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/ From The Bookshelf

Book Review: Gathering of the Four (Book One of the Serrulata Saga)

Rating:
☆☆☆☆☆ 4.5/5
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Title: Gathering of the Four (Book One of the Serrulata Saga)

Author: A.E. Bennett

Publication Date: April 2, 2021

Genre: Dystopian Science Fiction; Fantasy; Adventure

Cover:

I like the cover of Gathering of the Four. The orange dress at the forefront contrasts nicely with the muted purple of the background. The bright fire rising from the girl’s hands is eye-catching and well-balanced. I feel this cover would especially appeal to young adult readers.

Premise

Far into the future, the United States is divided by a mysterious and impenetrable border. One side possesses advanced technology, and the other lives in an almost medieval-like existence. When the Hale-Bopp comet appears, life in the Realm begins to unravel. The adventure starts when Leora of Mae, a Xanthos with extraordinary powers, runs away from the only home she has ever known to avoid being sold into servantry. Her path collides with three others who are also on the run and attempting to escape their pasts. As deception swirls in the palace and among the gentry, the four strangers devise a dangerous plan to save themselves, and possibly those they love, from sure death.

Why I chose this book:

Author A.E. Bennett requested this review. I was happy to oblige since relatively few science fiction books had been submitted at the time of the request.

First Impression:

I quickly felt sympathetic toward Leora and her plight and was invested in her survival story. I often cheered her on as she attempted to escape her unfortunate circumstances.

What I loved:

While Bennett begins the story with Leora, she expertly incorporates others into scenes as she assembles her main cast of characters. Each addition adds diversity in terms of personality, skills, and backstory. For example, Roland is a handsome criminal on the run with street smarts and a strong sexual appetite. Aurora is a beautiful and intelligent former member of the gentry who lacks common sense due to being sheltered her entire life. Leopold is a physically and mentally strong member of an elite group of soldiers, but he has lost his way and is now questioning everything he once believed. Leora is a diamond in the rough with powerful gifts that she does not fully understand or know how to use, but she lacks formal education. Her learning comes from real-life experiences and quick-thinking trial and error. These four unlikely companions work together to accomplish their shared goal of reaching and crossing the border.

One of the themes that stood out to me was the idea that who a person is, does not dictate who that person will become in the future. Evolution occurs in each of the characters, and by the end of the book, the reader sees their growth as they go on their own journey. Their motivations change. Their skills change. Even their relationships with one another change. Perhaps this change is most evident in Aurora as she sheds her life of privilege and naivete for the role of a commoner. As she matures into this newfound freedom, she begins to live her life from a place of authenticity, and this is where she blossoms as a character.

Additional Thoughts:

I appreciate the “Content Warning” at the beginning of the book, which clearly states that the reader will encounter explicit language, violence, and consensual sex scenes. The story also alludes to physical and sexual abuse, which is important for the reader to understand. We have warnings on movies and TV shows, so it would also make sense to have these on books.

Bennett’s debut novel is excellent in many aspects, such as world-building, writing action scenes, pacing, and character development. However, at times, I found certain words to be overused. For example, an alcoholic beverage was referenced repeatedly throughout the book as amber liquid or drink. I wish it had been given a name, which would have reduced the number of times this phrase was used. I also struggled with certain word choices, such as the use of “giggle” during two sex scenes and the word “ugh.” While these may seem like small observations, I believe Bennett’s writing can be elevated to the next level with a careful review of word choices.

Quotable Quotes:

• But she would not – could not – endure a life where she had no say over her own fate. (Page 16)
• “Here’s the thing,” Roland said, feeling a tingle as he thought about the metal of the longknife he had hidden underneath his shirtsleeve, “I love a good deal…but I love a good fight even better!” (Page 32)
• She was not stupid, not by any means, but she sometimes talked as though everyone currently around her was an object to be studied, rather than a human being to be understood. (Page 147)
• The gentry are excellent at wagging their tongues. Occasionally, they even speak the truth. (Page 331)
• Life is not worth living without love. (Page 343)
• “We all have people we looked up to as children who do not live up to our expectations.” (Page 474)

Who might enjoy this book:

Gathering of the Four is ideal for readers who enjoy blending genres that result in action-packed scenes with multiple heroes.

Overall Impression:

Four and a half stars. Gathering of the Four is a well-written adventure that blends the old with the new by offering science fiction and fantasy elements. From believable dialogue to detailed descriptions, Bennett provides the reader with an exciting story filled with adventure from the beginning of the book right up until the very last page. If the second book in the series is anything like the first, then readers are in for a treat!

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