The Gathering Book Review

How would you survive a disaster?  Storms, truckers strike causing a shortage of food, violence against neighbors?  How would you survive if these things seemed to come one after the other all while the country is the brink of another civil war?  These are the sort of things I thought about while reading  "The Gathering" by Randy Lindsay.

"Robert Williams didn’t expect an early honorable release from his mission, but upon his return home, he sees the reason for the surprise decision. Unemployment, rampant violence, and frequent food shortages have put the United States on the brink of another civil war. As the threads of society unravel, the Williams family must adapt to drastic changes as the long-foretold gathering begins to take place."

 I was given a copy of this book to review.  I thought it would be fun to interview the author and sent him some questions, which he quickly replied too.  Also, if you have ever thought about writing a book, make sure to check out his news and views page on his website as he gives a lot of great honest tips and advice to authors to be. 

1. Have you always loved writing? When did you decide you wanted to be an author?

 I loved writing stories as a child, but I didn't really decide to pursue the path of an author until after I married my lovely wife. Her support of my creative endeavors really gave me the confidence I needed to finish the novel and continue to submit it until it was picked up by Cedar Fort.

2. What is the hardest part about writing a book? Your favorite part?

The hardest part is getting past the thought that my story isn't good enough for publication. Fortunately, I have help. The members of two talented writing groups help me whip my stories into shape.

The part of the process that I enjoy the most is the very beginning when I come up with an idea for a story. All sorts of possibilities pass through my mind and I feel a tremendous buzz of anticipation. As each idea pops into my head I tell myself, "That'd be so cool."

3. I really enjoyed the two-fold aspect of the story and you seemed to have a pretty good understanding of the Washington side. Do you have any experience with politics or did you just do research for that part of the story?

The Washington/Calvin McCord story arc came about as a result of wanting to give the readers the big picture of what was happening. I do not have any experience in politics other than watching how the leadership of th country react to one another on television. The only research I did for that part of the story was to find out the line of succession for the President. Otherwise,  I just had in my mind that I wanted this portion of the story to read somewhat like a Tom Clancy novel. 

4. You definitely set this book up for a sequel. Is there going to be one and if so how soon can we expect it?

The Gathering was intended from the start to be the first in a series of novels. I have five of them planned and they will take the events of the Second Coming right up to the moment that Christ returns. I also have another series in mind that I think will really appeal to anyone who enjoys the Beginning's End stories. If Cedar Fort decides to publish the next novel in the series you could see that released in 2015. I'm in the middle of plotting it right now and hope to start the actual writing soon.  

Thank you Randy for answering my questions.  I really enjoyed this book. 

The book flows quickly and I found it hard to put down, worrying for the characters and wondering what was going to happen next. As the Members of the LDS church take extra precautions to prepare; persecutions and prejudices increase against them. 

This is the Lindsay's first novel and I felt like he did a great job writing a page-turning novel with great characters and intrigue. The book ends at a point that definitely leaves you waiting for the sequel. 

This is a clean-book, while PG-13 in theme and plot, it is free of language and sex. This is definitely written and geared towards and LDS audience. I am unsure how someone unfamiliar with the church's doctrines and beliefs would fully understand or appreciate this book but the suspense and plot could keep your interest.  I have seen some reviews from people who are not LDS and said that while they didn't fully understand all that was happening with the family they really liked and were able to follow the book overall.  

You can get your own copy of The Gathering at:
Cedar Fort//Amazon//Deseret Book//

Disclaimer: I was given an ACR copy of this book to review, all feelings and opinions are my own and truthful.  

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Don't forget TOMORROW is 10 Things to Smile About This Month