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Born of darkness, the ultimate army has been unleashed. The only hope lies in destroying the source—before all life is extinguished. Fate has chosen Elseerian for the impossible feat, but as he embarks on the harrowing journey the invasion must be delayed. With time as their only weapon against extinction, the elves issue a desperate call . . . for every race to ally. Facing annihilation, many will realize that survival lies in unity, courage sleeps in ordinary citizens, and average people can turn the tide of war.
The Gathering has begun.
The Gathering has begun.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2012
56 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Ben Hale
50 books352 followersAs an avid snowboarder from Utah, Ben grew up with a passion for learning. This thirst for knowledge led him to sports, music, and academic endeavors. After a year of college, he did volunteer work in Brazil and became fluent in three languages. Graduating from the University of Central Florida, he started and ran several successful businesses before publishing his first novel in June of 2012. By the end of the year he'd sold almost ten thousand copies of The Second Draeken War, and he began writing full-time. Now spanning 10,000 years, ten titles, and two series, The Chronicles of Lumineia represents a sprawling YA series that has sold over fifty thousand copies, and continues to expand its readership across all ages. Each of his books has been inspired by his wonderful wife and five beautiful children.
To contact the author, discover more about Lumineia, or find out about upcoming novels, check out his website at Lumineia.com. You can also follow Ben on twitter @ BenHale8 or on Facebook.
To contact the author, discover more about Lumineia, or find out about upcoming novels, check out his website at Lumineia.com. You can also follow Ben on twitter @ BenHale8 or on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 2, 2016
The same as the first book. The characters are becoming very likeable good writing skill, wordsmithing. The plot is sometimes simple, though not all of it. The villains are borrowed but interesting (The riders of the apocalypse). Reminiscent of the Dragon Lance books as well.
February 23, 2015
The book cover has a very nice gothic fantasy art look to the book. I give this book 5 stars.
February 8, 2016
I tore through this book, worriedly looking down at the progress bar on my Kindle which seemed to scurry across the screen too quickly. It took a lot of discipline to finish my other book before diving into this, as I couldn't wait to see what happened next after book one. This book picks up RIGHT after the end of book 1, as the characters begin to face the coming onslaught that was shunted so far to the background of the first book that I hardly remembered it.
This book is derivative of several books that I've read. The druid-animal bonding, the "tour" of the land to gather the different races, the Druss-the-legend defense against impossible odds.. but again, I really enjoyed it. As in the first book, there were several instances where I thought I could foresee cliched problems that would arise, especially with Broan. These problems seem almost like they HAVE to come up, but the author, again, really just skirts by it without apology. I enjoy that sort of straight-ahead story-telling. It may sound like a criticism, but it really isn't. I enjoy that the characters are powerful and capable, and as the books go on, I think it plays into the theme that everyone is important and has a purpose. Broan and Taryn and the rest of the characters aren't there by chance, but rather there by design. That pre-assumption allows Hale to have things go just right for them without it feeling too Deus ex machina-y since obviously there is indeed a higher power tugging at strings.
I thought that maybe the book was glossing a little too much over the strain of the situation on the characters, but by the end I thought it was handled well as both Broan and Taryn are definitely feeling the weight of responsibility and all of the lives counting on them to produce. That self-doubt, the stress, and yet the irrepressible attraction that blooms despite the calamity heading their way all help to make the characters more human. The small acts of heroism that went unsung, the sacrifice of so many to try and buy time for others were touching and put a face to the cost of the war beyond abstract numbers.
I can't wait for the next book. I'm hoping to see more of the Sri Rosen masters, more of the three remaining Horsemen (of course), and more dragons. And.. will the conflict end like we'd expect at this point? I'm looking forward to the next book in December.
This book is derivative of several books that I've read. The druid-animal bonding, the "tour" of the land to gather the different races, the Druss-the-legend defense against impossible odds.. but again, I really enjoyed it. As in the first book, there were several instances where I thought I could foresee cliched problems that would arise, especially with Broan. These problems seem almost like they HAVE to come up, but the author, again, really just skirts by it without apology. I enjoy that sort of straight-ahead story-telling. It may sound like a criticism, but it really isn't. I enjoy that the characters are powerful and capable, and as the books go on, I think it plays into the theme that everyone is important and has a purpose. Broan and Taryn and the rest of the characters aren't there by chance, but rather there by design. That pre-assumption allows Hale to have things go just right for them without it feeling too Deus ex machina-y since obviously there is indeed a higher power tugging at strings.
I thought that maybe the book was glossing a little too much over the strain of the situation on the characters, but by the end I thought it was handled well as both Broan and Taryn are definitely feeling the weight of responsibility and all of the lives counting on them to produce. That self-doubt, the stress, and yet the irrepressible attraction that blooms despite the calamity heading their way all help to make the characters more human. The small acts of heroism that went unsung, the sacrifice of so many to try and buy time for others were touching and put a face to the cost of the war beyond abstract numbers.
I can't wait for the next book. I'm hoping to see more of the Sri Rosen masters, more of the three remaining Horsemen (of course), and more dragons. And.. will the conflict end like we'd expect at this point? I'm looking forward to the next book in December.
April 17, 2015
The Gathering is what the title indicates : A gathering.
All the races (and there's quite a lot of them) : Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Giants, Orcs, Gnomes, Amazons, Barbarians, Trolls...(must have forgotten one or two but anyway) must gather in the impregnable capital city of the Elves, Azerthorn, before the armies of Draeken (some demi-god also known as the god of chaos) attack.
The Oracle (an Elf woman) has put a 15 y/o boy, Braon, in charge of organizing the defenses of the city. Not any 15 y/o boy. A genius in strategy. I must say that I have liked all the parts where Braon was involved.
Meanwhile, Taryn (accompanied by a few others) must reach Draeken and kill him before all the races of Lumineia are annihilated (reminded me of Frodo's quest...without the ring).
There were also chapters dealing with random people (on their way to the Elven city) encountering the vanguard of the black army. It was a nice perspective as it allowed us to have a picture of what was happening outside the city and the advance of the said army. I guess these people (well, those who have not died...because there are plenty -too many- who did not make it to the city) will have an important part to play in the final book.
All in all, in was an interesting book. The writing was still a bit awkward here and there but much improved compared to the first book of this trilogy. Some improbabilities and happy coincidences (the rolling eyes kind of coincidences) were also still there but it didn't spoil the fun.
Well, on to Seven Days now.
All the races (and there's quite a lot of them) : Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Giants, Orcs, Gnomes, Amazons, Barbarians, Trolls...(must have forgotten one or two but anyway) must gather in the impregnable capital city of the Elves, Azerthorn, before the armies of Draeken (some demi-god also known as the god of chaos) attack.
The Oracle (an Elf woman) has put a 15 y/o boy, Braon, in charge of organizing the defenses of the city. Not any 15 y/o boy. A genius in strategy. I must say that I have liked all the parts where Braon was involved.
Meanwhile, Taryn (accompanied by a few others) must reach Draeken and kill him before all the races of Lumineia are annihilated (reminded me of Frodo's quest...without the ring).
There were also chapters dealing with random people (on their way to the Elven city) encountering the vanguard of the black army. It was a nice perspective as it allowed us to have a picture of what was happening outside the city and the advance of the said army. I guess these people (well, those who have not died...because there are plenty -too many- who did not make it to the city) will have an important part to play in the final book.
All in all, in was an interesting book. The writing was still a bit awkward here and there but much improved compared to the first book of this trilogy. Some improbabilities and happy coincidences (the rolling eyes kind of coincidences) were also still there but it didn't spoil the fun.
Well, on to Seven Days now.
February 9, 2014
Elseerian's develops even more in this 2nd book of the series. He is a very unlikely hero of this series, never wants to draw attention to himself and is now beginning to acknowledge he may have feelings for a fellow fighter. Ben Hale takes this story in a direction that gets the entire World ready for battle against a Very Evil Army threatening the extinction of all races. I personally LOVE the character Jack (a thief, but VERY needed in this fight) I love how Ben developed the "General" of the Army and how he comes to earn all of the races respect despite his age...and OH my, the Phoenix, is AMAZING=I am in love with this series-next to Kendall Grey's "Just Breathe" UF series and Kevin Hearne's "Iron Druid" UF series - I have my top 3 UF series NOW!!!
Warning though: I never like it when a main character is loss in any book and one of Fav's does loose his life - and I did cry....
Listening to this book was like sitting down and watching a really good movie, thank you, Ben!!!
Warning though: I never like it when a main character is loss in any book and one of Fav's does loose his life - and I did cry....
Listening to this book was like sitting down and watching a really good movie, thank you, Ben!!!
October 15, 2013
The book picks up where first book left ,
Lots of lovely plots some predictable some not.
Broan grows in stature and becomes a real commander.
Taryn for me was a disappointment apart from few fights.
Oracle & Gaze are the real hero for me .
There was no need to add romantic angles buts thats ok does not harm the story
The kind of races brought together was nice.
I would love to give this book 4.5 , giving 5 because i kind of love the pace and story flow.
Lots of lovely plots some predictable some not.
Broan grows in stature and becomes a real commander.
Taryn for me was a disappointment apart from few fights.
Oracle & Gaze are the real hero for me .
There was no need to add romantic angles buts thats ok does not harm the story
The kind of races brought together was nice.
I would love to give this book 4.5 , giving 5 because i kind of love the pace and story flow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2012
My thoughts on this book are positive thoughts. The book is well written and I'm enjoying the story...
June 22, 2023
The second instalment of the Chronicles of Lumineia is a typical middle book of a trilogy which this originally was. Book 1 provided the detail and background for the coming conflict, whilst this book, has the key characters travelling to the kingdoms of Lumineia to convince the races to gather at Azertorn whilst those left at the elf stronghold, start to prepare the defences for the upcoming battle, they have been told by the Oracle that it will last a maximum of 7 days so if Teryn cannot kill Draeken before the end of day 7 then the world is lost.
There is limited action within this story as it is more geo-political story of trying to convince races that do not always see eye to eye of the need to fight together, in order to save Lumineia. There is the political manoeuvring of those trying to lead the battle and to command away from the young human strategist that the Oracle has placed in command.
The book moves at a reasonable pace for the plot being developed and we do find out a lot about the key characters and their motivations.
Looking forward to the big battle in book 3
There is limited action within this story as it is more geo-political story of trying to convince races that do not always see eye to eye of the need to fight together, in order to save Lumineia. There is the political manoeuvring of those trying to lead the battle and to command away from the young human strategist that the Oracle has placed in command.
The book moves at a reasonable pace for the plot being developed and we do find out a lot about the key characters and their motivations.
Looking forward to the big battle in book 3
August 12, 2024
I listened to Elseerian, the first book in the Chronicles of Luminea, back in March of this year and I wish I hadn’t allowed so much time to pass before starting the second audiobook. I did feel that the first 5 chapters or so really required my full attention for me to become reinvested in the story, but once I was hooked again I had no problem staying attentive when listening!
Some of my favorite aspects of this second installment were the introduction of new interesting characters and the battle strategies being implemented in preparation for the final battle that will take place in book three. I also loved continuing to watch relationships between our main characters blossom and become deeper. There were even some moments that definitely tugged at my heartstrings and made me tear up!
With the impending battle on the horizon to begin book three, I definitely will not be waiting another five/six months to finish this trilogy!
Some of my favorite aspects of this second installment were the introduction of new interesting characters and the battle strategies being implemented in preparation for the final battle that will take place in book three. I also loved continuing to watch relationships between our main characters blossom and become deeper. There were even some moments that definitely tugged at my heartstrings and made me tear up!
With the impending battle on the horizon to begin book three, I definitely will not be waiting another five/six months to finish this trilogy!
November 3, 2021
Summary: Traditional high fantasy, well written, great descriptions and action. This book continues where the first left off, although get a bit predictable and unlikely
Plotline: A lot of time setting the context before we get down to the serious business of an overwhelming evil to be defeated. Entertaining.
Premise: Generally seems to work, but not given much detail yet
Writing: Everything is a bit too black and white. The good are really good, the evil are really evil, the heroes are completely heroic. All a bit too simplistic.
Ending: All set for book 3
Pace: Never a dull moment!
Plotline: A lot of time setting the context before we get down to the serious business of an overwhelming evil to be defeated. Entertaining.
Premise: Generally seems to work, but not given much detail yet
Writing: Everything is a bit too black and white. The good are really good, the evil are really evil, the heroes are completely heroic. All a bit too simplistic.
Ending: All set for book 3
Pace: Never a dull moment!
September 9, 2018
Good book , good adventure
I was impressed with the quality of the writing for this book. The depth of the main characters was helpful.
I was impressed with the quality of the writing for this book. The depth of the main characters was helpful.
December 4, 2018
Definitely better than the 1st book! The pacing gets better and you'll find yourself attached to the characters out of nowhere.
November 23, 2021
This will make you read book 3
May 10, 2019
I’m really enjoying this trilogy. Glad I met Ben and he told me he was an author. I like his characters
January 28, 2014
Better then the first, but every time I read "wince" I wince as well.
This book was almost like another book 1, it setup the final book perfectly. Introducing new characters, those that are going to play a large role in the upcoming battle...maybe a little too many characters, an Index would be nice. These little side stories though are what move this book along, seeing how everyone is reacting to the end of the world. It's a interesting way to present it, the one chapter "The Unknown Hero" stands out for me.
Frodo I mean Taryn and co. are on their way to Mount Doom and encounter many other races on their way who they direct to the final battleground...and the company finally realizes that "one does not simply just walk into Mordor"...not with hundreds of thousands of fiends in the way.
I was kind of hoping to see Taryn in Azerton for the coming battle..but oh well, onto book 3!!
This book was almost like another book 1, it setup the final book perfectly. Introducing new characters, those that are going to play a large role in the upcoming battle...maybe a little too many characters, an Index would be nice. These little side stories though are what move this book along, seeing how everyone is reacting to the end of the world. It's a interesting way to present it, the one chapter "The Unknown Hero" stands out for me.
I was kind of hoping to see Taryn in Azerton for the coming battle..but oh well, onto book 3!!
January 3, 2013
Another good book. I'm really getting intersted in the characters and learning more about the individual backstories. The ones I have learned about so far have been great. One of my favorite things about the story is the way the little side-stories are handled. The author does a great job of including the bits that are relevant to the story, and excluding the pieces that would not benefit the reader. I wish more authors would do this. Helps keeps the story flowing at a very fast pace.
November 30, 2014
I don't know what it is about these books, but I absolutely love them. I think a lot of it has to do with the narrator, as his different voices and his smooth cadence really bring you into the story. This isn't a book for the impatient, though. It is, quite literally, about the preparation of war. There are some wonderful character moments, but don't expect the war to begin even by the end of the book. That has been, apparently, saved for book 3 (which I'll be purchasing right away).
July 25, 2015
The second installment in this trilogy is both fantastic and fast paced. Considering it is a middle novel, Hale told the story of the Gathering itself. At first I thought it was a cliffhanger; I then realized the story he chose to tell, within a greater epic, was finished and a new story begins the next book. I can't wait to read the conclusion of this phenomenal trilogy!
August 5, 2016
Brilliant sequel. Hale's description of how the Oracle gathers races to beat the Dark army is imaginative, original, and well paced. He ought to change his editor though. Grammatical errors are a turn off. Now off to complete the trilogy.
February 2, 2013
Not the best of the series but worth getting so you can get to the final book
December 23, 2015
What a ride!?! And the war is right around the corner!!!
August 10, 2016
Overall score: 3.5 stars.
Connection to the main characters: 3.25 stars.
World(s) portrayed: 2.5 stars.
Magic system: 2.5 stars.
Depth: 3 stars.
Connection to the main characters: 3.25 stars.
World(s) portrayed: 2.5 stars.
Magic system: 2.5 stars.
Depth: 3 stars.
November 18, 2016
The rest of the story
This really helped to fill in what happened with the rest of the world was during the war. I enjoyed reading this book!! It expands the whole story.
This really helped to fill in what happened with the rest of the world was during the war. I enjoyed reading this book!! It expands the whole story.
November 4, 2012
Writing is improving. Looking forward to the next.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews