This felt more like a sequel than Gathering Blue (but I still loved Gathering Blue)

Messenger tied books 1 and 2 together - they seem more independent of each other, (which I imagine Lowry intended) but the third was the glue. There's not a "solution" to the societal problems, but the story comes together in a realistic way.

Lowry has some serious talent. I love the message of this book, (and the books together) and I love how the Village values differences and the "true name."

This is beautiful book about sacrifice for the greater good. The ending was sad, but it was as it should be.