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Dark Summons #1
The Seance
Ninth grade can be a nightmare when you don’t fit in at school, your crush chooses someone else, and your parents tell you they’re having a new baby. Abby was prepared for normal high school problems. She wasn’t prepared for the demon.
Abby has always been fascinated by the paranormal, but after an ill-fated séance, she discovers not all Spirits are benign. A dark entity unleashed during the summoning sets out to destroy Abby, and within days, she loses her best friend, incurs the wrath of her parents, and becomes a prisoner in her own home. With time quickly running out, she assembles an unlikely group of helpers: the most hated guy in school, a retired psychic, and the cute clerk from her favorite bookstore. Unless the demon is defeated, Abby and her new baby brother won’t stand a chance.
Abby has always been fascinated by the paranormal, but after an ill-fated séance, she discovers not all Spirits are benign. A dark entity unleashed during the summoning sets out to destroy Abby, and within days, she loses her best friend, incurs the wrath of her parents, and becomes a prisoner in her own home. With time quickly running out, she assembles an unlikely group of helpers: the most hated guy in school, a retired psychic, and the cute clerk from her favorite bookstore. Unless the demon is defeated, Abby and her new baby brother won’t stand a chance.
- GenresParanormalFantasy
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2013
72 people want to read
About the author
Tricia Drammeh
28 books90 followersTricia Drammeh is a wife and mother of four children who lives in New Hampshire. Her published works include The Fifth Circle, The Seance, Better than Perfect, and the Spellbringers series. She is currently working on her ninth novel. When Tricia isn't writing, she can be found hanging out with her dog, devouring books, or drinking record-setting amounts of coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 25, 2013
I received an ARC of Tricia Drammeh's book about a week ago. I read it in less than a day. It takes a lot to freak me out when reading a book but I have to say that around midnight, I was peeking around corners and praying nothing was there!
The characters are well defined and personable. The plot is MORE than engaging and just spooky enough to make you consider keeping the lights on. The ending is very satisfactory with no holes or cliff hangers, yet still made me want more and I hated to say goodbye to the friends I made on the journey.
I highly recommend this book and am so fortunate to have discovered another wonderful writer! I can't wait to read more of Drammeh's work!
The characters are well defined and personable. The plot is MORE than engaging and just spooky enough to make you consider keeping the lights on. The ending is very satisfactory with no holes or cliff hangers, yet still made me want more and I hated to say goodbye to the friends I made on the journey.
I highly recommend this book and am so fortunate to have discovered another wonderful writer! I can't wait to read more of Drammeh's work!
March 12, 2014
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. It was a very well written younger ya paranormal book!
The story of unknowing kids playing with a Ouija, something my mom always warned me against and after reading this...thank goodness that was one lesson I listened too!
There is always something out there that is dangerous, evil and threatening. This book showed all that and the threat of what evil can do to not only your psyche but also those around you, whether they believe or don't believe.
I wish we could have learned more about the characters, I think there is still a lot to learn about all the characters of the book. I was left wanting to know more about...well everyone!
The writing kept the story and suspense flowing and kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this read to the younger teen crowd as well as anyone who loves a little horror in their day!
Review by Jacque of Fae Books!
The story of unknowing kids playing with a Ouija, something my mom always warned me against and after reading this...thank goodness that was one lesson I listened too!
There is always something out there that is dangerous, evil and threatening. This book showed all that and the threat of what evil can do to not only your psyche but also those around you, whether they believe or don't believe.
I wish we could have learned more about the characters, I think there is still a lot to learn about all the characters of the book. I was left wanting to know more about...well everyone!
The writing kept the story and suspense flowing and kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this read to the younger teen crowd as well as anyone who loves a little horror in their day!
Review by Jacque of Fae Books!
September 4, 2013
As an avid horror fan, I tend to approach a new book with a 'bring it on - scare me!' attitude. The Seance did not disappoint.
A teen mistakes her interest in the occult for actual expertise and soon discovers she has bitten off more than she can chew. When Abby attempts to hold a séance with her friends she unwittingly summons an evil entity that attaches itself to her and will not leave her alone. The demon's attacks escalate to the point where Abby fears for her life and seeks assistance from an outside party.
There is a lesson to be learned here: don't mess with things you don't fully understand. This is true of the occult, but is also applicable to so many situations teens (and adults too) find themselves involved in. It's not wise to feign understanding of a topic based merely on interest. At the very least, you might embarrass yourself. In Abby's case, she risked her own life and those of her loved ones, one of whom hadn't even been born yet.
This suspense-filled paranormal read sent chills up my spine and kept me fully engaged from start to finish. The author does a splendid job of building suspense and drawing the reader right into the story. Any book that can creep out a jaded horror fan such as myself, then I have to recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good scare.
A teen mistakes her interest in the occult for actual expertise and soon discovers she has bitten off more than she can chew. When Abby attempts to hold a séance with her friends she unwittingly summons an evil entity that attaches itself to her and will not leave her alone. The demon's attacks escalate to the point where Abby fears for her life and seeks assistance from an outside party.
There is a lesson to be learned here: don't mess with things you don't fully understand. This is true of the occult, but is also applicable to so many situations teens (and adults too) find themselves involved in. It's not wise to feign understanding of a topic based merely on interest. At the very least, you might embarrass yourself. In Abby's case, she risked her own life and those of her loved ones, one of whom hadn't even been born yet.
This suspense-filled paranormal read sent chills up my spine and kept me fully engaged from start to finish. The author does a splendid job of building suspense and drawing the reader right into the story. Any book that can creep out a jaded horror fan such as myself, then I have to recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good scare.
September 1, 2013
It was so easy to get immersed in the story and to visualize this character from the very first pages as the writing was clear and realistic. Miss Drammeh has a real gift for story telling no matter what subject matter she writes about. She has a way of just pulling her reader in.
I was entertained all the way through and touched by the messages about family and bullying. This is also a story about friendship, betrayal and trust and gives a lesson about not messing with things you know nothing about. I am sure I entered some dangerous territory when I was a teen and I am just thankful I didn't pay for naive natural curiosity.
Seance is a great book that has depth and real life heartfelt emotion. My interest was spiked as the action and suspense contined throughout the story. As the characters come to life, this book really gets in the mind of a teenager with great understanding and compassion.
"Things can always get worse, so don't ever tempt fate by saying they can't. Things got worse for me, a little worse each day. Sometimes things are so bad, you don't even realize how bad they are because you've accepted a baseline of horrible."
I was entertained all the way through and touched by the messages about family and bullying. This is also a story about friendship, betrayal and trust and gives a lesson about not messing with things you know nothing about. I am sure I entered some dangerous territory when I was a teen and I am just thankful I didn't pay for naive natural curiosity.
Seance is a great book that has depth and real life heartfelt emotion. My interest was spiked as the action and suspense contined throughout the story. As the characters come to life, this book really gets in the mind of a teenager with great understanding and compassion.
"Things can always get worse, so don't ever tempt fate by saying they can't. Things got worse for me, a little worse each day. Sometimes things are so bad, you don't even realize how bad they are because you've accepted a baseline of horrible."
May 30, 2014
The Séance is a story about a young girl who, like many others before, decides to try a Ouija Board, without appreciating the possible consequences. Even a smattering of appreciation however would not have led her to expect what we discover here.
I have to say this is a fantastic book - it opens simply setting the scene, and to be honest I thought it was just going to be another one of "those" books. Tricia Drammeh however shows herself to be a master of understanding - the angst of the teenage years, the changing relationships between adolescent and parents, and the discovery of those first romantic feelings. In this book she also develops suspense and a feeling of dread with the touch of a master.
I won't say more for fear of spoiling some of the anticipation!
The suspense was so great that I read the book within 24 hours, as I just couldn't put it down. Although it is complete in itself, I've developed a real affection for the characters that leaves me hoping that there will be more adventures to discover.
I have to say this is a fantastic book - it opens simply setting the scene, and to be honest I thought it was just going to be another one of "those" books. Tricia Drammeh however shows herself to be a master of understanding - the angst of the teenage years, the changing relationships between adolescent and parents, and the discovery of those first romantic feelings. In this book she also develops suspense and a feeling of dread with the touch of a master.
I won't say more for fear of spoiling some of the anticipation!
The suspense was so great that I read the book within 24 hours, as I just couldn't put it down. Although it is complete in itself, I've developed a real affection for the characters that leaves me hoping that there will be more adventures to discover.
March 10, 2014
This was a truly amazing read that I could not put down! This story deals with teen angst; bullying, family stresses, friendships, and a fascination with the paranormal. The author brings all these elements together in an extremely well written storyline with realistic characters you can identify with and plenty of horror, suspense and terror. As the story progresses, the characters learn lessons about true friendship, loyalty, love and especially not to mess with what you do not fully understand.
I enjoyed this book very much, it is well worth the read.
Reviewed by Linda of Fae Books
I enjoyed this book very much, it is well worth the read.
Reviewed by Linda of Fae Books
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February 7, 2014Couldn't put it down!
As my headline reads, once I started to read this book I could not put it down. Between the character relationships, creep-factor (in a good way), and edge of my seat thrills the story kept me completely engrossed. Definitely a must read!
As my headline reads, once I started to read this book I could not put it down. Between the character relationships, creep-factor (in a good way), and edge of my seat thrills the story kept me completely engrossed. Definitely a must read!
September 11, 2022
Actual rating 4.75, but who's really counting? This is a good book.
So why the actual rating? I'm being a little petty here, but I was expecting a YA paranormal story when this is totally YA horror. It's not that big a deal to me, but I can see less forgiving readers making the distinction in a negative way, which I'm not cool with. There is a thin line between paranormal and horror and this book just steps over it a little.
Not the biggest fan of YA, but this author allowed me to have that teen experience without completely dreading it. There were moments when I was annoyed with the teen perspective, but that's just me. It makes perfect sense for these characters. Whenever I read a book and decide it would be better with adult characters, that's when I know there's nothing wrong with the story or the characters, it's just me not being the biggest fan of YA.
The author's talent is clear in how emotions are experienced while reading this book. You really do feel angry, sad, scared, and even blush a few times. As usual, the main character wasn't my favorite character, but I did like her. I was actually torn between her and the main male character as my favorite, but he ultimately won out. Still, I like these kids. They are really "dum" and nieve, but that's part of what makes this story work. They're not trying to make mistakes but they do.
Then there are the dark parts. Again, this is horror, not merely paranormal. I could not read this at night even though I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Despite how crazy-scary this book is, the author does not lean on heavy gore and violence to scare the reader. This book is filled with tension and suspense, but there are a few physical things that occur to push this story into the realm of horror.
One thing I enjoy about this author is her ability to write about diverse characters, and that doesn't always mean bringing in someone with brown skin, though I do appreciate that when I see it. I like how the author touches on cultural, racial, and even religious differences in a very accepting way.
This author also doesn't shy away from tough subject matter, such as mental illness, abuse, neglect, and bullying.
Overall, if you're not afraid to get a little dark and deep from time to time, this is a good book to read on a warm and sunny day.
Recommended to fans of YA horror, serious paranormal tales, and stories with diverse characters.
So why the actual rating? I'm being a little petty here, but I was expecting a YA paranormal story when this is totally YA horror. It's not that big a deal to me, but I can see less forgiving readers making the distinction in a negative way, which I'm not cool with. There is a thin line between paranormal and horror and this book just steps over it a little.
Not the biggest fan of YA, but this author allowed me to have that teen experience without completely dreading it. There were moments when I was annoyed with the teen perspective, but that's just me. It makes perfect sense for these characters. Whenever I read a book and decide it would be better with adult characters, that's when I know there's nothing wrong with the story or the characters, it's just me not being the biggest fan of YA.
The author's talent is clear in how emotions are experienced while reading this book. You really do feel angry, sad, scared, and even blush a few times. As usual, the main character wasn't my favorite character, but I did like her. I was actually torn between her and the main male character as my favorite, but he ultimately won out. Still, I like these kids. They are really "dum" and nieve, but that's part of what makes this story work. They're not trying to make mistakes but they do.
Then there are the dark parts. Again, this is horror, not merely paranormal. I could not read this at night even though I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Despite how crazy-scary this book is, the author does not lean on heavy gore and violence to scare the reader. This book is filled with tension and suspense, but there are a few physical things that occur to push this story into the realm of horror.
One thing I enjoy about this author is her ability to write about diverse characters, and that doesn't always mean bringing in someone with brown skin, though I do appreciate that when I see it. I like how the author touches on cultural, racial, and even religious differences in a very accepting way.
This author also doesn't shy away from tough subject matter, such as mental illness, abuse, neglect, and bullying.
Overall, if you're not afraid to get a little dark and deep from time to time, this is a good book to read on a warm and sunny day.
Recommended to fans of YA horror, serious paranormal tales, and stories with diverse characters.
September 17, 2020
In this chilling tale the author has convincingly crafted a demon of nightmare proportions to torment her young protagonist. She really gets inside the head of a young and troubled teen who’s bitten off more than she can chew. This takes the reader right into her experience so you are carried along on this terrifying ride. It takes a lot to scare me, but this story did the job!
November 10, 2021
Great book
I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading about the supernatural. It has scares, twists and turns, and was all put together wonderfully. The characters became like friends to me and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. Five stars all the way!
I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading about the supernatural. It has scares, twists and turns, and was all put together wonderfully. The characters became like friends to me and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. Five stars all the way!
April 6, 2014
Abby is a freshman in high school with a fascination for the paranormal, but when she and her two best friends, Martha and Yasin, hold a seance, things get out of control. The terrifying message on the ouija board is bad enough, but suddenly Martha won't talk to her, and though Yasin doesn't abandon her, he doesn't buy her paranormal mumbo jumbo, even though Abby knows there's something in her house.
Things go from bad to worse, and Abby has no one she can turn to. Her pregnant mother is wrapped in her career, her father is too buys with his won job, and with none of her friends listening she's truly alone. Except Abby is never alone. Something is always with her, and it soon graduates from petty theft to destruction of property, leaving her skeptical parents with only her to blame. In desperation, Abby turns to an over-the-phone psychic, but when she turns out to be a charlatan, Abby realizes she really is trapped. Can no one help her?
Though I haven't been a YA myself for awhile, I still enjoy a good YA book - and this is it. I literally could not put it down, to the point where I irritated my family. Every stopping point was an introduction to another interesting part, and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next as Abby tried to battle the demon slowly destroying her life. Tricia Drammeh has a gift for writing a gripping story, and especially for writing teenagers - or at least teenagers the way I remember being. They don't feel stilted or too adult, as some books do, nor do they feel *too* childish. There was never a moment that took me out of the story or left me thinking "they wouldn't do that." That's a hard thing to find.
Aside from being a great read, The Seance also creepy in all the right places, It's not a book to read alone in a dark house, or right before bed, you may find yourself wondering just what that strange sound in the other room is. If you're looking for a YA with thrills, chills, and a touch of romance, this is the book for you!
Things go from bad to worse, and Abby has no one she can turn to. Her pregnant mother is wrapped in her career, her father is too buys with his won job, and with none of her friends listening she's truly alone. Except Abby is never alone. Something is always with her, and it soon graduates from petty theft to destruction of property, leaving her skeptical parents with only her to blame. In desperation, Abby turns to an over-the-phone psychic, but when she turns out to be a charlatan, Abby realizes she really is trapped. Can no one help her?
Though I haven't been a YA myself for awhile, I still enjoy a good YA book - and this is it. I literally could not put it down, to the point where I irritated my family. Every stopping point was an introduction to another interesting part, and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next as Abby tried to battle the demon slowly destroying her life. Tricia Drammeh has a gift for writing a gripping story, and especially for writing teenagers - or at least teenagers the way I remember being. They don't feel stilted or too adult, as some books do, nor do they feel *too* childish. There was never a moment that took me out of the story or left me thinking "they wouldn't do that." That's a hard thing to find.
Aside from being a great read, The Seance also creepy in all the right places, It's not a book to read alone in a dark house, or right before bed, you may find yourself wondering just what that strange sound in the other room is. If you're looking for a YA with thrills, chills, and a touch of romance, this is the book for you!
January 8, 2014
(I received this free ebook by the author in exchange for an honest review)
Goodreads Summary: Ninth grade can be a nightmare when you don’t fit in at school, your crush chooses someone else, and your parents tell you they’re having a new baby. Abby was prepared for normal high school problems. She wasn’t prepared for the demon.
Abby has always been fascinated by the paranormal, but after an ill-fated séance, she discovers not all Spirits are benign. A dark entity unleashed during the summoning sets out to destroy Abby, and within days, she loses her best friend, incurs the wrath of her parents, and becomes a prisoner in her own home. With time quickly running out, she assembles an unlikely group of helpers: the most hated guy in school, a retired psychic, and the cute clerk from her favorite bookstore. Unless the demon is defeated, Abby and her new baby brother won’t stand a chance.
I enjoyed reading this book so much. I read it in one sitting! If you are an avid horror fan then this is the book for you!!!
Abby has always been captivated by the paranormal. She loves reading, writing and blogging about paranormal activities. One day Abby and her friends decided to do a seance but things start to take a wrong turn and her fascination of the paranormal quickly begins to shut down.
This was a page turner and I was literally on edge the whole time. The setting was perfect and well thought out. It got straight to the point. I sympathized with Abby because in such a short time she lost a lot and the two people (her parents) she wanted to depend on were absent from her life and not understanding.
The suspense was killing me!! As I said I read it in one sitting because I had to find out what was going on and what was going to happen.
Rating 4.5Stars
Would I recomend? YES?
You can read more reviews at http://highway-ya.blogspot.com
Goodreads Summary: Ninth grade can be a nightmare when you don’t fit in at school, your crush chooses someone else, and your parents tell you they’re having a new baby. Abby was prepared for normal high school problems. She wasn’t prepared for the demon.
Abby has always been fascinated by the paranormal, but after an ill-fated séance, she discovers not all Spirits are benign. A dark entity unleashed during the summoning sets out to destroy Abby, and within days, she loses her best friend, incurs the wrath of her parents, and becomes a prisoner in her own home. With time quickly running out, she assembles an unlikely group of helpers: the most hated guy in school, a retired psychic, and the cute clerk from her favorite bookstore. Unless the demon is defeated, Abby and her new baby brother won’t stand a chance.
I enjoyed reading this book so much. I read it in one sitting! If you are an avid horror fan then this is the book for you!!!
Abby has always been captivated by the paranormal. She loves reading, writing and blogging about paranormal activities. One day Abby and her friends decided to do a seance but things start to take a wrong turn and her fascination of the paranormal quickly begins to shut down.
This was a page turner and I was literally on edge the whole time. The setting was perfect and well thought out. It got straight to the point. I sympathized with Abby because in such a short time she lost a lot and the two people (her parents) she wanted to depend on were absent from her life and not understanding.
The suspense was killing me!! As I said I read it in one sitting because I had to find out what was going on and what was going to happen.
Rating 4.5Stars
Would I recomend? YES?
You can read more reviews at http://highway-ya.blogspot.com
January 10, 2014
*I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
I’m not a big fan of horror, but the paranormal aspect of this intrigued me, which is why I chose to read it.
Abby is drawn to the paranormal, she finds it interesting, and finds comfort in it. Or at least she did until a séance brings forth a demon who likes to torment her. With no one believing her, her parents blaming her for all the destructive events, and a best friend abandoning her in her time of need she crashes and reaches out to anyone who will listen…even if that person listening charges by the minute.
Yasin may have needed to see before believing, but once he did, he decided to help Abby anyway he could. He was the best friend she needed, the rock who kept her grounded, and the heart who gave her hope.
Call me what you will, but add in an Ouija board, a malevolent demon, and destruction and I’m reading only in the daylight hours. This is a story of fear and loss, but it is also a story of discovery, friendship, and love.
Most Freaky Moment: The text messages! I think I would have smashed my phone to itty bitt pieces.
My Favorite Character: Yasin. I love it when he finally stands up to a bully, even if it is for Abby and not himself. I love how supportive he is and how he takes charge in implementing an action plan. He’s a great character.
I’m not a big fan of horror, but the paranormal aspect of this intrigued me, which is why I chose to read it.
Abby is drawn to the paranormal, she finds it interesting, and finds comfort in it. Or at least she did until a séance brings forth a demon who likes to torment her. With no one believing her, her parents blaming her for all the destructive events, and a best friend abandoning her in her time of need she crashes and reaches out to anyone who will listen…even if that person listening charges by the minute.
Yasin may have needed to see before believing, but once he did, he decided to help Abby anyway he could. He was the best friend she needed, the rock who kept her grounded, and the heart who gave her hope.
Call me what you will, but add in an Ouija board, a malevolent demon, and destruction and I’m reading only in the daylight hours. This is a story of fear and loss, but it is also a story of discovery, friendship, and love.
Most Freaky Moment: The text messages! I think I would have smashed my phone to itty bitt pieces.
My Favorite Character: Yasin. I love it when he finally stands up to a bully, even if it is for Abby and not himself. I love how supportive he is and how he takes charge in implementing an action plan. He’s a great character.
June 15, 2014
Simply amazing! This book was heart pounding, nerve rattling and just plain awesome! This is probably my favorite book by Tricia Drammeh so far!A must read for absolutely everyone. Considering Abby is a teenager, her crushes definitely made a lot of sense and had me flashing back to when I was about that age. It's such a great book about being young. I love it.
September 13, 2013
I absolutely loved this book! Although this book is for young adults this old adult enjoyed the heck out of it. I couldn't put it down. The book is scathe but appropriate for ages 11 and up. The book is well written with touched of humor in it that all of the authors books seem to have.
May 1, 2025
I loved this book! It was creepy and fun and the characters are so likable. The sequel, The Coven, was just as good. Both five star ratings for me.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews