Being the 3rd book in the series, this book expands on some of the individuals mentioned in the first two books and also brought forth some new material for the reader to ponder. I enjoyed reading more about the characters that we got a glimpse of before and the new Village of the Broken was a great change from what we read about in the first two books. This village was made up of people who had been outcasts or had some disability and everyone accepted each other and like the first two books, life was good. To obtain something within this village they have auctions and usually they barter their goods. I say usually because now, Matty (Matt from Gathering Blue) starts to notice that the village is changing. Some change is good but what Matty is noticing is bickering, selfishness, and hatred among the citizens. Matty is also noticing that some of the citizen’s physical appearances are changing too. The village that had once opened their door to outsiders is now building a wall to keep others out. Matty is asked by a blind man that he lives with to seek his daughter Kira (Gathering Blue) and return with her before the wall is built and she is not allowed in. Matty is the only person who can make it through the forest safely but with the changing of the times this simple task by Matty seems impossible to him now. What lies ahead will have Matty finding his true strength to survive. Another great book by Lois Lowry. The characters are so vivid and imagery is fantastic. Can’t wait to read the final book.
