Gathering Blue is both a solid stand-alone novel, as well as an intriguing entry to the Giver Quartet.

In general, I quite enjoy novels that feature ragtag groups of misfits learning and working with one another. I find them far more realistic and grounding than a tale that focuses on the rugged individual, even if the plot takes place in a fictional dystopian world.

The one criticism I do have is that the narrative pacing could have been better, especially towards the end. Otherwise, it's an interesting book, I would recommend it.