The Gathering, by Kelley Armstrong
Founded by a scientist, Maya’s small town is comprised almost exclusively by families associated with the scientific research facility. A year after her best friend mysteriously dies, more strange occurrences begin happening in Maya’s small village. Mountain lions are getting closer to town and getting braver with humans. Maya’s unique gift for healing rogue forest animals takes a strange turn. The new boy in town harbors big secrets. And a nosey reporter has been sniffing around asking weird questions about the high school students by name.
Maya is a smart, brave, and compassionate teen with plenty of spunk. While some of the secrets are a bit predictable, Armstrong is adept at pulling readers into the story. This is one that I couldn’t put down. This is the first in a new series, with a major cliffhanger and many loose ends that still needs to be explained. But the little town on Vancouver Island and its residents are completely fascinating and mysterious. And I was completely won over by its charm. Full of suspense, danger, and excitement, The Gathering had me on the edge of my seat. This YA fantasy is gripping and smart. And I’ll be waiting impatiently for the next in the series.