Book Title:                  Messenger of Fear (Messenger of Fear, #01)
Author:                         Michael Grant
Number of pages:   272

Synopsis:

I remembered my name – Mara. But, standing in that ghostly place, faced with the solemn young man in the black coat with silver skulls for buttons, I could recall nothing else about myself.

And then the games began.

The Messenger sees the darkness in young hearts, and the damage it inflicts upon the world. If they go unpunished, he offers the wicked a game. Win, and they can go free. Lose, and they will live out their greatest fear.

But what does any of this have to do with Mara? She is about to find out.

(re: Goodreads @ Messenger of Fear – Michael Grant)

Should this book be picked up? the tl;dr spoiler-less review:

— POC protagonist; first-person, unreliable-ish POV due to amnesia
—Narrative unfolds using anecdotes reinforced with philosophical undertones engaged through bullying, violence, suicide, and death
— Writing is succinct but reads overly descriptive at the same time
—There isn’t really an umbrella conflict or motivation in part of the protagonist to drive this story forward. With The Messenger in the driver seat, he chooses not to tell Mara (and the readers) details that would help in understanding
—There is no romance but there is a hint of a possible romance
— Rating: 2.25/5

Initial Thoughts

The Messenger of Fear is my first Michael Grant book. It was only okay; perhaps, below okay. So much promise and hype…only to be let down. Le sigh.

Disclaimer: Potential spoilers inherent to this review from here onward.

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