The Gathering

Wilde Grove #1

by Katherine Genet

The veil between the worlds is shredding. The old goddesses are calling.

Erin inherits a cottage in a remote village from a grandmother she's never met. Considering how much she longs to get away from the unexciting life stretching out in front of her, this might be a dream come true.

Except that it's a village full of witches and Druids practising an ancient religion passed down through the centuries, and the priestess leading it is the calm, uncanny death worker Morghan Wilde.

Life is different in Wilde Grove, with ownership of the cottage coming with a non-negotiable condition, and it's one Erin's not sure she can meet, or even if she should. She must choose to believe in the unbelievable - and then learn how to do magic too. Only then will she be able to claim her inheritance.

It's an inheritance that is so much more than a cottage in the woods.

Coming from a world that doesn't believe in magic, can she change her mind in time to claim her true identity and begin walking the path of her ancient ancestors?



The Gathering is the first book in Katherine Genet's new Wilde Grove mythic fiction series. If you like mythology, real-life witchcraft, and have ever wondered what's behind the veil to the Otherworld, you'll love the Wilde Grove books.

Step into a world of magic today!

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Magic, Witches, Paranormal, Magical Realism, Supernatural

584 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 20, 2020

Reviews

[Graisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best novels I've read this year. A modern pagan tale of reincarnation, discovery and change, this book includes some romance. The rare thing about it is that unlike so many books coming out these days, the romance doesn't overshadow the story.

[Donna Donovan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not enough of a story...

I kept trying to like this book, it started out great with interesting characters but it quickly became so convoluted with over in depth details and descriptions about everything but the characters. I truly appreciate nature but I don't need page after page of telling me what the trees or water looked and felt like. I finished it and was underwhelmed and disappointed. If you are looking for an ethereal read you may enjoy it.

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book. It should have everything I love in a fantasy genre. But I found it uninteresting, drawn out with characters I couldn't tell you their purposes. Some of the imagery was beautiful. I don't think the audible narrator endeared me much either. I normally love a good long book but couldn't wait for this one to end.

[Latasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it took me a while to get through this one, I really enjoyed it. What an enchanting world!

[Morgan Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT. A. BOOK! The Gathering tells the story of Erin, an adopted daughter who has been diagnosed with "Dissociative Fugue" and has never felt like she quite fitted in. When she finds out she has inherited a cottage (with conditions) from her birth grandmother, she is intrigued and goes to find out more. This leads her on a journey she never expected and yet is more than capable of fulfilling.

There are so many parts to this book and I am struggling to mention them all! The characters are amazing, both the main one and also the supporting cast. Erin is stronger than she realises, but she has to learn that the hard way. I am sure there will be more stumbles along the way, as she has to figure out who she is by doing, not by reading in a book. I adored the descriptions of Macha, and the old leader of the Grove. One of my favourite parts was that Elen of the Ways was mentioned and honoured. The invocations and prayers sent a shiver down my spine in the most delightful way.

This is a long book, designed to pull you into the story and not let you go until the last word. Even then, you will be left wanting more. And can I just mention the cover? Absolutely stunning. This is a series of books that I will not only be re-reading but that I will be buying the paperbacks of, so I can sit them and stare at the gorgeous covers.

If you are a Witch, Druid, Wicca, or just like the Old Religions, then I absolutely recommend this book. If you like contemporary fantasy, then I absolutely recommend this book. In fact, why don't I just say I absolutely recommend this book? Because I do! Go and grab your copy now. You won't be disappointed.

[Lennie McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG  I am so in love with this book.  Erin, who doesn't know she is a guardian of the grove.  Morghan, Ambrose, and Stephen who do know and along with some other wonderful folks help Erin to discover her past and are there for her.  Wonderful wonderful  Winsome who is just learning what she is capable of.This marvelous book calls to my soul - fills me with joy and I want everyone to share this.My nickname has always been Lynx and to find Lynx in The Gathering is the icing on the cake.Burdock the Irish Wolfhound is such a good dog and one anyone would be proud to be around.Mixed with the pathos of our current pandemic world and the pain and joy of the past this is a marvelous read.  One I must buy a paper copy of.  I must hold thisfantastic story in my hands and read it again and again.Katherine Genet writing gives me hope and belief.Watch for the next three books in this fabulous series - I know I am looking forward to reading them.

[Carly Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the cosy setting of the witches cottage! Had major envy over the cottage and garden.

There was a real eastenders doof doof moment ago one point that I didn’t see coming!

I liked the deathwalker work that they talked of. Winsome for some reason was my favourite character! Oh and the dog of course.

For such a long book I sped through it!

[julia ☆ [owls reads] · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Personally, a very very interesting read. Erin's perspective did frustrate me a little, but she got where she needed to be and I was happy for her. I still have so many questions about certain things and am very curious about how the series is going to progress.

[Siobhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book should come with a covid trigger warning! Being reminded of a pandemic and the importance of face masks and social distancing 🙄while reading a fantasy novel is not what I want!

That being said as a priestess, and herbalist, there were a lot of things I liked in this book, the pagan spirit work is something I think should be written a out more so I loved that aspect of the storyline! Some beautiful descriptive writing too! And I loved all the herbal references which are accurate to their real world use too.

Loved Stephen! After reading so many morally grey MMCs recently he was a sweet golden retriever change! Just would have loved to see more from him!

I found the writing style hard to read sometimes as it switched from so many POVs , sometimes multiple times a page. I really wanted to love this series but I'm not sure I'll be able to read the rest!

[Siobhan Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit slow at times, but I loved the intertwining of the two worlds. Really like the characters and the magic of it all and I felt I could really visualise the details including the little cottage!

[Tracy Blanchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really dug this book, the characters, the sensibilities, the "magical realism" of a life lived with one foot in the Otherworld, or even another lifetime. You can really feel Genet's personal knowledge of the druid life coming through here. Wow -- how much I would love to stand in circle with these folks. Not clear how any of them make a living, but why be fussy about these details -- although making a living is what generally gets in the way of most folks living this deeply into a spiritual life. I'm going to try not to race directly to the next book, to let it unfold slowly, but it's hard.

What is amazing to me is that it looks like there might be 4 books in the series, but this book is set squarely in the pandemic -- not that long ago. This is my first "pandemic" book. The book was published in September 2020. It's now October 2022. Could she possibly have written 4 books in 3-3-1/2 years? That doesn't usually bode well for quality and I enjoyed the slow beauty and thin veil of this book so much, I'm loathe to ruin it by reading sequels that disappoint. The next book in the series, I see on Amazon, was published in February 2021, 5 months later. It is only slightly shorter than this one (486 pages) but still a long book. However, all 4 books in the series have 4.5 stars on Amazon and higher than that here on Goodreads. Yay! How long can I hold off before I dive into book 2?

[Tonya Johansson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the writing. The writing was amazing. I love the building of the characters. I could actually see myself sitting down 2 cup of tea at the kitchen table. I could feel icy cold water from the river. But then the book stops just stop I kept expecting it to go somewhere it doesn't it just stopped. You would think that it would give you at least a clue as to what to expect what they're working towards but it doesn't it just stops worst Cliffhanger ever if you want someone to buy your second book.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea.

[jeliy · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. The story started out interesting and then moved just too slow for my taste. After 42% and still not much more regarding the main characters as from the beginning I just gave up.

[nadia anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The aesthetic and themes are really pretty: a close witchy community, cottages in the English countryside, ancient believes and lots of druidry. First chapters really got me hooked, and I expected a lot from the story.
The characters are very cosy and described in the way that makes them live on the page. Descriptions of nature and its spirit were truly enchanting. I don't really know what to expect from the other books in the series but, and I am sorry to say this, I hope they will be better than this one.

I am not sure if this is the first book of the author and I don't want to be too harsh because Indie Authors should be judged from a different perspective, but this book was defiently in need of some more editing. I know editiors can be pricey, but well, this book needed editing.

There are many POVs in this story and they're written wrong. When you start the chapter with POV of one person, you cannot be jumping to the deeper emotional thought process of another character, otherwise it is a mess. You as a narrator should pick POV of one person and stay with their narrative. Very often the chapter would start with POV of Erin but would suddenly also jump to Morrigan or Stephen which is confusing to the reader. If you want to be the "all knowing narrator" then don't pick the POV style of writing the chapters.

The story drags extremely, many dialogs and situations are extensively described, like a very extensive description of Erin making toast, going to bathroom, peeing, eating toasts... usually if its not relevant to the plot you don't have to write all that. I was sometimes bored to death because every detail of day to day life was heavly overdone.

Not speaking of extreme repetitions. Erin thinks constantly "i will have to give up the cottage. I will have to marry... blah blah.." all the time in the first 3/4th of the book. Like we know, it was already said in the first chapters. Readers are not that dumb to have to have it repeated in every single chapter. The same thought process was constantly there. Other characters as well, Morrigan constantly thinking "she needs to find the back up witch for herself", Stephen constantly repeating what happened in the stone circle, we were lovers... again and again, every chapter.

Very heavy use of a formula:
"she couldn't.
could she?"
"she was not all that.
Was she?"
"And he would never do such thing.
Would he?"
All the time like c'mon, as soon as I noticed this way of writing it was all over the place.

In the book nothing really happens, the plot is a bit boring but I think the biggest issue is that the book is just too long because it contains scenes and repetitions that could've been edited out. The story could have been made shorter but more dynamic, with less characters to be introduced.
Because believe me I see the potential, it just had many issues and mistakes.

And I can only hope that the author learned and the next books can show me a whole different world.

[Virginia O'Malley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gathering - Wilde Grove Book 1
Author: Katherine Genet
Publisher: Wych Elm Books
Year: 2020

Katherine has written a beautiful story in the present during the pandemic with a step into a world of past lives, ravens, and magic. The descriptive surroundings are just breathtaking; on a journey as Erin enters a true adventure after inheriting her grandmother’s cottage in a small village unlike anything, she has experienced previously due to coming from a privileged life of never wanting for any material things. There is a blossoming of a magical love story and you feel you are walking amongst these interesting characters as they carry on with their daily lives.

A story of village life, living and dead, witches and astral projection, visions from the otherworld, and of course lots of tea and biscuits. This is the perfect lockdown read in lockdown with the characters and their interesting tales, of 56 chapters so it will keep you reading for a while. There is a follow-up book available on the link at the end of this e-book with a complimentary chapter.

Katherine lives on the South Island of New Zealand with her wife Valerie. She has been writing for many years and writes under various pen names for other genres. She is a member of the British order of Druidry.

[Laura Swanson Gaffney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so fascinating. The main characters were Morghan "Lady of the Grove", Erin, and Stephen. Each played an important part at the beginning of this series. Erin was adopted, and her biological mother gave her up because of the magic that she was running from. Erin's grandmother, who was also magical in her own, passed away and bequeathed the Cottage in the Grove to Erin. When Erin claims the cottage, everything seems to call her and show her what she was about. Stephen is another character who worked and learned all the images of working with herbs and creating teas. He also discovered that somewhere in his past lives he had been in love with Erin. This grew stronger by the end of this book and proves to be beneficial in the coming book. Morghan was " the Lady of the Grove" and she was very magical. She was part of the community as a whole and her duty was to maintain the Grove. She was able to help an individual smoothly pass to the "Otherside" during the time of death. I had to read some of the passages twice in order to understand the magic that was part of each character, but it was a challenge that I enjoyed.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't like a book about magic and druids? This novel is so enchanting in so many ways! The author creates a world that anyone would love to live in and should. This book has so many layers to delve into and some of them are relevant today. The author speaks of a new kind of religion that many think is dark and cultish. It just shows how some people can be so close minded to things they do not understand. I personally keep an open mind towards everything, because who am I to judge. I loved how descriptive the author was in creating Wilde Grove, you could tell that this novel is a labor of love. I wish there was a Wilde Grove I could escape too. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.

[Jennifer Boire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this whole series and cannot wait to read more. It is not just magical, it deals with a woman who is being introduced to her own powers, but very grounded in earth-based practices. I find it very encouraging to read books that treat magic as an everyday occurrence, that we may feel connected to the rivers, waters, sun, plants and animals that surround us, and appreciate the beauty of the world, at the same time being aware of our personal challenges. This is fantasy fiction with a big dose of realism. And from reading the book's back cover, the author has been a practicing pagan for over 30 years, so her experiences enrich the stories. Enchanting characters you can follow throughout the series, and get to know their "kin" as well.

[Krow Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a busy life, and I have so many books I want to write, stories I want to tell... and I love it when someone already has. I loved this book. Ms Genet knows her stuff and has very accurately depicted how things are, for some of us. Weaving between lifetimes and fate-lines,dimensions and 'otherworlds', the characters must choose which reality to take their place in, just as all of us do. Stretched to seek out the deepest parts of us, daring us to re-kindle the ancient fires so many of us carry within us, the author has woven a spell of a story taking place in the midst of the biggest pandemic in our memories. A great spot in history to juxtapose a deep examination of 'reality.
I am ging to slow down tp savour the next books of the series.

[Jo Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I've been waiting for

I seemed to stumble upon this book, whilst reading some very entertaining good books I've enjoyed about magic and midlife. However, this is the book I wish I had read when I was young, not knowing that I had to choose, that not choosing was in itself a choice. Some might read this and take something different from it, or nothing but a good read but I have felt regret because of all the things I didn't know. Erin speaks to me, or rather the me I was at her age. Whatever you take from it, it is a powerful, well written book and I have loved every word of it, now to get on with the story in the next book, and I can't wait.

[Abi Ainley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the e-book so had no idea of the length until I'd finished. This book did not feel like close to 600 pages! I knew it took a while to read but I thought it was because I was taking it slowly, enjoying the delectable imagery and cozy energy before bed each night, but I reached the end thinking "dang, I wanted more of that, it's a shame it was so short".

I understand the negative reviews because it's not a fast paced action-packed narrative, but holy heck does it take you into another world of beauty and wonder that you can't help but take into the real world with you. I loved it for the same reasons I loved Good Witch so if you like that you'll probably like this.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Final review: This was a case of me wanting to love the book but constantly getting frustrated because nothing was happening. I love, love, love magical, atmospheric, descriptive books, but ultimately, there needs to be story and character progression. That was just happening so slowly that I found myself hitting the forward button and skipping to find something more interesting than the constant stream of thought and rehashing of feelings and decisions that needed to be made by the characters. This book had everything I love but I just couldn't get past the style in which it was written. :) I'm not sure if I will give the other three book in the series a try or not.

**Currently listening to this on Audible and love the premise and setting. I am a little frustrated by the constant stream of thought coming from the characters. I would love to see more doing and story progression and less description and over explanation. The narrator isn't my favorite but isn't a deal breaker.

[Georgina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to an audio version and enjoyed it on my commute. It’s a very light read weaving pagan witchcraft with modern themes. Characters are relatable and warm and while it does jump back and forth a bit from chapter to chapter, it’s easy to follow. If you’re looking for a complete story in one book though, this might not be the one for you. It is part of a series and definitely leaves you with questions. It’s not a harsh drop off the cliff, you see it coming, but it will still leave you hanging. Have the 2nd book ready to go. I’m about to start listening to that one now so I’ll let you know how it goes ;-)

[Amanda Hayward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Such a beautifully written tale. I love the in-depth descriptions and positive examples of the pagan path. The writing style is so unique, while I know some readers may be thrown off by the way the author presents the multiple POV of her characters (especially Burdock) but in keeping with the world presented, the reincarnation and soul aspects spanning many years and even species, it makes sense and adds a wonderful layer of depth. I am very much looking forward to reading the next book and returning to the Grove!

[Ani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book. The setting is in the UK and Genet described the little village well. It was a not very picturesque village but quirky and this made all the difference. I really loved Morgan, Ambrose (druids), Winsome (the vicar) and Stephan (apprentice). They all had such lovely, calm, mature and knowledgable ways about them. I especially loved how Genet captured two of the rather off-putting church ladies and how the vicar really grappled with her dislike of them. Another great part was the Vicar’s seemingly intoxicated time when she forgot to “ground” herself after doing some death work. I found it hilarious.

I wish someone left me a cottage like this. I doubt I would have vacillated quite as much as Erin did. But I get it. She’s a bit of a snowflake.

It was strange to read a book with the whole Covid thing in it. I get it. It’s timely. And it set up the nature of the work that Morgan does. I hope to get around to reading the following books in the series to see how the story progresses. But I think I’ll let this one sit a bit before I do.

[Sarah Burchett-Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love witchy tales, this is one for you. The main character was adopted shortly after birth and her heritage hidden. When her biological grandmother dies, she leaves her a rustic cottage in a village deep in the countryside that is under the protection and influence of a witches grove - but the cottage comes with a condition. Our heroine has to decide if she will leave her city life and all its trappings and begin a voyage of discovery into the heritage passed down to her over the centuries. Looking forward to picking up book 2.

[Robert Deitrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resonates to my bones

I picked this book from the Amazon recommended reading list, as I kept getting pulled back to read the sample. I started reading, not at all knowing that the lead character Erin is a young adopted woman.

I am an adoptee, 56 years old, following a pagan path. I found my birth mother and my family 8 years ago, and finally felt Home. Katherine Genet writes what many adoptees feel so deeply that I wonder if she’s an adoptee herself. I just finished this book and can’t wait to finish writing this and open the pages of The Belonging.

[Leah Hester · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The whole cast of characters are interesting, and while there is fantasy to it, it's just a touch beyond what feels like a true pagan path. It was a little slow at first, but I think it's pace makes sense by the end, and I'm excited to read more of the Grove! My one complaint is that the switching between characters is fairly constant and sometimes gets a little lost. There's also just some print errors where we're missing the quotations for when a character is speaking. But this did not detract too much from my overall enjoyment of the story.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think words can describe my experience with this book. It needs to be described in feeling, and the feeling was a soul connection to my own spiritual path. Each character brings parts of your own soul, or that of experiences which you have lived in this life, or past lives. It is the wheel ever turning.
I cannot wait to read/learn/review/live the next books and I will most definitely re-read all of them many times during this life time.