Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Mysterious, Suspenseful, Romantic, Supernatural
The Summoning Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
A Normal Life Interrupted
Sixteen-year-old Chloe Saunders is an aspiring filmmaker living a typical teenage life with her aunt and uncle after her mother's death. Her world shatters when she sees a decaying, bloody ghost in her school's bathroom. This traumatic experience leads to a public breakdown, resulting in a schizophrenia diagnosis and admission to Lyle House, a group home for troubled teens. Chloe initially resists the diagnosis and the move, believing she is sane. However, the unsettling atmosphere of Lyle House and its residents' odd behavior quickly make her question everything she thought she knew about reality and herself. She struggles to adapt to the strict rules and her new housemates' perceived instability.
Lyle House's Strange Inhabitants
Upon arrival at Lyle House, Chloe meets the other residents: the seemingly sweet but manipulative Tori, the quiet and artistic Rae, the aggressive and unpredictable Simon, and the brooding, mysterious Derek. Each of them displays unusual quirks and abilities. Chloe notices strange occurrences, such as objects moving on their own and unsettling whispers. She initially thinks these are due to her supposed mental illness or the other residents' conditions. She feels isolated and misunderstood, struggling to connect with anyone, especially given the strict 'no touching' rule enforced by the staff. Her attempts to fit in are met with hostility from Tori and suspicion from the others, making her feel like an outsider.
Unexplained Abilities and Growing Suspicions
Chloe's encounters with ghosts become more frequent and vivid. She realizes she can see, hear, and interact with them. She confides in Derek, who, to her surprise, doesn't dismiss her claims. He reveals that he, Simon, Rae, and Tori are not mentally ill but supernatural beings: Derek is a necromancer, Simon is a sorcerer, Rae is a witch, and Tori is a half-demon. Chloe learns that she also possesses supernatural abilities; she is a necromancer, like Derek. This revelation is both terrifying and validating, explaining her ghost sightings and the strange events around her. She begins to understand that Lyle House is not a psychiatric facility but a safe house for young supernaturals.
The Threat of the Edison Group
Derek explains that Lyle House is run by the Edison Group, a powerful organization meant to protect young supernaturals. However, he also reveals that the Edison Group has a darker agenda: experimenting on supernaturals to control or replicate their powers. Chloe learns that the house is designed to keep them safe but also contained and monitored. The group is particularly interested in necromancers due to their rare and powerful abilities. This knowledge shifts Chloe's perspective from wanting to escape Lyle House to understanding its complex role in their lives, as both a refuge and a prison, under the guise of therapy.
Learning to Cope with Ghosts
As Chloe's necromancer abilities grow, so does her struggle to control them. Ghosts are constantly drawn to her, seeking help or simply making their presence known, leading to terrifying and overwhelming experiences. Derek, also a necromancer, becomes her reluctant mentor, teaching her how to shield herself from ghosts and use her powers more effectively. He warns her about the dangers of engaging with the dead, particularly the powerful and malevolent ones. Chloe's training is often frustrating and frightening, but she slowly gains control, learning to distinguish between harmless spirits and those that pose a threat. This understanding is important for her survival.
Escape Attempts and Consequences
Driven by a desire for freedom and suspicion of the Edison Group's true motives, Chloe, along with Simon and Rae, attempts to escape Lyle House. Their plan is elaborate, using their powers to bypass security measures. However, their escape is short-lived and ends in failure. They are quickly apprehended by the staff, who demonstrate their own hidden supernatural abilities and the extensive surveillance system in place. The consequences are severe: Simon and Rae are subjected to painful 'therapy' sessions, and Chloe is confined. This failed attempt reinforces the powerful hold the Edison Group has over them and the difficulty of truly breaking free, making them question who they can trust.
The Truth About Chloe's Mother
Through fragmented memories, interactions with a persistent ghost, and hushed conversations, Chloe begins to piece together the truth about her deceased mother. She discovers that her mother was also a necromancer and was involved with the Edison Group, possibly even working for them before her death. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to Chloe's situation, suggesting that her admission to Lyle House was not accidental but a predetermined outcome due to her genetic predisposition. The ghost of a woman named Liz, who seems to know Chloe's mother, provides important clues, hinting at the dangerous experiments her mother was involved in and the reason for her death.
Unraveling Liz's Mystery
Chloe dedicates herself to helping Liz, a ghost who haunts Lyle House and seems trapped there. Through her interactions with Liz, Chloe learns that Liz was also a necromancer, experimented on by the Edison Group, and died within the house. Liz's fragmented memories and pleas for help guide Chloe to a hidden room within Lyle House, a secret laboratory where the Edison Group conducted unethical experiments on supernaturals, including Liz and potentially Chloe's mother. By uncovering the truth of Liz's death and her connection to the experiments, Chloe helps the ghost find peace, allowing her to finally move on. This act solidifies Chloe's understanding of her powers and the dangers she faces.
Confronting Dr. Marcel
Chloe and her friends gather evidence of the Edison Group's unethical experiments, specifically targeting Dr. Marcel, the director of Lyle House. They discover that Dr. Marcel has been manipulating the residents, using their 'therapy' as a cover for his research into controlling and replicating supernatural abilities. He is particularly interested in necromancy, viewing it as the ultimate power. The group confronts Dr. Marcel, exposing his deception and the true nature of Lyle House. This confrontation is tense and dangerous, as Dr. Marcel is a formidable opponent, utilizing his own supernatural abilities and the house's security systems to maintain control and silence any dissent.
The Great Escape
With Dr. Marcel exposed and the truth about Lyle House revealed, Chloe, Derek, Simon, and Rae make a final, desperate attempt to escape. They combine their unique supernatural abilities – necromancy, sorcery, and witchcraft – to overcome the Edison Group's defenses and the staff's resistance. The escape is chaotic and perilous, involving intense confrontations with the staff and navigating the house's booby traps. They manage to break free, but not without significant challenges and a clear understanding that their fight against the Edison Group is far from over. Their shared ordeal forges a powerful bond among them, turning them from reluctant housemates into a united front against a common enemy.
A New Beginning, A Lingering Threat
Having successfully escaped Lyle House, Chloe and her friends find themselves on the run, knowing that the Edison Group will be actively hunting them. They are now fugitives, but also free to explore their powers and their true identities without Dr. Marcel's oppressive control. Chloe grapples with the implications of her necromancy and the knowledge that her mother's past is deeply intertwined with the Edison Group. The ending leaves Chloe with a sense of both liberation and looming danger, as she prepares for a future filled with supernatural challenges and the constant threat of recapture. She knows that their journey has just begun, and the fight for their freedom and safety will continue.
The Summoning Characters
Chloe Saunders
Protagonist
A necromancer struggling with her newfound abilities and the truth about her past.
Chloe is a sixteen-year-old aspiring filmmaker who initially believes herself to be an ordinary girl. Intelligent and observant, she is thrust into the supernatural world after her first ghost sighting. She is initially skeptical and fearful of her abilities, struggling with the concept of mental illness before accepting her true nature as a necromancer. Chloe is resilient, courageous, and possesses a strong moral compass, often putting herself at risk to help others, both living and dead. She has a dry wit and a strong desire for normalcy, which slowly gives way to a determination to understand and control her powers.
Relationships: Derek Souza (love interest, mentor); Simon Bae (friend); Rae (friend); Tori (rival, reluctant ally); Liz (ghostly ally); Dr. Marcel (antagonist)
Derek Souza
Supporting
A powerful, brooding necromancer who becomes Chloe's mentor and love interest.
Derek is a quiet, intense, and often sarcastic necromancer who has been at Lyle House longer than the others. He is initially distant and moody but gradually opens up to Chloe, becoming her primary source of information and training regarding her powers. Derek is fiercely protective of his friends and carries the burden of his own past and the knowledge of the Edison Group's true intentions. Despite his tough exterior, he cares deeply for Chloe and the others, often acting as the group's strategist and protector. He is skilled in necromancy and has a deep understanding of the supernatural world.
Relationships: Chloe Saunders (love interest, mentee); Simon Bae (friend); Rae (friend); Tori (reluctant ally)
Simon Bae
Supporting
A mischievous sorcerer and loyal friend to Chloe.
Simon is a charming, often impulsive, and slightly rebellious sorcerer. He frequently uses his powers for pranks but is also fiercely loyal to his friends. Beneath his playful exterior, Simon is intelligent and resourceful, often coming up with clever plans. He struggles with the restrictive environment of Lyle House and yearns for freedom, which often leads him into trouble. Simon's magic is versatile, though sometimes uncontrolled, and he proves to be a valuable ally in the escape attempts. He provides much-needed comic relief but also demonstrates genuine concern and bravery when it matters most.
Relationships: Chloe Saunders (friend); Derek Souza (friend); Rae (friend); Tori (rival, reluctant ally)
Rae
Supporting
A quiet and artistic witch with powerful abilities.
Rae is a quiet, observant, and artistic witch who uses her powers subtly, often through drawing or other creative outlets. She is initially withdrawn and seems to suffer from selective mutism, communicating mostly through gestures or by writing. However, she possesses significant magical abilities, particularly with elemental magic and divination. Rae is deeply empathetic and sensitive, often sensing the emotions of others. She forms a close bond with Chloe and proves to be a powerful and reliable ally during their escape, demonstrating a strength that belies her quiet demeanor. Her artistic creations often hold clues or foreshadowing.
Relationships: Chloe Saunders (friend); Derek Souza (friend); Simon Bae (friend); Tori (reluctant ally)
Tori
Supporting
A manipulative half-demon with a complicated relationship with the group.
Tori is a beautiful, manipulative, and often cruel half-demon. She initially presents herself as sweet and innocent but quickly reveals a vindictive and aggressive streak. Tori uses her charm and mind-control abilities to get what she wants, often at the expense of others. She resents Chloe's arrival and the attention she receives, seeing her as a rival. Despite her antagonistic behavior, Tori is also a victim of the Edison Group and ultimately joins forces with the others for her own survival, demonstrating a complex mix of self-interest and a desire for freedom. Her powers often involve persuasion and influencing emotions.
Relationships: Chloe Saunders (rival, reluctant ally); Derek Souza (rival, reluctant ally); Simon Bae (rival, reluctant ally); Rae (rival, reluctant ally)
Dr. Marcel
Antagonist
The deceptive director of Lyle House and a key figure in the Edison Group's experiments.
Dr. Marcel is the seemingly benevolent but secretly sinister director of Lyle House. He presents himself as a caring psychiatrist dedicated to helping troubled teens, but he is, in fact, a high-ranking member of the Edison Group and the mastermind behind their unethical experiments. He is ruthless, intelligent, and possesses his own supernatural abilities, which he uses to maintain control over the residents. Dr. Marcel is driven by a desire to understand, control, and replicate supernatural powers, particularly necromancy, viewing the residents as mere test subjects. He is cold, calculating, and utterly devoid of empathy.
Relationships: Chloe Saunders (antagonist); Derek Souza (antagonist); Simon Bae (antagonist); Rae (antagonist); Tori (antagonist)
Liz
Supporting
A ghost of a former necromancer who guides Chloe.
Liz is a persistent and powerful ghost who haunts Lyle House. She was a necromancer who was experimented on and ultimately died within the facility. Liz is initially a source of terror for Chloe but eventually becomes a crucial ally, providing fragmented memories and clues about the Edison Group's experiments and the true nature of Chloe's mother's involvement. Her presence is a constant reminder of the dangers Chloe faces and the dark history of Lyle House. By helping Liz find peace, Chloe not only learns more about her powers but also gains a deeper understanding of the conspiracy.
Relationships: Chloe Saunders (ghostly ally, former experiment victim)
Chloe's Mother
Supporting
A deceased necromancer whose past is intertwined with the Edison Group.
Chloe's mother is a significant but unseen character whose actions and past heavily influence the plot. Revealed to have been a necromancer herself, she was involved with the Edison Group, possibly as an employee or a subject of their research. Her death is shrouded in mystery, and Chloe's discovery of her mother's supernatural heritage and connection to the organization is a major driving force for the protagonist. Her legacy not only explains Chloe's abilities but also highlights the dangers of the supernatural world and the Edison Group's reach.
Relationships: Chloe Saunders (mother); Edison Group (former associate/subject)
The Summoning Themes
Identity and Self-Discovery
The novel explores Chloe's journey of self-discovery as she grapples with her newfound supernatural abilities and the truth about her identity. Initially believing herself to be ordinary, then mentally ill, Chloe slowly accepts being a necromancer. This theme is central to her development, as she learns to embrace her unique powers and heritage, moving beyond societal labels and her own ideas of who she is. The other characters also struggle with their identities as supernaturals forced into a 'normal' world.
“My name is Chloe Saunders and my life will never be the same again. All I wanted was to make friends, meet boys, and keep on being ordinary. I don't even know what that means anymore.”
The Nature of Reality and Perception
The book blurs the lines between reality and illusion, sanity and madness. Chloe's initial ghost sightings are dismissed as schizophrenia, forcing her and the reader to question what is real. Lyle House, presented as a therapeutic facility, is revealed to be a prison for supernaturals. This theme challenges the characters and the reader to look beyond surface appearances and question authority, demonstrating that what seems normal or true can often be a carefully constructed deception. It highlights how truth is subjective when supernatural elements are involved.
“Every time I thought I had a handle on things, reality shifted like quicksand beneath my feet.”
Confinement and Freedom
Lyle House is a central symbol for this theme, representing both physical and psychological confinement. The residents are literally imprisoned, but also confined by the Edison Group's lies and the stigma of their supernatural abilities. The narrative explores their yearning for freedom, the risks they take to achieve it, and the moral implications of being held captive for 'their own good' or for scientific exploitation. It looks into the idea that true freedom is not just physical escape but also liberation from fear, ignorance, and external control.
“We weren't patients. We were prisoners. And Lyle House was our cage.”
Trust and Betrayal
Trust is a constantly tested element in the novel. Chloe must navigate who to trust among her suspicious housemates and the deceptive staff of Lyle House. The Edison Group, initially presented as benevolent protectors, is revealed to be manipulative and dangerous. The bonds formed between Chloe, Derek, Simon, and Rae are built on shared experiences and a growing sense of trust, which is essential for their survival and escape. This theme highlights the dangers of misplaced trust and the importance of finding genuine allies in a world filled with deceit.
“In a place like this, trust was a luxury we couldn't afford, and a weapon that could be turned against you.”
The Ethics of Scientific Experimentation
The Edison Group's true purpose, as revealed through the secret laboratory and Liz's fate, centers on unethical scientific experimentation on supernaturals. They seek to understand, control, and replicate powers without regard for their subjects' well-being or rights. This theme raises questions about the boundaries of scientific pursuit, the dehumanization of individuals for research, and the potential for power to corrupt. It highlights the moral responsibility that comes with knowledge and the dangers of playing 'god' with human lives.
“They weren't trying to help us. They were trying to break us. To dissect us. To control us.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
First-Person Narration
A direct window into Chloe's thoughts and perceptions.
The story is told from Chloe Saunders's perspective, allowing readers to experience her confusion, fear, and gradual understanding of the supernatural world firsthand. This device effectively builds suspense and empathy, as her initial disbelief and questioning of her own sanity mirror the reader's journey into the unknown. It makes the revelation of Lyle House's true nature more impactful, as we've been privy to Chloe's internal struggle with 'madness' before the truth is revealed, emphasizing the theme of reality vs. perception.
The Unreliable Narrator
Chloe's initial mental state casts doubt on her observations.
Chloe is diagnosed with schizophrenia, making her an initially unreliable narrator. Her early ghost sightings and strange experiences are presented through the lens of her perceived mental illness, leading both her and the reader to question the reality of what she sees. This device creates suspense and forces the reader to constantly evaluate the information presented, only for it to be subverted later when her 'illness' is revealed to be supernatural ability, reinforcing the theme of perception and challenging preconceived notions of sanity.
Foreshadowing
Subtle clues hint at future revelations and dangers.
Throughout the novel, subtle hints and clues are dropped about the true nature of Lyle House, the residents' powers, and the Edison Group's agenda. Examples include the peculiar behavior of the staff, the 'therapy' sessions, Chloe's fragmented memories of her mother, and the recurring ghost of Liz. This device builds suspense and allows astute readers to piece together parts of the mystery before the full reveal, making the eventual plot twists more satisfying and impactful. It creates a sense of impending doom and hidden depths within the narrative.
The 'Safe House' as a Prison
Lyle House's deceptive nature fuels the core conflict.
Lyle House is presented as a safe haven for troubled teens, a place for healing and rehabilitation. However, it quickly becomes apparent that it functions as a high-security prison for young supernaturals, designed to contain and monitor them. This ironic setting creates a strong sense of betrayal and fuels the characters' desire for freedom. The contrast between its ostensible purpose and its actual function highlights the insidious nature of the Edison Group and the theme of confinement, making the escape attempts more urgent and dangerous.
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is the protagonist's name in "The Summoning"?
- Sarah Miller
- Chloe Saunders
- Emily Davis
- Jessica Brown
Show answer
B. Chloe Saunders The book's synopsis clearly states, "My name is Chloe Saunders..."
Question 2
What unusual ability does Chloe discover she has?
- She can read minds.
- She can control the weather.
- She can see dead people (ghosts).
- She can teleport.
Show answer
C. She can see dead people (ghosts). Chloe states, "It all started on the day that I saw my first ghost—and the ghost saw me."
Question 3
Where is Chloe sent after her abilities begin to manifest?
- A regular boarding school.
- A juvenile detention center.
- A group home for unstable teens.
- A psychiatric hospital.
Show answer
C. A group home for unstable teens. Chloe mentions, "Now there are ghosts everywhere and they won't leave me alone. To top it all off, I somehow got myself locked up in Lyle House, a 'special home' for troubled teens."
Question 4
What is the name of the group home Chloe is sent to?
- Oakwood Manor
- Lyle House
- Shadow Creek Academy
- Willowbrook Center
Show answer
B. Lyle House The text explicitly states Chloe was locked up in "Lyle House."
Question 5
Chloe initially wishes for a life that is:
- Exciting and full of adventure.
- Filled with academic success.
- Ordinary and focused on social life.
- Independent and self-sufficient.
Show answer
C. Ordinary and focused on social life. Chloe says, "All I wanted was to make friends, meet boys, and keep on being ordinary."
Question 6
What does Chloe suspect about her fellow residents at Lyle House?
- They are all ghosts.
- They are secretly plotting an escape.
- They have hidden depths or secrets.
- They are being held against their will by the staff.
Show answer
C. They have hidden depths or secrets. Chloe states, "Don't tell anyone, but I think there might be more to my housemates than meets the eye."
Question 7
What is Chloe's primary goal regarding the secrets of Lyle House?
- To expose the staff to the authorities.
- To find a way to escape with her housemates.
- To understand and uncover them before they negatively impact her.
- To use the secrets to gain power within the house.
Show answer
C. To understand and uncover them before they negatively impact her. Chloe says, "It's up to me to figure out the dangerous secrets behind Lyle House... before its skeletons come back to haunt me."
Question 8
The phrase "its skeletons come back to haunt me" is a metaphor. What does it imply Chloe fears?
- Literal ghosts of the house's past.
- The negative consequences or repercussions of the house's secrets.
- Being physically attacked by the residents.
- The house itself will become sentient and dangerous.
Show answer
B. The negative consequences or repercussions of the house's secrets. The phrase is an idiom referring to past wrongdoings or hidden problems resurfacing to cause trouble. Chloe is worried about the fallout from the secrets of Lyle House.
Question 9
Based on the description, what is a central theme of "The Summoning"?
- The importance of embracing the supernatural.
- The struggle between ordinary desires and extraordinary circumstances.
- The challenges of navigating teenage friendships.
- The search for belonging in a world of deception.
Show answer
B. The struggle between ordinary desires and extraordinary circumstances. Chloe's initial desire for normalcy contrasts sharply with the supernatural events and the deceptive nature of Lyle House, highlighting the conflict between her old life and her new reality.
Question 10
The narrative voice of Chloe suggests a tone that is:
- Objective and detached.
- Humorous and lighthearted.
- Confused, anxious, and determined.
- Angry and rebellious.
Show answer
C. Confused, anxious, and determined. Phrases like "I don't even know what that means anymore," "I somehow got myself locked up," and her determination to "figure out the dangerous secrets" indicate a mix of bewilderment, worry, and resolve.
The Summoning FAQ
What is the main character's name in The Summoning?
The main character's name is Chloe Saunders. She is a teenager whose life takes a dramatic turn when she begins to see ghosts.
What supernatural ability does Chloe discover in The Summoning?
Chloe discovers she can see and interact with dead people, or ghosts. This ability is central to the plot and leads to her unusual circumstances.
Where is Chloe sent at the beginning of The Summoning?
Chloe is sent to Lyle House, a group home for 'troubled teens'. However, it quickly becomes apparent that this home is not what it seems.
What kind of secrets does Lyle House hold in The Summoning?
Lyle House holds dangerous secrets related to its residents and the nature of the home itself. Chloe suspects her housemates have hidden depths and agendas.
Is The Summoning a part of a series?
Yes, The Summoning is the first book in the 'Darkest Powers' series by Kelley Armstrong, following Chloe Saunders's journey.
What are the main genres of The Summoning?
The Summoning falls into the Young Adult (YA) fantasy genre, with elements of supernatural horror and romance.
What is the central conflict for Chloe in The Summoning?
Chloe's central conflict is to uncover the dangerous secrets of Lyle House and understand the true nature of her own supernatural abilities, all while navigating a potentially hostile environment.
Does The Summoning have romance elements?
Yes, The Summoning incorporates romance elements as Chloe encounters potential love interests amidst the supernatural chaos and mystery.
What makes Lyle House suspicious in The Summoning?
Lyle House is suspicious because Chloe suspects her fellow residents are more than just troubled teens, and the facility itself seems to be hiding a darker purpose.
Who is the author of The Summoning?
The Summoning was written by Kelley Armstrong, a well-known author of supernatural and fantasy novels.
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