penniless and homeless, for a position at Strathclyde Manor. No longer an indentured servant, she is desperate to be reunited with her parents, if only she knew where to find them. She turns to what she sees as her only option: black magic. Caught in the act, Meredith is imprisoned for witchcraft, found guilty and sentenced to death. She has only one remaining ally - Jonas - but his devotion threatens his life, too. Meredith fears seeking Legion's help again - she knows the price will be her soul. But the truth is, there is just one way to save her friend: one last SUMMONING.
The stories of Meredith's life at Raedwald and her attempt to begin again at Strathclyde are woven together in alternating chapters. Mirroring the Vicar's path, she follows a trail of evil, betrayal and pain. But while the Vicar's greed draws him ever closer to darkness, Meredith fights to choose a brighter path.
So, here's the blurb instead:
The short version of the description is here:
Summoning is based on a "true" Irish witch story in which an evil vicar sells not only his soul but also that of his young servant girl, Meredith, to the devil, and it is up to her to save herself - and those she loves - from the deal.
Here's the longer version (if you're still intrigued):
Seven-year-old Meredith Pennyfather is determined to save her family's home by going to work at Raedwald Castle. Despite her efforts, her parents are evicted a year later. During the years that follow, two thoughts haunt her: the whereabouts of her parents and the safety of her own soul. Meredith learns early on that her employer, the Vicar, once a merciless witch hunter, is not above using the dark art to fulfill his own evil desires when she witnesses him summoning the devil, Legion. The Vicar pays for the demon's help with his tarnished soul and the promise of an innocent: Meredith. Realizing Legion's sinister powers could easily find her parents, Meredith sets about learning the craft, though she is reluctant to use her knowledge - at first.
After Legion collects half his due - the Vicar - fifteen-year-old Meredith leaves Raedwald, penniless and homeless, for a position at Strathclyde Manor. No longer an indentured servant, she is desperate to be reunited with her parents, if only she knew where to find them. She turns to what she sees as her only option: black magic. Caught in the act, Meredith is imprisoned for witchcraft, found guilty and sentenced to death. She has only one remaining ally - Jonas - but his devotion threatens his life, too. Meredith fears seeking Legion's help again - she knows the price will be her soul. But the truth is, there is just one way to save her friend: one last SUMMONING.
The stories of Meredith's life at Raedwald and her attempt to begin again at Strathclyde are woven together in alternating chapters. Mirroring the Vicar's path, she follows a trail of evil, betrayal and pain. But while the Vicar's greed draws him ever closer to darkness, Meredith fights to choose a brighter path.
January 13, 2013
Disappointment, with descriptions as a redeeming feature.
From an allegedly true Irish story Summoning falls into the general horror and/or mystery genre of young adult texts, but somehow seems to fall short. The one redeeming feature of the book is that the descriptions, particularly of the dissonance between the senses, and inner conflicts when dealing with demons which help to create a darker, more suffocating mood. The characters, however are merely sketched, and this is not helped by the leaps forward and back through time. Though the time jumping does not hinder the telling of the story, it puts a barrier between the text and the reader which makes identifying with Meredith's plight difficult to do. This also makes the abrupt ending hard to accept. All of a sudden we, as readers, go from Meredith's 15th year, to her 30th, and suddenly everything is resolved in an 'almost-happy-ever-after'
From an allegedly true Irish story Summoning falls into the general horror and/or mystery genre of young adult texts, but somehow seems to fall short. The one redeeming feature of the book is that the descriptions, particularly of the dissonance between the senses, and inner conflicts when dealing with demons which help to create a darker, more suffocating mood. The characters, however are merely sketched, and this is not helped by the leaps forward and back through time. Though the time jumping does not hinder the telling of the story, it puts a barrier between the text and the reader which makes identifying with Meredith's plight difficult to do. This also makes the abrupt ending hard to accept. All of a sudden we, as readers, go from Meredith's 15th year, to her 30th, and suddenly everything is resolved in an 'almost-happy-ever-after'
January 5, 2014
I had no problem with the flipping back and forth (it helped of course that the author kindly cleary indicate the age of the heroine in the chapter title) and loved how they eventually merged.
The author drew a lot of empathy out of me for the main character and the distinct voices between young girl and older teen was very well done.
A real page-turner -- I couldn't wait to get to the end!
The author drew a lot of empathy out of me for the main character and the distinct voices between young girl and older teen was very well done.
A real page-turner -- I couldn't wait to get to the end!
May 13, 2012
Interesting, fast read. The back and forth between stages in the main character's life were confusing making the story a little hard to follow.
July 21, 2016
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This book cover is on my Pinterest board and my blog, Michelle Dragalin’s Journey.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews