The Gathering

The Gathering is an allegorical young adult novel that follows 15-year-old Nathanial Delaney, a cynical newcomer to the seemingly quiet Australian seaside town of Cheshunt. Nathanial quickly senses a sinister undercurrent, from the town's atmosphere to the oppressive student patrol at his new school. He resists joining the vice principal's 'Gathering,' a group that discourages individualism, and instead discovers 'The Chain,' a small group of students prophesied to fight the town's ancient evil. This book explores themes of good versus evil, conformity, individuality, and the power of friendship and cooperation. It's a suspenseful and thought-provoking read for mature middle schoolers and high schoolers, offering rich opportunities for discussion on moral courage and societal pressures.

When fifteen-year-old Nathanial moves to a sinister town that has been bruised by an ancient evil, he finds himself one of those chosen to fight the cycle of darkness.