The Gatherer
Chronicles of Irindia, Book #1
D. John Watson
ISBN # 1475274793 
Author’s Website:  http://chroniclesofirindia.com/ 

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Lindsay

The land of Irindia is being taken over by Lord Draga, an evil wizard who is using dark magic to destroy everything that stands in his way.  His only goal is to bring his master, an evil demon banished to another world, through the only gateway remaining that will release him from his prison, the Mirror of Irindia.  However, use of this mirror has to be given willingly, it cannot be forced.  Empress Alassa rules over all of Irindia and therefore the mirror.  She must keep the mirror from Draga’s grasp, regardless of the cost.

At the age of 13, David has been moved by his parents to a farm in the country and has been forced to leave everything he knows behind, even his older sister.  One day he finds an artifact at a farmers market that he has to have.  While in his room, he wishes he could be anywhere else.  He is instantly transported to Irindia where he learns of his fate as The Gatherer.  According to legends, he must gather the fragments of the Stone of Irindia and harness its power to defeat Lord Draga.  The Gatherer is the first book in The Chronicles of Irindia series.

I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading this book.  However, a few chapters in I found myself wanting David to see his quest through and defeat the evil Lord Draga. By the last chapter I ended up really liking this book and wanting the story to continue.  I think it is well written and the story flows well, however, there are a few typos and such but I can overlook a few simple mistakes if the story is worth reading.  I’m not usually a fan of fantasy books but I thought Watson did an excellent job of describing the land of Irindia in detail.  I found it easy to paint a mental picture of the land and all the creatures that call it home.  I think you will enjoy this one and I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.