When things got real bad, a few pioneers left the messy Old World (Earth) and resettled on New World. They were in search of a fresh start, a simpler way of life, but they were in for one hell of a shock--an alien race already in residence. The human settlers were able to win the war for their new home pretty easily, but not before the aliens released a virus that made the men able to hear each other's thoughts and killed the women. All this is ancient history to young Todd, who was born on New World and has only ever known a life among the leftover men of Prentisstown and the unending, chaotic Noise of thought that accompanies them. But just as Todd is on the cusp of the birthday that will make him officially a man, he uncovers a secret so shocking that everything he knows to be true is called into question. Now Todd, his faithful dog Manchee, and a surprise visitor are running for their lives from the men of Prentisstown. And don't forget: Todd's enemies can hear every thought in his head--and those of his little dog, too. This is one of the most gut-wrenching, brutal dystopias out there. Author Patrick Ness writes an action-packed punch of a novel that just about breaks your heart--but he always keeps just a tantalizing glimmer of hope dangling to keep you reading, and the drama is well worth it. The cliff hanger at the end of the book is so gripping that you're not going to want to spare even one second--make sure you have book two (The Ask and the Answer) close at hand.

posted Dec 3, 2009 at 5:45PM

 Add a Comment