The Summoning

by E.E. Richardson

Justin hasn't ever really believed in the occult, even though his Grandpa Blake is an expert in it and has a house full of curious objects and old tattered books on magic. But when Daniel Eilersen, the class know-it-all, starts acting all high-and-mighty, Justin thinks he can scare him by performing a magic ritual from the ancient book he's stolen from his grandad's study. His friend Trevor, who always goes along with what Justin says and his little sister, Joy, complete the group. It's all about the atmosphere of course and Justin plans to give Eilersen a proper scare, but nothing will actually happen . . .

Or will it . . .?

On the old tennis court in the park, late one night, the four of them, unaware of the consequences of their actions, summon Dracherion, a malicious and dangerous spirit bent on revenge for being imprisoned in the ancient book by Grandpa Blake, years ago. Things go wrong and Dracherion breaks out of the circle designed to enclose him. The ritual has bound them to Dracherion and Justin, Joy, Trevor and Daniel know that the spirit will try and possess one of them so it can grow in strength and wreak its vengeance.

A terrifying struggle follows as Dracherion grows stronger and stronger. It's a race against time to try and find a way of banishing the spirit out of this world. But how do they do that when one of them can't be trusted . . .?

Genres: Horror, Magic, Young Adult

320 pages, Hardcover

First published November 27, 2007

About the author

E.E Richardson is a twenty-two year old cybernetics graduate who now lives as a recluse.

Reviews

[Carol]

I thought the book was great. Ive read some of the reviews and wonder if they realise the book is aimed at early teens. As an adult I enjoyed the story and the pace. Give it a go its a quick read that keeps you turning the page. Well done E E Richardson

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short read that was fast paced and kept me intrigued until the end. The book is all about a boy named Justin, his friend Trevor, sister Joy, and school enemy Daniel, who decide to summon an evil spirit from an old spell book. The story is set over a weekend and follows the repercussions of this disastrous decision.

There was a few things that annoyed me about the story. The kids were all supposed to be around 15-16 years old, but for the most part I felt I was reading a story about a group of 10-12 year olds, with the youngest character, Joy, acting more wiser than the rest. There was no teenage drama, love interests, etc., that you’d expect for this age group. It just felt odd. I would call it a middle-grade novel instead of YA. Because of this, some of the things being said by Daniel felt out of place for his character; i.e. he didn’t feel old enough to say some of the things he did. And the fact that the parents where all blasé to the odd behaviour of their children just didn’t feel believable (I would have expected reactions like Joyce Byers from Strangers Things, for example). I also felt that there were several elements taken from Harry Potter books that made it feel a little too déjà vu for me.

That being said, if you’re after a quick enjoyable read to waste away a lazy Sunday, and you don’t mind a bit of middle-grade magic, then this the book for you!

[Fudzla Busyra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this book in a book fair, and started reading it months after that. From the start, I don't expect much from the book.

The story line was so easy to be figured out. The author has too much spotlight on Justin, Joy and Eilersen, so it must be Trevor whom has been possessed. And from the beginning, I know no one would die. The way the author write the story is, well, readable but soon I lost interest because the storyline is the same as what I expected.

So, for me the book is not my type. It doesn't give me "the creeps" when I read it.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

It became an interesting enough story as it went on, especially finding out the family background. The ending was a little too abrupt for me though, with still some unanswered questions.

[Noelani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Considering I got this at a Little Free Library and I am super snooty when it comes to fiction, I really enjoyed this! Definitely a YA novel but it was fun and a quick read :)

PS if you really liked this but want a more "robust" story/themes, read Good Omens by Pratchett and Gaiman!

[Jenna Pescaro · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Lea · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.25 stars.

[Alberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this author!

I loved this story. It was a quick read and fast-paced. However, I felt the end was a bit too unfinished. Her previous books had and epilogue and a sense of how the characters were going to carry on after the events, but there wasn't an epilogue here.

[Theo Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Summoning by E.E.Richardson isn't the greatest sci-fi/magic themed book in the universe... Frankly it sucks compared to the Hunger Games. It isn't that descriptive and lacks vital knowledge of a magic/sci-fi thriller. I liked it's pacing though, I thought it was great. The creativity was it's strong point... It brings a new understanding of summoning; and not just some circles on the ground. Thats why I'm giving it a three-star.

[Louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a okay book. Wasn't mad about it.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really struggled with this book, it had a great plot and characters but was just really drawn out :(

[Gail Dickens · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was Ok. Not the best I've read and quite predictable. No twists.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh, it was okay.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now this book is aimed at the young market, early teens, not quite YA. But I enjoyed the story so much, it grabbed my attention. Nice read.