Ness takes his characters to new, dark places…the series continues to develop a fascinating world, and its fully formed characters and conflicts draw attention to difficult issues with a rare, unblinking candor. Provocative questions about gender bias, racism, the meaning of war and the price of peace are thoughtfully threaded throughout a breathless, often violent plot peopled with heartbreakingly real characters. This is among the best YA science fiction novels of the year.Īn amalgamation of society’s most brutal facets-fascism, terrorism, torture, ethnic cleansing-with all kinds of relevance to our world… a relentless flurry of heavy-hitting issues, hinging on appeasement, complicity, and maintaining one’s morality in the face of impossible choices. Grim and beautifully written…uses a brilliant cast of well-developed characters and its singular setting and premise to present a provocative examination of the nature of evil and humanity. The Ask and the Answer (with bonus short story): Chaos Walking: Book Two Torn by confusion and compromise, suspicion and betrayal, can their trust in each other possibly survive? In alternating narratives the two struggle to reconcile their own dubious actions with their deepest beliefs. Soon Viola is swept into the ruthless activities of the Answer, while Todd faces impossible choices when forced to join the mayor’s oppressive new regime. There they are forced into separate lives: Todd to prison, and Viola to a house of healing where her wounds are treated.

They found instead their worst enemy, Mayor Prentiss, waiting to welcome them to New Prentisstown. Reaching the end of their flight in The Knife of Never Letting Go, Todd and Viola did not find healing and hope in Haven. This is among the best YA science fiction novels of the year.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

The riveting Chaos Walking trilogy by two-time Carnegie Medalist Patrick Ness, reissued with compelling new covers-and a bonus short story in each book.

Chaos walking book 2