Called Upon by Bethany Lee

The Quick Cut: A teen girl gets the impression that not all is as it seems when her mom sends her to summer camp. Chaos ensues when she uncovers trouble.

A Real Review:

Summer camp is one of those standard affairs as a kid. Canoeing, swimming, hiking, and craft projects while sleeping in bunks are all a part of the standard experience. However, what would you do if it felt like not all was as it seemed? This is the situation for Kaitlin.

When Kaitlin's mom decides to send her to summer camp, Kaitlin immediately wonders why. It's not like she is the perfect kid. In fact, she tends to get into trouble. When she arrives at Camp Overlook, that feeling only increases with the strange counselors and tight surveillance. The longer she is at camp, the more strange symptoms she is feeling. What is going on that seems to require such security? And why does Kaitlin feel like she's in the middle of it?

This book really nails the creep factor in all the best ways. If you're looking for a Young Adult book that gives you all the horror movie vibes, this is the one for you. The summary really is only a tip of the story iceberg that leaves your jaw dropped by the end.

The first half of the book primarily takes place at camp with some light investigation hijinks. The second half of the book is when a large percentage of the plot progress occurs (along with plenty of scares). If every camp functioned this way, no one would love going away for the summer.

Kaitlin is a relatable character in the way she wants to be a part of something bigger and feels out of place. I feel that way a lot being Autistic and wishing I related to people better. Everyone can empathize on some level to that struggle and it makes her easy to root for. With every uncomfortable moment (& bad decision), you will likely do what I did: start shouting at the book that you need her to keep going.

A YA adventure that reads like a suspenseful horror film.

My rating: 5 out of 5