The Gathering

Immortals #4

by Jennifer Ashley

Created at the dawn of time to protect humanity, the ancient warriors have been nearly forgotten, though magic lives on—in vampires, werewolves, the Celtic Sidhe, and other beings. But now, one of their own has turned rogue, and the world is again in desperate need of the...

Immortals

He was known as "the crazy one." And Leda Stowe could see why after finding the stunning half-naked warrior in her lion's pen—unarmed and completely unafraid. Though he could somehow soothe the tempermental beast, nothing could calm the desire that sparked through her body at his touch. She wished they could hide away together on her island forever, but the world thrummed with danger. Before Leda could claim Hunter for herself, they would have to join other Immortals to face the greatest trial yet:

The Gathering

Genres: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Fantasy, Vampires, Demons, Shapeshifters

355 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 2007

About the author

NY Times Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley writes historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance, historical mysteries, and urban fantasy as Jennifer Ashley, Allyson James, and Ashley Gardner.

Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gardnermysteries.com.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter is a happy-go-lucky warrior who is supposedly the crazy one. He's not, he just doesn't care about anything, he won't. Not since his wife and babies were slaughtered by the Big Bad.
Leda is a witch who used death magic to summon a demon to save her dying husband, and his thanks? a divorce, and being treated like crap by the other witches until she left the Coven of Light. Luckily the Calling spell sent Hunter to her on a remote island near Mexi-cali.
This fifth installment of the Immortals ends, but doesn't. The 4 warriors we have met do get their HEA with their respective women, and they save the world, end the Big Bad, who has been taunting them for 700 years, and even save Tain (wow!) and the extras we've met? They get the next few sequels. Mac the sidhe/demi-god from Scotland, Mai the nymph, and even Samantha, who will work on Tain in The Redeeming. Which I'm reading next. What I liked about this was that not only did the Gathering give Hunter and Leda their story but also we finally got all the Immortals together to finish the fight!

[Jodz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up from the library not knowing it the last book of a series I haven't read. I started to read it 3 times and never got past the 5th page, I just couldn't get into it.

I picked it up again last night determined to start & finish it before I take it back and im glad I did!!

Reading the 1st books in the series isn't really nessesary but I do wish I had known before reading so I could have got used to the terms and refferences.


It had a great storyline with great charecters...I would have liked just A LITTLE more from the ending but it left me content!


Glad i actually did put it up and try again cause i couldnt put it back down and it is def a fav!!

[Jennifer Ashley]

Book 4 of the Immortals.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leda Stowe bring a little something to her immortal, Hunter, than he may be ready to handle. This proves to be an interesting ride for both of them.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hunter Edgington - 4th immortal... hedonistic... after battle 700 years ago, he's been playing the field... lost wife and son 900 years ago, still grieves...when calling went out, he landed at Leda's island animal preserve, in healing lion's section...

Leda Stowe - witch, who negotiated with a demon to try and save her mother, and has demon death magic twisting in her soul...

Hunter dispels the black (during sex of course)… throws up a protection around her island, talks with the lion, and plans to join his brothers..

and ultimately, she's not hiding while the world is being destroyed - being overrun by black magic...

Hunter faces off with tortured Tain… and Tain is powerful, and crazy... the demon ?? …

Hunter joins with the women and his 3 other brothers.... his mother (the 'Destroyer') comes to Leda in a dream, and tells her that 5 brothers, plus 5 witches, plus 5 otherworldly (demon, vampire, dragon shifter) combined can defeat the dark...

and it starts with the 4 brothers voluntarily going to Tain… and then, connecting their tattoos and powers, they 'coerce' Tain into their circle... his pain passes and disperses round and round through the brothers... then the women make their circle... and the otherworldlies protect them... and they kill the demon once and for all...

Yay!

and Hunter and pregnant Leda return to their island, by sailing around the world... peace...

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite so far. I like Hunter best of the brothers. He’s calm, funny and confident, yet vulnerable. Though he does need to stop feeling like he knows better than everyone else and try to see their side of things.

And I love Mukasa the lion. Having him as a companion like that would be a dream come true for me.

In the second half of the book the whole thing starts to come together as the four brothers finally unite and prepare to confront Tain. Lots of exciting, unexpected action and twists. Though the ending was a little too simple.

Footnote: 1) I love Mustangs. I’ve always wanted a dark blue 1960s one, but have always had to end up with something more ‘practical’. I’d have to be and automatic thought. I’m not good with stick shifts.

2) It seems the amnesia run in this family of brothers. Or is it an aversion to commitment?

Fave scenes: Hunter & Mukasa in the ocean, lion in a Mustang, Logga-what-ments and the Immortal twister game.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter

This addition to the Immortals series features Hunter, the live for the day, fun loving warrior who lost his wife and children to a demon centuries earlier. When the summoning from book one is thwarted by a powerful, ancient demon, Hunter is dropped into a wild lion's enclosure on an island off the coast of southern California. Leda is alerted to the breach in her wards and finds a stranger in the lion's den, one who has an instant rapport with her lion. She soon learns of the chaos and destruction occurring on the mainland and of Hunter's role in the war to come. But Leda also learns of her own role as a powerful witch. And as the action and suspense escalates, both Hunter and Leda will have to make some tough, life altering decisions.
This was a very good conclusion to the initial overarching storyline of the first four books, one which leads into book five. I can't wait.

[Michelle Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter had a very rough x cause of his wife and his kids death. But it seems like his mom understood that he will have 2 deal with things he may not like it cause of what was predained 4 the future, for her and her lion. It was awesome that he could talk 2 the lion and understand what he says back. Over all, that asshole demon that killed his family got the hell beat out of him and suffered the consequences of destruction from all the goddesses from it hurting all their sons. Paybacks r abitch when u screw with a mother's kids. Lol can't wait 4 more soon.

[Adellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

For now this is my favorite sequel and a couple.
And although Hunter does not want new comitments and is living the dream of every frivolous man, deep inside he finds the strength to rededicate himself to a woman who is ready to sacrifice everything, including her soul. And what a way for him to "cleanse" that soul again... NIce!
Mukasa is my favorite pet, I would love one like that at home!
Finally the brothers find themselves together and defeat the ancient enemy...
But what's next...?

[Francais Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible episode in this series! It was intense and suspenseful! Side note: I loved the lion so so much!

World Building: A++
Mythology: A+
Plot-Twists: A+
Villains: A
Girl Power: A++
Guy-Hero: A+++++ (for the 5 Immortals)
Love-Interests: A+++
Suspense: A+
Feels: A++

For you clean-readers: this book DOES have mature content. You'll need to do some self-editing or scene-skipping to read this one.

[Caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter, an Immortal, suddenly finds himself locked in a cage with a large lion! Having an affinity to animals, Hunter starts up a conversation with Mukasa, the lion, and that is how Leda finds them. Irritated, more than shocked, Leda sees Hunter has a really big sword (no insinuation intended) and a powerful white magic aura which identifies him as an Immortal. Well if Mukasa likes him, no harm in Leda liking him too! Right?

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, I really enjoyed these two and how they sparked off each other! Add in a lion, who provided much levity when needed, and I couldn’t put this one down. We get resolution of the bigger problem, though there is still a loose thread. We get some powerful beings, good and bad, and an epic battle. We get HEA’s, and most importantly, we get our couple that we were focused on, to love and grow together <3

[Tara Dorough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Paranormal Characters

The Gathering its book 4 of the multi author The Immortals series and is written by Jennifer Ashley. In book 4 the five immortal bothers are finally reunited. The question is if that's a save the world reunion or an end the world reunion. This series continues to bring great characters together to tell and amazing story. I can't imagine what's next.

[Jennifer Prescott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the "conclusion" of Tain's dilemma. The story hooked me from the start, and kept me guessing what was going to happen.

This series is amazing, and I loved the couples that the Immortals evolve in to. Each character is well developed, not only the main players, but everyone!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and look forward to reading the remaining books in the series, and will be likely buying other works by this author.

[Dawn Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gathering is a fitting title

A story to end all stories when the immortals come together to destroy evil but they can't do it on there own. No it takes true love to truly banish the darkness if that is enough?

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still love this series!! Still too much smut :)
Strong women, kind and strong men.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

still can't stand the narrator but do like the series

[☂ · Rating 3 out of 5]

❤❤½

Our heroine, Leda Stowe (Lee-da), an air witch, lives isolated on a island near Mexico where she cares for endangered exotic animals. Currently she houses Taro, a Japanese bear and Mukasa (really?!?) the lion. She's divorced and posses a little death magic in her due to a pact she made with a groth demon to save her dying husband. The details of the husband and never discussed and really the groth demon angle is never really pursed since Hunter removes the dark magic from her, annulling her payment to the groth but allowing the result of the magic (her husband being cured) to remain. I found Leda to be usually aggressive and pushy sometimes and I couldn't decide if I liked her or not.

Hunter, the hero born to Kali, goddess of destruction and rebirth was raised by his barbarian slave father. He fights, he drinks, he gets the girl. That's Hunter in his own words. And he is basically true to that persona but it's mixed with a sorrow filled past and the same lonely, empty, isolated existence all the Immortals lead. Hunter had several great moments but not nearly enough. When he's with his brothers, talking to Adrian on the porch (around page 238) and again when they're about to enter the ripple (about page 249) it's impossible not to fall for him and he offers several funny moments to the story.

I didn't buy the love story again but I felt the desperation in the love scenes (about page 230 especially) but those scenes felt more like a way to forget, not to connect. I know that's what Hunter does - sex to forget, not to connect - but the love story part was just sort of implied and accelerated so that it never felt developed or deep to me. I've said this of every book so far as well. In most cases it didn't hinder my enjoyment of the book, but it definitely didn't enhance it since I read for the romance aspects first.

I could never quite grasp the tone and mood of this book. It often felt like a lot of chaos and filler. One minute Hunter is happy, almost crazy, the next he's serious and sad, then an instant latter he's saying odd idioms or acting like he's new to the world and doesn't understand how things work or maybe he's making a joke, I couldn't tell. Either way, he lost me a lot. The author notes on page 42 that Hunter is "changeable" but I just felt confused by him. And it wasn't only him. From one minute to the next I didn't know if Leda was flirty, angry, scared, powerful, all knowing or manipulative. The "action" in this story, like Hunter being Immortal-knapped, then buried under the road just felt like filler. It did nothing to move the story along and only bored me for about 100 pages. And even though it happens only twice, it
felt awkward when Leda tells Hunter she wants a baby. Maybe I'm cynical and couldn't suspend belief on this part of the book but it just felt ridiculous and impetuous and manipulative.

I was back into the story when Mac appears and explains that Christine and Kalen went missing from the plane as they traveled to the States. Crazy cool! And around 227, that sex scene on the porch was hot and unlike anything I've read to date. Very steamy. And I loved that the lion Mukasa essentially follows them around like a dog. He's riding in car, on boats, freely roaming the yard and anything cat related gets a big thumbs up from me.

It was fun to revisit with everyone from Valerine, Septimus and Sabina, to Ricco and Mai to Pearl and Mac. We're also introduced to some new creatures. Dyanne, an Undine or water sprite that lives on Leda's island, groth demons and efreets (vampire like creatures). I didn't understand the necessity of including this like the ex husband, the drug lord Valdez, or even Douglas from the Institute for Preservation of Exotic Species. I enjoyed meeting Samantha and felt people were unnecessarily mean to her. I hope she ends up being a cool lady because she just seem angry, sullen and defensive.

Unfortunately I have been underwhelmed by Jennifer Ashley's books in this series BUT I've seem glimpses of the genius that she can deliver in her heroes. Hunter is a good example. Sifters Unbound is an even better one. I'm so excited to get to Tain's story next that I'm not writing another word and going to read this instant.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gathering is Book 4 of the Immortal Series, which after reading this book leaves me eager to read the rest of the series, it captivated my heart and left me breathless. Leda Stowe is a witch, who lives on a island where she takes care of a bear and a lion that she saved from terrible masters who treated them crually. Leda has a tender heart, and has a genuine caring about others and especially animals. Hunter is a Immortal, a most powerful being who has spent centuries destroying demons and vampires and protecting the innocent. He lost his wife and children from a demon who he has long hunted but has not had any luck in destroying him. Then he is summoned to a island, which he assumes is by Leda. Where he finds himself in a cage with a Lion licking his face. Leda is shocked to see a strange virile man in the same vicinity as her precious Mukasa (The Lion). She then shoots him with a dart to put him out until she is able to secure and question him. After she does, she realizes how different he is from normal men, and that he isn't after Mukasa and convinces her that he was summoned here and is a Immortal. From the first moment that they meet, there is a sizzling desire that sparks between them, and they spend much time getting to know one another intimately. Then one of Leda's friend who was born half demon, and is a police officer asks for her help. Hunter however mistrusts her completely and almost's destroys her, since she is part demon. However he reluctantly chooses against it for Leda's sake. Leda then leaves Hunter with the animals on the Island and disappears with her friend, Samantha. Samantha's mother has been kidnapped, and both Leda and Samantha believes that it is her father, whom Samantha distrusts. They are then thrown into a whirlwind of danger from the very same demon that has taken control of Hunter's brother and killed his wife and children. Therefore all the brothers must join together to destroy the one that may destroy everything that they hold dear.

This is the first that I have read of the series, and the first fantasy that I have read from Jennifer Ashley. Mostly I have just read her historical's and have fallen madly in love with each and every one of them. I will just say that she has scored high once more. Leda is one of those heroines who has had to sacrificed much of herself to save those that she has loved. There was a man that she loved and he was dying, so in order to get him to be healed she had to go to a demon to save him; but the price was part of her soul which was tainted. She loses the man that she loves and is banished from a coven of witches that has been her haven. But she trudges on and continues doing good and protecting the innocent. Then she meets the mysterious yet captivating Immortal who heals her and makes her whole once more from the tainting. Is it any wonder she would fall in love? Hunter has four brothers, whom he hasn't been in contact with for centuries, but he has good memories of. He is very much tormented of his wife and children's death whom he couldn't protect at the time. Then he hears that his brother has is held under his nemesis. I also loved seeing the reunion between Hunter and his brothers once more. He is 100% Alpha Male, arrogant, knows his appeal, strong and insistent in protecting his woman. However he knows that even though he is falling for this beautiful, strong and courageous young woman, he knows it can never last since he is a Immortal. I definitely loved how the controversary of their relationship, they both fall in love pretty early in the book, which I love seeing sometimes. In this one though, it definitely was a plus and worked well for this plot. It was filled with all the great things with a good paranormal romance. The pages were filled sensual magic, intense action and intrigue, and you see a love that can indeed conquer all!

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fourth book in the series, written by Jennifer Ashley (Book 2 and 3 were written by other authors), explores the life of Hunter, a more fun type of Immortal. The fourth book in the series, written by Jennifer Ashley (Book 2 and 3 were written by other authors), explores the life of Hunter, a more fun type of Immortal. Still hurt by the tragic death of his wife and children some 900 years back, Hunter eagerly beds women he lusts for, spending time with them without emotion. From day one it's clear he's going to have trouble doing that with Leda, an "air witch", but plot-wise the angst wasn't too strong in this department.

The story itself is a fascinating one, with five brothers sharing different goddess mothers, each immortal, each possessing outstanding power and lifeforce. In previous books other brothers have found their mate, all witches with different elements (fire, water, etc.), and of course it is now Hunter's turn. After their time on the island (not terribly interesting all the time), the story picks up as the couple go to find their brother Adrian, to assist in the retrieval of their other brother Tain, who by now has gone mad and on the deep end with a devious demon determined to steal the lifeforce from the world. Yes, a dramatic story for sure, but interesting in several angles. Much is at stake, and fans of the series will be delighted to see all previous characters brought back together for a reunion of sorts. Sadly, because of the number of beings and the time frame, the intriguing personalities of each aren't allowed to shine through so much.

Character-wise Hunter is great fun, with a sarcastic wit, no-worry attitude, an obvious lust for life and fun, but expectantly hampered by past disappointments. His unique way with animals was enjoyable as well, and the lion Mukasa was a blast. Leda was another "good" character, although nothing overtly impressive. There's just something extremely ordinary and off about her. She seemed to agree to the bedding of Hunter too easily, and her fascinating back-story with dark magic staining her soul could have taken a much more powerful direction if explored differently. However, with Hunter's great power I guess it wasn't an obstacle for them, but I still would have liked seeing that as maybe a sub-plot to be explored. There are a multitude of sensual scenes, but the story in no way focuses on bedroom bliss, instead filled to the brim with one bizarre scenario after another.

Sadly, because of the bed-hopping so early on, the romance isn't overly strong. It's just hard for me to believe in such strong connections from the first meeting, and I would have been pleased with a little more excitement in that department. In romance I enjoy foreshadowing and gradual build-up, rather than being granted my present without begging for it first.

On the action and pacing angle, much happens after the first few chapters, almost too much, but it's not a book you'd want to put down for lack of interest. There's clearly much as stake but I never felt the nail-grinding tension I'd like to have. Not sure why exactly, but I suspect it was the odd marriage of so many characters and elements without feeling as serious as it should have. The ending was a wonderfully sweet wrap-up, although a bit too convenient with how it fell into place so perfectly in two pages. Sex scenes are tantalizing to a degree, but nothing that would be worth fantasizing about. Hunter provides the most humor, and when humor's used it's not laugh out loud material, but still enjoyable nonetheless. I recommend this book for fans of the fantastical world Ashley initially created, and while overall the book isn't so memorable you'd remember details a year later, it's still a fun way to pass the time on a rainy afternoon.

[MaggieReadsRom · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing conclusion to a wonderful and magical set of books!
And lucky for us readers who have closed this series into our hearts the end is nowhere near yet since there are at least 3 more books and an anthology planned for the future starting with Taine’s story in September 2008.
But for now let’s get back to the book at hand.

After reading the Awakening the rollercoaster ride slowed down considerably but luckily Ashley took me for a serious spin with this one.

Leda and Hunter are great characters, made for each other and destined to save each other from the hurt and loss they’ve suffered in the past.
Leda is a practical and down to earth air-witch. Touched by death magic in her past, she keeps to herself, isolated on her island with her animals.

Hunter is the Immortal with nothing to lose and living by the moment. He doesn’t waste time on subtleties or words. He wants something or in this case someone (Leda) he goes straight to the core of business without delay or smalltalk. He is crazy, but in a good way and not to mention hot and adorable too. You feel his grief and loss shimmering subconsciously but at the same time you feel his lust for life. He drives the grounded Leda, who’s his perfect mate, crazy with his protectiveness. Although he maintains he can’t come close to anyone out of fear of losing them, his actions towards Leda prove he does care for her even though he doesn’t realize it at first.

Ashley does a terrific job of joining the previous books together and creating a conclusion to a magical quest to save the world of an evil doom. Especially in the final part when every main character and every important secondary character from the previous books gather together in an action- and magic-filled, exciting fight against the Old One (Kehksut-Amadja-Culsu). In this part you also get the answer to many questions raised in the previous books. With every turn of the page I longed to know what it really was Tain and the demon wanted, why certain things were happening, wanting to know how it was going to end.
And of course the humour I missed in books 2 and 3 was back in full force. Hunter is extremely funny in his “don’t-care-about-a-thing” way and the banter between the brothers even in the midst of the grand fight is delicious to read.

In short, a satisfying and truly well written closure to this part of the series. My expectations for this book were certainly met and new expectations are being created for Tain’s book!
Because next to the lovely story of Leda and Hunter and the great fight to save the world, he was the one who I really felt the most for. He broke my heart. His hurt and feelings of abandonment. The way he forced himself to survive and endure the torture by the Old demon. It all motivates him to become the person he had become, had to become. It was necessary for him, the only way to cope with what the demon had done to him. And the way his brothers saved him…this was one of the most intense parts of the whole series up till now.

Tain’s book is in the making and I can’t wait to get it into my hands so I can delve into this delicious world of Immortals, witches, demons, vampires, sidhes, werewolves and all the other magical creatures.
From this book you get a pretty good idea who Tain’s HEA will be and I’m looking forward to reading their story.

[May Mostly Romance · Rating 2 out of 5]

ขอบอกว่าแม็กซ์ผิดหวังพอสมควรกับงานของเจนนิเฟอร์ในหนังสือชุดนี้ก่อนเลยแล้วกันค่ะ แม็กซ์ชอบคอนเซ็ปต์ของเรื่อง (ซึ่งเป็นความคิดของเจนนิเฟอร์) มาก เรื่องราวของนักรบอมตะห้าคนที่ถูกสร้างขึ้นมาเพื่อพิทักษ์โลก แต่เรื่องที่เจนนิเฟอร์เขียน (The Calling และเล่มนี้) กลับเป็นเล่มที่อ่อนที่สุดในชุด

ข่าวดีก็คือ เล่มนี้สนุกกว่า The Calling เยอะค่ะ แต่มันก็ยังไม่ใกล้เคียงฝีมือของเจนนิเฟอร์ แอชลี่ย์ที่แม็กซ์เคยอ่านจากเล่มอื่น ๆ (แนะนำงานของเธอเรื่อง The Mad, Bad Duke) มันอาจเกิดจากแม็กซ์คาดหวังกับคาแร็คเตอร์ของฮันเตอร์ซึ่งเป็นพระเอกของเรื่องไว้เยอะเกินไปก็ได้ค่ะ

แต่แหม เธอดันแต่งให้ฮันเตอร์เป็นลูกของมนุษย์และเทพเจ้านามกาลีนี่คะ กาลีเป็นเทพตามตำนานของอินเดีย เป็นเทพแห่งการทำลายล้าง และดันปล่อยข้อมูลในเล่มก่อนหน้ามาอีกต่างหากว่า ฮันเตอร์ออกแนวบ้าหน่อย ๆ ตามนิสัยของแม่ด้วย มันก็เลยยิ่งทำให้แม็ก์อยากอ่านเรื่องของเขา

สรุปว่าที่ผิดหวังก็เพราะฮันเตอร์ไม่ได้บ้าดั่งใจ เขาก็เป็นพระเอกคนนึงที่พบเห็นได้ทั่วไปในหนังสือโรแมนซ์นั่นแหละ ไม่มีอะไรโดดเด่น แต่ก็ไม่มีอะไรน่าหมั่นไส้

ด้วยมนต์ที่เรียกตัวอิมมอลทอล ทำให้ฮันเตอร์ถูกเรียกไปยังเกาะโดดเดี่ยวแห่งหนึ่งใกล้อ่าวเม็กซิโก ที่นั่นเขาได้พบกับลีด้า แม่มดสาวซึ่งเพิ่งทำข้อตกลงกับปีศาจ เธอยอมแลกตัวเองกับปีศาจเพื่อให้ปีศาจช่วยชีวิตสามีของเธอจากความตาย เพียงเพื่อจะพบว่าสามีของเธอทิ้งเธอไปเมื่อเขาหายดีแล้ว (แต่อย่าตื่นเต้นค่ะ ลีด้ายังไม่ได้ยอมพลีกายให้ปีศาจหรอกนะคะ เพราะปีศาจนัดเวลาเอาไว้ตอนสิ้นเดือน แต่ฮันเตอร์โผล่มาช่วยเธอไว้ได้ก่อน)

ทั้งสองเจอกัน และก็เช่นเดียวกับ The Calling ที่ถูกอกติดใจ และเริ่มมีความสัมพันธ์กันอย่างรวดเร็ว แต่ยังไม่ทันจะมีเวลาสวีทหวานชื่น ซาแมนธาเพื่อนสาวของลีดาก็โผล่มาที่เกาะ และขอให้ลีด้าช่วยเหลือตามหาแม่ของเธอ

ซาแมนธา (ซึ่งจะเป็นนางเอกในเล่มห้า The Redeeming) เป็นลูกครึ่งปีศาจ เธอสงสัยว่าพ่อของตัวเองซึ่งเป็นปีศาจจะจับมารดาของตนไป แต่เมื่อทั้งสามกลับไปเพื่อเผชิญหน้า พวกเขาก็รู้ว่า ปัญหามันใหญ่หลวงยิ่งกว่านั้น

ด้วยความที่เล่มนี้เป็นเล่มจบของชุด (ที่ไม่ได้จบจริง ๆ หรอกนะคะ แต่จบพล็อตที่เปิดมาในสามเล่มก่อนหน้า) เล่มนี้จึงเป็นการเอาชนะศัตรูตัวสำคัญ ซึ่งเป็นปีศาจเก่าแก่ที่มีมาตั้งแต่ยังไม่มีการสร้างนักรบอมตะทั้งห้าขึ้นมา แถมปีศาจตัวร้ายตัวนี้ยังครองงำเทน นักรบอมตะคนสุดท้องไว้เสียอีก นั่นทำให้การเอาชนะจึงไม่ใช่เรื่องง่าย

การดำเนินเรื่องในเล่มนี้ไปค่อนข้างเร็วดีค่ะ อ่านไหลไปเรื่อยไม่น่าเบื่อ แต่ไม่รู้ว่าพล็อตเน้นไปที่การค้นหาวิธีการในการปราบปีศาจมากเกินไปไหม ก็เลยทำให้แม็กซ์รู้สึกว่าส่วนที่เป็นโรแมนซ์มันนิ่งไปชอบกล ไม่ใช่ว่าพล็อตละเลยความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างลีด้าและฮันเตอร์หรอกนะคะ เพียงแต่มันดูไม่น่าสนใจเท่าไหรเลย และนี่ถือเป็นความผิดที่ให้อภัยไม่ได้ในการอ่านนิยายโรแมนซ์ (ถ้าเล่มนี้เป็นนิยายแฟนตาซี แม็กซ์คงไม่ว่าอะไรมาหรอกนะคะ)

บทสรุปจบเรื่องง่ายไปหน่อยค่ะ ดูแล้วไม่ค่อยสมกับความร้ายกาจของปีศาจที่หนีรอดจากพระเอกในสามเล่มแรกมาได้เลย แต่ก็ถือว่าโอเคน่ะ

เล่มต่อไปเป็นเรื่องของเทน นักรบอมตะที่ถูกครอบงำโดยปีศาจ จนกลายเป็นคนเลว แม็กซ์นึกอยากจะอ่านเล่มนี้อยู่นะคะ แต่อาจเพราะเขาเลวเนื่องจากหลงผิด ไม่ได้เลวด้วยตัวเอง ความน่าสนใจมันก็เลยลดน้อยลงไปหน่อยค่ะ แต่ความอยากอ่านเล่มของแม็คก็ยังเหมือนเดิม

คะแนนที่ 57

[Martina the Book Fairy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another PNR series that has a UF-style series plot. It revolves around five immortals (sons of various world-religion goddesses) who are sworn to come to the world's aid during times of terrible strife. The balance of the world has shifted too far towards the evil side, so a coven of white witches call for the aid of the immortals.

This book is primarily about the immortal brother, Hunter, and the witch he meets, Leda. Though, it's also a pivotal book in the series plot because, as the title suggests, the immortal brothers are finally gathered together for the first time in the series.

This *could* be the last in the series as it seems to wrap up the series plot from the first three books, but it does leave a few minor questions, and there's one brother and some secondary characters who are still un-mated, so of course there are four more books. :-)

I may read the next three as they feature characters we've come to know (and love) from the previous books. However, the fourth seems to be a short story compilation, so I might not get to that one.

This series is a good alternative for readers who have run out of warrior-type books and who like Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld series, or Cheyenne McCray's Magic series, or even Alyssa Day's Warriors of Atlantis series.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunter, an Immortal Warrior whose mother is Kali, is magically taken to an island outside of Los Angeles into lion's cage. Mukasa, a lion, abused by his previous owner likes Hunter alot. Leda Stowe, a witch who used Death Magic to save someone she loved, cast out of Coven of Light by her actions. Leda leads solitary life taking care of abused animals until Hunter lands on the island. A spell called The Calling jerks Hunter from his bed play learns that Life Magic is fading from the Earth while Death Magic is gaining ground. Hunter learns that he could care for Leda very much but is unwilling to put himself into that position again. Hunter learns from Kali that the world needs his help and needs to make a difficult choice as well. Leda won't be forced into inaction by anyone especially Hunter. Will Hunter learn the truth about Tain? Can Hunter admit his feelings? Will Leda accept life as is or move to action? Your answers await you in The Gathering.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. Yet I was pleasantly surprised by depth and dimension. The Immortals Series continues to offer up new and interesting stories that are compelling and page turners too. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Nadjab · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zum Inhalt: Als plötzlich Hunter von einem Rufzauber weggeholt wird, landet er in einem Löwenkafig auf einer Insel. Dort lebt die Hexe Leda, die dort sich um Tiere kümmert. Schnell freundet er sich mit dem Löwen an und entbrennt in Leidenschaft für die Hexe, doch auch er weiß, dass etwas Schlimmes auf der Welt vor sich geht.

Meine Meinung: Die Geschichte ist spannend und emotional. Die Handlungsstränge aus den vorherigen drei Büchern werden zusammengeführt und es endet in einem explosiven Finale. Die Art und Weise, wie der Konflikt gelöst wurde, finde ich einerseits gut, aber andererseits irgendwie ein wenig vorhersehbar, nachdem es sich schon die ganze Zeit um das Pentagramm, die Göttinen und die Elemente gedreht hat. Es war zwar irgendwie spannend bis zum Schluss, aber irgendwie bin ich ein wenig enttäuscht, dass alles so ausgegangen ist, wie es ist. Es hätte auch meiner Meinung nach der letzte Band der Reihe sein können und ich frage mich, was in den nächsten vier Büchern passieren soll. Leda und Hunter waren syphatische Charaktere.

Gesamtfazit: Eine Geschichte, die spannend ist, aber dessen Ende irgendwie ein wenig vorhersehbar war.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the climactic fourth book in the Immortals series, the Immortal Hunter meets the witch Leda. Hunter can communicate with animals and Leda has a sanctuary for them on an island off the coast of Mexico. They don't stay long getting to know each other, but soon rush off to join the others in Seattle and engage in the final battle with the Demon and rescue the fifth Immortal Tain.
While the climax pays off huge, which is of course entirely expected, the rest of the book seems very hurried. Obviously there is not enough space in 350 pages or less for Leda and Hunter to really get to know each other like the other pairs had, but it seems by halfway through the book, they're pledging their undying love for each other and running off to join the final battle. It's necessary to the series, but I don't feel like I know Hunter and Leda as well as the others, which is unfortunate because I like them the best. I know there are more books in the series, and I'm excited to read them. Hopefully Leda and Hunter will make extended cameos.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last of the Immortal warriors, Hunter has tried to escape the murders of his wife and children by living life on the wild side. When he's Called to Leda's remote island unexpectedly, he immediately feels a connection with her. But their tenuous relationship must survive through the final battle to reclaim Tain and overcome the powerful demon who has been attacking the Immortals for years.

A satisfying ending to an enthralling series. This one is a lot darker, full of more pain and suffering. Hunter is a fun character, but a little two-dimensional. Leda is similarly flat, although there's enough to be drawn to their love. It did feel a little incomplete and rushed at the end, but there are apparently follow-up installments that should wrap up loose ends.

[Mindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book best in the series so far for one main reason: the pet lion. Hunter is a pretty nice guy, seemlingly the least domineering of the Immortals, and Leda is a good woman; together they make a good team. I liked that this book focused less on the two lovers alone and more on the four couples as a whole - it made the story seem more believable because of the urgency. The conclusion to the the overarching plot-line of the first four books was mostly satisfying.

My only wtf moment was Ashley's use of the word "stem." Mood killer. That's all I have to say.

[Kyttee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter is an immortal who's been summoned into chaos. Among other people he meets Leda and merging both their power and using their resources, they'll confront great foes and among them, Hunter's old "acquaintance".

The reason I liked this book is mostly for the humoristic tone given all throughout the book. The character that is Hunter keeps being annoying in a funny way. The book is about discovering love and finding a balance in a world where immortal warriors confronts against demons with vile intentions. One could easily be coaxed into thinking where the balance stands...

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic journey with Hunter the immortal. Brave, sexy, powerful and with his heart broken due to the loss of his family. Great magic surrounds him. Strong brothers, one who is captured by a dangerous and evil demon bent on the destruction of life. Bonded by love and strength the brothers and their mates with the help of very powerful goddesses conquer the evil demon. This is a book I found difficult to put down. It is wonderfully written. I recommend it to anyone who wants to take a journey into a fantasy world filled with love, power, strength and magic.