The Gathering is the second installment in the thrilling Comes the End series, and finds the Christian population scattered, and running for their lives from the "Brothers," an alien race who has come to Earth with promises of health and prosperity. To placate the Brothers, one only has to receive a mark on his right hand that indicates a renouncing of all religion. Without the mark, it is forbidden to buy or sell. A leader of the Christians arises - Andy Moore, who many regard as a prophet from God. He discovers a place of refuge in the mountains, and the faithful begin to arrive... even as they are being hunted by the Brothers and those loyal to them.