I guess I should start by saying that the story does stand alone. As far as I can see, there are no overt links to 'The Giver'. Good thinking, LL, as I will certainly dive into the third, now.
'Gathering Blue' is also a gentle read - simple narrative, likeable characters, humming (but not distressing) conflict. Sure, there is an untimely death at the start but thankfully the remaining crippled orphan is 'rescued', and so the story goes. The protagonist (orphan) Kira has weaving magic, that is to say, she supernaturally spins stories in coloured thread. Her gift is acknowledged by The Guardians who elect to care for her in a castle of sorts, so she can weave and repair the so-called the robe containing the world's history. While there, Kira meets two other 'gifted' orphans - a wood carver and a singing toddler. They, too, will take their places to ensure that history is not lost.
So, what is the reader to think? I suppose the biggest shadow is cast when we begin suspecting that the orphans' parents were likely murdered to secure said magical gifts. As this gnawing uncertainty grows, we start looking at everyone suspiciously.
I suggest you start with 'The Giver'. And I am going to launch myself into the final two books - just in time for the school holidays.
She saw Vandara lean down and pick up a rock the size of a tyke's fist. "We don't want you here," the woman said. "You don't belong in the village anymore. You're worthless with that leg. Your mother always protected you but she's gone now. You should go too. Why didn't you just stay in the Field?"
Kira saw that she was surrounded by hostile women who has come from their cotts and were watching Vandara for instructions and leadership. Several, she noticed, had rocks in their hands. If one rock were thrown, others would follow, she knew. They were all waiting for the first.
What would my mother have done? she thought frantically, and tried to call wisdom from the bit of her mother's spirit that lived on in her now. (pp.18-19)
