The Calling (Darkness Rising, #2) Summary & Key Insights

Kelley Armstrong's The Calling, the second book in the Darkness Rising series, continues the story of Chloe Saunders, a teenager grappling with her newly discovered abilities as a gifted – a human with supernatural powers – and her connection to the ancient Order of the Night. Following the events of the first book, Chloe is still struggling to control her powers, which are becoming increasingly unpredictable and dangerous. She’s also navigating the complex relationships within the Order, particularly her uneasy alliance with the enigmatic and powerful Night, a centuries-old being who seems to have his own agenda.

The central plot revolves around a series of increasingly violent attacks orchestrated by a shadowy organization known as the Circle. This group, comprised of powerful gifted individuals corrupted by dark magic, seeks to unleash a catastrophic entity known only as the Darkness. Their ultimate goal is to reshape the world in their image, eliminating what they perceive as weaknesses and imperfections in humanity.

Chloe, along with her friends and mentors within the Order, including the stoic and fiercely loyal Zoey, the witty and insightful Delia, and the fiercely protective Josh, find themselves racing against time to stop the Circle. The investigation leads them on a perilous journey across the country, uncovering hidden histories and ancient prophecies about the Darkness and its potential devastating effects. This journey involves confrontations with powerful and dangerous gifted individuals working for the Circle, highlighting the moral ambiguity within the supernatural world. Not all gifted are good, and not all 'normal' humans are innocent bystanders.

A significant plot point involves Chloe’s deepening connection to Night, who acts as both a mentor and a manipulative figure. Their relationship is fraught with tension and mistrust, as Chloe gradually uncovers more of his secrets and his own complicated motivations, realizing he's not the benevolent figure she initially believed him to be. She questions his true intentions and her own reliance on him, adding another layer of complexity to her already challenging situation.

Throughout the book, Chloe continues her struggle for self-discovery. She grapples with her burgeoning powers, learning to control them while facing the ethical dilemmas inherent in their usage. She is forced to confront not only external threats but also her own internal conflicts, struggling with feelings of fear, self-doubt, and the burden of responsibility that comes with being a powerful gifted. The overarching theme of the book revolves around the balance of power, the corrupting influence of ambition, and the importance of choosing one's own path despite immense pressure and manipulation from powerful forces. The ending leaves Chloe in a precarious position, hinting at even more dangerous conflicts to come, setting the stage for the next installment in the series.