Book Summery (via Goodreads):
Sixteen-year-old Maya is just an ordinary teen in an ordinary town. Sure, she doesn't know much about her background - the only thing she really has to cling to is an odd paw-print birthmark on her hip - but she never really put much thought into who her parents were or how she ended up with her adopted parents in this tiny medical-research community on Vancouver Island. Until now.
Strange things have been happening in this claustrophobic town - from the mountain lions that have been approaching Maya to her best friend's hidden talent for "feeling" out people and situations, to the sexy new bad boy who makes Maya feel . . . . different. Combine that with a few unexplained deaths and a mystery involving Maya's biological parents and it's easy to suspect that this town might have more than its share of skeletons in its closet.
Book Review:
I've heard of Kelley Armstrong before, mainly from her Darkest Powers trilogy. However, I'll admit, I haven't read any of books. Until now. I was at the bookstore the other day, and the cover of The Gathering got my attention. I picked it up and started reading. Before long, I was hooked. This character driven novel is action-packed, and fast-paced. I just adored the main character, Maya. She is strong, smart, sassy, easygoing, and a bit of a tomboy. What isn't there to love about her? Her best friend Daniel, is just as lovable. He is definitely the strong, silent type, and a total pal to Maya. Maya and Daniel try to piece together the mystery of the death of their dear friend Serena, while at the same time attempt to move onward in life. Meanwhile, something is brewing in the town they call home. I crave to learn more about Salmon Creek and the St. Cloud research facility. It seems to me that these kids are protecting something they really don't know that much about. All in all, this was a fun, fast-paced adventure. However, I am left with a few issues. One, I would have liked to see Rafe's character (Maya's counterpart) flayed out a bit more. He's still quite a mystery to me. Two, I have many, many questions regarding the St. Cloud research facility, none of which got answered. Three, I am also quite curious about Maya's birth parents. I am hopeful that these questions will get answered in the following 2 books, this is a trilogy after all. I still can't help but remain curious until then. :P Overall, a great start to a series. I definitely plan on reading Armstrong's other books, most likely starting with Darkest Powers trilogy. For more information, check out Armstrong's website.
Favorite Quote:
Cover Art Commentary:
I just love the cover of this one. It's what initially drew my attention! The dark blue is so pretty. I also love the bling of Maya's earring! ;)
Strange things have been happening in this claustrophobic town - from the mountain lions that have been approaching Maya to her best friend's hidden talent for "feeling" out people and situations, to the sexy new bad boy who makes Maya feel . . . . different. Combine that with a few unexplained deaths and a mystery involving Maya's biological parents and it's easy to suspect that this town might have more than its share of skeletons in its closet.
Book Review:
I've heard of Kelley Armstrong before, mainly from her Darkest Powers trilogy. However, I'll admit, I haven't read any of books. Until now. I was at the bookstore the other day, and the cover of The Gathering got my attention. I picked it up and started reading. Before long, I was hooked. This character driven novel is action-packed, and fast-paced. I just adored the main character, Maya. She is strong, smart, sassy, easygoing, and a bit of a tomboy. What isn't there to love about her? Her best friend Daniel, is just as lovable. He is definitely the strong, silent type, and a total pal to Maya. Maya and Daniel try to piece together the mystery of the death of their dear friend Serena, while at the same time attempt to move onward in life. Meanwhile, something is brewing in the town they call home. I crave to learn more about Salmon Creek and the St. Cloud research facility. It seems to me that these kids are protecting something they really don't know that much about. All in all, this was a fun, fast-paced adventure. However, I am left with a few issues. One, I would have liked to see Rafe's character (Maya's counterpart) flayed out a bit more. He's still quite a mystery to me. Two, I have many, many questions regarding the St. Cloud research facility, none of which got answered. Three, I am also quite curious about Maya's birth parents. I am hopeful that these questions will get answered in the following 2 books, this is a trilogy after all. I still can't help but remain curious until then. :P Overall, a great start to a series. I definitely plan on reading Armstrong's other books, most likely starting with Darkest Powers trilogy. For more information, check out Armstrong's website.
Favorite Quote:
"Soon all that was left of Serena was a monument in the school yard. The town moved on. I didn't. Something had happened in the lake, something I couldn't explain. But I would. One day, I would." (p. 6)
Cover Art Commentary:
I just love the cover of this one. It's what initially drew my attention! The dark blue is so pretty. I also love the bling of Maya's earring! ;)
Overall Rating:
I saw the paw and melted! I'm so excited to read this one, but I think I'm going to have to wait for the second in the series to come out (I'm neurotic when it comes to series). But thanks to your review, I'm so happy to see it'll be a good read!
ReplyDeleteYou HAVE to read the Darkest Powers series, at least by the time the third book in the Gathering trilogy comes out -- she's hinted that it'll be a character cross-over!
Nice review! Looks like you enjoyed it more than I did, but you also touched on some of the issues I had. I also really liked the cover. I feel as if the art for Kelly's YA books are always really eye catching.
ReplyDeleteLove Kelley Armstrong and I really recommend Darkest Powers trilogy. You'll definitely get a clearer idea about the research facility after reading it.
ReplyDeleteI'm about to read this one. I enjoyed the Darkest Powers series and hope you get a chance to read it soon!
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm so glad you enjoyed reading this book. I loved the Darkest Powers trilogy, so good. You should really try and get a copy of them. They are fantastic. :)
ReplyDelete