The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

THE GATHERING
Darkness Rising #1
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Source: Personal Purchase

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (April 12, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061797022
ISBN-13: 978-0061797026

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.

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. 

Having never read any of Kelley Armstrong’s other books,  I wasn’t sure what to expect.  I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the author can come up with some fun and captivating characters!


I loved how Maya interacted with her adoptive family.  The dialogue between Maya and her Father were hilarious at times.  What teen wouldn’t like a Father that they could joke around with and at times, be able to leave their Father speechless.  While she wasn’t as witty with her Mother,  I still enjoyed how this family interacted.  


Of course, there always has to be some sort of romance.  I fell in love with Daniel.  I was hoping that Maya and Daniel would become a couple.  As I read more into the story though, I really enjoyed the friendship better than if they were a couple.  Then we get to meet Rafe.  *swoon*  The “bad boy rebel” in school who is a player with the girls.  Of course he has good looks to back it up and secrets to keep him mysterious.  I liked the slow build up between Rafe and Maya.  It didn’t feel rushed or forced.  I liked the tender and loving relationship Rafe had with his sister Annie as well.  I wish we could have seen Annie interact more with Maya though. 


The only problem I had with this book is the ending.  I know it is part of a trilogy, but nothing was answered really.  I didn’t like the spot the book finished in either.  It needed more, but I guess that is Ms. Armstrong’s way of teasing us for the next book.  Hopefully some things can be resolved early in the second book to help give us closure for the first book.


Will I continue with the trilogy? YES!  If anything, I need to learn more about Skin Walkers and the characters of the small town in Vancouver Island.