Book Review ~ "The Gathering" by Randy Lindsay

The Gathering: End's Beginning by Randy Lindsay
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Religion ~ Events leading to Second Coming of Christ
Source: Received to Review
Expected Publication: January 14, 2014

Book Description: 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.


My thoughts: Books that have an "end of days", "apocalypse", "second coming" theme have always been a weakness of mind.  There are many ways that an author can take a story line.  There are many avenues open to interpretation that make for a great read.

Randy Lindsay has written a book that is compelling and entertaining.  He caught my attention early in the story by having one of the main characters, Robert, heading home from his LDS mission early.  Robert hadn't disobeyed rules, and was confused by the early release. (My son leaves on a mission to Chile in less than two weeks.)  Robert is one of several young men leaving their missions early.  This is an immediate heads up that something is about to happen.

The story also follows the Secretary of State for the Unites States.  He is caught up in political wrangling.  Washington DC is in a terminal state of distrust.  Finger pointing and blame run rampant, and the US has had more terrorists attacks on US soil.  It appears as if the terrorists have changed tactics, distrust between parties and people could lead to Civil War.

I liked that he wrote the story from two different angles.  A family struggling in uncertain times and a politician trying to uncover the truth.  Both angles add depth to the story and pain a picture of a world in turmoil.

To me, this story was a great reminder to prepare myself intellectually, spiritually, and temporally for anything that may or may not happen in life.  It looks like we can expect more to come after this book, I'm looking forward to continuing the story in the next installment.

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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.