On a side note, I started reading The Awakening (second book) before I wrote this review, so excuse my bias. Or change of opinion. 
 Now, I think the Summoning is easily likeable, a fast quick-paced read, and a good novel to start the series. The Summoning introduces a cast of kids in a group home from the pretty and boy next door Simon, to gloomy and mysterious Derek, street savvy Rachelle, and drama queen Tori as well as our own little girl next door and rather plain heroine, Chloe. Chloe, is so normal, obsessed with film making in general. She's the typical meek little girl you see in her novel, a "damsel in distress" - and I think that's all this book really shows. She's always wondering about the pasts of all the other kids in the home as well as questions arising about them. The curious, naive kid, is our heroine. The story moves quickly, and forces sudden changes and more questions onto the reader. I think, overall it's too much talk and not enough action. Chloe is a bit too meek in this book and rather soporific. 
 The Summoning works as an exposition to this series, and establishes that easily. It may or may not lure you in, but the wait or patience is well worth it. The Awakening (the second book) is so far so good!