Review: The Gathering: End's Beginning by Randy Lindsay

Publication: 2014, 265 pages
My Rating: *****--5 Stars
Source: received a copy from the publisher in exchange for honest review

Blurb:
Here they were, on the brink of the next era of human history. Prophets had foretold of this time for thousands of years. But of all the things that John could say about their current endeavor and the events that would soon come to pass, nothing came to mind. . .
except fear.

John Williams knows conditions in the United States are getting worse, but when his oldest son, Robert, comes home early from his mission and John receives a special Church calling, suddenly everything comes into perspective—the Second Coming is closer than he ever thought possible.

John travels to the middle of nowhere to build Camp Valiant, a future gathering place for Latter-day Saints, leaving Robert to protect the family from the escalating violence and crime in their town. And as rumors swirl throughout the country that those sworn to protect the United States may, in fact, be the ones tearing it apart, Secretary of State Calvin McCord decides to uncover the truth, no matter the consequences.

Compelling characters and political intrigue allow The Gathering to paint a thrilling yet realistic view of the Second Coming’s beginning. As the threads of society begin to unravel around them, the Williams family must find a way to tie their faith together as they prepare for this most glorious event.

My Review:
Things immediately happen with a bang--Robert is sent home from his mission 6 months early without any known reason. He's told that he's served honorably and that's it. When he arrives home, he's surprised to see how much things have changed.

Another story is running parallel to this one: one about the government. The Secretary of State is trying to find the truth to what's really going on in the world affairs.

I really enjoyed the characters and the way they each handled their situations. Even the strong wanted to give up at times and didn't feel very Christlike to those who were tormenting them. Not one family appeared to be perfect--they had members struggling and the feelings shown were real. I was able to put myself in the story and that scared me just a little.

I know if we're prepared, we need not fear, yet this story opened my eyes and mind to events that I'd never really thought much about. The scary thing is, this story could really happen. The progression of the events was so realistic that I wouldn't be surprised to have any of them happen next week. I thought this story was told in a very believable way. I enjoyed the pacing as well. It was just right--not too sudden and not dragged out.

I'm assuming this is the beginning of a series (I hope) and what a great beginning it was!

Content: There is some violence, but nothing is graphic. Clean.

About the Author:
RANDY LINDSAY is a native of Arizona. From an early age, his mind traveled in new and unusual directions. His preoccupation with “what if” eventually led him to write speculative fiction. According to his wife, everything is a story to Randy. And it is. Although this is his first novel, Randy has been published in a variety of science-fiction and fantasy magazines. He lives in Mesa with his wife and five of his nine children. If you want to find out more you can check him out at RandyLindsay.net.