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The Messengers: Discovered
Everything about fifteen-year-old Simon’s life is decided by his government: his curfew, his meals, even his fun. When Simon begins to notice nighttime visitors and hidden messages, he realizes that his nation is even dictating what he’s allowed to know.
There’s a truth out there to be discovered, a truth the government will stop at nothing to eliminate. Join the Messengers as they risk their lives to protect it.
https://www.cph.org/messengers
There’s a truth out there to be discovered, a truth the government will stop at nothing to eliminate. Join the Messengers as they risk their lives to protect it.
https://www.cph.org/messengers
346 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2016
About the author
Lisa M. Clark
7 books65 followersLisa M. Clark spends her days reading and writing about God’s love for all people. She is an editor and writer for Concordia Publishing House, and she loves the opportunity to work on resources that share the saving message of Jesus Christ. A St. Louis native, she has an undying love for the Cardinals and Ted Drewes custard.
As a writer, Lisa takes joy in exploring a variety of genres, writing or contributing to the following:
Children:
Happy Times
Jesus Heals the Man at the Pool
The Songs of Christmas
My Devotions
Devotionals:
Blessings & Prayers for Parents
Portals of Prayer
Fiction:
The Messengers: Discovered
The Messengers: Concealed
Music and Worship:
“Brought to the Water”
Creative Worship for the Lutheran Parish, hymn texts
Sing & Wonder: Songs and Activities based on the Apostles’ Creed
"The Blood of Jesus"
“The Son of God Has Conquered Night”
"When the Darkness Claims the Moon"
"Why Do You Peer Into the Skies?"
"As Stone on Living Stone Is Set"
Joy to the World: A Children’s Christmas Service
To Us a Child Is Born: A Children’s Christmas Service
From Heaven Above: A Children’s Christmas Service
You can also find many of her blog posts on cph.org/blog and education.cph.org.
As a writer, Lisa takes joy in exploring a variety of genres, writing or contributing to the following:
Children:
Happy Times
Jesus Heals the Man at the Pool
The Songs of Christmas
My Devotions
Devotionals:
Blessings & Prayers for Parents
Portals of Prayer
Fiction:
The Messengers: Discovered
The Messengers: Concealed
Music and Worship:
“Brought to the Water”
Creative Worship for the Lutheran Parish, hymn texts
Sing & Wonder: Songs and Activities based on the Apostles’ Creed
"The Blood of Jesus"
“The Son of God Has Conquered Night”
"When the Darkness Claims the Moon"
"Why Do You Peer Into the Skies?"
"As Stone on Living Stone Is Set"
Joy to the World: A Children’s Christmas Service
To Us a Child Is Born: A Children’s Christmas Service
From Heaven Above: A Children’s Christmas Service
You can also find many of her blog posts on cph.org/blog and education.cph.org.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 3, 2016
It is refreshing to find a distopian novel that not only deals with the struggles of darkness and growth and personal versus cultural identity, well, but also leaves you with hope instead of the weight of burden. Simon's journey to understand himself, his family, his culture and what all of that means for his life is mirrored so easily in every one of us, that the reader will immediately engage with his story. I really loved the unexpected supporting characters, both good and evil, and found myself wanting to either sit down to dinner with them or yell, "Run, run away, Simon!" I definitely think this book will speak to adolescent, teen, and adult readers universally, but serves in particular a much needed void in the teen YA Christian Fiction market.
March 21, 2016
In a trend that will surely be replicated many times but never perfected in the same way, Lisa Clark has combined heady Christian theology and a dystopian YA thriller for middle-grade readers. Simon is the son of a secretive - but loving - father who discovers that the Darkness (the nameless fear that his community of rules and order pins everything on) is actually the message of the gospel. Doled out in small but potent doses, the Message is sweet like honey to all who hear it in this debut thriller that is appropriate for children probably as young as ten. Lisa Clark's writing is tightly effective, but the heart with which she deals with the theology is light and jubilant. Young readers will love the rebellion against the authorities, while parents will delight in handing their children a book that not only encourages sharing their faith - even in the worst circumstances - but also embraces the importance of family, love and friendship. The first of a series, I have no doubt that Clark's writing will quickly take this book to the top of the growing YA Inspirational genre.
April 15, 2016
The world needs more well-crafted stories written from a Christian perspective, so it is exciting to see CPH venture into the world of dystopian middle grade fiction.
Lisa M. Clark’s The Messengers: Discovered follows Simon, a teenager growing up in a futuristic, repressive society where Bibles and other unauthorized reading material have long been banned. Restless and discontent, Simon flirts with danger by engaging in petty misdeeds. Then, one day, he realizes that his quiet father is deeply involved with something that does not officially exist: the Christian church.
Like the church of ancient times, believers have gone underground. Their messengers risk capture as they attempt to find, reassemble, and share the Scriptures from scraps and pages that have survived the government’s purge. As Simon enters the messengers’ world, he also learns the story of his mother’s death and realizes that he, too, has a role to play in a society that is filled with darkness.
I love the ideas around which this novel is built. The concept feels fresh enough to be intriguing but also echoes the real-world challenges faced by many Christians in actual times and places. The very best scenes were those in which Simon hears Scripture or the liturgy of the church. Genuinely moving and beautifully resonant, these passages demonstrate the power of God’s Word. How many middle grade or young adult novels are likely to bring a reader to tears with the words of the Creed?
The writing is occasionally uneven. I would have liked a little more showing vs. telling. There were also a number of scenes that seemed to hint loudly at future complications that never happened--as, for instance, when our hero leaves dangerous evidence lying around but nobody ever finds it. In addition, I have to admit that I felt as though every time a new Christian characters was introduced, they invariably smiled warmly, twinkled mischievously, or chuckled heartily, just so we would know they were nice. After a while, this became irritating; but perhaps that is because I’m an adult reader instead of the target audience.
Flaws aside, I was genuinely moved by this story, and I applaud Ms. Clark for tackling the challenge of writing it. I look forward to handing this book to the young readers I know and to hearing their response to Simon’s story. May there be more like it!
Lisa M. Clark’s The Messengers: Discovered follows Simon, a teenager growing up in a futuristic, repressive society where Bibles and other unauthorized reading material have long been banned. Restless and discontent, Simon flirts with danger by engaging in petty misdeeds. Then, one day, he realizes that his quiet father is deeply involved with something that does not officially exist: the Christian church.
Like the church of ancient times, believers have gone underground. Their messengers risk capture as they attempt to find, reassemble, and share the Scriptures from scraps and pages that have survived the government’s purge. As Simon enters the messengers’ world, he also learns the story of his mother’s death and realizes that he, too, has a role to play in a society that is filled with darkness.
I love the ideas around which this novel is built. The concept feels fresh enough to be intriguing but also echoes the real-world challenges faced by many Christians in actual times and places. The very best scenes were those in which Simon hears Scripture or the liturgy of the church. Genuinely moving and beautifully resonant, these passages demonstrate the power of God’s Word. How many middle grade or young adult novels are likely to bring a reader to tears with the words of the Creed?
The writing is occasionally uneven. I would have liked a little more showing vs. telling. There were also a number of scenes that seemed to hint loudly at future complications that never happened--as, for instance, when our hero leaves dangerous evidence lying around but nobody ever finds it. In addition, I have to admit that I felt as though every time a new Christian characters was introduced, they invariably smiled warmly, twinkled mischievously, or chuckled heartily, just so we would know they were nice. After a while, this became irritating; but perhaps that is because I’m an adult reader instead of the target audience.
Flaws aside, I was genuinely moved by this story, and I applaud Ms. Clark for tackling the challenge of writing it. I look forward to handing this book to the young readers I know and to hearing their response to Simon’s story. May there be more like it!
June 29, 2016
Clark's outstanding first novel is both entertaining and convicting at the same time. She masterfully tells her story, adding countless rich details that enhance the narrative. It is at the same time connected to past and present. Readers will understand it as a modern day re-telling of the early Christian church, while also pondering if this is the coming reality for Christians. Clark's name choices for her characters is my favorite detail out of the whole book- meanings and references to Biblical figures adds immeasurable depth to the plot.
Suitable for YA and adults alike, The Messengers: Discovered opens doors to profound conversations about living out our faith and why it matters "even when steeples are falling." Seamlessly weaving theology and the historic liturgy together with suspense and intrigue, Discovered is a welcome addition to Christian fiction and the Lutheran church. Clark's gift of writing leaves readers completely satisfied while hungering for more of Simon Clay and the Messengers-- and ultimately, the Word.
Suitable for YA and adults alike, The Messengers: Discovered opens doors to profound conversations about living out our faith and why it matters "even when steeples are falling." Seamlessly weaving theology and the historic liturgy together with suspense and intrigue, Discovered is a welcome addition to Christian fiction and the Lutheran church. Clark's gift of writing leaves readers completely satisfied while hungering for more of Simon Clay and the Messengers-- and ultimately, the Word.
June 13, 2016
A very promising opening salvo. Very much looking forward to seeing how the series plays out. There were some parts where the writing could have been tightened up, but I only noticed because the book was otherwise very well done.
Had a hard time putting it down, and then when I finally did, I had a hard time falling asleep. It is an exciting story! I would have no hesitation giving it as a gift.
Had a hard time putting it down, and then when I finally did, I had a hard time falling asleep. It is an exciting story! I would have no hesitation giving it as a gift.
May 4, 2016
I very much enjoyed YA Christian novels when I was younger and now I love dystopian novels so when I heard about The Messengers: Discovered which combines both, I jumped at the chance to read an advanced reader copy!! This book had me sucked in from the start and I just couldn't stop reading. The first several chapters were centered around getting to know Simon and the world he lived in and felt rather lonely. I was beginning to wonder if/when we'd meet any other characters and thankfully we did! The book had a couple twists and turns I was not expecting which was great as I felt like I was always wondering what would come next. The epilogue left it open for another book(s) which I am very excited for. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Thank you so much to Lisa M. Clark for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you so much to Lisa M. Clark for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review!
April 7, 2016
The Messengers: Discovered places us in a dystopian thriller where technology, creativity, and faith have been publicly eliminated. In a world where everything is standardized and curiosity is smothered, what would be worth the price of defying authority? Lisa Clark's compelling novel does a fantastic job of re-revealing to both young adult and adult readers the truth and value of God's Word. Clark builds anticipation and keeps us right alongside Simon on his compelling journey. Seeing faith through Simon's eyes allows us to see our faith anew as well. Clark's descriptions are vivid and the world she creates is one I look forward to exploring again.
May 9, 2016
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I'll be honest. I really loved this book. I've been burnt out on dystopian fiction for awhile now, but I very much liked the Christian themes in this book and it brought a new angle. A lot of dystopian fiction sort of ignores religion (for instance, the Hunger Games has literally no mention of any type of religion whatsoever) so it was interesting reading this book about a country where religion was eradicated. I also liked that New Morgan was portrayed as stagnating. Technological advances have regressed, students are indoctrinated in classes, and one always has to be careful about what questions they ask or even what they read.
I liked Simon as a main character. He was curious about his world, even if he didn't know what to look for until he discovers the Messengers. At first he's just got a random teenage rebellious attitude, and doesn't even know why. It's kind of reminiscent of my own teenage rebellious attitude. And he doesn't stay that way, he grows as a character and starts searching for more concrete answers. He becomes a part of something so much larger than himself, and his interest in Christianity and his desire to learn and believe make him a better person.
I will say this book has heavy Christian themes, with Bible verses and religious talk. I know some people don't enjoy reading about that, but it's not really the schmaltzy, "everything is will be ok if you just believe in Jesus!" brand of Christianity you often find in fiction. There's no holding back that these characters put their very lives on the line just for possessing pieces of paper with Bible Verses on them. It's reminiscent of the very early days of Christianity. I really enjoyed it, as it made me think about how easy we have it nowadays in this country.
I did find that the end of the climax went a bit quickly, with some unanswered questions that I'm not sure if they'll be answered in the next book or if they were just overlooked. Regardless, I'm looking forward to the next installment to find out what happens with Simon, Charity, and the rest of the Messengers.
I'll be honest. I really loved this book. I've been burnt out on dystopian fiction for awhile now, but I very much liked the Christian themes in this book and it brought a new angle. A lot of dystopian fiction sort of ignores religion (for instance, the Hunger Games has literally no mention of any type of religion whatsoever) so it was interesting reading this book about a country where religion was eradicated. I also liked that New Morgan was portrayed as stagnating. Technological advances have regressed, students are indoctrinated in classes, and one always has to be careful about what questions they ask or even what they read.
I liked Simon as a main character. He was curious about his world, even if he didn't know what to look for until he discovers the Messengers. At first he's just got a random teenage rebellious attitude, and doesn't even know why. It's kind of reminiscent of my own teenage rebellious attitude. And he doesn't stay that way, he grows as a character and starts searching for more concrete answers. He becomes a part of something so much larger than himself, and his interest in Christianity and his desire to learn and believe make him a better person.
I will say this book has heavy Christian themes, with Bible verses and religious talk. I know some people don't enjoy reading about that, but it's not really the schmaltzy, "everything is will be ok if you just believe in Jesus!" brand of Christianity you often find in fiction. There's no holding back that these characters put their very lives on the line just for possessing pieces of paper with Bible Verses on them. It's reminiscent of the very early days of Christianity. I really enjoyed it, as it made me think about how easy we have it nowadays in this country.
I did find that the end of the climax went a bit quickly, with some unanswered questions that I'm not sure if they'll be answered in the next book or if they were just overlooked. Regardless, I'm looking forward to the next installment to find out what happens with Simon, Charity, and the rest of the Messengers.
April 25, 2018
YA dystopia is a thriving genre in today's world, and I am glad that a Christian author jumped on the bandwagon to show another side of what bleak industrialism and oppressive government control could be. One of the things that so greatly bothered me about The Hunger Games and their ilk was the sheer and utter hopelessness they presented as the ultimate meaning of life. Christianity is never better than when it shines hope into a despairing world, and dystopia provides the perfect setting to present this.
The way Clark weaves Scripture, liturgy, creed, and prayer into her story awakens the complacent Christian reader to the power, depth, and truth of these ancient words. We might have to suspend disbelief a bit to accept how quickly characters internalize these long-forgotten words and how consistently they turn to them and experience ineffable peace, yet the danger and oppression around them help us to do so.
Another strong point of the book was its subtle echoes of Christian persecution under the Roman Empire. I appreciated the arena and catacomb-like settings that were not overtly pointed out but rather quietly set as backdrops.
The book is most definitely aimed at the YA audience, and preteen readers will probably be enthralled with the story. Unfortunately, as an adult reader I have grown rather weary of the current YA conventions, and this resulted in many points of irritation for me.
First, sentence fragments. Like that. All over the place. I am no more irritated with the problem here than I was in The Hunger Games, but oh, the pain. Likewise, the casual tone of the dialogue often feels awkward and stilted to me.
Secondly, I hate the convention of the awkward young love attraction. Like the no-big-deal dialogue style, this seems an assumed necessity for YA fiction, but it consistently detracts from plot for me. What we find in The Messengers: Discovered is nowhere near as cringe-inducing as that in, say, Divergent, but it is still present.
Thirdly, I wish I could have been more convinced by the world that Clark created. Warnings about "the government" left me perpetually scratching my head as to what kind of actual government had taken control. Really, it seemed most of the time that the government did not involve actual people, but neither did it seem a mechanized "Big Brother" kind of arrangement. Also, I may have been a poor reader and missed something, but I was never quite clear why some Christians lived in the regular, above-ground world and others in the underground City. Perhaps, though, we are meant to feel a certain vagueness about the world of New Morgan that will be further clarified and expanded in future installments.
All-in-all, I could certainly recommend The Messengers: Discovered to its target audience of young Christian readers. There is a time in life to devour books with a less-discerning palate than one may develop later on, and this book contains enough of real, solid truth that it would be a delight to see young readers devouring it and the others in the series. For, in the end, perhaps the thing I liked best of all was the reminder that Christians are always hated by the world and that their faith only grows in times of persecution. This may be a timely lesson for today's young Christians.
The way Clark weaves Scripture, liturgy, creed, and prayer into her story awakens the complacent Christian reader to the power, depth, and truth of these ancient words. We might have to suspend disbelief a bit to accept how quickly characters internalize these long-forgotten words and how consistently they turn to them and experience ineffable peace, yet the danger and oppression around them help us to do so.
Another strong point of the book was its subtle echoes of Christian persecution under the Roman Empire. I appreciated the arena and catacomb-like settings that were not overtly pointed out but rather quietly set as backdrops.
The book is most definitely aimed at the YA audience, and preteen readers will probably be enthralled with the story. Unfortunately, as an adult reader I have grown rather weary of the current YA conventions, and this resulted in many points of irritation for me.
First, sentence fragments. Like that. All over the place. I am no more irritated with the problem here than I was in The Hunger Games, but oh, the pain. Likewise, the casual tone of the dialogue often feels awkward and stilted to me.
Secondly, I hate the convention of the awkward young love attraction. Like the no-big-deal dialogue style, this seems an assumed necessity for YA fiction, but it consistently detracts from plot for me. What we find in The Messengers: Discovered is nowhere near as cringe-inducing as that in, say, Divergent, but it is still present.
Thirdly, I wish I could have been more convinced by the world that Clark created. Warnings about "the government" left me perpetually scratching my head as to what kind of actual government had taken control. Really, it seemed most of the time that the government did not involve actual people, but neither did it seem a mechanized "Big Brother" kind of arrangement. Also, I may have been a poor reader and missed something, but I was never quite clear why some Christians lived in the regular, above-ground world and others in the underground City. Perhaps, though, we are meant to feel a certain vagueness about the world of New Morgan that will be further clarified and expanded in future installments.
All-in-all, I could certainly recommend The Messengers: Discovered to its target audience of young Christian readers. There is a time in life to devour books with a less-discerning palate than one may develop later on, and this book contains enough of real, solid truth that it would be a delight to see young readers devouring it and the others in the series. For, in the end, perhaps the thing I liked best of all was the reminder that Christians are always hated by the world and that their faith only grows in times of persecution. This may be a timely lesson for today's young Christians.
March 7, 2018
Fascinating look at the question “what if possessing or talking about God’s Word was outlawed?” Simon Clay is a sympathetic character whom Clark leads on a journey to discover what his country has been trying to hide.
September 19, 2017
I’m an adult who reads a lot of dystopian novels, but I’m generally hesitant about when to introduce that genre to my children. This book is an excellent opportunity, not only to introduce a genre of literature/reading but also to introduce to them the train of thought that sometimes what people think will be a utopia is really the exact opposite.
The Messengers: Discovered is a pleasant, quick, easy, enjoyable read. It’s “negative elements” mostly consist in either a boy’s aversion to robot violence or the tension of an oppressive regime. There’s no sex. There’s no graphic violence, although violence and torture are mentioned in past tense after the tyranny vs. Christian reality is revealed.
I wouldn’t particularly classify this as YA. I think older audiences might think it starts a bit slow, but I can tell that it’s building up to additional books, which I can now look forward to reading and sharing with my whole family. I wouldn’t say this isn’t for young adults, either. Maybe I wish children’s literature were held more highly: this could accompany any number of fine books written for older children but with special meaning for adults.
I do wonder why the setting is vaguely “around our time.” While I suspect that’s supposed to make it feel relevant, it interrupted me as I was attempting to suspect my disbelief. I mean, if it were a society similar to ours but twisted, that would be one thing. Still, that’s a pretty minor editing call to me.
I recommend it! Unless you haven’t read children’s literature for a while. 🙂 Meanwhile, I’m grateful for it.
Thanks, CPH! One of your best novels—and series—yet! The theology builds in good directions. The Bible passages and references are interwoven neatly, and it’s refreshing to see Christian fiction tackle, well, Christianity and some of its struggles head on. It doesn’t replace the Bible or catechesis or anything, but I’m glad I paid money for it. I’m thankful to God to have it in my family library.
Good job, Lisa! Keep up the great work! I look forward to reading more from you!
The Messengers: Discovered is a pleasant, quick, easy, enjoyable read. It’s “negative elements” mostly consist in either a boy’s aversion to robot violence or the tension of an oppressive regime. There’s no sex. There’s no graphic violence, although violence and torture are mentioned in past tense after the tyranny vs. Christian reality is revealed.
I wouldn’t particularly classify this as YA. I think older audiences might think it starts a bit slow, but I can tell that it’s building up to additional books, which I can now look forward to reading and sharing with my whole family. I wouldn’t say this isn’t for young adults, either. Maybe I wish children’s literature were held more highly: this could accompany any number of fine books written for older children but with special meaning for adults.
I do wonder why the setting is vaguely “around our time.” While I suspect that’s supposed to make it feel relevant, it interrupted me as I was attempting to suspect my disbelief. I mean, if it were a society similar to ours but twisted, that would be one thing. Still, that’s a pretty minor editing call to me.
I recommend it! Unless you haven’t read children’s literature for a while. 🙂 Meanwhile, I’m grateful for it.
Thanks, CPH! One of your best novels—and series—yet! The theology builds in good directions. The Bible passages and references are interwoven neatly, and it’s refreshing to see Christian fiction tackle, well, Christianity and some of its struggles head on. It doesn’t replace the Bible or catechesis or anything, but I’m glad I paid money for it. I’m thankful to God to have it in my family library.
Good job, Lisa! Keep up the great work! I look forward to reading more from you!
December 20, 2016
Clark tells an exciting and believable story centered on the Word of God. The setting, though a dystopian future, isn't hard to imagine. In light of the rise of ungodliness in America, it's easy to see the world Simon Clay lives in as one we may well inhabit in the not-too-distant future.
Discovered delivers God's life-forming truth, demonstrating it's transformative power and the significance it has on those who believe. In fact, it does it with such precision and skill that it begs the question: why doesn't Concordia Publishing House publish fiction regularly?! With each turn of the page, readers, especially young readers (Clark's primary audience) are built up in the understanding that there is no darkness that can overcome the light of Christ. A much needed message for all believers today!
The way the author presents the strength of the family is awesome. Family is a central part of this novel, just as it is the center of society. Along those lines kudos to Clark for recasting dad back into his proper Biblical office, defying how the world would have us define him. His mother, too, in a brilliant and unique way, is a spot on depiction of a godly mother. The role of family goes deeper and farther than mom and dad in the life of their child, but I'll leave you to discover just how deep and far for yourself.
It's a fun and edifying read. Want to give your child a novel that will encourage him in the faith? Give him The Messengers: Discovered!
Discovered delivers God's life-forming truth, demonstrating it's transformative power and the significance it has on those who believe. In fact, it does it with such precision and skill that it begs the question: why doesn't Concordia Publishing House publish fiction regularly?! With each turn of the page, readers, especially young readers (Clark's primary audience) are built up in the understanding that there is no darkness that can overcome the light of Christ. A much needed message for all believers today!
The way the author presents the strength of the family is awesome. Family is a central part of this novel, just as it is the center of society. Along those lines kudos to Clark for recasting dad back into his proper Biblical office, defying how the world would have us define him. His mother, too, in a brilliant and unique way, is a spot on depiction of a godly mother. The role of family goes deeper and farther than mom and dad in the life of their child, but I'll leave you to discover just how deep and far for yourself.
It's a fun and edifying read. Want to give your child a novel that will encourage him in the faith? Give him The Messengers: Discovered!
July 24, 2017
I really enjoyed this dystopian novel about a boy and his father who live in a post United States era where Bibles have been eradicated and people are trying to piece it back together using hidden and tucked away sources. Simon goes through an horrific experience which leaves him questioning his faith, and perhaps not remembering it. The book tells the story about how he discovers the truth about his family and about his faith.
The book is well written. It includes lots of references to Lutheran liturgy which was really nice. I thought the characters could have been a little deeper, but since it is the first book in a trilogy, I'm looking forward to learning more about the characters in later books.
The book is well written. It includes lots of references to Lutheran liturgy which was really nice. I thought the characters could have been a little deeper, but since it is the first book in a trilogy, I'm looking forward to learning more about the characters in later books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2017
I really wasn't sure what to expect from this book, the first in a series, but, to be honest, I wasn't expecting much. It appeared to be worth a shot, so we gave it a try. And I'm very happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Really well written. The narrative flows nicely, and the dialogue is handled well. The story itself is engaging and well crafted. It is perhaps the best example I have encountered of a book that actually incorporates the Christian faith and life quite naturally, as an integral part of the story, neither pedantic nor contrived. Utterly refreshing and encouraging. I absolutely loved it, and I'm eager to continue with the second book in the series.
August 2, 2016
I really enjoyed this story. It is a dystopia with real hope, because the secret faction is comprised of Christians trying to preserve the Word of God.
Simon Clay loves to find hidden pamphlets, but it can get him into serious trouble with the government. When he finds out by accident that his father aids the Messengers at night, he discovers a Word that offers Truth that he wasn't sure existed anymore.
Simon begins a journey of faith and true knowledge that leads him to share the Word to his own peril.
This novel could have used a better proofreader, but it was well-written and a quick read. I am looking forward to the next installment.
Simon Clay loves to find hidden pamphlets, but it can get him into serious trouble with the government. When he finds out by accident that his father aids the Messengers at night, he discovers a Word that offers Truth that he wasn't sure existed anymore.
Simon begins a journey of faith and true knowledge that leads him to share the Word to his own peril.
This novel could have used a better proofreader, but it was well-written and a quick read. I am looking forward to the next installment.
June 13, 2016
Great book with several unexpected twists and good character development. The author is obviously very familiar with teenagers and genuinely likes them. I found it delightful that despite significant challenges, Simon continues to grow and thrive in his dystopian world. I'm already looking forward to the next installment of Simon's story!
February 8, 2018
I felt immediately invested in Simon's story. Lisa does an excellent job in introducing us to a society that is both foreign and yet chillingly familiar. This book leaves you immensely grateful for the Message worth dying for. An intriguing start to a wonderful series!
June 6, 2016
Wow, I wasn't too sure of this book at first but then as I was reading this one as time went on, I have found myself entertained and this was rather an enjoyable read! Plot, characters, etc. are all well created!
July 1, 2016
I'm trying to figure out how to review this book without giving away the things that are so much fun to figure out.
June 3, 2018
Take a mixture of "Brave New World", "Fahrenheit 451", and "The Book of Eli", and you've got "The Messengers."
It's about a world where religion and books have been outlawed. The main character is a teenaged boy who learns more about the faith from mysterious messengers who show up at his father's shop at night. It's a well-written book.
My only complaint about it is that the plot takes forever to get somewhere. The action really starts to pick up when there's only about thirty pages left to go. I know it's part of a series and the author had to do a lot of world-building in the first book, but it still seemed like she missed opportunities to up the risk factor for the characters involved.
I loved the honor and respect that the characters showed for God's Word. They rejoiced over a single page of the Bible being found. If only we as Christians truly rejoiced at the Word of God, which we so often take for granted.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the other two.
It's about a world where religion and books have been outlawed. The main character is a teenaged boy who learns more about the faith from mysterious messengers who show up at his father's shop at night. It's a well-written book.
My only complaint about it is that the plot takes forever to get somewhere. The action really starts to pick up when there's only about thirty pages left to go. I know it's part of a series and the author had to do a lot of world-building in the first book, but it still seemed like she missed opportunities to up the risk factor for the characters involved.
I loved the honor and respect that the characters showed for God's Word. They rejoiced over a single page of the Bible being found. If only we as Christians truly rejoiced at the Word of God, which we so often take for granted.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the other two.
October 25, 2017
Our whole family loved this book. The kids were 8 and 10 when we read this aloud together. I admit I did have to look up what dystopian even meant before I started reading. And the vocabulary could have been tricky for an 8 year old on his own. But the discussions that happened after each chapter were full. We only read a chapter at a time when we do family read-alouds. This can be really, really, hard with great stories like this one. The kids caught me several times trying to skip ahead to Discover the rest of the story. But letting each chapter sink in really extended the enjoyment as we read this book. I've read it 2 more times since then, and find more to think about each time. Buy one, read it, buy another, give it away, repeat step 2.
January 1, 2019
This book was reminiscent of Orwell’s 1984, but from a Christian perspective. Instead of leaving the reader in despair, you are left with hope, which was refreshing. This YA dystopian thriller was a very enjoyable read and I was pleased to find so many scripture references and liturgy throughout. It was interesting to see familiar bible stories through the eyes of characters who have no access to The Word and are hearing them for the first time. It makes me think of the underground church today in places where Christianity is illegal and how difficult it must be for them. One little thing... the ending was very abrupt and I have so many questions about the last two chapters that were left unexplained. I assume these questions will be answered in book 2, which is understandable, but not intriguing enough for me to want to read it right now. I have too many other items in my want-to-read list. But I will definitely pick up the sequel in the future.
December 27, 2018
This book is outside the boundaries of what I normally read, but December was my month to read whatever struck my fancy, and I’m so glad I gave it a chance. It follows fifteen-year-old Simon as he finds and fights for his faith amidst a dystopian regime. Engaging and appropriate for teens and adults alike, this book is a fast paced adventure that is sure to leave you on the end of your seat and craving to know what will happen next.
September 26, 2017
I loved this dystopian young-adult novel--even though I am not a young adult and don't usually read dystopian novels. But the characters captured me and the thought of living in a world where God's Word was not readily available haunted me. It's an excellent story that also makes me appreciate that I can have a copy of the Bible on my shelf.
October 27, 2017
The town of New Morgan, once called Morganland, has taken Christianity from it's people... I got so many underground church vibes from this. It was definitely an interesting read.
Read my full review at:
https://fortheloveofchristianfiction....
Read my full review at:
https://fortheloveofchristianfiction....
August 9, 2018
This was a good dystopian option for T/YA. Lots of solid Christian/Bible references.
September 6, 2018
Great book. Liked the mystery and the suspense.
April 18, 2019
Felt like a first draft, a lot of telling and not showing, plot holes. Cool idea but poor execution.
July 19, 2019
I’m usually not much of a fan of YA or dystopian novels, but this was so encouraging and full of hope.
March 31, 2020
This is a thrilling book! It is one of my favorites. Our teacher gave this book as a reading asignment but I don't think of it that way. I think of it as a fun thing,
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