Patrick Ness could teach many a wrestler a thing or too about securing someone in a firm headlock and not letting them go until you are good and ready! In The Ask and The Answer, the second book in the Chaos Walking trilogy, we are thrust back into the confusing and frightening world of Todd and Viola. After their breakneck flight to find the safety of Haven, the two youngsters find that it has all been for nothing. Haven is no haven at all, and has become New Prentisstown, and is being run by their archenemy, Mayor Prentiss, the mad and dangerous despot who now calls himself "President". Without knowing whether Viola is alive or dead, Todd is forced to join the new regime. She, meanwhile, is kept separate with all the other women, and slowly recovers from her injuries. Both are brought under the influence of powerful individuals who try to manipulate and forge them into images of themselves. For Todd, this means becoming the Major's second son, and for Viola, this means training to become a healer initially, and then a freedom fighter for the collective known as The Answer, led by the ruthless Mistress Coyle. Todd finds himself doing unspeakable things, and is haunted by his actions, particularly where the Spackles are concerned. In despair, he tries to stop himself feeling anything at all, which has the side effect of controlling his NOISE (the disease affecting men only, which causes all their thoughts to be broadcast). This almost works ... that is, until Viola reappears. Can Todd and Viola be reconciled and work together to bring peace to the New World in time for the arrival of the rest of the new settlers, or will civil war bring about the end of everything? Oh, and watch out for the return of the Spackles!
I cannot recommend these books highly enough - particularly the audio edition narrated by the splendiferous Humphrey Bower. This is a dystopian world, full of violence and unrest, but also full of good, good people and humour too. On the surface, there are two opposing sides, and whilst their stated intentions sound fairly reasonable, it soon becomes apparent how much power can corrupt the soul, and how good people can be lead down bad paths before they become aware that the "cause" they are fighting for is every bit as damaging as the other. Not only a great adventure story, but a warning to all those who might think about taking up arms to fight for what they believe in ... don't believe everything you hear! This book will have you on the edge of the seat, rooting for Todd and Viola and hoping against hope that there will be a happy ending ... it's just not yet ... as this book, like the first, ends on an almighty cliff hanger! Bring on part III!
My STAR rating: FIVE.
Length: 576 print pages.
Price I paid: £2.92.
Formats available: print; unabridged audio download; ebook.
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