The Gathering audiobook

I have a confession to make... here goes. So, anyone who knows me at all on goodreads will know that I have a few friends whose reviews I rely on without question. If they say a book is better than chocolate, orgasms and Melina Marchetta combined, even if I've never heard of it, I will believe them. Except... I didn't. I doubted, it's true, I doubted. I have had this book on my shelf since not long after it's release in April last year and I have been putting if off and putting it off. Everytime I reminded myself that I should probably read it soon I would then talk myself out of it.Why? Because while my love for dystopias keeps me reading trash in search of that one book that will prove authors still know how to do it well, my love for young adult paranormal novels up and left shortly after the publication of the Twilight series. Okay, so it occasionally makes a rare re-appearance for books that are paranormal with other elements, like Angelfall for example. And yet, Ms Armstrong has somehow successfuly delivered it back to me in a shiny, completely addicted condition. I thought my inability to enjoy Unearthly - another book that all my friends' loved - was proof that I was doomed to dislike young adult paranormal books forever. How wrong I was.This is a wonderfully enjoyable novel with refreshing Native Canadian mythology. There's also an array of characters that interested me beyond the main character (Maya) and the guy she's hot for (Rafe)... like Daniel - her overprotective best friend, Rafe's mentally-damaged sister - Annie, Sam - the quick-tempered girl who is more than you first expect... even Maya's parents are memorable with all the funny dialogue between the family, especially between Maya and her father. And I want to hug Kelley Armstrong so much for managing to create a sexy love interest without him being a broody, crazy control-freak. A love story where both the guy and the girl have personalities and aren't abusive? I must be dreaming!This is just so much better written than the majority of young adult paranormal novels. I'm not suggesting that it will blow your mind or give you a new perspective on life, but this is how I felt about YA UF back when they used to be fun and not so repetitive, cliched and annoying. This is how I felt at the start of the Vampire Academy series: excited.

As seen on The ReadventurerWhat a pleasant surprise this novel was! I did not expect to like The Gathering after being very underwhelmed by Kelley Armstrong's first YA trilogy - Darkest Powers. While I think nothing changed in terms of the structure Armstrong chose for her trilogies (the whole story is simply separated into three parts instead of presenting three separate story arcs), this book was a much better experience for me. I attribute this to the following:1) Setting - loved, loved that the book is set in Canada, in an isolated tiny medical research town (population: 200) located in a national park. A huge portion of the story takes place outdoors. It made me want to live in a cabin with bobcats and cougars roaming around too. 2) New type of supernatural beings - Maya is something Armstrong has never written before. I am quite curious about Maya's powers which are not very clear at the moment. I surely prefer them to Chloe's dead-raising skills.3) No hiding in warehouses! Was very sick of them in all three Darkest Powers books.4) Teen characters and romances - Kelley Armstrong is one of a very few YA authors who refuse to promote stalker/doormat relationships based on ANGST. The narrator of this novel - Maya - is a strong young woman and her relationship with her hot love interest is well-balanced, even when complicated.The biggest flaw of The Gathering comes from the author's choice of the trilogy's plot structure. Again, like in Darkest Powers, there is almost no climax in the story, just some mildly exciting action sequence in the last 50 pages or so. Based on the reviews I have read, this flaw can really spoil the experience for some readers.I, however, managed to enjoy the novel anyway. It left me with the same feeling Unearthly did. I know there are more questions raised than answered, I know it is a very incomplete story and the whole novel does nothing much besides setting up the stage for the future installments, but the process of reading the book was so enjoyable that I was able to overlook its shortcomings and now am looking forward to the sequel with anticipation.

The Gathering (Darkness Rising #1), Kelley ArmstrongThe Gathering is the first book in Armstrong's Darkness Rising trilogy. Darkness Rising is the second trilogy in the Darkest Powers series. Darkness Rising follows a new set of kids. The Darkness Rising trilogy follows a sixteen-year-old girl named Maya Delaney.The setting for The Gathering is a small medical-research town called Salmon Creek on Vancouver Island. Salmon Creek was built by St. Cloud Corporation, the owners of the town and surrounding park. It was built for their employees. Maya, the main character, is the adopted daughter of the park ranger. The events actually start a year before with the death of Maya's friend, Serena. She and Maya were swimming in a lake. Serena, captain of Salmon Creek High swim team, drowned in the lake, and Maya is guilt-ridden for not being able to save her friend.A year later, Maya is getting ready to celebrate her sweet 16. She wants to tattoo her birthmark—a paw-print shape on her hip. She doesn't want it altered in any way, though; she just wants to make it more noticeable. However, she doesn't get it because the tattoo artist's aunt insults her by calling her a witch in Navajo. Later, she invites Rafe, a new bad-boy at school, to her birthday party at Daniel's house. At the party, the teens have a competition on Maya's new rock wall: if she can beat all the guys, they have to add more footholds, but if she loses to even one guy, she has to kiss him.After she defeats all the contestants, Rafe shows up. He challenges Maya individually, and beats her. He doesn't kiss her, though, promising to claim his prize without prying eyes. Maya and Rafe then start going out. One day, when Maya was going over to his house for dinner with him and his childish older sister, Annie, she is attacked by someone looking for Rafe. She sees Annie transform from a cougar into herself. ...تاریخ نخستین خوانش: روز دهم ماه فوریه سال 2014 میلادیعنوان: دور همی: سری طلوع تاریکی یک؛ نویسنده: کلی آرمسترانگ؛ا. شربیانی

Maya lives in a small research town. She is recovering after her best friend's questionable death. When she starts to look into it with Daniel, boyfriend of her dead friend. Instead of discovering answers all they find are more questions about themselves, and the town. Sometimes I feel jealous of YA novels. The covers are so pretty and there are so many. I wonder if there were so many when I was in school. I don't remember, but I think the Urban Fantasy craze picked up before I graduated. So when I read a YA novel I always ask myself, 'am I jealous?' The answer for this one is yes. It is fast paced, easy to read (but also a beta run right now so it could change.)and has a action packed story. This is also the first thing I have ever read by Kelly Armstrong, but I look forward to reading more from her in the near future. She does an amazing job with bringing the characters through with dialogue which made it special. I want to read the next one, now, but that won't be for a while since this one is not even out yet. Then why a four, and not five stars? Two reasons, there are books we read for entertainment, and books we read for its depth. This is entertainment. The magical five star books are those that can weave both and bring us face to face with the characters. This is not one of those. The second reason is a lack of.. well more. Its a YA novel so the description is not grand because we don't want to bore our teens to death. I don't know if I fully believe that lack of description is a good thing. Then again I have always been a 'push the limits' girl.Bottom line is that I do think this story has promise and I look forward to another one... It left me wanting more. Which, lucky me, the author has LOTS more to gobble up. I don't think it is for everyone but I would have liked it as a young teen (12?). Its also a book that a mother and daughter could share and discuss.There is a fair amount of supernatural in the book. All of the main characters start to show some type of ability. This amounted to tense situations. It does have a fair amount of romance, but nothing, in my opinion, that is too racy for teens. It tries to work in a love triangle between Maya, Daniel and bad boy Rafe. Still the romance feels like background noise in comparison to the action and danger surrounding the teens.All this is just a impression, I didn't go into details about the story because it is a beta, a lot could change. I did enjoy it! After a cliff hanger ending, I am ready for the second.

First thoughts when I found this book in the library: “Yes! Score!” Full disclosure: Kelley Armstrong is one of my favorite Canadian authors. I love her easy-going storytelling style. I was a bit hesitant to pick up this book because I did not enjoy her Darkest Powers series as much as her adult series.I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I was captivated by the story and could not put the book down. The Gathering is the story of Maya Delaney, a 16 year old girl who lives in an extremely isolated community on Vancouver Island. Salmon Creek is home to about 200 residents who all work in mysterious research jobs for the St. Cloud Corporation. The residents have excellent health care, fantastic school, and good housing. That’s about all the information you get on the St. Cloud Corporation.The setting was truly a win. Every time that I travel to British Columbia, it never ceases to amaze me just how isolated you can be only a few miles from a city or town. For some pictures of the area click here.I really liked Maya’s character. She is strong and stands up for herself. She keeps her wits about her and doesn’t risk everything to get the boy. Definitely not a doormat! I love how the author slowly builds up Maya’s abilities. The reader learns about Maya’s powers at the same time as Maya. Maya’s affinity with animals was cute. Fitz the three legged bobcat, Marv the cougar, even her dog Kenji, all were attracted to Maya. The other teenage characters were interesting as well. I can’t wait to see what becomes of Daniel. Rafe, the resident bad boy, seems to have a lot of surprises and secrets.The inclusion of the cabals from Armstrong’s adult series was genius. As her YA readers get older, they will enjoy the connection of this series to Armstrong’s Men and Women of the Otherworld series. My notes at the end of the book simply said: “ARGH! Don’t end the book here! I have so many questions! I want more! 2012 is too far away.”

The Good Stuff * I cannot believe I have never read one of Kelley's books before, she is an incredible storyteller. She is also a lovely women who sent me a signed copy of one of her books for my SB&H (Spina Bifida Association) raffle * The story grabs your attention from the 1st chapter and doesn't let go until the very last page * Maya's parents are AWESOME -- this is the first YA book I have read where the parents aren't self-involved, clueless douche bags - Thank you Kelley for this I will buy and read all your books * Intriguing mysterious story with lots of twists and turns * Wonderfully dry fun dialogue -- it was hard to pick just a few good quotes for this review * Lots of Cougars and I don't mean old chicks like me, actual Cougars (and for you Americans otherwise known as Mountain Lions). I love animals what can I say * Set in Canada -- I know, I know but I am a geeky Canadian when I recognize City/Province names I get excited * Strong female lead and interesting secondary characters * Love the relationship between Maya and her parents and Maya and her friends, especially DanielThe Not so Good Stuff * The story ended on a cliffhanger and I am reading this on March 6th and this book hasn't even been published yet -- how long do I have to wait for the next book -- I'm impatient : )Favorite Quotes/Passages"UM, yeah. She climbed a tree to escape a cat. She's suffering from a serious case of stupid.""In Nanaimo? Must be a low-budget Canadian production.""Is there any other kind?""Takes care of me? Did I go to sleep and wake up in the nineteenth century?" I looked down at my jeans and T-shirt. "Ack! I can't go to school like this. Where's my Corset? My bonnet?Dad sighed as Mom walked in with her empty teacup."What did I miss?" she said"Dad's trying to marry me off to Daniel." I looked at him. "You know, if you offer him a new truck for a dowry, he might go for it.""Apparently, I said the wrong thing," Dad told MomWhat I Learned * That I so need to go to Vancouver * That I need to go get the rest of Kelley's booksWho should/shouldn't read * My neighbors daughter actually squealed when she found out I had got a copy of this. I even let her read it before me because I know she WILL go out and buy her own copy -- she has all of Kelley's books and they are all signed (Kelley lives near where we live) * Anyone who likes paranormal YA stories -- or quite frankly anyone who likes a good story5 Dewey'sI received this from Random House in exchange for an honest review -- hmmm, think I might have to beg them to put me on the list for all of Kelley's new release

This was very interesting and lead me to read it in one sitting! Sometimes it was slow and the main character, Maya was a little annoying and really needs some kick in the butt. But i really like Daniel and Rafael. But i think it was super interesting with the shift (Annie especially) and the animals around there (Fitz and Marv) , they got names and was given their own personality and more time in the story wich i really enjoyed. Look forward to the next book!

Maya, an orphan teenager lives happily in the tiny town of Falls, British Columbia. She’s wonderfully happy, but not until tragedy strikes near her heart and she starts to uncover the secrets that her tiny town has kept hidden from the teenagers.I’m always wary when a cover of a book says “New York Times Best-Selling Author” splashed on the front. I didn’t have to be hesitant at all when reading The Gathering at all. I simply enjoyed the journey that Kelley Armstrong took me. And that is right over to the west coast of Canada.There is always something more with the secrets that are hidden around the super powers that some of the teens have. And you can’t help but wonder what they are! I certainly tried. There’s an air of mystery and intrigue and a tad bit of romance for Maya and as you read you find yourself lost in her world. (I forgot to eat because I was too preoccupied with this book! I have the pasta stain to prove it!) I love Daniel. He’s just too good and I’m a sucker for the good boys. Rafe on the other hand didn’t make me feel as happy and warm. He hides a lot of things from Maya which I dislike. But as always the girl falls for the bad one. I disliked how Maya denies him in the beginning, then turns right around and falls for him anyway. Knowing full well he’s a player. Talk about hypocritical!Kelley Armstrong you got yourself a fan for life! And I love that you’re also Canadian.

The Queen of the Otherworld is back with this exciting new series as Maya tries to uncover the mysteries surrounding her heritage along with the death of a friend. Armstrong introduces us to a new cast of characters and a small town setting on the edge of nowhere, where a medical research facility sets the stage for tons of mystery.I have to say that I am really fond of the characters in this book. Maya is that girl next door, who you can't help but love. I love her personality and her interactions with her dad, no matter how small, were some of my favorite moments in this book. Rafe, the new resident bad boy made this read all the more tantalizing with his charm and heated scenes with Maya. I also enjoyed getting to know these two as they searched for answers involving the medical facility.The myths and stories behind the Native's beliefs on supernatural beings were quite intriguing. It's different and seeing Maya's love for animals and nature was a real treat. Some familiar names are mentioned from The Darkest Powers Trilogy, which only increased my anticipation to solve how everyone's tied together. THE GATHERING is a fantastic start to a series that I have a feeling is going to be just as great as The Darkest Powers Trilogy.

Genre: Paranormal YA (Urban Fantasy)The Darkest Powers trilogy is one of my favorite paranormal YA series, everything about it is just supper-duper fantastic!! After the first few pages of The Gathering, it was clear that it was no Darkest Powers—by the end I was an embittered fan. After a few weeks it hit me, this was not a continuation of my beloved Darkest Powers, this is a “new world” being introduced. Once the bitterness faded it struck me how striking Armstrong's The Gathering really is. Maya is one of the best female leads in YA I have read in a very long while. She's bright , sensible, and has one heck of a sense of humor that had me chuckling constantly. It's still evident that she's an adolescent, and she takes responsibility for her flaws and short comings. What was wonderful is that she was not a damsel in distress, Maya could take care of herself—she also knew when she would need to call in the cavalry. The two boys in Maya's life, Daniel and Rafe, both understood and respected her. Even appreciating that she could stand on her own two feet. Daniel is the childhood best friend that has been there since day one and Rafe is the hot new bad boy in town. Both have surprising inner depths and I was just lapping up any details on the two. There are only vague hints at this point of a love triangle, which doesn't worry me as Armstrong has never written a bad love triangle that I've read. The bulk of the story takes place in a tiny town—population 200 or so—in the middle of a forest with no paved roads leading to it. The place is kept running by a drug research facility. To tempt the scientists into living out in the middle of no where the children are given the best education and health care. Which out shines any thing you'd find in a privileged big city. The story really grows as you get to know the people and the feel of real rural town life. Everyone has a story, no matter if they're the good or bad types.Armstrong has unmistakably made a new twist on Skinwalkers, weaving Native American myth in to a tale that will win readers over to this new trilogy. Old fans will love the hints to the universe of her other series. Armstrong uses this slower pace to really develop her characters and make her readers more involved. There's a mysterious drowning, shifting, hints at strange new magical beings, genetic mutation crisis's, mysterious fathers, and the required bite-you-nails cliffhanger. Nothing is off limit in this new series, so hold on paranormal fans!!Sexual Content: There's some heavy make out scenes, sexual humor, some talk about how far Maya's “gone”, and a date-rape drug slipped in.Rating – 4/5 Great! Really enjoyed it. Originally posted at Book Whispers.

Okay. I want to start off by saying that I do really like this book, and I did enjoy it immensely, and I finished it in one sitting, thanks to Maya, the very likable (usually, when she's not being overly stubborn) character. Now I'll get picky. Maya. I LOVE that she's such a strong heroine who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to defend herself or others. On top of that, she's generally a pleasant, funny person, which is rare for YA leads; usually the female main is either a simpering imbecile who either can't decide on ONE guy she wants or can't decide if she likes the guy she likes (Bella Swan, Zoey Redbird, Bianca Olivier, Laurel Sewell, Zara White, Raisa ana'Marianna, Grace Brisbane, Nora Grey, Mary Ann Gray, Grace Divine, Meghan Chase) or a complete bitch, despite her [usually moderate] strength, who can't decide which one guy she wants or can't decide if she likes the guy she likes (Kaylee Cavanaugh, Rose Hathaway, Kelly Winslow, Katniss Everdeen, Katsa of Graceling, Trella [Queen Bitch]). ***Maya is none of that, thank god. She doesn't fall at boys feet, but she isn't a complete bitch to any boy interested, either, and for once I can actually see why two boys might fight over her. Daniel. Okay, don't kill me, but for everyone drooling over Daniel, I just don't get it. He's so sickeningly perfect and noble and NEVER makes mistakes...no one like that can be real. People think he's such an original character, but no. He's the other half of the love triangle. The best friend. Yes, Rafe is the cliche bad boy, but Daniel is the cliche noble best friend. He's so perfect, I find him fake. Is fake sexy? ALSO, he's really controlling an bossy, ALWAYS telling Maya what to do and who she can and can't hang out with. It's not to the Edward Cullen point, but it's enough to get under my skin. I don't like self-righteous characters as a rule, and he is that. Also, a lot of people are swooning 'cause they can relate to him and his bad homelife. I hate to break it to you, but having a drunk dad who hates you isn't that original. He had some good points, even I must admit, like when he tries to save Rafe, someone he clearly doesn't like. Rafe. Yeah, so I know everyone hates him. Not sure why. He does have some of the cliches, but he's generally a pleasant and interesting character. I especially liked the part in the book where Rafe and Maya are exchanging little notes like "fifth graders," you know, 2gether 4ever etc...sort of teasing around but enjoying it. Rafe also genuinely cares about his sister, and it shows; I know, I know, so what? But I like a guy who cares about his family. He can be funny, and sometimes I like to laugh AT him, like when he says something really stupid. He also makes mistakes and APOLOGIZES after and ADMITS HE WAS WRONG. This imperfection, to me, makes him more real, because, frankly, I've met a few Rafes, but I've never met a Daniel, probably 'cause they're on the endangered species list. Also, it irked me how any time something bad happened, everyone blamed Rafe just because he was new in town. A quick note: like others have said, I like that Maya has cool parents. Her dad is funny and I like her mom a lot--she gives good advice and seems very protective of Maya, in a nice, non-overbearing way. That said, WHY IS IT ALWAYS THE SAME? Why do the parents ALWAYS have to dislike the love interest? Can't, FOR ONCE, they not make snap judgements based on either stereotypes or gossip? Anyway, I'd like to gush over how amazing and interesting and totally unique the end was, with the fire and the animals (you'll see). BUT OHMYGOD, I kept saying, "OHMYGOD" while I was reading because it was just that cool, and I'd never read anything like it before.

this book had been on my tbr since forever, ever since i bought the second and third book in a sale without the first book in the trilogy. it’s a very 2009 me move. anyway, i don’t really read shapeshifting books nowadays, i think i grew out of them after reading so many werewolf ones. i’ve been trying to clear some older books off my tbr so i decided to give the gathering a try. this book was fast-paced and the mystery surrounding this secretive small town in canada is pretty interesting that it got me excited to know what’s actually going on in this st. cloud place. also, there’s a family and a medical facility that might be experimenting on something that will shock the world.surrounded by all of this is a native american girl who has an affinity with animals especially felines. maya’s a pretty cool character. what i really like about her is how much of an animal lover she is. she heals and recuperates injured animals before she releases them back into the wild. strange things had been happening to her and only a certain bad boy can answer her questions. rafe’s shrouded in secrets, as a newcomer to the town, nobody knows much about him except that he’s a playboy. as we get to know him, rafe grows on you, and he seemed to know more about what’s going on than anybody else who had lived in the town for their whole life. as they uncover the truth, rafe and maya became closer but things are bound to be in the way.as of now, i’m liking all the characters which is a surprising thing. usually, at least one character would be annoying already but even after i finished the book i didn’t not like anybody. maya’s adoptive parents are pretty cool people. they really care about her a lot and is extremely supportive. they wait for her to tell them about what’s going on in her life without pushing her to do so. daniel’s friend is awesome too. i’m waiting for it to become a love triangle which i’m desperately hoping it wouldn’t be. currently, he’s the guy best friend who had always been there for her. they’ve grown closer after the death of serena, their other best friend.books in the series:1. the gathering: ✰✰✰✰2. the calling: ✰✰✰½3. the rising

Kelley Armstrong is my favorite author. Her books never disappoint. I loved this book. Maya was a great heroine. I also loved her relationship with Daniel. Am I the only one hoping they end up together? I like Rafe but I'm hoping that I didn't imagine the triangle (and she ends up with Daniel). There are lots of questions raised and I can't wait to find the answers. Everyone should read this book!

I can't believe how despite all the praise and excitement I've heard about Kelley Armstrong's The Gathering, I still wasn't inclined to read it. I think it's the cover. Why is it blue? But I'm glad I gave it a go because I was very impressed. Armstrong, represent!...Sorry, I haven't slashed anything in a while. I've forgotten how much fun it is. So, this book. Oh, this book. It's set on Vancouver Island, population 200. It's a medical research town. Uh hum. It's nature in it's naked form. Maya is a young Native 16-year-old with an interesting paw-print for a birthmark. She's into animals, especially cats. More importantly, they're into her, too. Doesn't take much to figure out where the "fantasy" aspect of this story is headed...But it was different. At least, to me. It presented a different angle on the supernatural. Not so much the mythology behind it, which is new. But more so the characters who themselves have to deal with their gifts. (view spoiler)[These kids are trying to reverse their powers, not enhance them. You don't see that too often, no? (hide spoiler)] It's unique compared to how other writers execute their plot. It's a mystery, and it feels like a mystery, because just like the characters, we the readers are left feeling like we're grasping on straws. Which can be infuriating because like many reviewers have complained, this book lacks a peak. It starts slow, and when the action does come, it's late and abrupt. And then it's done. I read this on my e-reader and I promise you, I thought maybe I didn't download the entire book. That couldn't have been the end, right? Apparently, it was. It's a testament to Armstrong's writing that upon reading that cliffhanger was it really, though? Because it felt like the printer just ran out of ink that I didn't swear to the gods proclaiming to never pick up the sequel purely out of spite. Because the book didn't seem at all slow to me. I enjoyed the stroll. It was a lovely walk. I'm one of those movie viewers who, no matter how great an action scene is, if I didn't care about the people in danger, I'd fall asleep. I was nodding off during Wrath of the Titans. So, we need to get to know these characters well. Because I have a feeling Armstrong is going to throw at us some emotional bombs down the road. Which I have no intention of dodging. Maya has got to be one of the most rational, independent, brazen young girls I've ever come across in YA. She knows her sht. So much so that when she was making the inevitable bad moves because no mistakes means no story, duh I was right there egging her on, instead of my usual face palm reaction towards most female protagonists of this genre. She's funny, she's kind. But she's not perfect because as Rafe points out, she's a little too harsh, a little too rash. I love her reaction when she discovers the truth: denial, as is natural, but a quite understanding and acceptance. She doesn't freak out in a way that propels the book into several chapters of avoiding plot development because she's too busy deluding herself. No, she freaks out, repeats to herself that she's not crazy then addresses the situation in a calmly manner; while putting aside her very complicated and delicate personal affairs, which can only distract her from what is of utmost urgency. Props. Daniel, Rafe, Annie, Sam, Nicole, they were all interesting secondary characters. I liked having them around. I'd invite them to the party. Even Haley.Solid everything. Except the ending, which has a very slippery, vapour-y feel...like floating down a cool river then getting stuck between two huge boulders on the edge of a waterfall, just struggling there fighting against the tide, getting so tired because you don't know if there will be rescue or if you're going to plunge into the misty depths below, desperate to hold on but ready to let go...like hanging on a cliff. If, like me, you've been brushing this book off because of the cover, I say to you: don't. Just take the dust jacket off. That's what I did with Nevermore...because have you seen the cover for Nevermore?---I didn't even mention all the Canadian-ness in this book. Oh, it was magnificent! There was everything! There were disses, there were jokes, there were odes! It revered but it was still fun enough that she wasn't afraid to give playful punches, oh!