In my last review regarding Lois Lowry's Gathering Blue I stated that the book itself could be viewed as a stand alone novel. I still hold true to that statement, unless you plan on reading the whole series. In Messenger you must read the first two books of The Giver to fully grasp this third book. It is in Messenger that Lowry weaves together both the ends of The Giver and Gathering Blue. 
 I felt that the story was wonderfully done. While short in length, Lowry's passion can still be felt through her characters. In Messenger, the story follows Matty, who made his debut in Gathering Blue. Who, like others in the previous books has a gift that only has come about as he has matured into his pre-teen years (similar to Jonah in the first book). The book contains two mysteries just as always when it comes to the series. 
 I highly recommend this book not just has an addition to an already astounding and unforgettable series but also for the metaphors that are present. The views of community as equals and of working to help make a community better and keep it free from hate and tyranny.