Review: The Gathering is Good SciFi. Fantasy Fun
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 08 16, 2012
AGF: The Gathering (Anything Goes Fighters)The Gathering is a good mix between a buddy story and an action adventure tale. The story takes place in the decaying empire of Thena. But is this a post apocalyptic America, a fantasy nation from the past, or a futuristic civilization? Author Sam White introduces us to various clues as the plot unravels. The back story involves a once proud Emperor John who was murdered to make way for the corrupt Emperor Charles. Under Charles' rule the nation falls into chaos and violence. Placing this fantasy adventure in this setting keeps the reader on his toes. You never know where the next attack is coming from or who to trust.The plot revolves around street wise orphan Mick Rhoda, who has taken up with a dim-witted giant named Ollie in order to stage fights and con his way to easy money. As the two travel the countryside they encounter such characters as Greg the gay dwarf, a one armed warrior woman, a Makowian woman named Tyaira, a blind mystic, and others just as interesting.The group is under almost constant attack and bond together as they begin to see a higher calling for a more noble cause. It's within this context that White underscores the action with questions on class judgment, prejudice, justice, and alienable rights. I enjoyed this type of thought provoking material within the action genre. It brought the overall tone of the work to a higher level without becoming preachy or overbearing.The author had the good sense to add strong women to the group of societal castoffs. Most action or buddy reads involve women as love interest or eye candy and little more. White's female characters are complex and sometimes flawed. Early on in the novel he shows the reader Bunny as an example of such complexities.The underlying theme of the book is power. Not who has it, but exactly how you get it, and in what way do you use it? All of the misfits on Mick's journey have a talent but no power until they learn to band together. Once they get organized the question is, can they control it?  This idea isn't new but Smith approaches it in a fresh manner by never overtly addressing it. Instead the action moves the characters to an inescapable conclusion.I could easily see this as an animated movie or series. White has created unique and interesting characters that he describes with such clarity and detail you feel you know them. Does the work appeal to more than just sci-fi fans? I think so. The subplots, and social comments were interesting and as I commented on earlier were thought provoking. It's a fun read that flows well throughout.