Review: Teenage Gatekeepers
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 3, 2011
Do nightmares keep you up at night? Do humans look like demons? Voices? People stop and stare? Are you overly popular and you can't seem to figure out why? Perhaps, you are just an outsider looking in, or maybe one who just wants to be part of a crowd. If any of these things are happening to you, it is possible you have been summoned by the Guardian and you should take notice because demons want to take over the land. Welcome to Chthonic City where a handful of teenagers have become restless, anxious, and a little freaked out over what they are seeing. Who to tell? No one. They can't tell. Who would believe them? Each high school student faced with demonic sites and nightmares has life in which no one knows. The crazy girl sent to a psych ward, the jock, the loner, and the one not called at all. These students have a purpose. They may not realize just how important they are. The book goes on to tell the story of four teens, summoned by another world. The group meets the Guardian who teaches them that together, they can "dream down" and stop the demons coming through the gates of hell. In the process, a fifth follows and although is not called, desperately wants to join. Claire, Janna, Darren, Galen, and Maxim each see the demons in a different way. Each one of the teens holding on to different sense of "power" and called for a purpose. Each called forth to be Gatekeepers. All except for one. Each teen has its own story. Each teen is being neglected by family, most without friends to speak of. Parents too rich to take notice of the child's thoughts and feelings. Parents who are work-a-holics. Each lonely in their own way. They needed each other more than they knew. Even though the whole dream thing was played out with Nightmare on Elm Street it is refreshing to see a new twist on it. I recommend The Summoning for readers of young adult novels to adults. Some of it might be a bit harsh for the sensitive younger readers, so it may be better suited for those age 17 and above due to some events and profanity. It is a story of good vs. evil. It is a story of teens from opposite sides of the track bonding together to form a bond. A bond which would not be broken. So, while some will read the story and follow the teens down the gates of hell to fight the demons trying to cross over, others will see a deeper meaning of friendship and understanding. Were they able to close the door and stop the demons? You will just have to read the novel to find out! I am anxious to see what turn of events happen in upcoming books. This is one series I will be keeping an eye on.