The Messengers: Revealed

by Lisa M. Clark

The Message worth dying for. . .There was a time when Simon knew nothing about the Message or what it meant to be a Messenger. Now, he’s seen firsthand the cost of preserving the truth and upholding the light in the darkness.Simon’s life is in constant danger, and that brings peril to those he loves. He’s been beaten, battered, and betrayed. Now, he struggles with knowing who he can trust. How can he protect others when he’s already lost so much? Time is running out, and the end is drawing near. Who will survive the battle? There’s a truth out there that must be revealed. Join Simon and the Messengers as they risk their lives to share it.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Young Adult, Dystopia

272 pages, Paperback

Published May 15, 2018

About the author

Lisa 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.

Reviews

[Rick Stuckwisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

We were lucky enough to get an advanced preview of this final book in the Messengers trilogy. A strong finish to a remarkable series! Can't say enough good things about it. Such a natural witness and confession of the faith, of the hope that we as Christians have in the midst of sin and death, woven into the warp and woof of a compelling story with endearing characters. Watch for it soon. And if you've not been reading the Messengers already, do yourself a favor and get the first two books. Excellent and very worthwhile.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Revealed, Simon works through the pain of personal loss to find peace and then spurs his friends on to hold even firmer to their hope in Christ. His steady transformation into a passionate man of God is a satisfying progression!

The author expertly intersects the lives of the apostles with those of Simon, Charity, and others, thus beautifully showing the continuity of the Church over time. Revealed is a refreshing reminder that nothing can suppress the light of Jesus Christ. It will continue to shine, age after age, present in the Word and alive in the hearts of His Bride, the Church.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final installment of Clark's series does not disappoint! Simon Clay knew there was more to New Morgan than met the eye. But he didn't realize just how much more there was to life until he became a Messenger. Supported by his friends and family, he continues to work through the emotional and physical realities of living in a world that is hostile to the Word. As he grows and matures in his faith, readers will appreciate the Truths he uncovers that are applicable to all our lives. Adventure and anticipation keep this page-turner lively as Simon and his friends realize just what it means to believe the Message worth living- and dying- for.

[Elizabeth Ahlman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa M Clark has many talents as a writer. She writes poetry and hymnody, as well as prose, devotions and much more. She weaves her gifts into her fiction, using poetry and hymnody to enhance her compelling fiction. She laces this final installment of her The Messengers series, like the others, with hymnody and original poetry, as well as Scripture, to show how the Word of God is living and active in the lives of believers, and how these beautiful words we have been given help to guard us, guide us, comfort us, and give us hope.
I was privileged to read an advance copy of The Messengers: Revealed. In the first two books, Discovered and Concealed, Simon begins his journey of understanding who he truly is and what the message worth dying for is. They are fairly action packed. While the third installment still has action, its contemplative nature reflects on Baptismal life -- life under the cross. In Revealed, Simon grows and matures as a young man and as a Christian as he faces the reality of Satan’s many means of attacking, both physical and spiritual. He wrestles with grief, anger, and broken relationships around him. Simon learns how to die, but also how to live, echoing the Baptismal life we all share. Lisa’s ability to tackle tough subjects seamlessly within the narrative, along with the use of Scripture and hymnody, leaves the reader with the hope that only God in Christ can give.
My 10-year-old can’t wait for this installment, and this is exactly the kind of reading material I hope to give him. I’m looking forward to placing the book in his hands come the release date, and to rereading these books with him as he grows and matures. Simon’s journey is ultimately one we all share as Baptized Christians struggling with the ways of this world while living in the hope of the world yet to come.

[Heidi Goehmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to have Simon and crew back! That’s saying something for a series! Revealed continues a key feature that is a thread among the entire series- it is extremely useful in its ability to create meaningful discussion for youth and young adults around big questions, while continuing to bring us characters and a storyline that is both intriguing and comforting at the same time. In this installment Clark does not disappoint, compelling readers to sort through questions of good and evil, identifying who the real enemies in our lives are, the importance and pricelessness of genuine community and connection in our lives, and the treasure of the Word that we so often take for granted.

[Kaitlyn Krispense · Rating 5 out of 5]

That...wow. I'm honestly kinda speechless! Did I 100% agree with all the theology? Not necessarily. But the Message remains the same. This book - the entire trilogy, really - is a call to action and some of the most inspiring novels I've ever read.

I already can't wait to reread them all!

[Mary Moerbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What have you got to lose? It is a powerful question and one, frankly, middle graders on up should ask. We all benefit from considering the question in a God-fearing and God-trusting light. As such, this may be my favorite installment of the three novels. It raises valuable questions, probes into real issues of betrayal, trust, forgiveness, self-righteousness with related temptations, and more.

As the message is getting out, the Christians need to advance toward what is next. What is next? Options! Often difficult! 🙂 Isn’t that how life really is?

Like some other YA, I wish it weren’t only 16-year olds bringing up ideas. The older generations were not particularly impressive to me in how they were revealing or even seeking the Word, but as the point is to encourage those younger than me, it’s not that big of a deal to me.

Some kissing is involved, but it is sweet and innocent. My ten-year old might just disapprove. lol I’m a little confused about how much happened within a single generation, but the book remains well worth reading.

More is revealed, as the world at large re-enters the picture of this otherwise city-centric series, offering more food for thought for young and old alike.

Great work, Lisa! I’ll be keeping my eye out for more books you write!

[Jennifer Huppert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another trilogy I'm sad to see end! Although these books are meant for the younger crowd, adults can get a lot out them also. Clark does an amazing job with these characters, especially Simon. There are so many great messages in this last book and I didn't want it to end. But, that's the thing, it may be the end of this trilogy, but, we can find it every week when we attend our local congregations through Word and Sacrament.

[Tyrel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revealed is an outstanding read and exciting conclusion to The Messengers trilogy! Clark delivers, once again, as she launches her readers into a dystopian world, not unlike our own. Youth and adults alike are certain to find encouragement in the Faith as they join young Simon and the underground Church on the mission to spread God's Word. Persecution, martyrdom, war: nothing can stop the λόγος from getting out. It is, after all, the message worth dying (and living) for!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the third and final book of The Messengers series, you will find action, adventure, and encouragement. Once again, we find Simon sorting through the pains of a fallen world. You will be encouraged by his determination. Simon and the Messengers are wonderful examples of why it’s important to share the message worth dying for.

[Michael Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon returns! I was thrilled when I heard this third part of the Messengers was going to be finally released. Receiving the news that I would be part of the Launch Team was of great news. Simon and the messengers gave me much needed relaxation during Holy Week at night and even points to that great message that “messengers” get to proclaim each and every week. This is a must read as well as the previous books on the series! Revealed is very well written and captivating !

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very excited when I received this book for early review. I'm a huge fan of the previous two books in the series, so I couldn't wait to dive in to the conclusion. Opening the book was like saying hello to old friends, and closing it was like saying goodbye.

In the final book, Simon and the Messengers are still reeling from what happened in the second book. The teenagers especially want to figure out how to press on, and to finally stop hiding from the government. I felt the depictions of the character's grief, frustration, and anger were very well drawn. It's easy to lose yourself in distrust and anger when you're betrayed or lose someone, and I felt Simon's own reaction towards the things that went wrong in his life were very relatable.

It was great to see how Simon has grown up from book one to a strong young man in the faith. I cheered him on as he and his friends came up with new ideas to find and spread the word of God, and my heart broke for him with every danger and hardship he faced. Lisa Clark skillfully wove scripture and teaching into the book, as Simon is counseled and counsels others who are facing hardship.

I will say the ending was a bit more abrupt than I was expecting, and I would have liked to see a bit more of the aftermath of the climax. But I think it ended in a good way and I am sad to say goodbye to these characters who carried the Message worth dying for.

[Sarah Baughman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was both saddened and uplifted when I reached the end of The Messengers: Revealed. The entire series was so engaging, and now I’ll miss the characters. I can’t imagine a more fitting final installment.

Not only did Clark create relatable and deep characters, she did so in a very real way. As with the first two, she not only asked the hard questions, but leaned into them, grabbed hold of them, and wrestled with them. And always with Scripture at the core of it all.

I definitely recommend this book, and the entire series, for anyone looking for good YA dystopian fiction!

[Becky Filipek · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fitting end. I can't believe how little of the second book I remember, so it took me a few chapters to get into this third installment. But once the story picked up on its own, I really enjoyed it.

Amen, come Lord Jesus!

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fitting end (or is it?) to the series. Lots to consider alongside the enjoyable, gripping narrative.

[Noah Pagel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great conclusion to the series. Loved it. Series everybody should read. The Message has finally been revealed.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent ending to an excellent series. Definitely the kind of stuff I'd want my kids to read, but I learned a thing or two, as well.

[Richard Bicknase · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd give it 4.5 stars if that were an option. I'm glad I read the series (and I'm glad I read them all in one binge).