Gathering Blue pulls us into a society that is without mercy. Individuals lack compassion in their daily interactions with one another, including the relations between the members of a given family. The descriptions of family interactions are, in fact, one of the clearest indicators of the utter lack of mercy and compassion in this society, which extends to the absence of nurture or and care for those who are ill or injured. Consequently, both Katrina and Kira stand out; Katrina for her commitment to caring for Kira, and for the close bond between them.

As the novel progresses, we learn that Matt also stands out for his ability to show compassion and mercy, as evident in the rescue of his dog, Branch. Jamison also seems to show Kira mercy, but it turns out to be part of a hidden agenda to further his own quest for power, rather than something done out of kindness and a sense of justice.

Given the lack of mercy shown in this society, it is perhaps not surprising that murder is deemed acceptable, at least for those in positions of power. All told, at least three sets of parents and one old woman are murdered in order to deliver Kira, Thomas, and

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