The Ask and The Answer by Patrick Ness
by Jenners • 08/18/2011 • 4 Stars, A Titles, Dystopia, Fiction, N Authors, Young Adult • 38 Comments
The Ask and the Answer by Patrick NessPublisher: Candlewick, 2010
Pages: 528
Genre: Fiction, Science Fiction, Dystopia, YA
Where I Got It: Downloaded it on my Kindle
My Rating: 4 stars
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a review of the second book of the Chaos Walking Series by Patrick Ness. I previously reviewed the first book in the series, The Knife of Never Letting Go. This review assumes you have read the first book—so don’t go complaining to me if I spoil something for you. (However, as much as possible, I’ll avoid spoilers about what happens in the second book.)
Just as a reminder, if this book was an equation, it might read as follows:
YA/Dystopia x Sci-Fi + Classic Literary Themes = Inventive and Involving Book/Series
What’s different about this book?
Ness adds Viola as a narrator, which was a welcome addition. And, in a stroke of genius by either Ness or the publishers, Viola is given her own font so it is very easy to keep track of whether Todd or Viola are speaking.
Does it pick up where the first book left off?
Yup.
Does the weird title make sense?
Yes. You find out a lot more about the history of New World and how Mayor Prentiss is not without enemies. Let’s just say it kind of turns into a “boys versus girls” type scenario.
Is this book better than the first one?
I though it was much better. I started getting bored by the repetitiveness of the “run/hide/run/hide” structure of the first book. This book stays in the town of Haven and chronicles what happens as Mayor Prentiss attempts to assert his control over all the New World colonists. Let’s just say a resistance movement is in place, and Todd and Viola find themselves on different sides.
Would you recommend it?
Yes!
Pingback: Books Read In 2011 | Life…With Books
Pingback: Review: Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness
It does sound intriguing – I love Haven as a name for a place – who wouldn’t want to live in Haven, lol.
Well, you wouldn’t want to live in THIS Haven!!!
Sounds far more interesting that Geriatric nursing assessment, which is what I’ll be starting tomorrow. I’ll live vicariously through you and your readings. Thanks for the reviews.
But at least your assessment will advance your career … what do I get from reading other than pleasure and a larger vocabulary?
Oh – more great books to read! (Credit card starts trembling in my wallet…)
Reading book blogs can be dangerous to your wallet! I’ve been struggling with that same problem.
Another interesting review. I don’t know why but the cover does not say Science Fiction, Dystopia, or YA to me.
I agree!! The book — although it is sci-fi, dystopic and YA — does have a different feel to it and the cover does suit the book. It isn’t your typical type of book in this genre. In some ways, it has an almost “old-fashioned” feel to it … in that the New World is very primitive and almost pioneer like in many ways. It was a strange mix in many ways.
Glad youre enjoying this series! Dystopia is a genre I enjoy, but don’t get to read much of.
You’d probably like this one. It was one of the better entries in the dystopia and YA genre I think.
I got halfway through the first book and gave up (ducking before fans throw rocks at me). I plan to give them another try.
In my opinion, the first book was the weakest but I do think it probably isn’t a good fit for everyone!
These were all good, but I think this one was my favorite out of the series. I loved the third book all except one little plot point.
Hmmm…I’m trying to think what you might not have liked in the third book.
It had to do with the very ending of the story.
I havent read the first one yet…but i did finish what alice forgot and enjoyed it a lot. Thanks.
Oh….I ‘m so glad you liked What Alice Forgot!! I’ve been worrying about whether you like it. Now you have to let me know what the book club thinks!
I enjoyed The Knife of Never Letting Go, but I guess it didn’t stick with me enough to keep reading on in the series. I may eventually give this one a go though.
Once I got to the end of the first book, I felt like I had to keep on going as it ended with a bit of a cliffhanger. But if it didn’t grab you that much, it probably isn’t a good series for you.
Yeah, yeah, another project for me. I don’t keep lists of books you see, I keep lists of projects. Like Pringles, you can’t eat/read just one.
I think this particular project will be quite painless and enjoyable!
I love it that you mention the title. I was so freaking intrigued by the title that I actually stared at it on the cover for quite sometime trying to figure out what’s what.
I know!! I felt the same way about the title. And I loved that the answer was given!
I liked the addition of Viola’s POV as well. I have the third book, but even though I want to know what happens, I am hesistant. I don’t want it to disappoint!!!
My review of the third book is going up in a few days … I was pleased with it and think it was a good wrap-up to the series. I hope you think the same!!!
I am hoping to start with this series sometime this month, and after reading your review of the first one, went out and bought this one. I am glad that you are enjoying these so much!
I’m soooo curious what you think of this series!!! I’m pretty sure you’ll have to continue on once you’ve read the first one … unless it just leaves you cold.
Ah, I like when a sequel is better than the previous book. Not that I hope for a lackluster beginning; I just like to see a series progress positively.
I always hope for that in a series and you so rarely get it so it was a real treat to see this series progress nicely.
I loved all of them, but I think I loved the first the most, then the second, and the third the least. It was sort of The Mockingjay of the series for me!
See and I felt the exact opposite! I thought they got progressively stronger …though it was fun learning about the world that Ness created in the first book.
sounds good.
I’m addicted to Border’s right now. I can’t seem to stay away. If they have the first one I’ll be picking it up.
Good luck on your search … I hope your Borders isn’t too picked over by this point.
I see both titles at our libraries. I’ll have to keep these in mind.
I’m still liking the idea that women’s thoughts aren’t heard. I’m not sure why, but that pleases me to no end.
I agree with you … it gave the women a definite advantage and sense of superiority. Of course, the men couldn’t stand it….