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Summary
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 that no other community member can do. While her talent keeps her alive and brings certain privileges, Kira soon realizes she is surrounded by many mysteries and secrets. No one must know of her plans to uncover the truth about her world and see what places exist beyond.
After absolutely loving the first book in this series, The Giver, I was excited to dive into Gathering Blue to find out how the story progresses. However, despite being labeled as a sequel, I didn't see the connection between the two books. Gathering Blue takes place in a completely different society and the characters seem unrelated to those in The Giver, except for the presence of the Council of Guardians. It isn't until the third book, Messenger, that the pieces start to come together and we see how the cliffhanger from The Giver is resolved.
Gathering Blue is set in a primitive society where people live in mud huts, hunt for food, and lack the civility seen in The Giver. The behavior of the characters, especially towards children, is rough and abusive, which didn't sit well with me as someone who works with kids. The main character, Kira, stands out from the rest as she is kind and gentle, inheriting these traits from her mother. She possesses unique gifts that go unrecognized by her ignorant neighbors, who dismiss her because of her physical disability.
Kira's life takes an unexpected turn after the death of her parents when she is brought to the grand Council Edifice. There, she is trained to use her gifts and tasked with restoring an ancient robe. She discovers other gifted children in the Edifice, including a young carver and a talented singer who all play significant roles in their community's traditions. As the story unravels, Kira's supposedly deceased father reappears, scarred and blind, revealing the truth behind the separation of the gifted children and the sinister motives of the Council. The ending felt a bit abrupt, but thankfully the next book, Messenger, delves deeper into the story.
One aspect that bothered me was the use of modern slang terms like "tykes" and "hubby" in a seemingly traditional society. These words felt out of place and detracted from the overall atmosphere of the story. Additionally, the narrator's steady voice with a strong American accent didn't quite match with my British ears, adding to the minor irritations.
Despite these drawbacks, I encourage readers to stick with the series and continue onto the next two books. Gathering Blue sets the stage for Kira's eventual escape to a sanctuary village, providing sanctuary for those facing persecution, which adds a new dimension to the story. So, hang in there and keep reading!
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