This book was truly terrible and stupid.

It really pains me to say this, as The Giver is one of my all-time favorite books. In this installment, we get to see Jonas again (even Gabe makes a brief appearance), so I was certain it would tie up loose ends and provide some emotional resolution. While it was nice to see what happened to Jonas (even though he's not called by that name in this book, it's clearly him), there were far too many other major flaws for me to enjoy the story.

Major spoilers follow, so read at your own risk.

First off, I was more than a little confused to learn that Jonas literally arrived in Village (and this trend of capitalizing nouns without using "the" in front of them is really annoying) on a sled. The sled is now in the Museum in Village. Seriously? Because the ending of The Giver was so open-ended, I thought maybe the sled was a metaphor or a hallucination. Why was there a random sled? He actually rode a sled into town? Okay, fine. I'll try to buy that. But... Jonas is around 20-21 in this story. He's already been named the leader of this new community (his name is now Leader), and apparently has been for some time. Really? A thirteen-year-old shows up on a sled with an infant and in a few years he's the leader? This is kind of explained by saying that Leader has a gift, the ability to "see beyond." Yes, I've heard that before. Jonas could see colors when others in his childhood community couldn't. But wait - this isn't the same "seeing beyond" as before. Adult Jonas can actually see... beyond what normal people can see. Like, he can stand in his study and focus really hard on the forest and "see" to the other side. But it makes him really tired. When did he discover/master this skill? We never find out.

At one point, Matty, the main character, is with Leader admiring his many books. Leader says they arrived on a river barge when he was about 15 - just a bunch of wooden crates filled with books. We're led to believe these were the Giver's books, sent down the river to Jonas as a token of forgiveness. So, what happened in his old community? Is the Giver still there? Did they sort themselves out? Again, we never find out. Jonas has never gone back, never regained contact with his family. No juicy details for a Giver fan.

Apart from the frustrating lack of information about Jonas, there's a strange subplot involving trading pieces of your soul (or your family's health) for things like slot machines that give you candy. There's this shady character called Trademaster who's supposedly magical, as he's collecting "the deepest self" of many people in Village and trading them for these slot machines. This is making the people in Village turn into hostile jerks who are mean to each other and want to close the borders. So, you'd think Trademaster would be the Big Bad. But who is he? What does he want? We see him once and then... nothing.

Somehow related to the "close the borders" subplot is the fact that Forest (not THE forest, but proper noun Forest) is thickening, decaying, and killing people who try to enter it. Forest is literally attacking people with vines and sharp sticks. This clearly has something to do with why the people in Village are becoming mean and probably with Trademaster, but none of it is ever explained. The book ends with Matty sacrificing himself to "heal" the forest, which then heals the people in Village. That's it. The main character dies stopping an unexplained evil. Where did it come from? Why is Forest trying to kill everyone? Are the slot machines evil? Who is Trademaster? What were people trading? Why is this book so terrible?

We never find out.

If you're looking for a completely nonsensical and frustrating read, I highly recommend this book. Otherwise, if you've read The Giver and are thinking about continuing the series, I strongly suggest you don't, because you'll be very disappointed.

And yes, I'm still going to read Son. I guess I'm a glutton for punishment.

This was truly a gut-wrenching experience. Matty had endured such a remarkable journey throughout the two books. There was a glimmer of hope right up until the moment Leader declared that Matty must utilize his power, and I realized that he had to direct it towards the Forest itself. This was a task that no one could survive. Despite the fact that he healed everything and everyone, his sacrifice still feels like an unbearable loss. It simply doesn't seem just that a bright and kind soul like Matty should have to perish in order to rescue people from their own immoral behaviors.

I can only hold onto the hope that they will not squander this sacrifice and will never return to Trade Mart (or whatever it symbolizes) again. The memory of Matty's selfless act should serve as a powerful reminder for them to change their ways and strive for a better future.

We should all take a moment to reflect on the significance of Matty's sacrifice and consider how we can make a positive impact in our own lives and the lives of those around us. Let us honor his memory by choosing kindness, compassion, and selflessness over greed and vice.

It seems that there is an intermediate book among these four books. A book that connects two stories to each other. Well, one couldn't expect much from it. But in the end... I really don't want a bad thing to have happened to it. This pure excitement and enthusiasm must revive itself again with the power it has...

However, we never know what exactly lies ahead for this book. Maybe it holds some hidden treasures or secrets that will surprise us all. Or perhaps it will lead us on a new adventure, taking us to places we've never been before.

As we turn the pages of this intermediate book, we can't help but wonder about its significance. Will it be the key that unlocks the mysteries of the two stories? Or will it simply be a stepping stone on our journey through the literary world?

Only time will tell. But for now, let's embrace the unknown and let this book take us on a thrilling ride.

The Messenger boy dashes to and fro, diligently delivering his messages, while carefully safeguarding his secret within himself.

The old Seer, despite his blind eyes, has the ability to perceive beyond the physical, seeing the world around him, delving into his distant past, and even peering into the heart of the boy.

The young Leader gazes forward, with the past firmly in place, yet aware that the present and the future are rife with danger.

The distant Embroiderer busily creates her tapestries, seeing all, except for the insidious sickness that lurks.

The once-welcoming Villagers have undergone a transformation: avarice and fear have poisoned their hearts, replacing the warmth and life that once existed.

The now-sick Forest has discovered a new, dark purpose: to kill, again and again; coldness and rot have taken the place of warmth and life.

The Author pens a parable, her third in this world of parables. She offers a guide on how not to live a life, a guide filled with secrets, blind sight that perceives, futures that must be shunned, and sickness that demands a cure. She writes with a combination of clarity and ambiguity, in equal measure.

The Parable is a simple yet profound one: resist your worst self.

The Cure, however, is a difficult one: sometimes a terrible sacrifice must be made.

The author Lois Lowry endured the loss of a son, who was ensnared in the cruel machineries of war. She composed an elegy for him, mourning his passing, the reasons behind it, giving meaning to his departure, and in a sense, breathing life back into him, while also mourning his death anew.

The Elegy is a lament for the dead, a lament that bestows purpose, adding a touch of tenderness and significance to the agonizing sting of loss.

The boy, like the seer, the leader, and the embroiderer, is a Healer. The world the Author constructs requires their insights, their sacrifices, and their acts of giving.

Similarly, the world we inhabit demands the same from us.

3.5 ⭐️ I have such an indifferent feeling towards this book.

On one hand, I truly enjoyed the fact that this book started to bring together the stories of book 1 and 2. I liked Matty as our main character and had a great time exploring the world of this village.

However, there were so many underdeveloped plot lines. It's just like, why mention these big moments that add to the story and then fail to explore them?

The ending wasn't great either. But I expected an open ending like the rest of the novels. Plus, I plan on reading the next book, so it didn't bother me that much.

Even though these books have some major flaws, I can't help but find them really easy to read, super intriguing, and generally likeable. I have no regrets reading this series.

The third installment of The Giver books, which might potentially be the final one. The Giver explored more up-topic or dystopic worlds, while Gathering Blue had a distinct Sci-Fi feel. This particular book, however, had a more fantastical nature to it. I truly enjoyed reading it.

But there is one complaint. If I were to meet the reader on the street (since I listened to it as an audiobook), I would say, "Hey guy, SLOW DOWN! St. Elsewhere has been cancelled; what are you rushing off to?"

Addendum: The more I reflected on this book after finishing it, the more irritated I became. It concludes so abruptly. What exactly happened? I have some idea of what took place, but what occurred next? Why was the forest angry? What were the people exchanging at the Trade Mart? What was the deal with Mentor? And now everything is just supposed to be okay? What about Kira's community? What ever became of the Singer? I'm downgrading this to 3 stars and actually considered going as low as 2 stars. I am completely dissatisfied with the conclusion. The only community where we had any sense of closure was Jonas'.

5⭐️

Audiobook

Fantasy

I have a deep love for the entire Giver quartet. Among them, Messenger is the one that truly moved me to tears.

Lowry presents us with the beautiful yet heart-wrenching story of Matty. As readers, we have witnessed his growth throughout the other books in the series. Now, it's Matty's turn to step into his role as Messenger and embark on a final journey through the perilous darkening forest.

There is always a profound and beautiful message in Lowry's books, and Messenger is no exception. Matty comes to realize the power of his gift and finds a way to give back to those he loves in the only manner he knows.

The story is filled with rich descriptions and engaging情节 that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. It explores themes of sacrifice, love, and the power of one's actions.

Overall, Messenger is a must-read for fans of the Giver quartet and anyone who enjoys a captivating fantasy story with a powerful message.

A worthy continuation of The Giver quartet, this being the third installment. Village and Forest are still integral parts of the story. Matty is our primary narrator, living with Seer, who is blind and longing to be reunited with his daughter Kira. As in the previous books, this dystopian world holds profound messages for us. One powerful theme in this book is how Village undergoes a transformation from being open to immigration and welcoming others to building a wall and barring any new people from coming. It is a thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of such a change. The story is both beautiful and ominous, with a sense of foreboding that lingers throughout. However, I must admit that I found the ending here a bit abrupt. It left me with some unanswered questions and a feeling that there could have been more. Nevertheless, Lois Lowry is a wonder. Her ability to create such a vivid and engaging world is truly remarkable. I would rate this book 4+ stars.

The third part of the Darca series connects the first and second parts, and finally, I got the answers to many unanswered questions.

Finally, I know where and when the story takes place and how everything is related. This time, the main character is Matt, who lives in a village behind the forest where he was brought. With the kind care of a blind man, he also grows up, delivers messages to people, and hopes to get his real name soon. It is interesting to see what abilities people have and how the forest around them reacts. Is the greed and heartlessness that appears among the villagers caused by their trading and dealing with invisible things? I recommend this book to children aged 8-9, and I'm already looking forward to discussing it with them.

This was absolutely my favorite of the Giver quartet.

What a beautiful story! It was truly captivating from start to finish.

By mistake, I read the fourth book ahead of this one. However, perhaps the information from that plot made this one even more of a compelling story.

Even though I knew how it would end, I still found myself weeping at the conclusion.

The emotions that this book evoked were so powerful. It made me think deeply about the themes of memory, choice, and sacrifice.

The characters were well-developed and their struggles felt real. I was completely invested in their journey.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a thought-provoking and heart-wrenching story. It will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Regrettable.

Matty and the Seer live in the Village, which was once a happy and prosperous place. However, lately, a sinister influence seems to be affecting the community, tainting its neighbors and the surrounding Forest. This all coincides with the arrival of the Trademaster, a mysterious figure who sells precious artifacts in exchange for the most unusual things.

Another seemingly standalone story that is, in many ways, connected to The Giver universe. Sadly, this installment was the weakest in the series, and I truly regret reading it. It's not necessarily a bad story as it connects #1 and #2, provides some cameos and answers, and closes some timelines while leaving others open-ended. However, for me, it was mostly boring, somber, and tragic for no good reason. I can usually find some beauty in a good sad story, but I could find next to none in this one. Also, it bothers me that in the long run, this novel doesn't bring any important significance to the progression of the series, other than heartbreak for Matty.

Ultimately, I wish I had never read it, and it's my sincere desire to warn others so they can be spared the pain and disappointment. Given a second chance, I would skip it.

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\\n  PERSONAL NOTE\\n:
[2004] [169p] [Dystopia] [YA] [1.5] [NOT Recommendable]
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★★★★☆ 1. The Giver
★★★★☆ 2. Gathering Blue
★★☆☆☆ 3. Messenger
★★★★☆ 4. Son

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Lamentable.

Matty and the Seer live in the Village. It used to be a place filled with joy and prosperity. But now, a dark and menacing force seems to be spreading through the community, affecting the neighbors and the surrounding Forest. This all began with the arrival of the Trademaster, a mysterious person who offers precious artifacts in exchange for the strangest of things.

This is another story that appears to be standalone but is actually connected to The Giver universe in several ways. Unfortunately, this installment was the weakest in the series. I really wish I hadn't read it. It's not that it's a terrible story. It does connect the first and second books, has some cameos and provides some answers, and closes some timelines while leaving others open. However, for me, it was mostly dull, gloomy, and tragic without a clear purpose. I usually can find some beauty in a sad story, but I could hardly find any in this one. Also, I'm bothered by the fact that in the long term, this novel doesn't add anything significant or meaningful to the progression of the series, except for the heartbreak that Matty experiences.

In the end, I truly regret reading this book. I hope to warn others so they don't have to go through the same pain and disappointment. If I had the chance to do it again, I would definitely skip this one.

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\\n  NOTA PERSONAL\\n:
[2004] [169p] [Distopía] [Joven Adulto] [NO Recomendable]
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\\n  \\n   

“Things seem more when you’re little. They seem bigger, and distances seem farther.”

\\n  \\nThe Giver was truly a remarkable and thought-provoking standalone novel. At this point, it's quite evident that it should have remained as such. Each subsequent companion-sequel has only served to further emphasize this fact.

This third installment, while it attempts to tie together The Giver and Gathering Blue, unfortunately, fails to answer many of the pressing questions that readers have.

The world that Lowry is constructing remains frustratingly vague. It has deviated from its original clear-cut dystopian nature and has now ventured into a realm that is quasi-magical. This mixing of genres is a delicate task that requires the utmost care. Readers approach different genres with distinct expectations. When it comes to a potential combination of dystopian/sci-fi and fantasy, the author must deliver on multiple fronts.

From the dystopian genre, we expect a heavy reliance on science and a portrayal of a society gone awry. In contrast, the fantasy genre offers us whimsy, magic, and a world of imagination. While it is possible to blend the two, it is not without its challenges. Magic and science are often seen as mutually exclusive, like oil and water. There needs to be clear explanations or at least a sense that the magic fits naturally within the story. Currently, it feels as if the puzzle pieces are from two different sets.

My main concerns regarding the characters and plot still persist. Both have the potential to be engaging and complex, but they remain underdeveloped and rather lackluster. I delved deeper into these issues in my previous reviews, so I won't repeat myself here.

I will, however, read the last book in the series. But I'm not overly optimistic that it will be able to salvage much. What began as a quiet and captivating dystopian tale has now become almost unrecognizable. It's difficult to envision how a single book could reverse this transformation.