Messenger

In continuation with The Giver quartet, the third book of the series is Messenger and follows Matt, who is now Matty from Gathering Blue. Also back in this book is Jonas, however he now goes by another name.

Matty lives with Kira’s father, who is known in the community as the Seer, (ironic since he is blind). This village is made up of outcasts from other communities. They earn a name as they get older, they are given a new name, such as Mentor, or Seer. Matty is hoping for the name Messenger, as he is in charge of delivering messages throughout the community.

Matty is the only person who travels through the forest surrounding their community. It is threatening to others and attacks other who try.  Something in the community is changing though, and the villagers vote to close the community to new members. This is very different from what they once were, welcoming newcomers with open arms. There is a short window allowing new people to enter before the community builds a wall. Matty must go to his previous community to get the Seer’s daughter. She had promised him years ago that she would one day join him when the time is right.

Will Matty and Kira make it back in time? Will they survive the trip?

I found this book to be a quick read but also slow moving. Most of the action is in the end.

(Also this is my 32nd book this year and the first time that I’ve repeated an author!)