Pages: 503
Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Fantasy
ASIN: B08ZJRXBGV
Source: VRO, ARC"In the Realm, every citizen knows their place."
Leora of Mae is a young woman orphaned at birth and raised on a remote farm. As a wielder of Xanthcraft, her abilities set her apart from her adoptive family and the other villagers.
Shortly before her twentieth birthday, she learns of her family’s plot to sell her into servitude. Fearing for her life, she flees from the only home she’s ever known—defying societal conventions and breaking the edicts of the Realm.
As she runs, Leora meets Roland Shallowbrook, a traveler on the Thieves’ Road; Lady Aurora Verte, daughter of a powerful member of the gentry; and the White Rider Leopold, a soldier with a secret.
Together, this found family will have to band together to survive.
Set in the distant future during the return of the Hale-Bopp comet, Gathering of the Four is the first book in The Serrulata Saga.
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Tropes:
- The Chosen One(s)
- The Four-Element Theory
- Quest for Magic
- Ancient Evil Awakening
- Found Family
- Hidden Identity
- Reluctant Hero
- Epic Fantasy Journey
My Review:
Got a complimentary copy of this book from VR.
I found the story very rich in plot, although somewhat complicated to keep up with at times due to the many many POV to keep track of, not that I didn’t enjoy them, because I did, immensely.
The characters all meet during their own escape from troubles along the way. They fight together. They are the gathered 4. The bond they share after spending time together on their perilous journey is chaotic and messy at times, full of tension and humour and love.
There are some deeply troubling aspects in this book we meet around halfway, that I pushed through, I’m not a fan of these aspects, so I am incredibly thankful that Bennett didn’t go into horribly graphic detail on said things because it would have ended up in my DNF pile.
The magic theme here was interesting, xanthis are the only ones with access. With the world setting being a post apocalypse/dystopian environment, people seem to be fearful of magic, sort of peasant/sentry simpering idgits afraid of anything different that could spark change. This is so different from most fantasy books today, that are all yay, magic, look at my sparkles! Not that I don’t love that too.
This book followed around an interesting theme of a comet, although nothing really happened in regards to the comet, except mentions of it frequently? Hoping for more in book 2.
It has some smut, unexpectedly, but all at the end? Why?? Except a saucy little MM scene just after the midway mark
I’m desperately hoping for a romance to develop between L&L. Just so you know, better not let me down.
It was a decent sci-fi/dystopian/fantasy novel.
It’s definitely worth a read, but not suitable for YA audiences. I will recommend.
Giving it a solid 4*
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