MESSENGER
by Lois Lowry
Genre: Young Adult, Scifi – Dystopian
Pub Date: Apr 26, 2004
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Length: AUDIOBOOK
Spoilers: N/A
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For the past six years, Matty has lived in Village and flourished under the guidance of Seer, a blind man, known for his special sight. Village was a place that welcomed newcomers, but something sinister has seeped into Village and the people have voted to close it to outsiders. Matty has been invaluable as a messenger. Now he must make one last journey through the treacherous forest with his only weapon, a power he unexpectedly discovers within himself.
Quick Read
I was actually quite surprised just how quick of a read this is. Yes, it’s a short book in general, but even so, the plot moves so quickly that I didn’t realize how much had actually happened over the course of the story. What’s more, I don’t think I realized what exactly the arc of the story was until closer to the end, which meant I kept expecting a longer time line than what occurs in the book.
Subtlety
The real kicker and the explanation behind why you don’t realize the fast pace of the plot is the subtlety of the plot elements. I was shocked when I realized where the book was going to end because I kept expecting something more, something bigger, something dramatic to happen, but it didn’t. And it didn’t need to happen. The subtlety is honestly what makes this story.
Tie-In
I don’t want to say too much, but I did not expect the way Messenger ties back into The Giver and Gathering Blue. It was definitely an ‘aha’ moment and it was so perfect for this particular story. I absolutely loved this piece of the story and the way it approaches the tie-in. Oo! Secrets. Secrets! :p
Melanie Noell Bernard 
Wow, we agree! Yay! Love this series!
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I LOVE this series!!!!!! After reading The Giver then quickly moving on to Gathering Blue I was confused. The stories were so vastly different and seemed like they didn’t connect in any way. But like you said, there’s no non stop “action” and no mind blowing plot twists – but it’s not necessary! The plot still moves fast and the connection of the stories and the characters are what makes this series to beautiful and magical! I think I devoured all four books in the span of a week. It’s the only series I woke up at 5am for because I wanted to read before work! This series is very underrated
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OH MY GOSH! I was so confused, too! Hahahaha!
And yes! I completely agree about the underratedness. I love how the books are connected in such a subtle way that you don’t even realize is coming. It’s amazing! I can’t believe how long it took me to even get to book three and now I kind of wish I had a copy. :p Not sure I’d wake up at 5am to read though. I’m too lazy for that. Hahaha!
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lol that was a few years ago…. when I still had energy!
I bought the bind up of all 4 books in one. Is a gorgeous hardcover that’s silver with red embossing on it. And the page edges are red too! It was cheaper than buying 4 separate books
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Daaang! Sounds nice! Hee hee! But I have issues with multiple books being in one. Reasons why I’m still searching for a Chronicles of Narnia collection. :p
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I LOVE The Giver! But I’ve been hesitant about reading the other books… Great review though, now I’m gonna have to check them out! lol
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Yay! Hahaha! I’ll admit The Giver was still probably my favorite, but the others are good too. Now to finish the series! 😀
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