Dark Calling
by Darren Shan
8.36 / 10 9.8K ratings
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2010
- Publisher
- Turtleback
- Pages
- 186
- ISBN
- 9780606151221
In Darren Shan's Dark Calling, the ninth installment of The Demonata series, events take an unexpected turn as the Disciples find themselves manipulated by beings older than time itself. Kernel Fleck, a protagonist who has already faced unimaginable horrors, senses a profound wrongness, but he is ensnared by a creature indifferent to humanity's fate. Voices from the darkness relentlessly call to him, and he finds himself powerless to resist their insidious summons. Kernel's journey, which has already led him through hellish realms, now demands he venture even further into the abyss, where the fate of the universe hangs in the balance, resting on his choices alongside Grubbs and Bec.
Subjects
Original edition
The Demonata #9Originally published in 2009 English Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Other editions (7)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
A chilling whisper, not of sound but of light, began to insinuate itself into Kernel Fleck's mind. It was static at first, a faint murmur in the periphery of his perception, then it sharpened, coalescing into a single, insistent word: "Come." This was no ordinary summons, for Kernel, a teen magician able to perceive the mysterious lights that form windows to the demon universe, sensed a profound shift in the cosmic balance. The Disciples, those who stood against the encroaching darkness, were being subtly manipulated by forces far older than humanity itself, and only Kernel truly grasped the insidious wrongness of it all.
The narrative plunges directly into the heart of this brewing storm, picking up amidst the chaos already engulfing the world. Kernel, already a veteran of countless hellish encounters, finds himself snatched from his reality by one of the Ancient Ones, beings who predate Earth and first bestowed upon humanity the means to combat the demonic tide. He is transported to a desolate, alternate planet, a stark and alien landscape that serves as a canvas for a staggering revelation. Here, in this desolate expanse, the Ancient One begins to unfurl the epic saga of their millennia-long war against the Demonata, a history steeped in blood, sacrifice, and cosmic dread.
As the Ancient One speaks, the true, terrifying scope of the conflict is laid bare. The Demonata, once disparate and warring factions, have been unified by a powerful, malevolent entity known only as the Shadow, preparing for a final, cataclysmic push against all who oppose them. Kernel learns of his pivotal role, intertwined with the destinies of Grubbs Grady and Bec, the other two bearers of the Kah-Gash. This mysterious weapon, initially believed to be a tool for destroying the demon universe, is revealed to possess a far more complex and terrifying function, its true purpose now unveiled as the universe hurtles towards its grim climax.
The weight of this ancient history and the impending doom presses down on Kernel. He is presented with a stark, impossible choice: to align with the Ancient Ones and their grand, terrifying plan, or to defy them, attempting to return to his own world and somehow stem the demonic tide threatening to engulf it. Every fiber of his being screams against the manipulation, against the thought of his planet falling to the very creatures he has fought so fiercely to repel. Yet, the Ancient Ones possess knowledge and power beyond mortal comprehension, and their path, however unsettling, promises a chance, however slim, at survival.
The air crackles with an unbearable tension as Kernel grapples with this monumental decision. The voices, once whispering, now call with an almost irresistible force from the darkness, pulling him deeper into a cosmic game where the fate of all existence hangs in the balance. He has journeyed to hell and back before, but this time, the journey promises to take him further still, into a realm of unimaginable consequences, where the lines between salvation and damnation blur with every passing moment.
The narrative plunges directly into the heart of this brewing storm, picking up amidst the chaos already engulfing the world. Kernel, already a veteran of countless hellish encounters, finds himself snatched from his reality by one of the Ancient Ones, beings who predate Earth and first bestowed upon humanity the means to combat the demonic tide. He is transported to a desolate, alternate planet, a stark and alien landscape that serves as a canvas for a staggering revelation. Here, in this desolate expanse, the Ancient One begins to unfurl the epic saga of their millennia-long war against the Demonata, a history steeped in blood, sacrifice, and cosmic dread.
As the Ancient One speaks, the true, terrifying scope of the conflict is laid bare. The Demonata, once disparate and warring factions, have been unified by a powerful, malevolent entity known only as the Shadow, preparing for a final, cataclysmic push against all who oppose them. Kernel learns of his pivotal role, intertwined with the destinies of Grubbs Grady and Bec, the other two bearers of the Kah-Gash. This mysterious weapon, initially believed to be a tool for destroying the demon universe, is revealed to possess a far more complex and terrifying function, its true purpose now unveiled as the universe hurtles towards its grim climax.
The weight of this ancient history and the impending doom presses down on Kernel. He is presented with a stark, impossible choice: to align with the Ancient Ones and their grand, terrifying plan, or to defy them, attempting to return to his own world and somehow stem the demonic tide threatening to engulf it. Every fiber of his being screams against the manipulation, against the thought of his planet falling to the very creatures he has fought so fiercely to repel. Yet, the Ancient Ones possess knowledge and power beyond mortal comprehension, and their path, however unsettling, promises a chance, however slim, at survival.
The air crackles with an unbearable tension as Kernel grapples with this monumental decision. The voices, once whispering, now call with an almost irresistible force from the darkness, pulling him deeper into a cosmic game where the fate of all existence hangs in the balance. He has journeyed to hell and back before, but this time, the journey promises to take him further still, into a realm of unimaginable consequences, where the lines between salvation and damnation blur with every passing moment.
What other readers say
Liked
Reviewers often praise Dark Calling for its ambitious storytelling and its role in connecting various plot threads as the series nears its conclusion. Many found Kernel's unique journey, which ventures beyond the familiar human and demonic realms, to be creatively executed and at times "trippy" or philosophical. The book is lauded for providing significant explanations and answers about the universe's history, the overarching lore, and the powerful weapon central to the series. For some, the introduction of new, cosmic elements and deeper theological introspection was a welcome surprise, adding a fresh dimension to the saga. Despite its slower initial pace, the latter half is frequently noted for picking up with intense action, demons, and gore, reminiscent of the series' earlier installments, and effectively builds anticipation for the grand finale.
Disliked
Conversely, many readers consider Dark Calling to be among the weaker entries in the series, citing significant issues with pacing and narrative focus. The first half is often described as slow, boring, or feeling like a recap, with some feeling that "nothing seems to happen" for extended periods. A major point of contention is the book's notable shift in genre, introducing sci-fi elements, aliens, and complex theories about the universe's origins. This departure from the established demon-human horror premise disappointed many long-time fans, who felt it ruined the series' core appeal and made the plot feel "absurd" or "ludicrous." Character development also drew criticism, with some finding main characters like Grubbs and Kernel less engaging or even "one-dimensional," and familiar villains like Lord Loss less frightening. The book is frequently labeled as a "filler" or an "informative" installment primarily serving to set up the next, rather than offering a compelling story in its own right.
In short
Overall, Dark Calling garners a mixed reception, often seen as a divisive but necessary bridge to the series' conclusion. While it provides crucial exposition and expands the universe in ambitious ways, its shift in tone and slower pacing can be a hurdle for some readers. This book would likely appeal most to dedicated fans of The Demonata series who are invested in the overarching mythology and eager for comprehensive explanations before the final installment. It is also suitable for readers who appreciate extensive world-building, philosophical undertones, and a blend of horror with cosmic or sci-fi elements, even if it means a departure from the series' initial focus on demons. However, those seeking a fast-paced, action-driven horror narrative consistent with earlier books might find the initial sections challenging.
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