Another world war has happened and everything we knew is now gone. There are no more countries. No more government... only survivors who have created a new world made up of small colonies. It has been thirteen years and the village of Lia Fail sits peacefully above the Hollywood Reservoir in the Santa Monica Mountains. The settlement is making ready to host the fall Gathering, a time where every six months the other colonies from various parts of what was once Southern California visit for ten days of fun and reminiscence. The Gathering begins as any other party. A time for new loves, old friends, family, dancing and fun, but all too soon that changes. The people in Lia Fail begin to notice strange things they can't explain, several are attacked by unseen forces and friends begin to distrust friends. When they receive news of a horrific massacre, they realize they must face an impending dark evil that threatens to descend on the tranquil village. Alia Stark, the queen of Lia Fail, must face this darkness. But she will face the evil along side her oldest and dearest friends, as well as an incredible new ally. The fate of her people, the lives of her children and freedom itself rests in her hands. Will she have the courage to do what must be done? This is the beginning of a journey that will change all of their lives forever.
Review:
This story was quite different from anything else I've ever read. There were so many characters, and they each were important and with their own story. Sometimes I found myself having to think back and remember who each character was. Although there is a glossary of characters, looking back on a kindle isn't the easiest of things.
It starts out slowly, allowing you a chance to get used to each of the characters, so you can form a bond with them. I found the pacing to be a kind of relief. I've read too many books where they get into things too quickly, and they miss out on some important detail.
I both liked and found it a bit too much all of the relationships in this book. I'm all for people finding their happiness in another and glad when it happens... but so many characters got together about the same time, and a lot of things felt just a bit too convenient. At the same time, I liked how it all worked out and I enjoyed each of the romances in the story.
I do recommend the author find a good editor. There were a few cases where I had to reread something to make sure I understood it properly. Also, at least one case where she misspelled one of the character's names. Lastly, and this is a personal pet peeve, the spelling of 'okay' as 'OK' makes me cringe.
All and all, I found this to be a good read. I had been really looking forward to reading it, and wasn't disappointed.