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Darkest Powers #1.5
Divided
This novella is no longer published online but can be found in Darkest Powers Bonus Pack 1
"..the story filled in exactly the portion from where Derek left Chloe to when he found her again."
"..the story filled in exactly the portion from where Derek left Chloe to when he found her again."
42 pages, ebook
First published August 13, 2010
16 people are currently reading
4167 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
302 books33.5k followersKelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 6, 2017
So I used her. Chloe wasn't dumb, though. She figured it out. She confronted me, and when I admitted it, she still agreed to go along with everything because she knew it was best for everyone. That's when I started noticing her as more than just a girl who could help us get out of Lyle House. That's when I started seeing her as a person. And, unfortunately, that's when I started feeling responsible for her.
Ya that's what I was waiting for. ;)
Ya that's what I was waiting for. ;)
December 31, 2021
i am way too invested in this lmao.
ANYWAY SIMON AND DEREK I LOVE THEM DON’T JUDGE!!
ANYWAY SIMON AND DEREK I LOVE THEM DON’T JUDGE!!
April 16, 2012
Derek, Simon, Chloe and Rae may have escaped Lyle House but when they’re separated at the factory yard they realize they’re not out of danger just yet. Derek and Simon manage to escape, but when they arrive to meet Chloe at the rendezvous point she’s not there. Will they be able to find Chloe before it’s too late?
This is a first person short story told from Derek’s point of view which allows us to relive the warehouse scene through his eyes. The actions of the initial scene are almost identical except for the thought patterns of course and that definitely started this piece off on a good note for me. The plot offers a fast pace and some action, though not a lot. One of the reason I like this story better than the first in this book is that it’s much more emotionally invested than Dangerous was. Or maybe that would be better phrased as emotionally engaging or involved, not sure. My point is that I felt a lot more connected to Derek’s character in this novella than I did in the first. Much of the story offers repeat background to those who’ve read The Awakening, but current happenings are shown, not just told about. Though it’s not meant to be a standalone novella, it does offer a nice additional depth to the main series novels by offering readers insight into Derek’s mind as he views events from the novel.
Other than Derek most of the character development is done by Derek telling the reader about the other characters and his impressions of them. They’re distinctive character, but not really fleshed out. Derek’s character however is nicely molded through a mixture of observing his actions and listening to him tell the reader about himself.
Overall if you’re reading or have read the Darkest Powers series you’ll appreciate and enjoy this companion novella, if you’re not reading the main series books though it will probably fall short since it wasn’t written to be a standalone novel.
This is a first person short story told from Derek’s point of view which allows us to relive the warehouse scene through his eyes. The actions of the initial scene are almost identical except for the thought patterns of course and that definitely started this piece off on a good note for me. The plot offers a fast pace and some action, though not a lot. One of the reason I like this story better than the first in this book is that it’s much more emotionally invested than Dangerous was. Or maybe that would be better phrased as emotionally engaging or involved, not sure. My point is that I felt a lot more connected to Derek’s character in this novella than I did in the first. Much of the story offers repeat background to those who’ve read The Awakening, but current happenings are shown, not just told about. Though it’s not meant to be a standalone novella, it does offer a nice additional depth to the main series novels by offering readers insight into Derek’s mind as he views events from the novel.
Other than Derek most of the character development is done by Derek telling the reader about the other characters and his impressions of them. They’re distinctive character, but not really fleshed out. Derek’s character however is nicely molded through a mixture of observing his actions and listening to him tell the reader about himself.
Overall if you’re reading or have read the Darkest Powers series you’ll appreciate and enjoy this companion novella, if you’re not reading the main series books though it will probably fall short since it wasn’t written to be a standalone novel.
February 1, 2019
I loved it! I think this clearly cinches up exactly what I think of both boys
Simon....and Derek. Derek is a survivor - through and through. He's making sure they have things, getting backpacks, knowing the best way to hide, and making sure everyone is safe. He's a protector.
Simon......well, he takes a lot of Derek's advice...and he...well, he what? chases girls. No, not anymore - he chases Chloe.
And Chloe is pretty sweet and she's a survivor. She's handled some pretty crazy things AND she can take care of Derek when he's changing (something even Simon said he couldn't have done.)
Hmm...I think two of these things are alike.
and one of them sure is the odd man out. I hope Chloe makes the right choice here :D
Simon....and Derek. Derek is a survivor - through and through. He's making sure they have things, getting backpacks, knowing the best way to hide, and making sure everyone is safe. He's a protector.
Simon......well, he takes a lot of Derek's advice...and he...well, he what? chases girls. No, not anymore - he chases Chloe.
And Chloe is pretty sweet and she's a survivor. She's handled some pretty crazy things AND she can take care of Derek when he's changing (something even Simon said he couldn't have done.)
Hmm...I think two of these things are alike.
and one of them sure is the odd man out. I hope Chloe makes the right choice here :D
April 21, 2011
I'm always happy to read anything about this series.
August 22, 2025
The beginning started off in an interesting way, after a big event, It was cool to show a different version of what happened by having it in one of the boys' perspectives. Instead of having it in the point of a nice girl like Chloe, this time it is written in the perspective of a tough and calculating guy like Derek. The total opposite to Chloe, where Chloe is sweet and wears her heart on her sleeve while Derek is acts like a jerk and is usually hard to read. It is always cool to have things in another perspective to know what the other characters are thinking. It was interesting to know what Derek was thinking when everything was going down and how he thought of the other characters.
It got slow at one point when they were separated, however it picked back up when Derek started recalling when Chloe came to Lyle House and how things changed afterwards. It was nice to know how he felt about Chloe at that point on the series. Got really excited to read the next short story when it was about to reach the point where they would meet up.
It got slow at one point when they were separated, however it picked back up when Derek started recalling when Chloe came to Lyle House and how things changed afterwards. It was nice to know how he felt about Chloe at that point on the series. Got really excited to read the next short story when it was about to reach the point where they would meet up.
October 12, 2011
READ ONLINE WHILE IT WAS STILL FREE.
Review/Rating:
5 out of 5
Derek and Simon are separated from Rae and Chloe, but what kind of troubles do they have while separated from the girls? You’ll find out in this short story.
The plot basically belongs between books one and two of the series. It is between on Chapter 44 of The Summoning and Chapter 16 of The Awakening. Despite going into The Awakening, I suggest reading it before you read The Awakening, that way, you won’t really forget anything.
Anyways, in my opinion, this short, or most of it anyways, should have been added to The Summoning in order to give it a little bit more depth. I like how Derek narrates this short story — it is way less annoying than having Chloe narrate the whole thing. You also get a peak at Derek’s and Simon’s feelings towards Chloe, which makes this short story even more interesting than the first book. I just wish the author could have put this in the books — in order to make them have more depth and humor.
Also, please note, this is a review of the free short story. It is no longer free online since it will be published in a book along with the Dangerous and Disenchanted short stories.
Review/Rating:
5 out of 5
Derek and Simon are separated from Rae and Chloe, but what kind of troubles do they have while separated from the girls? You’ll find out in this short story.
The plot basically belongs between books one and two of the series. It is between on Chapter 44 of The Summoning and Chapter 16 of The Awakening. Despite going into The Awakening, I suggest reading it before you read The Awakening, that way, you won’t really forget anything.
Anyways, in my opinion, this short, or most of it anyways, should have been added to The Summoning in order to give it a little bit more depth. I like how Derek narrates this short story — it is way less annoying than having Chloe narrate the whole thing. You also get a peak at Derek’s and Simon’s feelings towards Chloe, which makes this short story even more interesting than the first book. I just wish the author could have put this in the books — in order to make them have more depth and humor.
Also, please note, this is a review of the free short story. It is no longer free online since it will be published in a book along with the Dangerous and Disenchanted short stories.
June 22, 2012
I really liked this one! It was good to get into Derek's head again AND really, really see that there's more than meets the eye. I like that in this one, he seems to have had a bit of the "load" lightened. As the story progresses, he becomes more and more of an entire person.
I think this story really humanizes Derek. I like to see his jealousy toward the relationship that Simon and Chloe had. It's never good when friends fight over a girl, but they don't really fight about it which was also nice. They're true brothers and Simon did step back when it was clear Chloe was leaning the other way. That was good. Although, I don't think he was so cavalier and carefree. He knew important things were happening on their "adventures" and had to know early on that he was losing Chloe. Not that he ever really had her.
i mean, the thing about Chloe. I don't think she ever really would have not liked Derek. Even in the beginning. Had he not been such a dick, I think she'd had gotten past the unfortunate puberty smack down, as she so eloquently put. Then again, I'm obviously defending one of my favorite YA characters so yeah, there's that too.
All in all - fine holiday fun. I liked it.
I think this story really humanizes Derek. I like to see his jealousy toward the relationship that Simon and Chloe had. It's never good when friends fight over a girl, but they don't really fight about it which was also nice. They're true brothers and Simon did step back when it was clear Chloe was leaning the other way. That was good. Although, I don't think he was so cavalier and carefree. He knew important things were happening on their "adventures" and had to know early on that he was losing Chloe. Not that he ever really had her.
i mean, the thing about Chloe. I don't think she ever really would have not liked Derek. Even in the beginning. Had he not been such a dick, I think she'd had gotten past the unfortunate puberty smack down, as she so eloquently put. Then again, I'm obviously defending one of my favorite YA characters so yeah, there's that too.
All in all - fine holiday fun. I liked it.
May 16, 2011
This short story is one of Armstrong's free online fiction. This particular story starts on this blog here. It is written through six blog posts starting with the title: Divided.
I gave this short story four stars because it is good for what it is. The story describes what Simon and Derek did while Chloe was caught and stuck at her second place of imprisonment. This takes place after book one and during the beginning of book two of the Darkest Powers Trilogy.
This is the second installment I've read from Derek's perspective. It's nice to see the same story but from two different perspectives. I enjoyed the story, and next I am going to read the next installment: Disenchanted - the time when Chloe and Derek became separated from Simon and Tori on their way to see Andrew.
I gave this short story four stars because it is good for what it is. The story describes what Simon and Derek did while Chloe was caught and stuck at her second place of imprisonment. This takes place after book one and during the beginning of book two of the Darkest Powers Trilogy.
This is the second installment I've read from Derek's perspective. It's nice to see the same story but from two different perspectives. I enjoyed the story, and next I am going to read the next installment: Disenchanted - the time when Chloe and Derek became separated from Simon and Tori on their way to see Andrew.
April 23, 2011
The I'll-use-you Derek ...
May 15, 2016
I like this one a little better cause it gives you Dereks impressions on Chloe, and what he thought about her as she arrives. It was nice...interesting ...
September 6, 2017
This was another good novella. I can't say it wowed me as not a lot happened.
I'm still enjoying reading from Derek POV. The ending screamed blooming romance between Chloe and Derek. I hope Simon is okay with that. I don't want this to tear the brothers apart.
I was nice to see Chloe's father as well. He might be an absent parent but he is a caring parent.
I'm not liking the housekeeper. I don't remember her much from the first book but she didn't seem very nice.
I'm looking forward to the next novella!
I'm still enjoying reading from Derek POV. The ending screamed blooming romance between Chloe and Derek. I hope Simon is okay with that. I don't want this to tear the brothers apart.
I was nice to see Chloe's father as well. He might be an absent parent but he is a caring parent.
I'm not liking the housekeeper. I don't remember her much from the first book but she didn't seem very nice.
I'm looking forward to the next novella!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2025
I didn't know this existed and I'm so glad it does because 1) it's i Derek's perspective and 2) we get a hint to when Derek developed feelings for our little necromancer! also, a look into how this grumpy boy's brain works being so logical lol
March 4, 2019
I liked being able to read this before going into the next book. I really enjoyed reading it from Derek's point of view. Can't wait to read what's next!
July 2, 2021
Haha, it was cute to see Derek have his first crush and not know why he’s reacting the way he has been. Was also interesting to see what exactly they did while separated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2021
42 pages of Derek being a fucking simp 🙏 we love to see it
May 3, 2022
Loved the peek inside derricks head. Loved his pov and got some answers I was just curious about. Like when he started liking Chloe. Want more so bad.
February 23, 2013
I really enjoyed this little companion as well, though this one could not stand on its own at all. With Dangerous, I felt it was like a short prequel to the series, where I could have read that first, and then dove into Chloe's books, but with Divided I really would have needed to read the first book at the very least, and maybe the first bit of the second, to really understand what it was that the two boys were doing.
That being said, the action scene at the beginning, and the way it mirrors the same scene in The Summoning, had me hooked within seconds, because it was both familiar and new. Comparing the way that Simon acted in Dangerous to the way he was in Divided definitely showed a vast improvement. It was like he was finally able to grasp just how big the situation was, and he didn't complain about it anymore. Which was nice, of course, because that freed him up to talk about Chloe, allowing Derek to be muddled with confusion and slight jealousy.
Overall, I really thought Derek's character benefitted from this novella, and I enjoyed hearing about Chloe from another perspective. It was also nice to know what the two boys did during their time apart, and read as it unfolded, rather than hearing about it in a couple of lines in The Awakening. I would read this again in a heartbeat.
That being said, the action scene at the beginning, and the way it mirrors the same scene in The Summoning, had me hooked within seconds, because it was both familiar and new. Comparing the way that Simon acted in Dangerous to the way he was in Divided definitely showed a vast improvement. It was like he was finally able to grasp just how big the situation was, and he didn't complain about it anymore. Which was nice, of course, because that freed him up to talk about Chloe, allowing Derek to be muddled with confusion and slight jealousy.
Overall, I really thought Derek's character benefitted from this novella, and I enjoyed hearing about Chloe from another perspective. It was also nice to know what the two boys did during their time apart, and read as it unfolded, rather than hearing about it in a couple of lines in The Awakening. I would read this again in a heartbeat.
February 9, 2014
I loved this book. This starts where the first book left off and tells what happened in between the time that Chloe left and Derek and Simon were trying to reunite with her.
This book shows exactly why Derek is my favorite character. He is a protector, he does everything it takes to help and take care of those he cares about. His whole plan was to get Simon and Chloe to escape Lyle House, he never had the intention to leave until Chloe pretty much forced Derek to leave with them.
I loved reading from Dereks perspective and I can't wait to see what the rest of this series has in store for these characters.
This book shows exactly why Derek is my favorite character. He is a protector, he does everything it takes to help and take care of those he cares about. His whole plan was to get Simon and Chloe to escape Lyle House, he never had the intention to leave until Chloe pretty much forced Derek to leave with them.
I loved reading from Dereks perspective and I can't wait to see what the rest of this series has in store for these characters.
August 30, 2012
I absolutely LOVE Derek! Love reading his POV. It was good to read what happened to Derek and Simon after they split with Rae and Chloe. I was worried about them at the end of book 1.
Oh my... there does seem to be a love triangle developing... Ugh. Let's see how this plays out in book 2. I think Derek is sweet in his own, weird, way :) Reminds me of Beauty and the Beast. I know this story overlaps with the beginning of book 2. Can't wait to get started on it.
Oh my... there does seem to be a love triangle developing... Ugh. Let's see how this plays out in book 2. I think Derek is sweet in his own, weird, way :) Reminds me of Beauty and the Beast. I know this story overlaps with the beginning of book 2. Can't wait to get started on it.
December 25, 2014
3.5 stars
En novell som utspelar sig mellan The Summoning och The Awakening från Dereks PoV. Inga större överraskningar i handlingen, men jag gillade att läsa från hans syn. Armstrong är verkligen duktigt på att skildra olika relationer och känslor!
Read my whole review at Book Obsession
En novell som utspelar sig mellan The Summoning och The Awakening från Dereks PoV. Inga större överraskningar i handlingen, men jag gillade att läsa från hans syn. Armstrong är verkligen duktigt på att skildra olika relationer och känslor!
Read my whole review at Book Obsession
July 31, 2014
I have very little to say about this novella. First, because it's a novella and therefore it's short, and I'm not usually fond of novellas. Second, because it seemed a little pointless to me - I mean, why does it matter what Derek and Simon did while Chloe was gone? Nothing happened.
But what really annoyed me was that I felt like the author was trying too hard to explain Derek's thoughts and behaviour, which was really annoying.
But what really annoyed me was that I felt like the author was trying too hard to explain Derek's thoughts and behaviour, which was really annoying.
March 21, 2014
I think Derek's the most interesting character of the series and it's great to get to see things from his point of view and really get to know why he acts the way he does. It's pretty obvious he has feelings for Chloe and he's fighting against those feelings without even knowing. I love the way he looks out for the people he cares about. I'm really hooked with this series, it's so interesting and can't wait to read the next book.
May 20, 2011
i loved this book (story? Short story? whatever) just as much as the real series! I really reall REALLY wanted to have a book in derek's POV and this made my day! loved loved LOVED it! (also loved how derek got jealous at some points... he's just so cute!! in a totally non-little-boy way, of course...)
Kelley, you are freaking amazing! would it be too selfish to ask for more?
Kelley, you are freaking amazing! would it be too selfish to ask for more?
September 26, 2011
This one is about when Derek and Simon got separated from Chloe and Rae at the end of The Summoning and beginning of The Awakening.
I always love reading things from Derek's point of view and getting a glimpse inside his head. Because what he projects is so not whats going on inside. His thought processes are adorable.
I always love reading things from Derek's point of view and getting a glimpse inside his head. Because what he projects is so not whats going on inside. His thought processes are adorable.
March 14, 2013
Lovely, amazing, ugh.
Reading about the start, kind of seeing that sparkle was just amazing. I loved everything about all the interactions and I wanted to scream and laugh and just reread the actual trilogy. My favorite part was obviously the ending, but oh well. Everything was fierce. A+, really.
Reading about the start, kind of seeing that sparkle was just amazing. I loved everything about all the interactions and I wanted to scream and laugh and just reread the actual trilogy. My favorite part was obviously the ending, but oh well. Everything was fierce. A+, really.
February 5, 2014
Such a cute story! Loved getting to see this part of the story from Derek's perspective. After reading The Awakening, I was kind of wondering what had happened with him and Simon between the first and second books. I really liked getting to see his reactions to Simon's and Chloe's relationship, too. It sort of put in perspective where his feelings were for her at the time.
March 6, 2017
Oh, great short story of what Simon and Derek did while they were separated from Chloe. Very great!
*First read January 1st, 2011*
Great to see parts of the book that wasn't in the book, before the book, during the book that wasn't there :) Yep :)
*First read January 1st, 2011*
Great to see parts of the book that wasn't in the book, before the book, during the book that wasn't there :) Yep :)
November 13, 2013
It was a good filler for those that wanted more stories of Chloe and crew. I really hope she goes back and adds more to this world. I'd still like to see her match up more of the older crew with them.
July 14, 2014
I really enjoyed this short story, so glad to know what happened with Derek and Simon after the spilt up at the end of the summoning. I love Derek totally rooting for him since its so obvious he has feelings for Chloe!. Now on to book #2
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews