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Lia Fail Chronicles #1
The Gathering
The veil has been broken and our world is changing.
More than a decade has passed since the last world war left cities of glass and steel in ruin, but humanity has risen among the twisted wreckage of what once was and created villages governed by their own laws, religions and governments. One such place is Lia Fail.
While their queen, Alia Stark, prepares to welcome visitors from neighboring colonies to a biannual revel, known as the Gathering, a malevolent unease creeps into the village, leading the way for an unearthly evil. And while the mystery unfolds, Alia realizes she must stand against the darkness that threatens those she holds most dear.
Will she have the courage to do what must be done, or will the final cost be too great?
This is the beginning of a journey that will change their lives forever.
This book contains adult situations and is intended for a mature audience.
More than a decade has passed since the last world war left cities of glass and steel in ruin, but humanity has risen among the twisted wreckage of what once was and created villages governed by their own laws, religions and governments. One such place is Lia Fail.
While their queen, Alia Stark, prepares to welcome visitors from neighboring colonies to a biannual revel, known as the Gathering, a malevolent unease creeps into the village, leading the way for an unearthly evil. And while the mystery unfolds, Alia realizes she must stand against the darkness that threatens those she holds most dear.
Will she have the courage to do what must be done, or will the final cost be too great?
This is the beginning of a journey that will change their lives forever.
This book contains adult situations and is intended for a mature audience.
478 pages, Paperback
First published August 16, 2010
14 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
S.L. Dearing
26 books118 followersShannon L. Dearing was raised in Westlake Village, California and grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. She attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, then spent several years studying at Los Angeles City College’s renowned Television/ Film program. She has worked on several film projects in many capacities: directing, writing, First Asst. Director, Etc.. Shannon has been writing since grade school. Over the years she has written several screenplays, poems and short stories. She is wroking on the Lia Fail series as well as several Stand alone projects. Shannon currently lives in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, CA
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
September 25, 2011
"THE GATHERING" BY S.L. DEARING
It finally happened, World War III tore the everything apart and once it was over the survivors have been forced to pull together where they could and rebuild the world into colonies. The village of Lia Fail is the largest colony with its own queen and is settled in the Hollywood area of the Santa Monica Mountains. It has been thirteen years since the war's end and the time for the Gathering has come again. As the colonies far and wide prepare to travel to Lia Fail to join one another in a time of peace and tranquility, they have no idea what evil lurks waiting to harm them all.
S.L. Dearing has created a cast of characters that are multi-faceted as well as endearing. It's not hard to see this series becoming an actual television series. The entire premise of the story is exciting and something you can entirely imagine being true. It seems the world has gone back to living in a time reminiscent of medieval life as well as the life of the world as it was just being settled. The creation is at once beautiful with just the right amount of undertones of the macabre to keep you interested in finding out what's going to happen and what these people can do to keep their families safe.
I started reading this book night before last and stayed up late unable to stop reading until I finished it only moments ago. I definitely recommend this book and hope others will pick it up as a must read. S.L. Dearing is definitely an author to watch.
Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Literary Community
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
It finally happened, World War III tore the everything apart and once it was over the survivors have been forced to pull together where they could and rebuild the world into colonies. The village of Lia Fail is the largest colony with its own queen and is settled in the Hollywood area of the Santa Monica Mountains. It has been thirteen years since the war's end and the time for the Gathering has come again. As the colonies far and wide prepare to travel to Lia Fail to join one another in a time of peace and tranquility, they have no idea what evil lurks waiting to harm them all.
S.L. Dearing has created a cast of characters that are multi-faceted as well as endearing. It's not hard to see this series becoming an actual television series. The entire premise of the story is exciting and something you can entirely imagine being true. It seems the world has gone back to living in a time reminiscent of medieval life as well as the life of the world as it was just being settled. The creation is at once beautiful with just the right amount of undertones of the macabre to keep you interested in finding out what's going to happen and what these people can do to keep their families safe.
I started reading this book night before last and stayed up late unable to stop reading until I finished it only moments ago. I definitely recommend this book and hope others will pick it up as a must read. S.L. Dearing is definitely an author to watch.
Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Literary Community
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
April 1, 2014
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a story set in future of what was once the state of California. After the War and the years following it, villages rose from the ashes reminicent of the castle and keeps of the middle ages. For safety, each village built walls around itself to protect their citizens and maintain soldiers to protect them. Each village is self-sufficient but come together every six months for "The Gathering" - a ten day span to visit with family and friends.
This Gathering is different, all know it, but hide it from each other. As strange incidents begin to happen to the citizens of Lia Fail and its visitors, its clear that something big is on the horizon. There is magic in the air, prayers for the soul and logic for the like-minded. Everyone must set aside their differences to face the truth, that something horrible is coming whether you believe it or not.
I enjoyed this book -- the author did a wonderful job bringing elements of the past and showing how they were honored in the future. She also created a LOT of characters. Thankfully, she also created a character guide to go along with this book -- I just wish I had realized it before I got to the end.
There is a lot of world building in this book, but its necessary to tell the story she has woven. I look forward to the next book in the series.
This is a story set in future of what was once the state of California. After the War and the years following it, villages rose from the ashes reminicent of the castle and keeps of the middle ages. For safety, each village built walls around itself to protect their citizens and maintain soldiers to protect them. Each village is self-sufficient but come together every six months for "The Gathering" - a ten day span to visit with family and friends.
This Gathering is different, all know it, but hide it from each other. As strange incidents begin to happen to the citizens of Lia Fail and its visitors, its clear that something big is on the horizon. There is magic in the air, prayers for the soul and logic for the like-minded. Everyone must set aside their differences to face the truth, that something horrible is coming whether you believe it or not.
I enjoyed this book -- the author did a wonderful job bringing elements of the past and showing how they were honored in the future. She also created a LOT of characters. Thankfully, she also created a character guide to go along with this book -- I just wish I had realized it before I got to the end.
There is a lot of world building in this book, but its necessary to tell the story she has woven. I look forward to the next book in the series.
October 1, 2013
There was a tremendous build up that kept me in great suspense. I was dying to know what bad thing was going to happen but I knew I had to be patient and wait. The characters were life-like and interesting. I was pulled in from the very first pages of this spell binding story.The writing was easy to follow and flowed well. I was entertained and at the same time impatient to know where this mysterious tale was leading. There was true life heartfelt emotion that tugged on my heartstrings and at the same time reeled me in even more. This book is a great accomplishment and it's author should be extremely proud.
"All across the village, people were enjoying themselves. Yet unbeknownst to them all, from the trees outside the village, those gold and blue eyes glittered in the night. They watched until a falcon flew overhead and then they disappeared with a flash.
The falcon watched as well."
"All across the village, people were enjoying themselves. Yet unbeknownst to them all, from the trees outside the village, those gold and blue eyes glittered in the night. They watched until a falcon flew overhead and then they disappeared with a flash.
The falcon watched as well."
September 30, 2013
This book starts with lots of character information (very important), but I promise you need to keep reading! I loved the emotional roller coaster ride that S.L. Dearing took me on. I can not wait for the next installment of this must read series.
November 30, 2013
Amazing… not sure it’s a strong enough word for this book.
I have read a lot of great books this year, some were even fantastic. However the depths that Dearing creates in this book is beyond all of that. I can only think of one other book that put me through all the emotions as this one did. That book would Burden of Sisyphus, but they are polar opposites in genre, however both had me crying, laughing and screaming at the pages from time to time.
Starting out I was a bit overwhelmed by the amount of characters, as a reader I am character driven, but wasn’t sure out of all of them, who would stand out as my favorite… I still am not sold on who I loved most, though I will say that Coeli, Tanner, Sean and Alia are on the top of my list. I would call Tanner by new book boyfriend, but he’s a little young for me :)
I almost don’t know what to say or where to really start this review. Did a book leave me speechless… I think it may have. It's very rare that I don’t have something to say! This book has a little of everything I heard the author call it urban fantasy, paranormal romacnce, dystopian, post apocalyptic mash up (or something along those lines) and I would say that pretty much hits it. The magical element in this book is brilliant, I loved the mythical elements, the creatures, and the birds. I won’t say much about them but large birds of prey are one of my obsessions and the creativity in which Dearing brought them in had me smiling throughout the book. I could go on and on but as each piece in this book was well thought out and carries the story to crazy and fantastic places I feel like saying to much will give it away. I do also want to give props to Dearing and her ability make you truly hate her villains. Her bad guys are beyond bad!
I personally can’t wait for some more Lia Fail books, whether it be another full length or multiple shorts I really don’t care as long as I can get a little more of this world and these characters. Fantastic job and five stars all the way!
I have read a lot of great books this year, some were even fantastic. However the depths that Dearing creates in this book is beyond all of that. I can only think of one other book that put me through all the emotions as this one did. That book would Burden of Sisyphus, but they are polar opposites in genre, however both had me crying, laughing and screaming at the pages from time to time.
Starting out I was a bit overwhelmed by the amount of characters, as a reader I am character driven, but wasn’t sure out of all of them, who would stand out as my favorite… I still am not sold on who I loved most, though I will say that Coeli, Tanner, Sean and Alia are on the top of my list. I would call Tanner by new book boyfriend, but he’s a little young for me :)
I almost don’t know what to say or where to really start this review. Did a book leave me speechless… I think it may have. It's very rare that I don’t have something to say! This book has a little of everything I heard the author call it urban fantasy, paranormal romacnce, dystopian, post apocalyptic mash up (or something along those lines) and I would say that pretty much hits it. The magical element in this book is brilliant, I loved the mythical elements, the creatures, and the birds. I won’t say much about them but large birds of prey are one of my obsessions and the creativity in which Dearing brought them in had me smiling throughout the book. I could go on and on but as each piece in this book was well thought out and carries the story to crazy and fantastic places I feel like saying to much will give it away. I do also want to give props to Dearing and her ability make you truly hate her villains. Her bad guys are beyond bad!
I personally can’t wait for some more Lia Fail books, whether it be another full length or multiple shorts I really don’t care as long as I can get a little more of this world and these characters. Fantastic job and five stars all the way!
March 15, 2013
I received this book for an honest review...
This story was an amazing roller coaster. I laughed, cried, cringed everything. I do have to admit it does seem like a long story because there is 100+ chapters but that is because the chapters are short so dont let that run you off. Another thing is at the beginning you get introduced to a lot of people dont worry if you can not keep up with everyone all at once it will all come together the further you get in.
This story is about a huge war that hit and everyone has basically had to go back in time and live in groups in castles. All these groups (all faiths) meet up every 6 months for the annual gathering. All the kids are friends and have grown up together since they were babies. They go through so many emotions trying to find who they like and who likes them. Lia Fail is where the gathering is held this time. Your queen Alia has many children and her husband was murdered. If it was not for her good friend Sean her castle would have fell apart. Everyone knows that Sean has been in love with Alia for years but are just waiting for both of them to come clean with there feelings. All the other children have all partnered up. The gathering last 10 days were everyone celebrate life, death and happiness. The castle comes under attack and people are turning on one another and it comes down to another war.
This story was an amazing roller coaster. I laughed, cried, cringed everything. I do have to admit it does seem like a long story because there is 100+ chapters but that is because the chapters are short so dont let that run you off. Another thing is at the beginning you get introduced to a lot of people dont worry if you can not keep up with everyone all at once it will all come together the further you get in.
This story is about a huge war that hit and everyone has basically had to go back in time and live in groups in castles. All these groups (all faiths) meet up every 6 months for the annual gathering. All the kids are friends and have grown up together since they were babies. They go through so many emotions trying to find who they like and who likes them. Lia Fail is where the gathering is held this time. Your queen Alia has many children and her husband was murdered. If it was not for her good friend Sean her castle would have fell apart. Everyone knows that Sean has been in love with Alia for years but are just waiting for both of them to come clean with there feelings. All the other children have all partnered up. The gathering last 10 days were everyone celebrate life, death and happiness. The castle comes under attack and people are turning on one another and it comes down to another war.
December 20, 2013
This book is epic. There are a lot of characters, and a lot going on, but it's all weaves together beautifully. It's not any one genre but it shows a world torn apart by war and reawakened by magic. Normally I would go into characters and things I love, but there is so much I love.
It did take me a little while to get into the book, mostly because I was trying to piece together who went where, but once I Had that figured, I couldn't stop. The story is great, it spans a huge cast. There are magical elements that I love.
Definitely worth the read if love something like Swan Song or the Stand with the way it brings so much but brings it together.
It did take me a little while to get into the book, mostly because I was trying to piece together who went where, but once I Had that figured, I couldn't stop. The story is great, it spans a huge cast. There are magical elements that I love.
Definitely worth the read if love something like Swan Song or the Stand with the way it brings so much but brings it together.
June 7, 2013
This book. I have had to sit a few days to get myself together and find words to describe how I truly loved this book. It was the first book to make me cry in public, with no change at not, in a long while. I mean how could one NOT cry at that point in the book? It was heartbreaking and emotional and Just *GAH* I felt for the other characters. This is THAT type of a story.
I will admit in the beginning it is a little hard to keep up with the mass of characters you meet, and I did find myself referencing back a few times to remember who is form what clan, but after the story got going I had no troubles and felt that really getting to know EVERYONE gave me a huge advantage in relating and diving into the book. You get all the little backstories and slowly grow with the characters are their individual plots unfold. It gave the book a whole new layer.
One of my favorite things about the book was that it was not all Happy Go Lucky. There were parts where you wanted SO bad for a certain outcome and you just hoped that your predictions were right, and as in real life this book has the heartbreaks and the not so great endings to some parts. It was very real, well yeah, you will see. I was pleasantly surprised to see some of the turns the book took. I WAY did not see a lot of it coming and I adore that in a book.
The story itself was very origional. I liked how there were not only parts of our past in it, but the way that she developed the future to be. It kept you intrigued at what you would see next. I also felt that her characters were real and had real reactions to events and their current life in general. I enjoy post-sopcolyptic, or post world destruction in our case, types of books. i felt this one took its own route and has a story with plenty of room to develop in future installments.
I secretly hope that the next book will be out SUPER soon because I am Way hungover from this one. Its a compulsion, I NEED to know what happens next. I have a definite connection to these characters and can’t wait to spend some more time with them. Bye Now! I am off to stalk S.L. Dearing in hopes of getting on her good side and getting an ARC of book two in the future
* I was given an ARC copy in return for an Honest review*
I will admit in the beginning it is a little hard to keep up with the mass of characters you meet, and I did find myself referencing back a few times to remember who is form what clan, but after the story got going I had no troubles and felt that really getting to know EVERYONE gave me a huge advantage in relating and diving into the book. You get all the little backstories and slowly grow with the characters are their individual plots unfold. It gave the book a whole new layer.
One of my favorite things about the book was that it was not all Happy Go Lucky. There were parts where you wanted SO bad for a certain outcome and you just hoped that your predictions were right, and as in real life this book has the heartbreaks and the not so great endings to some parts. It was very real, well yeah, you will see. I was pleasantly surprised to see some of the turns the book took. I WAY did not see a lot of it coming and I adore that in a book.
The story itself was very origional. I liked how there were not only parts of our past in it, but the way that she developed the future to be. It kept you intrigued at what you would see next. I also felt that her characters were real and had real reactions to events and their current life in general. I enjoy post-sopcolyptic, or post world destruction in our case, types of books. i felt this one took its own route and has a story with plenty of room to develop in future installments.
I secretly hope that the next book will be out SUPER soon because I am Way hungover from this one. Its a compulsion, I NEED to know what happens next. I have a definite connection to these characters and can’t wait to spend some more time with them. Bye Now! I am off to stalk S.L. Dearing in hopes of getting on her good side and getting an ARC of book two in the future
* I was given an ARC copy in return for an Honest review*
January 19, 2014
I've had The Gathering on my "to read" pile for some time, but waited to sit down and read it until I could take the time to really invest in the story. I'm glad I waited, and equally glad I found the time to do it. The Gathering is well worth the investment.
This is not your light, fluffy bathroom read. It will take your time, and your commitment, but I promise: you won't regret it. In the vein of Tolstoy in War and Peace (who created over 500 unique characters!), Dearing presents us with a large ensemble cast, but does so in a way that everyone in the book becomes a whole and unique entity. And if at any point you get confused, she kindly provides a guide in the back as to who is who. While it can feel a bit overwhelming in the beginning, as you continue to read and invest in the story, you can see exactly her intent, and you start to feel as if each of these leaders, their children, and their people, are your family.
The subject matter is intense. Dearing doesn't shy away from difficult topics, but her bravery here only enhances the story, even where you're left with your jaw hanging down to her chest. I'll add a warning here about some graphic content, but its important to note, it was not done in a gratuitous or solicitous way. It's there for a reason. The story demanded it.
Finally, I'd like to circle back on the characters. Dearing manages to successfully tackle the concept of dimensional individuals who are neither wholly good nor wholly bad. Characters who in the beginning you loathe, by the end you begin to love. She handles the religious divides of the different groups with sensitivity and finesse, and most of all, with respect. Bringing different cultures together in a believable way is never an easy task, but she does it well.
My only complaint is that I don't have another Lia Fail novel to dive into yet! But I will be patient. I've been waiting a long time for another author who could pull me into an epic series in the vein of Gabaldon, Martin, and Stirling, and now I've found it. One thing is for sure: Dearing has a new fan for life.
This is not your light, fluffy bathroom read. It will take your time, and your commitment, but I promise: you won't regret it. In the vein of Tolstoy in War and Peace (who created over 500 unique characters!), Dearing presents us with a large ensemble cast, but does so in a way that everyone in the book becomes a whole and unique entity. And if at any point you get confused, she kindly provides a guide in the back as to who is who. While it can feel a bit overwhelming in the beginning, as you continue to read and invest in the story, you can see exactly her intent, and you start to feel as if each of these leaders, their children, and their people, are your family.
The subject matter is intense. Dearing doesn't shy away from difficult topics, but her bravery here only enhances the story, even where you're left with your jaw hanging down to her chest. I'll add a warning here about some graphic content, but its important to note, it was not done in a gratuitous or solicitous way. It's there for a reason. The story demanded it.
Finally, I'd like to circle back on the characters. Dearing manages to successfully tackle the concept of dimensional individuals who are neither wholly good nor wholly bad. Characters who in the beginning you loathe, by the end you begin to love. She handles the religious divides of the different groups with sensitivity and finesse, and most of all, with respect. Bringing different cultures together in a believable way is never an easy task, but she does it well.
My only complaint is that I don't have another Lia Fail novel to dive into yet! But I will be patient. I've been waiting a long time for another author who could pull me into an epic series in the vein of Gabaldon, Martin, and Stirling, and now I've found it. One thing is for sure: Dearing has a new fan for life.
March 10, 2014
If you took Divergent, A Game of Thrones, and The Stand and smushed them together, you would get The Gathering. I happened to be a big fan of all three of those books, so this was just awesome. Like A Game of Thrones, The Gathering has a large cast of characters that can be a little hard to keep track of, especially because we meet almost all of them very early on. However, there is a handy glossary of characters at the end of the book to help you out with that (also like A Game of Thrones.) and that's my biggest (only) complaint about this book.
For me the feel of this book was very medieval, full of castles, villages, knights and maidens (no one is actually called a knight or a maiden but the characterization is sort of there). I really spent a lot of time feeling like I was reading a book from the Game of Thrones series, but every so often there would be mention of female soldiers or the LAPD or talk about Wheaties and I'd be brought back to the reality that the book is set in the not too distant future, and that made it feel a bit real and it kind of had me freaked out.
I think just about anyone that likes fantasy or dystopian novels would love this book. I'm really looking forward to reading the next one myself.
For me the feel of this book was very medieval, full of castles, villages, knights and maidens (no one is actually called a knight or a maiden but the characterization is sort of there). I really spent a lot of time feeling like I was reading a book from the Game of Thrones series, but every so often there would be mention of female soldiers or the LAPD or talk about Wheaties and I'd be brought back to the reality that the book is set in the not too distant future, and that made it feel a bit real and it kind of had me freaked out.
I think just about anyone that likes fantasy or dystopian novels would love this book. I'm really looking forward to reading the next one myself.
September 21, 2013
The Gathering is the first in Author S.L. Dearing’s Lia Fail Chronicles.
Set in a post apocalyptic world where World War 3 has decimated our way of life and brought us back to medieval times, pockets of humanity have formed colonies in order to survive. It’s been thirteen years since the end of the current world, so the colonies have become very sufficient in their survival, but now a new evil is rising and threatening the colony of Lia Fail and its queen, Alia Stark.
The Gathering is a time of peace and tranquility, where all the colonies come together to celebrate their survival. During the events news of a massacre arrives and upsets the whole village. Alia Stark is forced to band together with her closest friends to fight this evil, to protect everything and everyone she loves.
Greatly paced and brilliantly written, S.L. Dearing has created a fantasy world where mythical creatures exist and magic is real. Her characters are engaging and fascinating to read about, and the action is thrilling to the end. The last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat to see how it all ended!
All in all, The Gathering by S.L. Dearing is a fantasy lovers dream come true!
Set in a post apocalyptic world where World War 3 has decimated our way of life and brought us back to medieval times, pockets of humanity have formed colonies in order to survive. It’s been thirteen years since the end of the current world, so the colonies have become very sufficient in their survival, but now a new evil is rising and threatening the colony of Lia Fail and its queen, Alia Stark.
The Gathering is a time of peace and tranquility, where all the colonies come together to celebrate their survival. During the events news of a massacre arrives and upsets the whole village. Alia Stark is forced to band together with her closest friends to fight this evil, to protect everything and everyone she loves.
Greatly paced and brilliantly written, S.L. Dearing has created a fantasy world where mythical creatures exist and magic is real. Her characters are engaging and fascinating to read about, and the action is thrilling to the end. The last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat to see how it all ended!
All in all, The Gathering by S.L. Dearing is a fantasy lovers dream come true!
February 5, 2014
This was an incredible read that once I started I could not put down.
The pace the story moved along was the perfect speed, not to fast and not to slow. The characters were amazing and you could not help but fall in love with them and the story sucked you in and did not let go until the very end.
S.L. Dearing is an incredible author and I am going to definitely read more of her books in the future.
The pace the story moved along was the perfect speed, not to fast and not to slow. The characters were amazing and you could not help but fall in love with them and the story sucked you in and did not let go until the very end.
S.L. Dearing is an incredible author and I am going to definitely read more of her books in the future.
October 29, 2012
Sometimes a book comes along that you stumble through the first few chapters, you may even start to consider not finishing it, and then wham... it starts zooming along with adventure and you're hooked. This book is one of those. I am a reader who sets a number of pages that I will read before I put a book down and come back to it later, and if when I try again I still cannot get into it... chances are it goes in the just not readable pile, and receives a Grade F. My apologies to the author that her book almost slipped into that pile, as it would have been a terrible shame.
This is a story that has a little confusion to overcome, the reason purely being the story's setting.
The ultimate story line is that the time is in the future, the great war has happened and life as we know it doesn't exist. What does exist is old European style villages, that are described in a way that you will think you are in medieval times. Thus where the confusion comes into play.
The story itself though is very good. There are solid characters that are developed deftly by Dearing, plot is suspenseful and romantic at the same time, and the story line is pretty clear to determine. The setting is the hard part to overcome, but once you get over that... the story flows smoothly and is quite intriguing.
The Gathering is an event that occurs every six months, and it is a huge event for all of the villages. It is a sacred event. Alas this time around there is magic afoot all around - both the good and the bad kind. You will fall in love with the Stark family, led by the matriarch, Alia. The Captain of the Guard, Sean Lantry, will sweep you off your feet and the rest of the characters will treat you well during this journey.
My advise to Dearing would be to work on clearing up the setting, by maybe giving a little background on the Great war that brought the citizens of this wonderful world into the environment they are now faced to live in. I hope this may come in the next book in the Chronicles, which I know I will be reading.
Note: Sexual Content, may not be suitable for young readers.
This is a story that has a little confusion to overcome, the reason purely being the story's setting.
The ultimate story line is that the time is in the future, the great war has happened and life as we know it doesn't exist. What does exist is old European style villages, that are described in a way that you will think you are in medieval times. Thus where the confusion comes into play.
The story itself though is very good. There are solid characters that are developed deftly by Dearing, plot is suspenseful and romantic at the same time, and the story line is pretty clear to determine. The setting is the hard part to overcome, but once you get over that... the story flows smoothly and is quite intriguing.
The Gathering is an event that occurs every six months, and it is a huge event for all of the villages. It is a sacred event. Alas this time around there is magic afoot all around - both the good and the bad kind. You will fall in love with the Stark family, led by the matriarch, Alia. The Captain of the Guard, Sean Lantry, will sweep you off your feet and the rest of the characters will treat you well during this journey.
My advise to Dearing would be to work on clearing up the setting, by maybe giving a little background on the Great war that brought the citizens of this wonderful world into the environment they are now faced to live in. I hope this may come in the next book in the Chronicles, which I know I will be reading.
Note: Sexual Content, may not be suitable for young readers.
April 6, 2013
The Gathering is a big book that grabs you right from the beginning and doesn't let go until the end. The novel tells of the aftermath and survival after the third world war in what was once the Santa Monica Valley. There are similarities between this world and our own but it is reminiscent of the old west of California. The Gathering is a once yearly event where the people from other colonies get together for weddings/ handfasting and just to visit. Into this gathering comes evil where the people and their very existence is at stake. Family obligation, love and survival are the key storylines told with imagination and filled with adventure, all in all a great read. I did have a few issues with the story, one is what happened to cause the great war and way too many characters to get right in my head. Aside from that though I did enjoy this story and I do look forward to reading the next.
December 7, 2013
How can you go wrong when unicorns are in a book? Really, you can't! I absolutely loved this book. Shannon is an amazing writer. It was kind of confusing at the beginning with all of the characters that were being introduced in the story. But, as the story continues, each develop a great story line and all of the story lines weave together great. It's a story about family and friends and the love that they have for each other and how they all come together every 6 months for a 10 day gathering, full of food, drinks, dancing and falling in love. And how they come together, no matter what religion or beliefs they have, and the loses they have had, to fight an evil together. I can't wait for the Second book to see what will happen at the next gathering!! Shannon is now on my list of authors to stalk.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2013
All I can say about this amazing book, is it has a bit of everything in it for everyone. It will take you on a spectacular journey into the future while giving you some of what I feel is the romance of the past.
The best thing I can tell you get the book...grab a bottle of wine...and settle in for a wonderful adventure.
The best thing I can tell you get the book...grab a bottle of wine...and settle in for a wonderful adventure.
February 3, 2013
AWESOME READ!!! Oh my.. I really don't know what to say about this book.. I loved reading it.. I really couldn't put it down.. Let's just say..with all the different Religion in this book.. it may help everyone understand more about it... especially Paganism/Wiccan... since alot of people assume pagan/wiccan is nothing but evil.. you must read it
January 22, 2015
"The Gathering"
by
S.L. Dearing
Synopsis
Thirteen years after the last world war, the village of Lia Fail sits peacefully above the Hollywood Reservoir in the Santa Monica Mountains. The village is making ready for the fall Gathering, where the other colonies from various parts of what was once Southern California visit for ten days of fun and reminiscence. What begins as a normal Gathering, soon changes as the people of Lia Fail begin to see magic around them. Then they receive news of a horrific massacre and face a nightmare as a dark evil descends on the tranquil village. Alia Stark, the queen of Lia Fail, must face this evil along side her oldest and dearest friends as well as an incredible new ally as the fate of her people and the lives of her children rest in her hands. Will her new magic be strong enough to save those she loves the most?
My Review
Lia Fail means the great stone of destiny.
Just a tad bit of history for you before I give you my review. To me this was an important thing to know.
S.L. Dearing has brought so many elements to this story line. It is everything I love rolled into one.
Romance~Villains~Mythical Creatures~and of course Love.
In a post apocalyptic world this medieval fantasy brings other families together from different villages. This is known as "The Gathering."
Alia Stark is a headstrong queen of Lia Fail. She has 11 kids. In this book you get to know them one by one. They will captivate your heart. You will take the journey along with them and their mother. Love will be found among many and villains are exposed.
Little do they know there is an evil force that desperately wants something from Alia. A gift that Alia doesn't even know she has hidden within her.
Alia will discover the goddess that is waiting to be unleashed.
This book is a definite must read! I can't say that enough. I was on my toes until the very end. Turning page after page with the anticipation of what would happen next. I was rooting for the characters in this book and for their fight and will to survive.
The last few chapters literally gave me chills.
I was beyond saddened that it came to and end.
Then I brought myself back to reality and realized that S.L. Dearing is working on book 2.
I cannot wait for it and you will feel the same way.
October 2, 2013
S.L. Dearing put a book together that is definitely a different point of view on the world. It's something that you can get into and fall in love with the characters. While there are many different ones, it's easy to fall in love with them.
After the war, villages start for people to seek shelter and be around those that they have common beliefs with. Every six months, a village hosts The Gathering for every village to come together and trade with as well as visit with their friends and family.
When The Gathering is held in Lia Fail, trouble starts. A dark magic reaches beyond it's realm and starts to create chaos for everyone. Not only that, but people that they know and trust are being used to bring that darkness into the village.
But with dark there is always light. The dark is not only trying to cause trouble, it's trying to get a light magic that has found it's way into this realm as well. Alia Stark is the only one who can combat the darkness and protect her children, her friends, and the man whose stuck by her side since her husband's death.
Can Alia do what needs to be done in order to bring peace back to Lia Fail? Read The Gathering by S.L. Dearing to follow her journey that leads to her choice.
After the war, villages start for people to seek shelter and be around those that they have common beliefs with. Every six months, a village hosts The Gathering for every village to come together and trade with as well as visit with their friends and family.
When The Gathering is held in Lia Fail, trouble starts. A dark magic reaches beyond it's realm and starts to create chaos for everyone. Not only that, but people that they know and trust are being used to bring that darkness into the village.
But with dark there is always light. The dark is not only trying to cause trouble, it's trying to get a light magic that has found it's way into this realm as well. Alia Stark is the only one who can combat the darkness and protect her children, her friends, and the man whose stuck by her side since her husband's death.
Can Alia do what needs to be done in order to bring peace back to Lia Fail? Read The Gathering by S.L. Dearing to follow her journey that leads to her choice.
February 12, 2014
I received a free copy for an honest review.
The Gathering is set in post-apocalyptic Santa Monica. The survivors, living in colonies based on religious beliefs, travel to Lia Fail every six months to attend what I consider to be the equivalent of a fair to remember lost ones and allow everyone an opportunity to catch up on news. It also serves as the backdrop for the numerous romances that take place in this story. It is a happy time for everyone, but a sinister plot from an unseen enemy threatens to destroy everything.
This book has a bit of everything – romance, magic, imps and even unicorns. It also has a lot of characters, many of which are unnecessary. As such, it takes some time for the story to begin because the majority of these characters are introduced in the first part of the book.
The story itself is very good. The villain, The Shape, is an intriguing character as are his followers. Many reviewers seem upset by their disturbing actions, but I think it serves a useful purpose in depicting their evil nature.
Overall a good read.
The Gathering is set in post-apocalyptic Santa Monica. The survivors, living in colonies based on religious beliefs, travel to Lia Fail every six months to attend what I consider to be the equivalent of a fair to remember lost ones and allow everyone an opportunity to catch up on news. It also serves as the backdrop for the numerous romances that take place in this story. It is a happy time for everyone, but a sinister plot from an unseen enemy threatens to destroy everything.
This book has a bit of everything – romance, magic, imps and even unicorns. It also has a lot of characters, many of which are unnecessary. As such, it takes some time for the story to begin because the majority of these characters are introduced in the first part of the book.
The story itself is very good. The villain, The Shape, is an intriguing character as are his followers. Many reviewers seem upset by their disturbing actions, but I think it serves a useful purpose in depicting their evil nature.
Overall a good read.
February 11, 2014
This book has a bit of everything and I mean everything! It is a Urban, Fantasy, Romance, with some erotica! Need to be over 17 to read this!!! The gathering is in a post apopoleptic world. This book does have violence in a sexual nature as well. Normally that bugs me, it did but it fit the storyline. The characters and there are a lot of them. are very well put together. It did take me a little bit to get into it with all the romance in the air with the children.
Once we got past all that I was beyond absorbed in the book. So much so I read all night and did not realize it. I think I finished the book at 5 am. good thing I do not work! So be careful when you start the book. It sort of sucks you in and you really really do not want to put it down. There are so many dang twists and turns and surprises, both good and bad. I can not wait to wait to read the next book in this series! I very much recommend this book!
Once we got past all that I was beyond absorbed in the book. So much so I read all night and did not realize it. I think I finished the book at 5 am. good thing I do not work! So be careful when you start the book. It sort of sucks you in and you really really do not want to put it down. There are so many dang twists and turns and surprises, both good and bad. I can not wait to wait to read the next book in this series! I very much recommend this book!
October 25, 2012
loved this book.
great read.
I'd say this is very much a must read, for a fascinating socio-political outlook on today's society.
great read.
I'd say this is very much a must read, for a fascinating socio-political outlook on today's society.
April 17, 2013
I enjoyed my entire journey with these characters as I read. It was a fun quick read. I am excited to see how the journey continues in her books to come.
February 23, 2014
This book is so freaking amazing!! I loved every minute of this book. Alia Stark is such a great female lead character she is smart, strong, independent, and loving mother. This is a must read book!!
December 10, 2012
*Note: This is my husband, Seth's, review as he is helping me with my gigantic review pile.*
I would like to say that I gave this book a lot of effort. I kept coming back to it in order to finish it. But each time I picked it up to read, it failed to grab me and pull me into the hole in the page that transports me into the story. I ended up only getting about one hundred pages into it and could go no further with it. I did not finish reading it. The characters were lacking in development from page one. The story was also a bust. I just couldn’t get over the fact that a person who was a ‘beat patrol cop in Los Angeles’ was able to do magic. My suspension of disbelief was just not there. I understand what the author was trying to achieve here but the different elements of the story just did not mesh well at all. Eventually I might get around to finishing the book, but as or now, it's just not for me.
I would like to say that I gave this book a lot of effort. I kept coming back to it in order to finish it. But each time I picked it up to read, it failed to grab me and pull me into the hole in the page that transports me into the story. I ended up only getting about one hundred pages into it and could go no further with it. I did not finish reading it. The characters were lacking in development from page one. The story was also a bust. I just couldn’t get over the fact that a person who was a ‘beat patrol cop in Los Angeles’ was able to do magic. My suspension of disbelief was just not there. I understand what the author was trying to achieve here but the different elements of the story just did not mesh well at all. Eventually I might get around to finishing the book, but as or now, it's just not for me.
March 14, 2014
The Gathering by S.L. Dearing is a very well written book about our future. It is not, however, sci-fi, but more of a magical back to basics. I was a bit daunted by the size of the book, but was so engrossed that it took me less than two days to read. The characters are consistent and so very lovable. The story line is so full of plot twists and turns, it is like a roller coaster. Loved the fight scenes. Really, just a awful lot of fantastic stuff going on in this book. Don't miss your change to give it a read.
August 20, 2018
This was a lovely read and once I got to grips with who was who I found myself loving it all the more. Fantastic world building.
May 21, 2019
A exciting tale of magic and treachery. I loved the story, as the excitement level grew steadily as the plot progressed right up to the final battle of good versus evil.
April 3, 2014
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story was quite different from anything else I've ever read. There were so many characters, and they each were important and with their own story. Sometimes I found myself having to think back and remember who each character was. Although there is a glossary of characters, looking back on a kindle isn't the easiest of things.
It starts out slowly, allowing you a chance to get used to each of the characters, so you can form a bond with them. I found the pacing to be a kind of relief. I've read too many books where they get into things too quickly, and they miss out on some important detail.
I both liked and found it a bit too much all of the relationships in this book. I'm all for people finding their happiness in another and glad when it happens... but so many characters got together about the same time, and a lot of things felt just a bit too convenient. At the same time, I liked how it all worked out and I enjoyed each of the romances in the story.
I do recommend the author find a good editor. There were a few cases where I had to reread something to make sure I understood it properly. Also, at least one case where she misspelled one of the character's names. Lastly, and this is a personal pet peeve, the spelling of 'okay' as 'OK' makes me cringe.
All and all, I found this to be a good read. I had been really looking forward to reading it, and wasn't disappointed. 4/5 Platypires
http://www.platypire.com/3/post/2014/...
This story was quite different from anything else I've ever read. There were so many characters, and they each were important and with their own story. Sometimes I found myself having to think back and remember who each character was. Although there is a glossary of characters, looking back on a kindle isn't the easiest of things.
It starts out slowly, allowing you a chance to get used to each of the characters, so you can form a bond with them. I found the pacing to be a kind of relief. I've read too many books where they get into things too quickly, and they miss out on some important detail.
I both liked and found it a bit too much all of the relationships in this book. I'm all for people finding their happiness in another and glad when it happens... but so many characters got together about the same time, and a lot of things felt just a bit too convenient. At the same time, I liked how it all worked out and I enjoyed each of the romances in the story.
I do recommend the author find a good editor. There were a few cases where I had to reread something to make sure I understood it properly. Also, at least one case where she misspelled one of the character's names. Lastly, and this is a personal pet peeve, the spelling of 'okay' as 'OK' makes me cringe.
All and all, I found this to be a good read. I had been really looking forward to reading it, and wasn't disappointed. 4/5 Platypires
http://www.platypire.com/3/post/2014/...
March 31, 2014
The Gathering has been one of those books I've had on my tbr list for a while that I was interested in reading, so getting the chance to review it I jumped in with both feet and I wasn't disappointed!
Although at first I found the book different to what I had imagined, and it seemed to make me think a lot of Games of Thones. I felt a lot of characters where introduced rather quickly and sometimes I found myself getting lost as to who was who, which I was concerned about at first but it all fell into placed the more I continued to read. The thing I found great about this book is that it touched so many different genres, that I don't think I could pinpoint one genre to describe it! There is a bit of everything in there!!
The story was well written and keeps you hooked and wanting to read more! I cannot wait to see what else S.L. Dearing comes up with regarding book 2!
Although at first I found the book different to what I had imagined, and it seemed to make me think a lot of Games of Thones. I felt a lot of characters where introduced rather quickly and sometimes I found myself getting lost as to who was who, which I was concerned about at first but it all fell into placed the more I continued to read. The thing I found great about this book is that it touched so many different genres, that I don't think I could pinpoint one genre to describe it! There is a bit of everything in there!!
The story was well written and keeps you hooked and wanting to read more! I cannot wait to see what else S.L. Dearing comes up with regarding book 2!
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