The Gathering

The fourth book in the series, written by Jennifer Ashley (Book 2 and 3 were written by other authors), explores the life of Hunter, a more fun type of Immortal. The fourth book in the series, written by Jennifer Ashley (Book 2 and 3 were written by other authors), explores the life of Hunter, a more fun type of Immortal. Still hurt by the tragic death of his wife and children some 900 years back, Hunter eagerly beds women he lusts for, spending time with them without emotion. From day one it's clear he's going to have trouble doing that with Leda, an "air witch", but plot-wise the angst wasn't too strong in this department.

The story itself is a fascinating one, with five brothers sharing different goddess mothers, each immortal, each show more possessing outstanding power and lifeforce. In previous books other brothers have found their mate, all witches with different elements (fire, water, etc.), and of course it is now Hunter's turn. After their time on the island (not terribly interesting all the time), the story picks up as the couple go to find their brother Adrian, to assist in the retrieval of their other brother Tain, who by now has gone mad and on the deep end with a devious demon determined to steal the lifeforce from the world. Yes, a dramatic story for sure, but interesting in several angles. Much is at stake, and fans of the series will be delighted to see all previous characters brought back together for a reunion of sorts. Sadly, because of the number of beings and the time frame, the intriguing personalities of each aren't allowed to shine through so much.

Character-wise Hunter is great fun, with a sarcastic wit, no-worry attitude, an obvious lust for life and fun, but expectantly hampered by past disappointments. His unique way with animals was enjoyable as well, and the lion Mukasa was a blast. Leda was another "good" character, although nothing overtly impressive. There's just something extremely ordinary and off about her. She seemed to agree to the bedding of Hunter too easily, and her fascinating back-story with dark magic staining her soul could have taken a much more powerful direction if explored differently. However, with Hunter's great power I guess it wasn't an obstacle for them, but I still would have liked seeing that as maybe a sub-plot to be explored. There are a multitude of sensual scenes, but the story in no way focuses on bedroom bliss, instead filled to the brim with one bizarre scenario after another.

Sadly, because of the bed-hopping so early on, the romance isn't overly strong. It's just hard for me to believe in such strong connections from the first meeting, and I would have been pleased with a little more excitement in that department. In romance I enjoy foreshadowing and gradual build-up, rather than being granted my present without begging for it first.

On the action and pacing angle, much happens after the first few chapters, almost too much, but it's not a book you'd want to put down for lack of interest. There's clearly much as stake but I never felt the nail-grinding tension I'd like to have. Not sure why exactly, but I suspect it was the odd marriage of so many characters and elements without feeling as serious as it should have. The ending was a wonderfully sweet wrap-up, although a bit too convenient with how it fell into place so perfectly in two pages. Sex scenes are tantalizing to a degree, but nothing that would be worth fantasizing about. Hunter provides the most humor, and when humor's used it's not laugh out loud material, but still enjoyable nonetheless. I recommend this book for fans of the fantastical world Ashley initially created, and while overall the book isn't so memorable you'd remember details a year later, it's still a fun way to pass the time on a rainy afternoon. show less

In the climactic fourth book in the Immortals series, the Immortal Hunter meets the witch Leda. Hunter can communicate with animals and Leda has a sanctuary for them on an island off the coast of Mexico. They don't stay long getting to know each other, but soon rush off to join the others in Seattle and engage in the final battle with the Demon and rescue the fifth Immortal Tain.
While the climax pays off huge, which is of course entirely expected, the rest of the book seems very hurried. Obviously there is not enough space in 350 pages or less for Leda and Hunter to really get to know each other like the other pairs had, but it seems by halfway through the book, they're pledging their undying love for each other and running off to join show more the final battle. It's necessary to the series, but I don't feel like I know Hunter and Leda as well as the others, which is unfortunate because I like them the best. I know there are more books in the series, and I'm excited to read them. Hopefully Leda and Hunter will make extended cameos. show less