I am completely in love with the entire Giver quartet so far, and this third book is no exception!
This book follows Matty, whom we met in [b:Gathering Blue|12936|Gathering Blue (The Giver, #2)|Lois Lowry|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388195391s/12936.jpg|2134456], and his journey of self-discovery as he finds a power/gift within himself that he never had before.

Every main character in the books so far has discovered some kind of gift. With Jonas, it was the gift of seeing "Beyond". With Kira, she has the gift of her embroidery, and now Matty is blessed with a mysterious gift as well. I love the supernatural elements in every story, but they are especially evident in this book.

I really wondered about the Forest while I was reading Gathering Blue, since everyone seemed afraid of it, as if the trees were sentient and aware. In this book, the nature of the Forest is explored in more detail. The Forest actually becomes a villain and a character of its own! The writing is really brilliant!

As in the other books, we are introduced to a community where everything seems peaceful and content, but there is a dark secret in this seemingly happy society and there is a mystery for Matty to solve. It's never what I think it's going to be! I'm always surprised at the mystery, and so impressed with the deep social themes that are addressed.

The best thing about the writing is that deep and complex themes, like social injustice and the nature of man, identity and memory and the meaning of love, are all written about in such an exciting way! The moral lessons are so seamlessly included in the action of the story that it never feels preachy, and it's not until the end of the book that you realize... "Oh yeah. That was a moral lesson too!" Simply genius writing!

Matty is such a vibrant and energetic character. He's curious about everything and is very observant of the world around him. Seeing everything through his eyes was perfect! The action and mystery and suspense are all wonderful! I was on the edge of my seat to the very last page!

Spoilers for Gathering Blue:
If you haven't read Gathering Blue yet, then don't read the following...

Spoiler

I loved seeing the relationship between Matty and Seer, Kira's father. They make such a great father/son pair, and I love how patient Seer is with Matty's chatter and his stubbornness. Their mutual trust and familial love was one of the best parts of the book.

Major Spoilers for Messenger:
If you haven't read Messenger, then don't read the following...

Spoiler

I was glad to see Jonas again as the Leader! It wasn't until they mentioned the sled, that I put it together, but then of course it was obvious! I'm so proud of him and happy to see him all grown up, and in a place where his talents and insight are appreciated and respected. I hope he and Kira fall in love. I think it was hinted at, since they had that mental connection.

So the death scene at the end... I cried my eyes out. It was so beautiful and poignant, and I kept thinking, "I'm glad that Jean kissed him before he left. At least he had that." * crying* So sweet! And how amazing that everyone was healed, and the Forest was healed! Brilliant story-telling! I was on the edge of my seat till the very last page.
Sigh. Poor sweet Matty. And it's worse because he was such a vibrant character, so energetic and full of life and fun!