Ness integrates these current issues into a savvy, inquisitive narrative. Driven by politics and tackling some big questions about absolute power, imprisonment, and even insurgent terrorism, this second book is a very timely and intelligent novel but never feels heavy-handed or condescending. While The Knife of Never Letting Go was more of a quest/chase novel with Todd and Viola racing on an alien landscape to outrun the men of Prentisstown and warn other outposts, The Ask and the Answer is more contained and cerebral – but don’t let that fool you because it is every bit as thrilling as its predecessor. The plotting, in itself, is effing brilliant. This is a tough review to write (especially without spoilers), as The Ask and the Answer covers a LOT of ground, with each plot development and twist building on the last to a dramatic climax. Forces larger than the two young teens pull them apart and test the strength of their relationship, as two warring camps emerge with the Mayor and men of New Prentisstown on one side, and the insurgent, mysterious “Answer” on the other. But Todd finds himself trapped, ensnared in the Mayor’s web of manipulations, lies and truths. Todd struggles awake with a single thought in his mind – to find her, to save her, to keep the both of them alive and out of the Mayor’s (the President’s) reach. When Todd awakens at the opening of The Ask and the Answer, however, he is alone with the enemy, with Viola nowhere in sight. Haven has been surrendered to Mayor – that’s President, now – Prentiss, and Viola is near death from her gunshot wound. If you have not read book 1 and do not wish to be spoiled, please back away from this review! (However, this is a spoiler-free review of The Ask and the Answer itself)**Īt the end of The Knife of Never Letting Go, Todd and Viola have made it to Haven in hopes of sanctuary from their pursuers, the ever-growing Prentisstown army…only to meet with grim news. **As The Ask and the Answer is book 2 in an ongoing trilogy, please note that this review contains spoilers for book 1, The Knife of Never Letting Go. Immediately separated from Viola and imprisoned, Todd is forced to learn the ways of the Mayor’s new order.īut what secrets are hiding just outside of town? And where is Viola? Is she even still alive? And who are the mysterious Answer?Īnd then, one day, the bombs begin to explode… And, given that book 1 ended with a killer coronary of a cliffhanger, I was ALL OVER The Ask and the Answer when it finally made its way here to the US for release!įleeing before a relentless army, Todd has carried a desperately wounded Viola right into the hands of their worst enemy, Mayor Prentiss. From the unique writing style, to the ingenious premise, to the genuine characters, and the white-knuckle action, I loved it. Why did I read this book: I read The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking book 1) earlier this year…and I loved it. Stand alone or series: Book 2 in the Chaos Walking trilogy. Publication Date: May 2009 (UK) / September 2009 (US) Publisher: Walker Books (UK) / Candlewick Press (US)
Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopia, Young Adult