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The Messengers
If you could see the future, would you have the guts to change it? A new psychological thriller from the author of Daylight Saving.
Fifteen-year-old Frances is sent to her aunt’s house for the summer to escape difficulties at home. Soon she meets Peter, a man unlike anyone she has ever known. Peter is a messenger—but his messages never bring good news. Peter believes that Frances is a messenger, too. In a compelling page-turner as complex as it is chilling, the author of Daylight Saving poses the provocative If you could change the future, where would you start?
Fifteen-year-old Frances is sent to her aunt’s house for the summer to escape difficulties at home. Soon she meets Peter, a man unlike anyone she has ever known. Peter is a messenger—but his messages never bring good news. Peter believes that Frances is a messenger, too. In a compelling page-turner as complex as it is chilling, the author of Daylight Saving poses the provocative If you could change the future, where would you start?
224 pages, Hardcover
First published August 15, 2013
10 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Edward Hogan
12 books41 followersEdward Hogan’s first adult novel, Blackmoor, was short-listed for the London Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award and the Dylan Thomas prize. Daylight Saving is his first young adult novel. He lives in the U.K.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 27, 2015
Check out this and other reviews on my blog, Here's to Happy Endings!
Let me start by saying that this is one of those books in which the blurb does no justice. I read the synopsis on this book a few times, and while it sounded great, it really could have been better written, because this book was awesome. It was a pretty short quick read, and I read it in almost one night. It's only about 220 pages or so, and the chapters are pretty short, so I just kept saying "one more chapter!" to myself over and over again, and before I knew it, I was finished with the book.
It was a really great story - very unlike anything else I've read, and it was so easy to get sucked into it.
The story begins with Frances spending time with her cousin, Max. She had just come to live with them because her brother is on the run from the police and her mother has a new boyfriend (and Frances doesn't like him), so her mother sent her to live with her aunt and uncle. Well, shes going with Max to spend some time with his friends, when she sees this weird guy standing outside of a beach hut, and she's curious about him. So she ditches Max to go meet this strange man, who we find out is named Peter, and he is a messenger.
A messenger of death.
Peter has visions of people at their last moments, and he takes this visions and paints them on postcards, which he then delivers to those people about two days before they die. The people don't see the actual scene of course, it just looks like abstract art on a postcard to them.
Since Frances has been having some strange blackouts, and when she comes to she draws strange pictures as well, Peter informs her that she is, indeed, also a messenger. Frances, horrified, runs away from the beach hut in utter disbelief of what Peter had just told her. But of course, when she stumbles upon the scene from the postcard that Peter had drawn, she sees that maybe, just maybe, he was telling the truth after all.
The story unfolds as Frances learns to live with her abilities, with Peter along as her mentor. The book is a dark, suspenseful thrill ride, and it certainly is original and entertaining. I've never read anything like it.
There were a few things that bothered me in the story, like the age difference between Peter and Frances (I don't recall the age of Frances ever being revealed, but with figuring out that Peter had an eleven year old son who was born when he was eighteen, it's easy to figure out that he's 29. And she's a teenager. Wait, what?), and with her attraction to him, it kind of is just a little bit...weird. Of course that does play into the story a little (not giving any spoilers away here), but yeah, there's that.
Also, I hated how we don't really learn all that much about these messengers. Peter says that messengers are drawn to each other, but why? I had a lot of "why" questions in the book that aren't ever actually answered, and it really irked me, but I guess it was meant to add to the mystery.
All in all, this was a pretty good read that I could recommend easily if you are looking for a quick, suspenseful read. It was definitely enjoyable!
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Let me start by saying that this is one of those books in which the blurb does no justice. I read the synopsis on this book a few times, and while it sounded great, it really could have been better written, because this book was awesome. It was a pretty short quick read, and I read it in almost one night. It's only about 220 pages or so, and the chapters are pretty short, so I just kept saying "one more chapter!" to myself over and over again, and before I knew it, I was finished with the book.
It was a really great story - very unlike anything else I've read, and it was so easy to get sucked into it.
The story begins with Frances spending time with her cousin, Max. She had just come to live with them because her brother is on the run from the police and her mother has a new boyfriend (and Frances doesn't like him), so her mother sent her to live with her aunt and uncle. Well, shes going with Max to spend some time with his friends, when she sees this weird guy standing outside of a beach hut, and she's curious about him. So she ditches Max to go meet this strange man, who we find out is named Peter, and he is a messenger.
A messenger of death.
Peter has visions of people at their last moments, and he takes this visions and paints them on postcards, which he then delivers to those people about two days before they die. The people don't see the actual scene of course, it just looks like abstract art on a postcard to them.
Since Frances has been having some strange blackouts, and when she comes to she draws strange pictures as well, Peter informs her that she is, indeed, also a messenger. Frances, horrified, runs away from the beach hut in utter disbelief of what Peter had just told her. But of course, when she stumbles upon the scene from the postcard that Peter had drawn, she sees that maybe, just maybe, he was telling the truth after all.
The story unfolds as Frances learns to live with her abilities, with Peter along as her mentor. The book is a dark, suspenseful thrill ride, and it certainly is original and entertaining. I've never read anything like it.
There were a few things that bothered me in the story, like the age difference between Peter and Frances (I don't recall the age of Frances ever being revealed, but with figuring out that Peter had an eleven year old son who was born when he was eighteen, it's easy to figure out that he's 29. And she's a teenager. Wait, what?), and with her attraction to him, it kind of is just a little bit...weird. Of course that does play into the story a little (not giving any spoilers away here), but yeah, there's that.
Also, I hated how we don't really learn all that much about these messengers. Peter says that messengers are drawn to each other, but why? I had a lot of "why" questions in the book that aren't ever actually answered, and it really irked me, but I guess it was meant to add to the mystery.
All in all, this was a pretty good read that I could recommend easily if you are looking for a quick, suspenseful read. It was definitely enjoyable!
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2015
A dark and lonely book, intense and moody. Not quite what one would expect, this book does capture the attention once the real action begins. A bit of a slow start, with Frances mourning her absent brother, a boxer who is on the run. She is sent to live with her Aunt, Uncle and cousin until things settle down. The main characters are teens, young and old teens. The characters are fairly well developed considering their ages. Written for young adults, I don't think I would recommend it for younger age groups. It is a fascinating psychological study in which the two main characters unwillingly hold life and death in their hands, but a philosophical one as well. A unique plot and concept by
Edward Hogan
.
Fifteen-year-old Frances doesn't know or understand her "gift" but wishes she didn't have it once she learns what it is. When she meets Peter, who has lived with this for several years, he mentors her. It's rather fascinating when we get into the idea that these two have a talent in art, but their art is only visible to themselves...to others it is somewhat like cubic or similar to Picasso's most abstract work. But it is why and how they do this that is the story and the nightmare.
What would you do if you found you were a messenger of death, would you try to avoid it, change it? What if found out if you didn't deliver the message to avoid that person dying, someone in your own family would die in their place? And what would you do if you thought you had found a way out of this horrible dilemma? This is truly a psychological thriller. Where and how will it all end? Who will be next? This book stays with you long after reading it. Will Frances' discovery make a difference to the message? Or will she remain a messenger as long as she lives.
Disclaimer: I was given an Advance Reading Copy by the publisher in exchange for this honest review.
Fifteen-year-old Frances doesn't know or understand her "gift" but wishes she didn't have it once she learns what it is. When she meets Peter, who has lived with this for several years, he mentors her. It's rather fascinating when we get into the idea that these two have a talent in art, but their art is only visible to themselves...to others it is somewhat like cubic or similar to Picasso's most abstract work. But it is why and how they do this that is the story and the nightmare.
What would you do if you found you were a messenger of death, would you try to avoid it, change it? What if found out if you didn't deliver the message to avoid that person dying, someone in your own family would die in their place? And what would you do if you thought you had found a way out of this horrible dilemma? This is truly a psychological thriller. Where and how will it all end? Who will be next? This book stays with you long after reading it. Will Frances' discovery make a difference to the message? Or will she remain a messenger as long as she lives.
Disclaimer: I was given an Advance Reading Copy by the publisher in exchange for this honest review.
March 27, 2015
I received a copy of the The Messengers by Edward Hogan through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers Program. The Messengers has two plot threads: one that is more paranormal fiction and one that is more contemporary realistic fiction. Frances hasn't had an easy life being raised by a single mom who at times is a distracted parent. She is close to her older brother but he has his own personal demons that he fights against through being a boxer. When Frances' brother swings on an off duty policeman in self-defense he goes on the lam because he fears going to prison for assaulting an officer. Frances is sent to live with relatives in a seaside town and settles in to a more pleasant existence. When she meets Peter her life is thrown for a loop because he is much older than her but she feels a strong attraction to him. She and Peter become friendly because they are both messengers who are people who deliver death messages to people via postcard. Being a messenger is difficult situation because not delivering the message could bring harm to your own family. I enjoyed the book and thought it had great pacing and an intriguing plot. The main characters did annoy me at times though, Peter because he was so moody and unpredictable and Frances because she was stubborn and used poor judgement at times. I thought the writing was good but would have liked more background on the Messengers. Overall, a good book one that I would recommend to fans of paranormal fiction.
March 4, 2014
Review by Tomos - Year 8
The book is about gifted people known as “messengers”. They experience blackouts and afterwards draw a picture of someone dying. They have to “deliver the message” within two days and then they die. The main character is called Frances. She spends the story defying her gift and battling to change the fate of the people in her portraits.
POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT***My favourite part of the book is when Frances and Maxi save Kelly’s life at The Pink Barracuda. I like this part because it inspires hope and a chance to save lives. I liked Maxi because he was cool and helped Frances even when he didn’t know what the full situation was and shouldn’t have really. He was a great friend to Frances.***
I disliked the ending because it all happened very fast and an incident occured I didn’t agree with. I think the ending could have been written better. Yes, I would have liked to have seen the ending written differently. It was hurried and the quality of writing dipped slightly. I think it could be better.
I hadn’t heard of Edward Hogan before but I enjoyed this book very much. An excellent read. I would recommend this book to others because it was great. I think it suits the “12-15 teen fantasy” genre.
I don’t think the book is unsuitable. There are one or two uses of bad language in the book but I think this adds to the book by making the reader feel trusted and grown-up. Also, there is some romance in the book but nothing too mature.
I would give this book a 4 out of 5 star rating. A great story but the ending needs improvement.
The book is about gifted people known as “messengers”. They experience blackouts and afterwards draw a picture of someone dying. They have to “deliver the message” within two days and then they die. The main character is called Frances. She spends the story defying her gift and battling to change the fate of the people in her portraits.
POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT***My favourite part of the book is when Frances and Maxi save Kelly’s life at The Pink Barracuda. I like this part because it inspires hope and a chance to save lives. I liked Maxi because he was cool and helped Frances even when he didn’t know what the full situation was and shouldn’t have really. He was a great friend to Frances.***
I disliked the ending because it all happened very fast and an incident occured I didn’t agree with. I think the ending could have been written better. Yes, I would have liked to have seen the ending written differently. It was hurried and the quality of writing dipped slightly. I think it could be better.
I hadn’t heard of Edward Hogan before but I enjoyed this book very much. An excellent read. I would recommend this book to others because it was great. I think it suits the “12-15 teen fantasy” genre.
I don’t think the book is unsuitable. There are one or two uses of bad language in the book but I think this adds to the book by making the reader feel trusted and grown-up. Also, there is some romance in the book but nothing too mature.
I would give this book a 4 out of 5 star rating. A great story but the ending needs improvement.
April 14, 2016
The Messengers poses an interesting question: should you attempt to save people who are fated to die? Despite such a fascinating premise I felt it was rather undeveloped. The main character (Frances) seems content to run amok, not sparing any thought to the consequences of her actions...or the result it will have on others. It was rather infuriating and occupied space that would have been better spent discussing the theological ramifications of having visions/potentially saving those soon to die. Good premise but ultimately, not engaging.
July 24, 2016
Un roman très prenant, qui nous plonge dès les premières pages dans un univers original qui s'éloigne des schémas SF classiques. Quelques petits défauts mais beaucoup de potentiel, j'ai bien apprécié !
May 19, 2020
Quick light read, nice plot, nicely constructed.
March 12, 2020
The novel "The Messengers", written by Edward Hogan, is both young adult and thriller-mystery. It was published on September 15th 2013 by Walker Books. Edward Hogan has written other novels such as Blackmoor. This won the Desmond Elliott Prize in 2009.
Frances, who is now 15 years old, has been sent to live in Helmstown with her aunt, uncle, and cousin Max. Frances has a history of blacking out and creating these very mysterious drawings when she wakes up. When in Helmstown, Frances meets a slightly older man, Peter Kennedy. Peter understands exactly the reasoning for her blackouts and continues to inform Frances that she is also a messenger. As messengers, their obligation is to find the people they draw and somehow make them come in contact with their drawings within 48 hours. This means that they are going to die as they are supposed to. However, if a messenger fails to do so, there will be consequences involving their own family. Frances and Peter come up with a way to save people's life by getting the person to see the drawing, yet finding a possible solution to avoiding that person's situation.
This novel had a bit of a slow start. Once you get into the book, it also gets a little repetitive. It seems like you just know what's going to happen next and you're reading the same event over again. Even though the book was written like this, I never lost interest. Edward Hogan wrote the novel in Frances’s perspective so readers know what she is always thinking. The writing style is mostly dialogue between Peter and Frances which makes it a very easy book to read and understand. Hogan greatly expressed the theme of free will, and changing the future throughout the course of the story. However, while reading, I kept saying to myself “well then what,” uncertain to what direction this story was going to go. But in the end, I was satisfied with the whole plot, writing style, and how the book ended.
In conclusion I would rate this book 3/5. "The Messengers," by Edward Hogan, was a good easy book to read and I would recommend it to other people who like YA. After all, I will admit it was not one of the best novels I have ever read compared to others I have read in the past. This novel would be great for someone who has a high interest in mystery or fiction books.
Frances, who is now 15 years old, has been sent to live in Helmstown with her aunt, uncle, and cousin Max. Frances has a history of blacking out and creating these very mysterious drawings when she wakes up. When in Helmstown, Frances meets a slightly older man, Peter Kennedy. Peter understands exactly the reasoning for her blackouts and continues to inform Frances that she is also a messenger. As messengers, their obligation is to find the people they draw and somehow make them come in contact with their drawings within 48 hours. This means that they are going to die as they are supposed to. However, if a messenger fails to do so, there will be consequences involving their own family. Frances and Peter come up with a way to save people's life by getting the person to see the drawing, yet finding a possible solution to avoiding that person's situation.
This novel had a bit of a slow start. Once you get into the book, it also gets a little repetitive. It seems like you just know what's going to happen next and you're reading the same event over again. Even though the book was written like this, I never lost interest. Edward Hogan wrote the novel in Frances’s perspective so readers know what she is always thinking. The writing style is mostly dialogue between Peter and Frances which makes it a very easy book to read and understand. Hogan greatly expressed the theme of free will, and changing the future throughout the course of the story. However, while reading, I kept saying to myself “well then what,” uncertain to what direction this story was going to go. But in the end, I was satisfied with the whole plot, writing style, and how the book ended.
In conclusion I would rate this book 3/5. "The Messengers," by Edward Hogan, was a good easy book to read and I would recommend it to other people who like YA. After all, I will admit it was not one of the best novels I have ever read compared to others I have read in the past. This novel would be great for someone who has a high interest in mystery or fiction books.
November 25, 2017
Actual Rating: 3.5 This book is really hard to rate because I enjoy reading it, but there are some stuff that bothers me. So this story is about a girl (Frances) who has a difficult family, her mother is off with some guy and her brother is on the run from punching a cop. Frances has a history of blacking out and drawing very strange abstract images. She meets Peter who also has these blackouts. Then we find out that they are actually messengers and the pictures that they draw are actually people's death scene, and they have to deliver these messages to the person. Peter believes that there is no other way, but to deliver the messages. Frances believes that there might be hope to save them by removing the cause of the death. What I do like is the action in the book, and how they try to save people. I wish there was more of that in the story. The story is actually a short read. The beginning started off a bit slow, but then it got too quickpaced. Then the ending felt rush to me. I would be enjoyed a lot more if it slowed down.
SPOIL ALERT: ENDING
When I was ending the book I was squealing like crazy. It really had me intrigued. So Frances had a blackout and a new message this time she drew her brother. She's desperate to save him, she sends a picture to Peter to help her. She goes to the scene to deliver the message in order to save him. Then HUUUGE plot twist she actually realized that the picture is not meant for her brother it was meant for Peter. Time has run out and the death scene is happening. Peter has died, Frances delivered his death message. This is the part that really bugs me is that Frances barely mourn for Peter, us readers barely mourn for Peter, after the death I was still having a hard time rapping my head around it. Like the ending was in three pages. Frances did have feelings for Peter, but she didn't mourn for him. She accepted as the way of life, UGHHHH! I'm not mad that he died, but it was like he died then moral of the story. Like if Peter's death was no big deal!
Overall, I did enjoy the story, but I would be liked if the book explored Frances and Peter's relationship a lot more. And if it slowed down at the ending and really went into Frances losing Peter it would've been a lot better!
SPOIL ALERT: ENDING
When I was ending the book I was squealing like crazy. It really had me intrigued. So Frances had a blackout and a new message this time she drew her brother. She's desperate to save him, she sends a picture to Peter to help her. She goes to the scene to deliver the message in order to save him. Then HUUUGE plot twist she actually realized that the picture is not meant for her brother it was meant for Peter. Time has run out and the death scene is happening. Peter has died, Frances delivered his death message. This is the part that really bugs me is that Frances barely mourn for Peter, us readers barely mourn for Peter, after the death I was still having a hard time rapping my head around it. Like the ending was in three pages. Frances did have feelings for Peter, but she didn't mourn for him. She accepted as the way of life, UGHHHH! I'm not mad that he died, but it was like he died then moral of the story. Like if Peter's death was no big deal!
Overall, I did enjoy the story, but I would be liked if the book explored Frances and Peter's relationship a lot more. And if it slowed down at the ending and really went into Frances losing Peter it would've been a lot better!
September 11, 2017
Creepy cover. Creepy book. Fifteen-year-old Frances ends up spending the summer at her aunt’s house. She meets Peter and is immediately drawn to him. It turns out, Peter is a messenger, a “chosen” one whose job it is to deliver messages of death, or face death within his own family. As it turns out, Frances is a messenger, too. But, she refuses to just accept this role, and begins to develop a strategy to change the future. But, death seems to have other plans.
What I liked: REALLY different concept. The story was disturbing, but so interesting that you had to keep reading to see what was going to happen.
What I didn’t like: the age difference between Frances and Peter was a little odd (she’s 15 and he’s 29), but her attraction to him is believable, even if a little unsettling. My biggest complaint was that even though the concept was interesting, the story seemed to drag on and on, and we never really got a full understanding of these “messengers.”
The concept alone makes the story unique, but in the end, it just falls a bit flat.
3.5 out of 5 stars
What I liked: REALLY different concept. The story was disturbing, but so interesting that you had to keep reading to see what was going to happen.
What I didn’t like: the age difference between Frances and Peter was a little odd (she’s 15 and he’s 29), but her attraction to him is believable, even if a little unsettling. My biggest complaint was that even though the concept was interesting, the story seemed to drag on and on, and we never really got a full understanding of these “messengers.”
The concept alone makes the story unique, but in the end, it just falls a bit flat.
3.5 out of 5 stars
December 29, 2017
Solid 4 rating from me. Engaging plot, good pace, original idea, some clever twists, and a well-written female protagonist.
The chapters were nice and short, which made it easy to pick up and put down when short on time, or, in contrast, to force you to go that extra chapter or two to find out what happens next.
As an aside, it feels like this book would be a good candidate to be made into a movie. It was easy to visualize many of the scenes within the context of a film, which is a credit to the author.
I recommend giving this one a read. At just over 200 pages, it's definitely worth the short amount of time it takes.
The chapters were nice and short, which made it easy to pick up and put down when short on time, or, in contrast, to force you to go that extra chapter or two to find out what happens next.
As an aside, it feels like this book would be a good candidate to be made into a movie. It was easy to visualize many of the scenes within the context of a film, which is a credit to the author.
I recommend giving this one a read. At just over 200 pages, it's definitely worth the short amount of time it takes.
October 18, 2022
I rate this book 4/5. It’s a very good book and it grabbed my attention from the start and held it. It wasn’t as predictable as I’d thought it would be, but one thing about the book that I wish was better was Hogan explaining the scenes better. When the deaths happened I couldn’t quite understand if someone got hit by a car or they crashed the car. Other than that it’s a really good and easy read I recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2018
This one is pretty good. It’s got an engaging set up, a decent story, and manages a satisfying ending in a scenario where that seemed particularly difficult without resorting to a deus ex machina cop out. I enjoyed it.
March 15, 2019
I had a really hard time getting into this book, and to be honest, I don't even remember the first half of it.
March 25, 2019
Meh. I liked the premise, but it wasn't really developed and I didn't connect with the characters at all.
April 1, 2019
The book was hard to follow at times but a very good mystery book!
June 15, 2024
Interesting story idea for a teen book. Brings up some moral questions and "what if I were given certain talent" scenario relating to survival and decisions.
August 4, 2024
I'm so happy that I read this book. It was amazing. I definitely recommend this book.
July 20, 2014
I enjoyed The Messengers a lot more than I first expected. Though I was intrigued by the concept and interested in reading something a little different to my usual selection, I didn't think I'd fall in love with the characters and have a little bit of me broken inside by the end.
When Frances is sent down to the sea when her brother goes on the run and their mother needs some space, she expects a few months filled with awkward interactions with her cousin's friends. But then she bumps into a man with a postcard depicting a death she witnesses later, and he tells her she is like him. Before she knows it, Frances is given a terrible choice: deliver the message of death to the people she draws, or let someone close to her die instead.
I really liked the simple, but detailed style of Hogan's writing. There's a lovely flow to the words, and the dialogue fits in nicely with the narrative. The speech itself was realistic and humorous enough to make me smile at a times. But the best part was the communication of emotions. There's a specific part towards the end where Frances really loses her control, and at that point I felt so much for her and I empathised with the character, despite clearly not really knowing how it would feel in that position.
The plot for this novel is a nice break from the typical Young Adult story lines, and takes a great concept that I haven't really seen before and questions it as soon as the reader's been told it. I loved the fact that Frances was constantly trying to find ways around her gift, and then going on to follow them, because it's what I feel I'd probably do in her situation. There's so many stories out there where the protagonist complains about the situation they're in, but doesn't do anything about it. Frances takes the circumstances as they are, but won't let them stop her from trying to do the right thing.
My favourite part of the book were the relationships between our protagonist and the people around her. It’s fairly obvious that, while Frances isn’t particularly shy, she still doesn’t reveal everything about herself to the people she meets. I really enjoyed the way Frances was shown around the other people because it told us a lot about her and the type of people she trusts. I also loved the issues brought to light in this context, especially her brother’s actions and consequences. I’m always interested in the brother-sister bond, but Frances and Johnny were among my favourites.
The only issue I have with the plot of this book is the fact that everything new became a little too comfortable too quickly. Until towards the end, nothing ever seemed to fight back when Frances or Peter tried to change things. I would’ve liked it if something had gone seriously wrong near the beginning, and had then frightened Frances off or pushed her to work harder.
However, I can’t really complain after the ending. I loved the foreshadowing earlier in the book, but also it’s twist. You might predict what happens, but there’s something a little different thrown in to catch you off guard. Though I can’t explain why (no spoilers) the finishing climax was a perfect end to the book, and, while it broke me, I don’t think it could’ve ended with the required outcome otherwise.
(And then the very ending with Sam broke me even more - read it and you’ll understand.)
Though characters are one of the main driving plots for this book, I felt there were only really two that developed throughout the story. I did still love a lot of the minor characters, and thought their relationships primarily with Frances were well-orchestrated, but they were sidelined where further information could have deepened the plot.
I absolutely adore Frances' character. At the start of the book, I immediately loved her sarcastic, half-interested attitude. It told half of her story even before she started explaining it. I also loved the way she acted around the other characters (namely Max and Johnny), where she was affectionate, but still partly detached, like she didn't kept to herself mostly. As the story carried on, I feel more and more in love with Frances, and the progression of her emotions and actions made her such a realistic character.
I also really liked Peter's character. Aside from the interesting sub-plot of his controversial relationship with Frances, he himself was a person that developed a great deal throughout the story. He's a very different person by the last chapter than the first.
For me, this book was too short. I wanted so much more time to explore the concept and learn about the characters. Having said that, the length works well for the story: it lets things move along at a good pace and doesn't drag parts out.
I recommend The Messengers to anyone who likes contemporary reads with a twist or paranormal or fantasy in them. There's controversial issues, great climaxes and realistic characters. This is a great story with a unique concept that I found really enjoyable and interesting to read. I'm looking forward to reading Hogan's other works.
When Frances is sent down to the sea when her brother goes on the run and their mother needs some space, she expects a few months filled with awkward interactions with her cousin's friends. But then she bumps into a man with a postcard depicting a death she witnesses later, and he tells her she is like him. Before she knows it, Frances is given a terrible choice: deliver the message of death to the people she draws, or let someone close to her die instead.
I really liked the simple, but detailed style of Hogan's writing. There's a lovely flow to the words, and the dialogue fits in nicely with the narrative. The speech itself was realistic and humorous enough to make me smile at a times. But the best part was the communication of emotions. There's a specific part towards the end where Frances really loses her control, and at that point I felt so much for her and I empathised with the character, despite clearly not really knowing how it would feel in that position.
The plot for this novel is a nice break from the typical Young Adult story lines, and takes a great concept that I haven't really seen before and questions it as soon as the reader's been told it. I loved the fact that Frances was constantly trying to find ways around her gift, and then going on to follow them, because it's what I feel I'd probably do in her situation. There's so many stories out there where the protagonist complains about the situation they're in, but doesn't do anything about it. Frances takes the circumstances as they are, but won't let them stop her from trying to do the right thing.
My favourite part of the book were the relationships between our protagonist and the people around her. It’s fairly obvious that, while Frances isn’t particularly shy, she still doesn’t reveal everything about herself to the people she meets. I really enjoyed the way Frances was shown around the other people because it told us a lot about her and the type of people she trusts. I also loved the issues brought to light in this context, especially her brother’s actions and consequences. I’m always interested in the brother-sister bond, but Frances and Johnny were among my favourites.
The only issue I have with the plot of this book is the fact that everything new became a little too comfortable too quickly. Until towards the end, nothing ever seemed to fight back when Frances or Peter tried to change things. I would’ve liked it if something had gone seriously wrong near the beginning, and had then frightened Frances off or pushed her to work harder.
However, I can’t really complain after the ending. I loved the foreshadowing earlier in the book, but also it’s twist. You might predict what happens, but there’s something a little different thrown in to catch you off guard. Though I can’t explain why (no spoilers) the finishing climax was a perfect end to the book, and, while it broke me, I don’t think it could’ve ended with the required outcome otherwise.
(And then the very ending with Sam broke me even more - read it and you’ll understand.)
Though characters are one of the main driving plots for this book, I felt there were only really two that developed throughout the story. I did still love a lot of the minor characters, and thought their relationships primarily with Frances were well-orchestrated, but they were sidelined where further information could have deepened the plot.
I absolutely adore Frances' character. At the start of the book, I immediately loved her sarcastic, half-interested attitude. It told half of her story even before she started explaining it. I also loved the way she acted around the other characters (namely Max and Johnny), where she was affectionate, but still partly detached, like she didn't kept to herself mostly. As the story carried on, I feel more and more in love with Frances, and the progression of her emotions and actions made her such a realistic character.
I also really liked Peter's character. Aside from the interesting sub-plot of his controversial relationship with Frances, he himself was a person that developed a great deal throughout the story. He's a very different person by the last chapter than the first.
For me, this book was too short. I wanted so much more time to explore the concept and learn about the characters. Having said that, the length works well for the story: it lets things move along at a good pace and doesn't drag parts out.
I recommend The Messengers to anyone who likes contemporary reads with a twist or paranormal or fantasy in them. There's controversial issues, great climaxes and realistic characters. This is a great story with a unique concept that I found really enjoyable and interesting to read. I'm looking forward to reading Hogan's other works.
June 16, 2015
It’s a postcard, the picture so detailed it seems real and upon future investigation it becomes real, the picture coming to life right before her very eyes. Imagine holding a detailed, hand-painted postcard in your hand, now imagine a day or two later that imagine coming to life right before your very eyes, take that image one step further and inside that detailed image a death has taken place. That is the world of the Messengers. Frances is a Messenger, not a fully-developed one yet as she still needs help controlling her talents and that is where Peter fits in. Along the sea, in a beach hut with a magnifying glass over his eye, she spots Peter, an older teen who seems to know more about her than someone should know just by the few minutes that they have spent talking together. After asking her to deliver a postcard on her way home, Frances kindly complies but it is the next day while walking back to meet him that alarms Frances. This postcard, which she examined before delivering, is now materializes before her eyes. The scene is all too familiar, the horror traumatizing, and now she’s racing off to find Peter for she needs an explanation for what she has just experienced. I was on the seat of my pants thinking what was in store for Frances; how exciting yet unsettling this new world she was about to discover. She had no idea that the strange illustrations that flew from her hand after her blackouts were someone’s future, their destiny laid out on a slip of paper. Such power they both possessed but Frances wanted to change all that. Can they change what is destiny and what would be the consequences if they could? Sometimes it’s better to leave things as they are but Frances is determined to do something, it’s just her nature.
The imagery of the postcards was superb, it reminded me of the opening of a movie where they show the scene and then the movie starts and the characters and the picture start to move based on that beginning scene. The Messengers don’t know what they are drawing as it occurs after they have experienced a blackout and they aren’t conscious of their surroundings. They even need to use magnifying glasses to look at all the details in their pictures to fully understand them. There were other events occurring in the novel but the images were the most important and rightly deserved center stage. I really enjoyed the concept of the novel and I thought it was an entertaining read.
The imagery of the postcards was superb, it reminded me of the opening of a movie where they show the scene and then the movie starts and the characters and the picture start to move based on that beginning scene. The Messengers don’t know what they are drawing as it occurs after they have experienced a blackout and they aren’t conscious of their surroundings. They even need to use magnifying glasses to look at all the details in their pictures to fully understand them. There were other events occurring in the novel but the images were the most important and rightly deserved center stage. I really enjoyed the concept of the novel and I thought it was an entertaining read.
Read
July 21, 2015In the Final Destination movie series, people try to cheat death. In this novel, certain people are messengers of death. While one messenger believes death is inevitable once they receive the message, another tries to change the course, hoping that there aren't negative consequences.
Frances has this odd condition where she blacks out and the draws a weird picture when she wakes up. To everyone else, the drawing are abstract shapes but to her, the drawings have emerged as detailed pictures of someone's death. None of it makes sense until she meets Peter who has her deliver a postcard. The day after she delivers the postcard, she witnesses the exact scene she saw on the card. Peter explains to her that they are "Messengers." They draw people's death and have two days to get the person to see the picture (even though the people only see shapes) or else someone they love will die instead. Peter has always delivered the message, but when Frances draws the death of someone she knows, she intervenes and prevents the person from dying. Now she's on a mission with Peter's help to do what they can to cheat death. When Death changes the game, though, they begin to wonder if they really have any chance of making a difference.
The struggle of being a messenger really pulls you in, although the novel has a slow start. Frances is dealing with a lot of personal issues with a mother that's abandoned her and a brother that's on the run. A lot of time is spent on that and her memories of her brother, and while it seems to drag out the story, its importance does emerge at the end. The story is really engaging and pulls at you emotionally as you realize the sacrifices these people make and the burden they carry. Every picture is a mystery and you're right along with them, hoping that they're successful in solving it. Then, once they get on the path to saving people, the stakes are raising and you're praying for a happy ending. Failure is ultimately devastating to them and to you. I think this novel takes place in England, so there are some language things that seem odd, but nothing that detracts from the story. The only thing I really did not like in the novel was the death of a cat, which seemed a little cruel, although maybe I'm just overly sensitive as a cat lover.
This novel draws you in the with mysteries of a messenger. With a ticking clock over their heads, they're up against Death and you're along for the ride. It is definitely worth the read.
Frances has this odd condition where she blacks out and the draws a weird picture when she wakes up. To everyone else, the drawing are abstract shapes but to her, the drawings have emerged as detailed pictures of someone's death. None of it makes sense until she meets Peter who has her deliver a postcard. The day after she delivers the postcard, she witnesses the exact scene she saw on the card. Peter explains to her that they are "Messengers." They draw people's death and have two days to get the person to see the picture (even though the people only see shapes) or else someone they love will die instead. Peter has always delivered the message, but when Frances draws the death of someone she knows, she intervenes and prevents the person from dying. Now she's on a mission with Peter's help to do what they can to cheat death. When Death changes the game, though, they begin to wonder if they really have any chance of making a difference.
The struggle of being a messenger really pulls you in, although the novel has a slow start. Frances is dealing with a lot of personal issues with a mother that's abandoned her and a brother that's on the run. A lot of time is spent on that and her memories of her brother, and while it seems to drag out the story, its importance does emerge at the end. The story is really engaging and pulls at you emotionally as you realize the sacrifices these people make and the burden they carry. Every picture is a mystery and you're right along with them, hoping that they're successful in solving it. Then, once they get on the path to saving people, the stakes are raising and you're praying for a happy ending. Failure is ultimately devastating to them and to you. I think this novel takes place in England, so there are some language things that seem odd, but nothing that detracts from the story. The only thing I really did not like in the novel was the death of a cat, which seemed a little cruel, although maybe I'm just overly sensitive as a cat lover.
This novel draws you in the with mysteries of a messenger. With a ticking clock over their heads, they're up against Death and you're along for the ride. It is definitely worth the read.
February 23, 2017
If you are looking for something quick to read, this is the book for you. I did enjoy the story but felt there was so much more that could have been done with it. I feel She learned how to be a messenger to fast and fixed the whole cheating death thing to early. Also I wanted more moments with her brother and maybe you know not have Peter die. Or at least let us know if he felt any way for him, I mean she does start off the story saying she was attached to him and meant to find him. Overall it was a good easy to read book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2015
I received The Messengers by Edward Hogan from the publisher and this is my honest review.
First, let me start of by saying The Messengers has an incredible premise that I fell in love with. The book is about a teenager named Frances who moves in with her aunt, uncle, and cousin after things fall apart at home. Soon after moving in, she meets a mysterious young man in his late 20’s by the name of Peter. With his help she starts to learn about the abilities she did not know she had.
Ever since Frances was a young girl she had black outs that lead to her drawing pictures that were only clear to her. To everyone else what she drew were just shapes and nothing more. When Frances meets Peter she discovers that her drawings are messages just like his, and the two become close while Peter teaches her how to use this ability.
This book was a short and quick read which I loved. It was on a topic that I had never seen done before which I thought was interesting and refreshing. While reading I did not get too close to any of the characters with the exception of Frances, her brother, and Peter. Both of their families were merely introduced but nothing more. As of now I am not sure how I feel about that. Part of me is okay because getting too close to characters and then having a small book end is rough. But the other part of me wishes I got to know them as well as I knew Frances.
One of my favorite parts of this book is the language used. The author writes in the English language because he is from England so it was amusing to hear things like, “bloody hell” and or “bugger off.” I have only read a few books that use these types of sayings and I have liked everyone of them and this book was no different. I think it is just a nice change to deter from my normal language to a one not so common to me.
I am having a hard time reminiscing about the end of the book for the sole reason that it was difficult. The ending killed me, because I was so closed to both of the main characters and I just had a hard time dealing with it. On the other hand though the end was indeed well written and why it happened the way it did was clear, and I had no problem understanding why Hogan did what he did there. I may not have liked it but I did understand. Overall, the book was really very good, and I would recommend it to anyone.
First, let me start of by saying The Messengers has an incredible premise that I fell in love with. The book is about a teenager named Frances who moves in with her aunt, uncle, and cousin after things fall apart at home. Soon after moving in, she meets a mysterious young man in his late 20’s by the name of Peter. With his help she starts to learn about the abilities she did not know she had.
Ever since Frances was a young girl she had black outs that lead to her drawing pictures that were only clear to her. To everyone else what she drew were just shapes and nothing more. When Frances meets Peter she discovers that her drawings are messages just like his, and the two become close while Peter teaches her how to use this ability.
This book was a short and quick read which I loved. It was on a topic that I had never seen done before which I thought was interesting and refreshing. While reading I did not get too close to any of the characters with the exception of Frances, her brother, and Peter. Both of their families were merely introduced but nothing more. As of now I am not sure how I feel about that. Part of me is okay because getting too close to characters and then having a small book end is rough. But the other part of me wishes I got to know them as well as I knew Frances.
One of my favorite parts of this book is the language used. The author writes in the English language because he is from England so it was amusing to hear things like, “bloody hell” and or “bugger off.” I have only read a few books that use these types of sayings and I have liked everyone of them and this book was no different. I think it is just a nice change to deter from my normal language to a one not so common to me.
I am having a hard time reminiscing about the end of the book for the sole reason that it was difficult. The ending killed me, because I was so closed to both of the main characters and I just had a hard time dealing with it. On the other hand though the end was indeed well written and why it happened the way it did was clear, and I had no problem understanding why Hogan did what he did there. I may not have liked it but I did understand. Overall, the book was really very good, and I would recommend it to anyone.
February 23, 2023
The messengers by Edward Hogan tells the story of Frances, a girl who's sent away because of family problems. Roaming around town, she meets a man named Peter who says that Frances is just like him. What does he mean? He means that Frances is a messenger, but not one who sends good messages. My favorite character in this book is Peter because he is such an interesting character. We learn a lot of things about him throughout the book, and some of the things I learned about him surprised me. I loved reading the book and I knew what was gonna happen in the end, but I was still surprised to see it. My favorite part of the book was seeing how Frances managed to save others like how she wanted, because at first, she really thought it wasn’t possible, but once she figured out that it was, it became something that she wanted to try to do every single time. But I do wish the ending was more interesting and we’d get to learn more about the characters we met at the end, because they seem like such interesting characters and i'd love to learn more about them. Overall, I think the book was pretty good and I'd definitely read it again. I recommend it to people who like thrillers. I rate it a ⅘.
January 5, 2016
Running from difficulties at home, Frances finds herself spending her summer at her aunt’s house. Her vacation is disturbed when she meets a strange man named Peter. Peter claims to be a messenger and knows that Frances is one too. With her frequent blackouts and strange pictures, Frances finds herself intrigued by Peter to learn more about herself. But as she learns about being a messenger, it is something she never asked for because her pencil holds the power of life or death.
The Messengers, by Edward Hogan, is a book like no other. The concept behind being a messenger is unique and captivating, making the reader turn each page quickly anxious to find out what happens next. One of the advantages of the book is that Peter does not come off as a complete love interest to Frances as she is still an independent thinker. By spending time together, Frances begins to like him, but her responsibility as a messenger comes first. I definitely would recommend this book to anyone- any gender, any age- because it is so different. I found myself picking up the book and finishing it in the same day because I could not put it down.
Originally posted at: http://www.teenink.com/reviews/hot_ne...
Free copy received from TeenInk in exchange for an honest review.
The Messengers, by Edward Hogan, is a book like no other. The concept behind being a messenger is unique and captivating, making the reader turn each page quickly anxious to find out what happens next. One of the advantages of the book is that Peter does not come off as a complete love interest to Frances as she is still an independent thinker. By spending time together, Frances begins to like him, but her responsibility as a messenger comes first. I definitely would recommend this book to anyone- any gender, any age- because it is so different. I found myself picking up the book and finishing it in the same day because I could not put it down.
Originally posted at: http://www.teenink.com/reviews/hot_ne...
Free copy received from TeenInk in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2015
Fifteen-year-old Frances has been sent to stay with her aunt and uncle on the coast. Her beloved older brother Johnny, a boxer, is on the run from the law because of an incident with a policeman, and her mother, a single parent, is unable to cope. Frances has black outs from which she emerges having created sketches. When she meets Peter Kennedy, the two of them have quite a lot in common, but not the things she thinks they have. As Peter informs her, they are messengers of death, somehow gifted with the ability to know when certain individuals are going to die. Frances doesn't believe him at first, but once she does, she tries to change the future, looking for signs in their paintings and trying to circumvent the fate of those who are supposed to die. The book has all sorts of interesting twists and turns with Frances crushing on Peter and interceding in places where she shouldn't. Moody and atmospheric, the book allows readers to ponder whether fate can be changed, and if so, is there any way to control whose fate the messengers will change? After all, she and Peter have no way of knowing how those they save will use the second chance on life that they've been given. Fans of the classic short story "The Monkey's Paw" will enjoy this one even while breathlessly trying to keep up with the messengers' race against Death.
December 17, 2014
Frances is struggling with stress. She's staying on the coast to try and seperate herself from stuff that's going on with her family but she's persued by vivid visions that show her distressing scenes of people having fatal accidents. When she meets Peter Kennedy and discovers that he has the same affliction she also learns that her visions become reality for those that they see.
Peter explains that he believes he has to inform the people he sees in his visions of thier fate, or terrible things will happen to his own loved ones. Frances begins to fear for her family and feel taht she may have brought thier current troubles on them by not reacting to the visions so far...
After reading Daylight Savings I was SOOOOO excited to read Ed's next book. Messengers has a good idea to it and it's quite well woven, but it sadly didn't capture the imagination in the same way.
It wasn't a bad book, it just didn't blow me away. I'll still read anything he publishes in the future though as his writing style has a great voice to it taht's easy to get absorbed into.
Peter explains that he believes he has to inform the people he sees in his visions of thier fate, or terrible things will happen to his own loved ones. Frances begins to fear for her family and feel taht she may have brought thier current troubles on them by not reacting to the visions so far...
After reading Daylight Savings I was SOOOOO excited to read Ed's next book. Messengers has a good idea to it and it's quite well woven, but it sadly didn't capture the imagination in the same way.
It wasn't a bad book, it just didn't blow me away. I'll still read anything he publishes in the future though as his writing style has a great voice to it taht's easy to get absorbed into.
October 13, 2023
This is an intense psycho-thriller with so many twists and turns. I was lost in the beginning of the book but eventually started understanding the story in the middle of the book and the ending was definitely something. It is a short and easy-read but I thought it was intense enough to make me want to finish it.
July 10, 2015
This fantasy novel about mysterious Messengers who play with fate is captivating and thrilling throughout. With a fast-paced plot line and an interesting subplot, every page is exciting, and you never quite know what will happen next. With the main character as a teenage girl in a little town, Hogan's novel may have the readers feeling as though they too could be a Messenger, in a suddenly different-looking world. As with any good teen novel, there is a little bit of romance, but Hogan keeps it well balanced by plenty of humor and both thrilling and tense moments around every corner. With a little bit of everything to accommodate for fans of most genres, The Messengers is a worthwhile read for any teen who enjoys works of fiction.
Reviewed by Tyler S., age 16, Baton Rouge Mensa
Reviewed by Tyler S., age 16, Baton Rouge Mensa
July 26, 2023
Great premise. The author could have created a series with the characters and storyline he created. It's was really interesting. But the ending left a lot to be desired. I was very disappointed. The story builds up to nothing. It's an ok short read that leaves you wanting more. The two main characters are messengers of death. They receive a picture in their mind which they must draw out and deliver within two days to the person in the drawing. They need to figure out who the person is using the facts in the drawing. After the designated person views the picture they die. If they fail to deliver the message someone close to them dies. There was a lot of miscellaneous story and information that was not needed and kinda overwhelmed the short story. I gave three stars.
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