Review: The Gathering

Apr •  6 •  2011

Title: The Gathering
Series: Darkest Rising # 1
Genre: Young Adult- Paranormal
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: April 12, 2011
Book: ARC sent by publisher

“Strange things are happening in Maya’s tiny Vancouver Island town. First, her friend Serena, the captain of the swim team, drowns mysteriously in the middle of a calm lake. Then, one year later, mountain lions are spotted rather frequently around Maya’s home—and her reactions to them are somewhat . . . unexpected. Her best friend, Daniel, has also been experiencing unexplainable premonitions about certain people and situations. 

It doesn’t help that the new bad boy in town, Rafe, has a dangerous secret, and he’s interested in one special part of Maya’s anatomy—her paw-print birthmark.”

Ms. Armstrong has done it again. She wrote a great book with lots of action and mystery in it. So when I got this book in the mail, I did a happy dance and squealed like a teenage girl. When I read the first page, it did nothing but pull me in and not let go.

What I like most about this plot was that different yet similar it was to the Darkest Powers. Different because this group have different powers and similar because they all go through the same thing. I won’t tell you what their powers are because then I spoiled it for you, but I love it. I was glad that as the reader we get to see a group go through the different changes in their power. They snooped, got in trouble, and lots of love interests occured.


I like that while the other group was watched, this one wasn’t. They were put in families and learn about their powers completely out of the loop. They had no doctors seeing them constantly. I like that this group was experimented differently then the first. I am hoping that further down the series, we get to see all the groups together!


The Gathering is a great spin-off from the Darkest Powers series. It had a great plot, great characters and awesome powers! If you love The Darkest Powers, you will definitely love The Gathering.


I give it 5 BITES!



Happy Reading!


14 Comments

  1. Danny
    Apr 6, 2011

    Oh I also got that one so I’m happy I saw your review now. But, do you think it makes sense to read it although I haven’t read the Dark Powers series??

  2. Savannah
    Apr 6, 2011

    Yeah! You can definitely read it and not get left behind. It’s a whole another series all together.

  3. Katy
    Apr 6, 2011

    Great review, I’ve been wanting to read this one.

  4. Midnyte Reader
    Apr 6, 2011

    This sounds great. I love books that pull you in right away…that is something I have trouble finding.

  5. Jenny
    Apr 6, 2011

    I’m really looking forward to this one! I was going to ask if I needed to read the Darkest powers to understand this world, but I see Danny already asked:) Glad this one stands alone, I was hoping to start with it and then maybe go back and read Darkest Powers. Thanks Savy!

  6. panamamama
    Apr 6, 2011

    Have to read that one!

  7. *jumps up and down* Oh I want this book so bad! I love Kelley Armstrong’s writing! Looks like I’m going to have to get this one. Thanks for the great review!

  8. Braiden
    Apr 7, 2011

    I still have Darkest Powers sitting on my shelf but this definitely sounds more better!

  9. YAY!! Darkest Powers is one of my favourite series so I am so glad to hear that this is just as awesome. Another great review Savy 🙂

  10. girlsinthestacks.com
    Apr 7, 2011

    Glad to hear she’s still got it, because someday I want to read this one.

  11. ComaCalm
    Apr 8, 2011

    I’m still not sure whether to read this or not. I’m glad that you liked it though, I think I’ll try and get it sometime.

  12. TheBookAddictedGirl
    Apr 8, 2011

    So glad to hear it’s as good as the Darkest Powers! I can’t wait for this book!
    Brilliant review!

  13. Awesome review! Im so looking forward to reading this! Im a huge Kelley Armstrong fan! =D

  14. Nancy Tuuling
    Apr 20, 2011

    I’ve read the Darkest Powers series and have been glancing longingly at this one … but my stack runneth over right now. 🙁