In The Calling, the sizzling second book in the Darkness Rising trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong pumps up the romance, danger, and suspense that left readers of The Gathering clamoring for more. Maya Delaney's paw-print birthmark is the mark of what she truly is—a skin-walker. She can run faster, climb higher, and see better than nearly everyone else. Experiencing intense connections with the animals that roam the woods outside her home, Maya knows it's only a matter of time before she's able to Shift and become one of them. And she believes there may be others in her small town with surprising talents. Now Maya and her friends have been forced to flee from their homes during a forest fire they suspect was deliberately set. Then they're kidnapped, and after a chilling helicopter crash, they find themselves in the Vancouver Island wilderness with nothing but their extraordinary abilities to help them get back home. But in the vast wilderness, with enemies closing in, who can they truly trust? Wilderness Survival: After a horrifying helicopter crash, Maya and her friends must use their strange new abilities to navigate the treacherous Vancouver Island wilderness. - Forced Proximity: Trapped together and hunted by a powerful enemy, the group of teens must rely on one another, testing the bonds of friendship and loyalty. - Found Family: As they face down a deadly corporate conspiracy, this unlikely group of outcasts discovers that their only allies are each other. - Supernatural Powers: A skin-walker, a demon-hunter, and others with secret talents must master their abilities before their enemies find them first. Praise for THE GATHERING: “Comfortably mixing science, myth, and mystery, Armstrong creates a vivid world highlighted by appealing characters. Fans and newcomers alike will be eager for more after Armstrong’s story drives to its pulse-pounding climax.” - Publishers Weekly Praise for THE GATHERING: “Armstrong begins her new series with a swift-paced start, creating memorable characters and interesting premises.” - Booklist Praise for THE CALLING: “This is a highly entertaining novel that this reviewer stayed up into the wee hours to finish -many other readers will likely do the same.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) “This engaging read is plot-driven and action-packed.” - School Library Journal A powerful secret. A desperate race for survival. Maya and her friends are on the run. Having escaped a deliberately set forest fire and a fake rescue team with dark intentions, they were just beginning to feel safe again. Then their helicopter crashes near the Vancouver Island wilderness, and Maya and her friends realize they're about as far from safe as they can get. But Maya has a secret. She can run faster, climb higher, and see better than nearly anyone else. It's part of who she really is—and it has something to do with her mysterious paw-print birthmark. Yet as Maya and her friends face unforeseen dangers, it becomes clear she's not the only one in their close-knit group who has something to hide. And if they're going to survive, they'll need all their extraordinary abilities to help them get back home. When librarians finally granted Kelley Armstrong an adult card, she made straight for the epic fantasy and horror shelves. She spent the rest of her childhood and teen years happily roaming fantastical and terrible worlds, and vowed that someday she'd write a story combining swords, sorcery, and the ravenous undead. That story began with the New York Times bestselling Sea of Shadows and continues with Empire of Night . Armstrong's first works for teens were the New York Times bestselling Darkest Powers and Darkness Rising trilogies. She lives in rural Ontario with her husband, three children, and far too many pets.