This October, keep your eyes peeled for the final book in the The Giver Quartet, Son. Lois Lowry wraps up the dystopian series nearly 20 years after The Giver was first published in this intricately crafted novel based around the character of 14-year-old Claire. Keeping in line with the previous books in the series, Son offers yet another glimpse into a rather arid world where the citizens know barely anything about the grand scheme of why they exist and have little to no control over their choices in life.

Claire is a birthmother; her only duty in life is to give birth. In fact, the novel was originally set to be called "Birthmother" but Lowry was hesitant because she felt no boys would pick up a book with such a title, hence "Son" was born (quite literally!). When Claire's birth goes awry, she is moved to a new location to receive a cesarean where someone forgets to give her one of the pills that "suppress feelings and individuality."

As chilling and suspenseful as the other books in the quartet - The Giver, Gathering Blue, and The Messenger - Son will expose truths that will allow readers to put a few more pieces of this dystopian puzzle together. Weaved into the backdrop of Lowry's elegant and exquisite imagery, the novel’s haunting themes take on a unique and contemplative beauty.

Look for Son this fall at a AADL branch near you! (Official release date: October 2nd)