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Book One of the Chaos Walking Series

The Knife of Never Letting Go

by Patrick Ness

Published July 14, 2009

ISBN: 978-0763645762

479 pages

Dystopian fiction

What would happen if you could hear the thoughts of everyone around you?  How would you use the thoughts of others?  Would you benefit the world, further the goals of a few, or benefit yourself?  These questions and more arise in the dystopian adventure series Chaos Walking by Patrick Ness.  This is true dystopian fiction at its young adult best.  The series begins with the story of Todd, a near-grown boy surrounded by The Noise - the thoughts of the other men in the town.  According to the town leaders, The Noise is a result of biological warfare by a species called the Spackle.  This germ not only laid bare the thoughts of men but also killed all of the women.  The constant Noise fills a reader's head as Todd tells his story, but when Todd discovers a quiet spot - free of noise - everything he knows to be true is challenged in heart-wrenching ways.  Not only does Todd's thinking grow, but also every reader is forced to challenge his or her own beliefs.  The first book, The Knife of Never Letting Go, pushes you on and creates a tension that will keep you reading through the third book. 

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Steampunk Flamingos