I have reviewed primarily young adult novels. I try to read 'grown up' books too, but there just aren't enough adult stories about zombies, body swapping, super powers and alien invasions. Books I give negative ratings to are a gazillion times better than all the books I 'haven't written. :) These authors are all, in their own way, 'awesome'.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
The Ask and the Answer (Chaos Walking, #2) by Patrick Ness
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In the last story, The Knife of Never Letting Go, Todd and Viola arrived at Haven only to witness it become the New Prentisstown, population of 3300. Todd is aware Viola is injured as he is forcibly separated from her.
Todd has been beaten down and restrained. He is being held captive by the horrible men of his hometown, men who he once lived along side and trusted. His main concern is for Viola, whom he desperately asks after.
The fate of Viola is soon revealed. Mayor Prentiss, now President Prentiss, uses his clever manipulation tactics in an attempt to control Todd and Viola. His efforts cause Todd and Viola to remain separated from one another throughout most of the story. Eventually they end up on opposing sides, the Ask and the Answer. Through their eyes the readers experience the horrific wrong doings of both factions. Todd's attitude and choices are often disappointing. It is painful to witness how disconnected Todd becomes as he accepts things and performs actions he fundamentally knows is 'wrong'. When he does the 'right' thing it is often for Viola, because he considers what she would do or want. They are much stronger when they are together. Their goal is to be reunited with one another.
The story gives readers a good perspective of war. People remain loyal to their 'side' and continue to live their daily lives, even when their leader's actions are questionable.
The mayor's obsession with Todd remains prevalent in this story. I waited for the "Luke, I am your father" moment. But at some point Davy, the President's son, points out that Todd and his father do not look alike...
Todd has a new animal companion, a horse named Angharrad, and she hasn't met a horrific death (at least not in book 2).
Things gets a bit confusing as the first person narrative jumps around from Todd to Viola. Luckily in each section or chapter where the narrative changes, the character's name is noted in brackets in faded text. This story is just as action packed as the last. The end is a twist I hadn't anticipated.. I need the next book !
Warning If You Click Show/Hide You Will See Spoilers !
No comments:
Post a Comment