This book is crazy good and kind of all over the place. You seriously will get everything you could possibly want in a paranormal…evil vs. good, magic, hell, faeries, and so much more. At first I was confused as to how it all is going to come together but Fiore wrapped this book up perfectly. Everything and everyone in this story has a purpose even if you think it’s something small…I promise, you will be amazed.

The characters were very well thought out and likable. You want to know their backstory and Fiore writes them and presents them in such a way that you will only get small doses of them….making you delirious with need. Ivy is a mystery in and of herself; she’s not quite human but she’s something no one can name. She doesn’t know much and can’t remember important facts at first, but you’ll understand why by the end. I loved the mystery surrounding her, but I loved who and what she was even more. Fiore has the way of drawing you in and seriously knocking your socks off.

The overall plot was out of this world good. It was fast paced and shown to us little by little….just enough to understand what’s going on at the time but not enough to fully grasp the overall concept. You will literally feel like you’re a part of some twisted game…trying to put all the pieces together but knowing you’ll never get it right. I loved it all. I was confused, intrigued, and down right amazed at how this book plays out. I honestly think it’s one of her best books yet and I’m so anxious to get my hands on the next in the series.

After finishing this book, I have to say I'm still really unsure about it.
When I read the blurb and saw the cover I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. It started off OK but then kind of feel flat. And it wasn't what I was epxecting at all. There were parts of the story I loved and then parts that I didn't.

The story didn't feel like it connected. I felt like I started reading one story then jumped into another. Maybe the author changed the way they were going to take the story, but it just didn't flow for me and that ruined my reading experience because I couldn't get lost in the book like I would like it. I would get distracted very easily from it.

There were so many characters and POV's that I couldn't remember and connect to any of them. And the weird family tree at the end just confused the hell out of me.

Overall it was a OK, but not really my cup of tea.

Oh wow! I read this book with zero expectations and even if I did have them, Fiore would have bypassed them all effortlessly! <em>The Gathering</em> was a first time read by this author. And I'll be honest and say that I was totally judging the book by its cover in the best possible way. And then I was sold once I read the synopsis!

Fiore blew me away this one and I just can't stop thinking about it. Plus, I was left completely hungry for more.

First of all, don't start this at night... I didn't expect to be scared as I was reading and well I sure was in for a treat. But I surprised myself because I kept reading, all while checking every corner of my room. And that's just one thing to touch on, despite some things I may not like to read in a book, she has that ability to keep you captivated and wanting to read more.

This book really did cover everything that I love in a PNR/romance without things going overboard and getting all jumbled. This story deals with the past, present and future. I was so in awe in how Fiore was able to weave this haunting, suspenseful, and romantic tale together so perfectly.

Ivy really pulled me in from the very beginning. Between her thoughts and dreams, all are just snippets of what she can't quite piece together, but they're all extremely familiar like it was a long lost friend. I'm not going to lie, I was begging for the romance part to kick in sooner than later. But in the end, I can't say that I didn't mind the pace she chose for their love story.

Why?

Because Ivy and Bain's love story is something that has surpassed time, lifetimes even. It's raw, emotional and never-ending. Not even death can keep them apart. It's actually quite tragic the journey of love has taken them on. But all so very beautiful and amazing.

The mystery and suspense, just adds on another level that keeps you hooked! While Ivy is trying to piece the happenings in her town, she's got memories to work through as well. Everything is part of a bigger picture that she hasn't figured out yet. And the balance of the world is thrown off and she may be the answer to it all.

I'm telling you, it's nearly impossible to write a spoiler-free review. So much happens and it all ties up rather nicely in the end. Bain and Ivy are EVERYTHING. And it has been a while where I've been completely engrossed in two character's love for one another. It's so deep that you will literally feel it to the depths of your soul.

Fiore, you wrote a damn amazing book! I'm such a fan and can't wait for the next one!

Highest recommendations, so buy it... ASAP!

4 stars

The intricacies of this book and the camaraderie even in no understanding the full scope of the conflict and just driven by gut feeling and memories are enough to fuel an epic battle. Ivy and Bain are connected to a cellular and spiritual level that they couldn’t even understand and the union was sweet. Their ups and downs are the basis for an epic love story. The supernatural is not in the paranormal of this story but in the intensity of their love.

Laura - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

This is spooky read just in time for Halloween. I absolutely loved reading this book and can't wait to read more from this author.

L.A Fiore has written a timeless paranormal love story. I was absolutely drawn into this book from the first page. It is a beautifully written love story that transcends time and which comes out of all the bloodshed throughout the story and gives you goosebumps reading it.

I absolutely devoured Ivy and Bain’s story, their love is what fairytales are made of. The mix of characters was set up perfectly with the gruesome plot of mayhem and murders. The story is set during Mardi Gras in New Orleans and that’s when the fight between light and darkness comes forth with all the nightly creatures from Vampires to Lycans, gods and goddesses.

Ivy and Bain have to endure mystical barriers and creatures out there which want to keep them apart. I’m not going to go too much into this brilliant story but for all you paranormal fans this is the first book of the series and I seriously cannot wait to see what the author brings next. Just don’t read this in the dark!!!!

I really don’t know were to begin with writing this review! When you have read everything by a particular author, and you automatically read her books without reading the blurb, and then she drops a paranormal, it's definitely one way to catch me off guard. Paranormal is typically something I would never pick up. However, I’m so excited I did because L.A. Fiore has opened my eyes to a world of darkness and light. Two different worlds collide. I was so incredibly intrigued. The Gathering is truly an amazing story.

I knew I was reading a fabulous story because I felt chills running down my spine while I was reading. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I really can’t say enough about Ivy’s story, and L.A. Fiore has done an incredible job bringing this story to life. Be afraid of what’s lurking in the dark. I read this so slowly because I didn’t want to miss a thing. I love how the darkness was blended with each character. Ivy and Bain have a unique romance. Honestly, I’m excited for the next book. I wish I could have given it more than 5 stars.

Omg this book😱😍😭

This is the first book by a new arthur for me that as soon as I read the blurb for this book I knew I had to get my grubby lil hands on it and so worth much more than 5⭐'s.

This book was absolutely captivating, phenomenal and so many twists and turns it was just plain amazing. What a way to kick off the Halloween month than a book that has magic, witches, vampires, lycans, fairies and even the devil makes an appearance and so many more. It has all my favorite thing's I love reading about. I'm still blown away by this book it drew me in from the start and I couldn't flip pages fast enough to find out what happened next and believe me there's plenty. This is definitely a must read & one book that is so worth reading about.


This is just my opinion and my voluntary review

Absolutely amazing! L.A. Fiore certainly stepped out of her comfort zone on this one! I can't wait to see what she does next in the series!

xceptional!!
Paranormal reads aren’t my automatic got to genre. However, every now and then, I’ll go ahead and indulge because of the #author!
Such was the case with The Gathering!
The author masterfully gave a read that was captivating, dark, and suspenseful. This story was a real page turner, and I quickly learned to expect the unexpected.
This book can be thoroughly enjoyed by anyone and if you’re not a fan of paranormal, you will be after reading it. If you are a fan of paranormal then you’re in for a real treat!
The story flowed nicely and the plot was exciting and intriguing. There are subtle clues everywhere, and the twists and turns had me flying through the pages to see what was happening next!
An added bonus was the intricate details of the story as well as the beautiful illustrations in the pages, giving us clues as to what was going on in the scene!
This was a good old fashion fun read!

I found The Gathering a little hard to get into. It was complicated at first. Although the writing was lovely, and the characters extremely interesting, I had a hard time keeping track of who was who and what was happening in the story.
Ivy was so interesting and so confusing. I felt there was more to her story than maybe was written about in the beginning.

The Gathering has a haunting feel from the very beginning and the mix of paranormal and thriller is well done. There are a number of characters to figure out as the story progresses, but the author does a good job of keeping them distinct. I did have a bit of trouble with Ivy. Her chapters are somewhat scattered and even disjointed at times. Of course, that fits perfectly with her circumstances, but it was disconcerting for me, and she does have a considerable amount of page time. That aside, when I think about the sheer amount of time and effort that had to have gone into plotting this story, I'm amazed at how well it all came together. So much happens along the way that I feel like any details would lead to spoilers, so suffice it to say that The Gathering fits perfectly in the Halloween season. It's haunting and creepy, and it certainly keeps you on your toes. In the end, there were things I liked and things I struggled with, but this one is certainly worth the read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Words like unnatural and impure started the whispers. From the very beginning, Ivy Blackwood was different. She was only a child when she was accused of setting the fire, one she passively watched engulf the small house she had called home. Her fingertips burned and her hair singed. Some who watched her crossed themselves, convinced she was soulless for she showed no emotion at all. Calm and dispassionate, even when the screaming started that quickly turned to bellow of agony before dying into nothing but the roaring fire. She was locked away where she couldn't bring harm to herself or others. To all involved, they had protected the world from a monster, but sometimes tings are not what they may seem.

Holy WOW!!!! What a book. I will be the first to admit that I do not normally read paranormal books. There just not my thing but I am a fan of L.A. Fiore. I love her books so I gave this one a shot. I can say that it really cheeped me out a time or two but even then I was so into it I wasn't going to lay it down. Since I am not a paranormal reader and am not sure what most of them are about I will say that there is no way that this book doesn't have something in it that you like about paranormal books. You have fairies, Satan himself, witches, werewolves, shifter's,vampires, he$$ hounds. You name it and I about but you that you are going to find them in this book. This is a book about good and evil and the balance that is needed for earth to keeps it's balance and the girl that seems to hold it all together. In this book your going to meet a lot of characters and your going to fall in love with so many of them. The book takes place in New Orleans and there you meet the sheriff who is suddenly finding the oddest murders he has ever seen. This is the beginning of the puzzle and putting all the pieces together. There too is a love story and I do mean a love story that spans the ages and never fades. It is love in its purest form. I am so in love with Ivy and Bain and you are going to root for them with every fiber of your being. For a girl who isn't to into the paranormal books I really like this one and I can't wait to see what the next one brings. But don't worry. This book does not end on a cliffhanger it is just left to where you know there is more to come.

5 GRIPPING STARS!! OMG, this is not my genre I normally read and I am so glad stepped outside of my comfort zone. I could not put this book down, it was so good and interesting. The storyline was so gripping it kept pulling me into the story and would not let go. I can't wait for the next book to come out.

L.A. Fiore can write anything, and write it well!

I love when I come across a blurb for a story that sparks my interest, especially when it's from a genre that I don't typically read. L.A. Fiore captured my full attention with The Gathering, and I had a hard time putting this one down.

There was a lot going on in the beginning, the first time meeting Ivy, the kids that went missing, then being introduced to Josiah. I had to go back and re-read certain parts just so I made sure I didn't miss anything. Fiore is very detailed oriented with her writing and everything had a purpose. How she plotted and planned everything just blows me away!If you missed something, though, it was easy to get confused.

Having finished, I'm not sure I'd classify this as a paranormal read, because I could see The Gathering on the shelf next to a King novel. The twists, the mystery, the suspense, the intensity--the depth of this story is so incredible, you'll get goosebumps when you read it. But what I loved most was that I was consumed.

L.A. Fiore, thank you for this amazing story!

This book was very well thought out, although some of the tense changes from chapter to chapter threw me off at first. I really enjoyed hanging out and getting to know these characters. They are all so complex and interesting. The story of Ivy Blackwood has a long history, and getting to just dive in and see where it took me was a lot of fun. It's not the most polished book I've ever read, but it held my mind captive and that is what matters.

This book is difficult for me to rate, there were bits that I loved and bits that just didn't do it for me so I have given it 3 stars.

I found this really difficult to get into but I did find myself enjoying the thriller aspect of this book more than the paranormal side of it. This story jumped about a bit and for me felt a bit random, like the author had started going in one direction and then changed half way through.

There were lots of different POV and characters names that I had difficulty keeping up with who was who.

Overall it was an OK read, it just wasn't for me unfortunately.

Where to begin! LA Fiore can definitely make your heart stutter and then beat faster and faster with this book. Hypnotizing and haunting. I couldn't look away. The pain ,the fear and intense emotions all rolled into each chapter. Memory can be our best feature or our worst nightmare. Unfortunately for Ivy I think it was a little bit of both. Such a strong and courageous woman. Definitely 5 brilliantly blazing stars for this one!!

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The Gathering
(Ivy Blackwood Chronicles #1)
by L.A. Fiore (Goodreads Author)
4.67 · Rating details · 43 Ratings · 38 Reviews
Words like unnatural and impure started the whispers.

From the very beginning, Ivy Blackwood was different. She was only a child when she was accused of setting the fire, one she passively watched engulf the small house she had called home. Her fingertips burned and her hair singed. Some who watched her crossed themselves, convinced she was soulless for she showed no emotio ...more
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Expected publication: October 12th 2018
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesIvy Blackwood Chronicles #1
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October 10, 2018 – Finished Reading 2 Show more
Review I was originally drawn to this book after reading the blurb, it really intrigued me as it gave me just enough information to get the paranormal lover in me excited and the cover of this book is truly stunning. This story surprisingly isn't what I was expecting at all and I must mention that I feel like it jumped around a lot for the first few chapters but once I got fully immersed into the plot things all started to fall into place and I really liked the direction of where the story was going.
It's set in New Orleans during Marci Gras, featuring murders, mayhem and the gathering of hunters, vampires, witches and demons and an all powerful evil that is trying to enter our human world. Sheriff of New Orleans Josiah Abiviny and his deputy Cyril Gaudet while trying to solve recent murders uncover a connection with a case from the past where a young girl called Ivy Blackwood was taken to an hospital for the mentally ill called Misty Vale some twenty years ago after she supposedly started a house fire in which her foster parents died. Her connection is claw like marks on her neck that resemble those of the recent murder victims, only she doesn't know how she got them.
There is lots of interwoven twists in this story that I never saw coming and after some questions were answered it left me with a lot more questions I wanted even more answers to. It's a very unique story with plenty of action and it kept me gripped to the very end. It's a paranormal lovers dream and I enjoyed it very much. I'm looking forward to where LA Fiore will take the story and it's characters in the next book in this series.

I was drawn to this book for two reasons: 1 - L.A. Fiore’s name because this woman writes such incredible stories and 2 - the beautiful cover. I think it’s best you (the reader) also go into this book blindly. I speculate it’s the best way for this story to grab you and consume you.

This was a spellbinding story to get lost in. I knew it was different going into it so I kept my mind opened as I began reading. I’ll be honest, at first I was like whaaaaat is happening here?! and I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. As more of the story started to unfold, I was quickly drawn into Ivy’s journey.

Ivy and Bain have a special bond. It’s a love like no other. I enjoyed the way in which this story was told, how the bits and pieces were uncovered and the puzzle started making sense to both the reader and the characters. I was captivated and didn’t know which way L.A. Fiore was going to lead me next. This was not a book I could have even remotely figured out and I enjoyed the journey this amazing book took me on. However, this was a book that once it grabbed me, it didn’t let me go. I couldn’t read it fast enough and I didn’t want it to be over. Do yourself a favor and don’t miss this book!