Series: The Giver Quartet #2
Genre: YA, dystopian
Published on January 24, 2006
Published by Ember
Pages: 240
Read From: 2.3.12 - 2.4.12
SYNOPSIS
Kira, an orphan with a twisted leg, lives in a world where the weak are cast aside. She fears for her future until she is spared by the all-powerful Council of Guardians. Kira is a gifted weaver and is given a task no other
community member can carry out. While her talent keeps her alive and brings certain privileges, Kira soon realizes that she is surrounded by mysteries and secrets. No one must know of her plans to uncover the truth about her world - and to find out what exists beyond it.
Review
In many, many ways I liked this one better than The Giver. It reminded me of The Village and The Near Witch combined: a village cut off from the rest of the world, strange creatures lurking in the woods, travelling outside of the village not necessarily forbidden, nor encouraged. And of course, secrets. Unlike Jonas's futuristic neighborhood, Kira's village does not hide their cruelty in sanitary rooms behind gray doors. They make no secret of the fact that if a child is born deformed, they'll be left to the wild animals, and if someone is useless to their village, they will drive them out. In this world, women are once more under the thumb of the stronger gender; society has digressed back into a medieval society. It is implied that there was once a time with technology and skyscrapers, but a tremendous war occurred and humanity barely survived. Again.
Eerie in a way similar to The Giver, but different, Gathering Blue is amazing. Kira is a very likable, strong heroine who has learned how to look after herself and stand firm. Her little urchin friend definitely ranks among one of the most adorable little urchin characters I've read about, and the fact that the Author is not afraid to have characters that seem nice turn out to actually be villains just adds to the suspense and darkness of this "what if" world. I do not yet see how exactly this is a sequel to The Giver, but I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Others in The Giver Quartet:
1)The Giver
2)Gathering Blue
3)Messenger
4)Son
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