The Gathering — S.L. Dearing

The world we know is gone. There are no more countries, states, or cities. No more traditional government, police or military... only survivors, who have created a new world. It has been thirteen years since the last World War and the village of Lia Fail sits peacefully above the old Hollywood Reservoir in the Santa Monica Mountains. The colony is preparing to host the fall Gathering. Every six months, the Gathering occurs. A ten day celebration to remember the past, as well as reconnect with old friends, and family, but just as the festivities begin, people begin to experience strange things they can't explain: strange creatures in the forest, unseen forces attacking several guests, and the arrival of the ravens. When they receive news of a horrific massacre at a neighboring village, they realize they must face an impending darkness that threatens to destroy everything they hold dear. 

 Alia Stark, the queen of Lia Fail, must face this malevolent force alongside her oldest and dearest friends. The fate of her people, the lives of her children, and freedom itself hang in the balance. Will she have the courage to do what must be done… and at what price? This is the beginning of a journey that will change all of their lives forever. The Gathering: Book One of the Lia Fail Chronicles is the first in a new Paranormal, Fantasy, and Adventure Series. This book contains adult situations and is intended for a mature audience.