Tuesday, February 2, 2010

The Ask and the Answer

The Ask and the Answer (Chaos Walking, #2) The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness

Series: Book 2 of 3 (Chaos Walking)
Awards: Publishers Weekly Best Book; Costa/Whitbread Children's Award

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wasn't sure I wanted to read this after I read The Knife of Never Letting Go. But I picked it up from the library "just in case" and when I realized it had to be back tomorrow, I sat down and practically read the whole thing in one sitting.

Sorry, no plot summary with this review. I don't want to be responsible for spoilers! But this is a book about deciding who you will be and thinking for yourself while under enormous pressures to conform. There's definitely some relevance in our society today.

I liked this one a lot better than the first one. I think it's mostly because I enjoyed the dual perspective of both Todd and Viola, but I also knew what I was getting myself into this time. It's horrifying and crazy, with plot surprises galore. I can safely say I cannot read anything more dark and violent than this book (yes, I might be wimpy). But the story is gripping and now I will have to read the final book to see how it all turns out.

Also reviewed by:
Book 12 of 100 for the 100+ Reading Challenge
Book 3 of 25 for the Support Your Local Library Challenge
Book 7 of 50 for the YA Reading Challenge
Book 5 of 10 for the Book Awards IV Reading Challenge

Source: Library

7 comments:

bermudaonion said...

I've got this and The Knife of Never Letting Go on my wish list. Glad to see you enjoyed it!

Shanda McKeehan said...

Wow, we must have been reading this at pretty much the same time.

Michelle said...

This sounds really interesting. Thanks for the non-summary. I usually try not to read people's summaries, anyway, just because they can give away too much!

alisonwonderland said...

I seem to remember your review of the first book. It sounds like I should go ahead and read them both, back-to-back. I love the themes you've identified in this one.

karen Jones said...

I like your blogging style...I'm the promotions managager for a small independent publisher. If you're interested in working with our authors please contact me kjones@accomplicepress.com

Natalie said...

I just put both on hold at the library at your suggestion! Thanks for the great reviews..

Anonymous said...

I'm in the same boat, after reading THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO. The cliffhanger ending got me. It's such an intense story. That said, thanks for the review. I think I'll be checking this one out, soon.