Gathering of the Four: Book One of the Serrulata Saga by A.E. Bennett
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by the author. Gathering of the Four is the first book in the Serrulata Saga. The author knows their way around words. I will be looking forward to the next book.
Leora is tired of being at home. She learns that her parents have plans for her. Plans she isn’t comfortable with. So instead of sticking around she runs. On her run she finds three others and together they make a family of their own. The quote I chose for Leora is: “I fell coming back the first time.”
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Kimblehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Kimble2022-10-03 15:29:192022-10-05 07:15:49Gathering of the Four (Serrulata Saga #1) by A.E. Bennett-Review by Amanda Kimble
Leora of Mae is a young woman of nineteen and only half a year from her majority when she can decide her own future, leave the home she has grown up in and the family who has raised her since she was orphaned at a young age. The father was kind to her and didn’t treat her with the same contempt which his wife and her son, as well as the rest of the inhabitants of Mae, this is because she is Xanthi and because of this and the fact that she can wield Xancraft, she was ostracised, but when she overhears a conversation that they were going to sell her, she uses that craft and escapes, running as far and as quickly as she can because if she doesn’t the alternative is being sold into Servantry and losing her freedom, followed by her life.
Leora knows that she is breaking the Edicts of the Realm, but has no idea what that means until she is put into danger when she is found, but when she uses her Xancraft, she breaks the cardinal Edict “Every citizen knows their place”, but one good thing comes of it, she meets a fellow traveller, Roland Shallowbrook of Charm City and a member of the Thieves Road. As they travel together, they try and stay under the radar by travelling through the woods and relying on their wits and skills, however, when they run into fellow travellers Lady Aurora Verte, a member of the gentry class and Sir Leopold, a White Rider with a secret, they learn that they are not the only ones hiding in plain sight.
As the Hale-Bopp Comet grace’s the sky above these four travellers have to learn to trust each other and embark on a journey none expected, but will they be able to keep from letting their emotions cloud their judgement, or will prejudice and past experiences tear them apart? This is a fantasy adventure where strangers have to work together to survive when they are thrown together in the most unusual of circumstances, in this engaging and addictive story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2022-10-03 14:26:322022-10-05 07:15:22Gathering of the Four: Book One of the Serrulata Saga by A.E. Bennett – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
Engaging dystopian adventure An unexpected intriguing read. I was hooked from page one and read late into the night. The world building was amazing and the storyline original. The reader is taken on a dystopian adventure alongside Leora, Roland, Aurora and Leopold as they navigate the Realm in order to survive. There was magic, action, a journey, and witty dialogue throughout the pages and I enjoyed every moment. I am eagerly looking forward to Book 2 of this saga.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2022-10-02 21:53:012022-10-05 07:23:00Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book 1) by A.E. Bennett – Review by Rayne East
This book was a fantastic read. It was a fast and smooth read. It followed along the typical civilization ended and a new civilization began trope but brought its own twist. I loved getting to really know the four main characters as their development and growth throughout the book was wonderfully written. Leora proved that when placed in the worst circumstances, it is all about how you overcome to be the best you can be. Roland found himself falling for the most unlikely of people and grew to be a hero instead of the thief. Aurora is proof that looks don’t simply define a person and her wit and intellect are top of the line. Finally Leopold truly funds himself against all odds and everything he has been taught and ultimately finds his inner emotions and cares for those around him. These four unlikely characters come together to help lead the next revolution. There are so many twists and turns in this book that the ending will make you wanting for more. I cannot wait for book two.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Glaspiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Glaspie2022-10-02 21:12:252022-10-05 07:16:54Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book 1) by A.E. Bennett – Review by Amanda Glaspie
This is a very well written sci-fi novel set in post-apocalyptic times, which I just couldn’t put down. The author did an amazing job of creating an original world full of unique and complex characters. Even with the magical elements, the story had such elements of realism to it. I loved getting to see how Leora, Roland, Aurora, and Leopold all came together and seeing their character development. The story weaves through their past histories and their different secrets as they continue through their journey. It’s a fantastic story with plenty of action, magic, love, and drama. The first book does a great job of setting the stage for a great series! Definitely can’t wait to read the next book so I can see what happens next!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Haller-Dorishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Haller-Doris2022-10-02 20:52:072022-10-05 07:16:43Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book 1) by A.E. Bennett – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris
Great book, fast paced, where science fiction and fantasy come together. Great characters with great descriptive scenes to engage you in the book. The author does a great job of drawing you in and allowing you to keep pace throughout. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Would recommend this book to anyone who likes to be carried away into a fantasy far far away. Gathering of the Four by A.E. Bennett My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great book, fast paced, where science fiction and fantasy come together. Great characters with great descriptive scenes to engage you in the book. The author does a great job of drawing you in and allowing you to keep pace throughout. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Would recommend this book to anyone who likes to be carried away into a fantasy far far away.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ninahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNina2022-10-02 18:02:072022-10-05 07:09:59Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book 1) by A.E. Bennett – Review by Nina Maes
I like finding new authors. This is the first book by this author I have read and although not my usual genre I was not let down. It is a book for mature audiences so be warned. I found that the author had created a very unique world and really brought the characters to life. I really felt as though I was right in the midst of the drama.
I did find some of the subject matter a little hard to read but I give credit where credit is due as even with the subject matter it was not off putting. I am more than willing to read more from this author as well as the series. I just also want to just remind every one once again that it is a mature audience book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Caralee Loonathttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCaralee Loonat2022-10-02 09:40:492022-10-02 13:08:30Gathering of Four ( The Serrulata Saga Book 1) by A.E. Bennett – Review by Caralee Loonat
Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book 1) by A.E. Bennett. This was a great start to the Serulata Saga Book 1. It about Leora who is being raised on a farm and learning to use her magic. Leora soon learns she is adopted and her family is about to a sell her into servantry so she runs away. Leora also has yellow eyes and abilities that include changing her appearance and healing. As she runs away she runs into some real characters! Aurora who is a refined Lady of the Gentry, and a solider named Leopold. Along the way they become fast friends and end up dealing with all kinds of mystery and suspense in a Post apocalyptic world. Will they all survive or will they be lost on the journey. Read this fast paced, romance, sci fi, dystopian story to find out!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2022-09-29 13:17:312022-10-02 12:33:03Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book 1) by A.E. Bennett – Review by Tausha Treadway
If you’re looking for a great page turning sci-fi book, this is definitely the one! I truly enjoyed that there was romance in this story (it’s not always included in fantasy or science fiction) and I was impressed with the friendships were well developed for a sci-fi book. For the setting to take place about 2500 years in the future, it is a well written, well thought out book. I definitely want to see what happens next. I seriously can’t wait for book 2!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Mary E Espinozahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMary E Espinoza2022-09-28 21:15:162022-10-02 12:39:44Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book 1) by A.E. Bennett – Review by Mary Espinoza
This book is a great mixture of romance, sci-fi, drama, and comedy. You will immediately fall in love with the main characters even when you want to scream at them. This book keeps you guessing until the very last page. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Goodmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Goodman2022-09-19 21:27:112022-09-21 09:21:41Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book 1) by A.E. Bennett – Review by Heather Goodman
I will be honest. I really debated on picking up this novel due to it’s length. Typically, I try to read novels between 200-400 pages long, max, as usually they aren’t over done in the way of the tales woven, or the descriptiveness being overboard. I am very glad that I did pick this adventure up, and thoroughly enjoyed the historical dystopian feel that the author wove within it’s pages. It did take me a little while to really get into this story at the beginning, but once the ball got rolling, wow did it ever roll!
You can’t help but root for Leora, Roland, Aurora, and Leopold, this unlikely group come together to share their strength, beliefs, friendship, and wanton to get through what is to come. I absolutely love when folks of different classes come together to make things beautiful together, and this novel really did pull that one out of the hat. What a wonderful start to a very thorough series, not to mention intriguing. I cannot wait to follow this group into the next installment. You won’t be disappointed to put the time into this read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00AimstoReadhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAimstoRead2022-09-19 20:15:372022-09-21 09:19:56Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book 1) by A.E. Bennett – Review by Amy Brennan
This book is the first in a series, and I cannot wait until the next one comes out! It will be on my calendar! This book was unique in its story while still having a Hunger Games Capitol vibe. The main characters are Leora, Roland, Aurora, and Leopold. Each one has their own section with backstory and are quite different from each other. They come together to run from the evil sovereign, Alrich, along with his henchman, the White Riders. There is a bit of mystery about a Border and The Realm. It is hinted at, and I’m looking forward to those revelations in future books. The only downside, for me, was the unexpected explicit scenes in the later parts of the story. It didn’t add anything to the story, in my opinion. However, it was a fantastic book and well worth the read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecca Hillhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebecca Hill2022-09-15 13:56:522022-09-17 11:35:06Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book 1) by A.E. Bennett – Review by Rebecca Hill
Gathering of the Four is the first book in The Serrulata Saga by A.E. Bennett. I was excited to begin this adventure, as it ticked all the ingredients I love to find in a great sci-fi fantasy, but as it is the first book that I have read from this author I didn’t really know if she could deliver on the promise held in the synopsis. I needn’t have worried though, as she exceeded all my expectations, and then some. This is a complex, multi-layered, and cleverly woven story set in the distant future in a dystopian world. The adventure takes us on an action-packed ride with plenty of twists and turns, superb world-building, violence, spice, magic, friendship, family, and much more. We experience the story through several points of view, which really adds an extra element of interest to the whole storyline. I loved how original and unique this story is and I can’t wait to see where we go from here. Bring on Book #2!!! Happy Reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2022-09-13 23:20:112022-09-14 10:23:53Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book #1) by A.E. Bennett – Review by Angela Hayes
Post apocalyptic adventure awaits in this page turner of a novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and simply couldn’t put it down. If you are like me and find yourself glued to stories and simply can’t turn off the lights and go to sleep I recommend not reading this on a school or work night. I literally didn’t sleep and went to work still thinking about this story. The characters development and the strength of the storyline really adds up to an amazing fantastical tale that has you wanting more. A brilliant read for anyone who loves fantasy and adventure!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dahniellehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDahnielle2022-09-13 17:56:492022-09-15 08:10:20Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book 1) by A.E. Bennett – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert
Gathering of the Four is a very diverse book. I’m here for the LgBTQ moments! This story is set thousands of years from now in post apocalyptic America. The way the author writes has had me hypnotized and drawn into the book. The world building is phenomenal, and I love the little Easter eggs throughout the book. There are some “fresh” scenes in the story, meaning spicy! The use of magic and technology has me super geeked out! Obviously I have to read the next book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Cynthia Tuckhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCynthia Tuck2022-09-13 17:34:222022-09-15 08:10:12Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book 1) by A.E. Bennett – Review by Cynthia Tuck
What a fantastic book. This story pulls you in right from page one and doesn’t let go at all. the book is exciting and fast paced, taking you on a journey. A sci-fi book set in the future, the author does a great job of creating a post-apocalyptic world. It was easy to imagine and vivid in the description. I loved the blend of characters used as well. They all worked in their context and created a book with depth. This is a fantastic story and I can’t wait for book 2.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2022-09-13 14:40:322022-09-14 10:23:21Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book 1) by A.E. Bennett – Review by Kerry Baker
Gathering of the Four is a futuristic dystopian sci fi tale and the first book in this series. It is also my first read by this author and I really enjoyed the writing.
It is well crafted and cleverly woven together to draw the reader in. The world building and the narrative of the Realm gives us a whole picture of this post-apocalyptic world as each character is introduced. I love that we get the story told in multiple POVs showing the depth, backgrounds and stories of these compelling characters.
This intriguing and magical multi-layered adventure will have you wanting more. I enjoyed the fact that it was set in a future that is not usually the norm.
AE has set the stage and there are so many options to explore for future books so I very much look forward to future instalments!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2022-09-12 20:59:332022-09-14 10:30:04Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book 1) by A.E. Bennett – Review by Jenni Bishop
This is book 1 in The Serrulata Saga. I really enjoyed this fantasy adventure. This story is fast paced and engaging which keeps the reader hooked. The world building is amazing and the writing is so good that you can actually close your eyes and imagine you are witnessing things as they happen. Our four main characters Leora,Roland Shallowbrook, Lady Aurora Verte and the Leopold, are all uniquely different and they all have a story to tell. They all come from different ways of life but when they combined together it just works. Sometimes when there are so many main characters and back stories the book can get confusing but that wasn’t the case with this one. As well as fighting to protect themselves in the present day there is also secrets from the past as well. This story is full of magic, danger and adventure and I can’t wait to carry on their story in the next book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2022-09-12 07:39:562022-09-12 12:29:13Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book 1) by A.E. Bennett – Review by Kerry Carr
This was a read that gripped my heart and held it till I reached the final word on the final page! I could not put this book down! It gave a lot, and made my mind wonder as well as be intrigued all the way through!
I was taken in with the story, I love the different characters that were a part of the novel. Each was different, but what made them different greatly added to the complex attire of the story! I love the dystopian aspect to the story as well, and seeing the world for what it was, in a different light. I very much enjoyed the author’s writing. I was completely taken back by how they created and brought the story to life. Impressed? Yes I was. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to book 21 Honestly I loved this book!
Great and thrilling read. Not one that is easy to put down. You connect with the story and characters, and you don’t want to let go. For sure a high recommendation from myself for this must read adventure!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorrene Huismanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorrene Huisman2022-09-12 07:36:162022-09-12 13:33:20Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book 1) by A.E. Bennett – Review by Lorrene Huisman
What a fascinating and intriguing book! I found the characters so relatable due to their intricate and diverse qualities/personalities. The story is so well-written and engaging that I couldn’t put it down. I had to find out what happened next. I grew up learning about the Hale-Bopp Comet and it was cool to see it involved in a story. The action and drama in the story keeps you totally engaged. This is a story that I am excited to see develop more throughout the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2022-09-12 05:32:292022-09-12 12:29:48Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book 1) by A.E. Bennett – Review by Shelly Kittell
Leora of Mae is a young woman orphaned at birth and raised on a remote farm. As a wielder of Xanthcraft, her abilities set her apart from her adoptive family and the other villagers. Shortly before her twentieth birthday, she learns of her family’s plot to sell her into servitude.
Fearing for her life, she flees from the only home she’s ever known—defying societal conventions and breaking the edicts of the Realm. As she runs, Leora meets Roland Shallowbrook, a traveler on the Thieves’ Road; Lady Aurora Verte, daughter of a powerful member of the gentry; and the White Rider Leopold, a soldier with a secret.
Together, this found family will have to band together to survive.
Set in the distant future during the return of the Hale-Bopp comet, Gathering of the Four is the first book in The Serrulata Saga.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Gathering-Four-FINAL.jpg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-09-12 00:01:082022-09-26 21:26:22Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book 1) by A.E. Bennett
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