Review: The Ask And The Answer - Patrick Ness

Warning: This review contains spoilers for the previous book in this series, The Knife Of Never Letting Go!

Genre: Dystopian

Published: 4th May 2009

Length: 519 pages

My rating: 7/10

Overview: Todd and Viola have made it to Haven, only to be separated under the Mayor's oppressive new regime. They must fight to remain true to themselves and find each other again.

I did not enjoy this book as much as the first book, and I think that was mainly due to the fact that whilst Viola and Todd were constantly thinking about each other, they only shared about two scenes in this book. The majority of the new characters were very annoying, especially all the medical people, although I liked the new character Lee, and it was nice to see the return of Wilf and Jane. I must say the character development of Davy was the saving grace of the book - it was exceptional. However Todd especially changed in annoying ways and his character became so frustrating!

The plot was quite dark for a book aimed at pre-teens, the idea of there not necessarily being a clear good and evil side was quite interesting. Both sides were really irritating and only looking out for themselves. The only good guys here, as far as I'm concerned, were the spackle, who deserved so much better. I spent a lot of the book just being frustrated by all the characters which is what ruined it really.

Not as interesting as it's predecessor, but with deep themes to consider it is still a good read. I am sorry for this rather short review but it's been almost a month since I actually finished the book and I've pretty much forgotten it all!

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