Synopses & Reviews
Michael Grant's
Messenger of Fear is a haunting narrative that examines the nature of good and evil in every human. Fans of Michelle Hodkin's Mara Dyer trilogy and Stephen King will love this satisfyingly twisted series.
Mara Todd wakes in a field of dead grass, a heavy mist pressing down on her. She is terrified, afraid that she is dead. She can't remember who she is or anything about her past. Is it because of the boy who appears? He calls himself the Messenger of Fear. If the world does not bring justice to those who do evil, the Messenger will. He offers the wicked a game. If they win, they go free. If they lose, they will live their greatest fear. Either way, their sanity will be challenged.
It is a world of fair but harsh justice. Of retribution and redemption. And mystery. Why was Mara chosen to be the Messenger's apprentice? What has she done to deserve this terrible fate? She won't find out until three of the wicked receive justice. And when she does, she will be shattered.
Review
“The Messenger of Fear has a two-word message for readers: BE AFRAID. The nightmares start in chapter one and dont let up. Seriously, this book gave me chill after chill. My message to you: Read it in a safe, well-lighted place. Its fright fiction at its best!” R.L. Stine, Bestselling Author of the Goosebumps and Fear Street Series
Review
“The enviably cunning and ever versatile Michael Grant explodes on the scene with Messenger of Fear, a palpitating horror fantasy mash-up with a genius twist that blew my mind. I walked through Ohare with this book in my faceI couldnt stop reading!” Lisa McMann, New York Times Bestselling Author of the Wake trilogy and The Unwanteds series
Review
“Mesmerizing, horrifying, and deeply thought-provoking.” Carrie Ryan, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Forest of Hands and Teeth
Review
Grant only slowly unveils the reason Mara is with the Messenger, building tension and atmosphere expertly for maximum impact. Readers will find that in the end, it all comes together extremely well. An unusual and intriguing puzzle of a book. Kirkus Reviews
Review
“Grants new series starts off with a bang and never lets up.The games will delight those readers who enjoy a little gore and horror in their books. This is a promising start to a series with a truly unique concept.” School Library Journal
Review
“Written from a stream-of-consciousness point of view, this book is a welcome change from the current dystopian young adult books that are so popular.The idea that good and evil in the world are balanced on the edge of a knife is a motivating philosophy.” Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
Review
“Grant explores bullying, family problems, suicide, and more, and several painful passages will have readers cringing, even as they make them think about what they would do in the same situation….a solid beginning to a series that is likely to be quite popular withhorror and paranormal fans.”” Booklist
Review
Praise for GONE:“If Stephen King had written LORD OF THE FLIES, it might have been a little like this.” VOYA (starred review)
Review
Praise for HUNGER:“Readers will be unable to avoid involuntary gasping, shuddering, or flinching while reading this suspense-filled story.” VOYA (starred review)
Review
Praise for LIES: “Disturbing, brilliantly plotted, and boasting a balanced mix of action and scheming.” ALA Booklist
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Praise for PLAGUE: “Grants science fantasy thrillers continue to be the very definition of a page-turner.” ALA Booklist
Review
Praise for FEAR: “Fans can count on more excellent storytelling, multidimensional characters who continue to develop in unexpected ways, and some mighty fine eye-popping moments.” VOYA (starred review)
Review
Praise for LIGHT: “As a series finale, this book is more than satisfying-it is epic.” VOYA (starred review)
Synopsis
Play or pay
Mara wakes up in a graveyard.
All her memories are gone,
but something tells her she is still alive.
Then a haunting boy appears in black
who is too beautiful not to be real.
He is the Messenger of Fear.
He uncovers the cruelty that goes unpunished
and offers the wicked a game for redemption.
Win, and they can go free.
Lose, and they will live out their greatest fear.
Mara has been chosen as his new apprentice.
And before she can ask why,
the games begin.
About the Author
Michael Grant, author of Messenger of Fear, the Gone series, and the Magnificent Twelve series, has spent much of his life on the move. Raised in a military family, he attended ten schools in five states, as well as three schools in France. Even as an adult he kept moving, and in fact he became a writer in part because it was one of the few jobs that wouldn't tie him down. His fondest dream is to spend a year circumnavigating the globe and visiting every continent. Yes, even Antarctica. He lives in California with his wife, Katherine Applegate, and their two children.