Saturday, June 19, 2010

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Published: 2008
Pages: 479
Genre: YA fiction, science fiction
Series: Chaos Walking book 1

Todd Hewitt is the last boy in Prentisstown, living in a world where you can hear everyone's thoughts. One day, he comes upon an area of complete silence, something that should be impossible. Soon after this event, Todd forced to flee Prentisstown, running from something that he doesn't even understand.


Wow, wow, wow. You know, I'm generally not the action/adventure/science fiction type, but you can forget I ever said that. In fact, erase it from your memory. The Knife of Never Letting Go was so wild, so imaginative, so shocking, that I can't understand why I've ignored it for this long.

The first thing I noticed when I started reading was Ness' odd use of language and spelling. He frequently uses words such as "yer" instead of "your", and spells words like "explanation" as "explanayshun". I was a bit put off at first, but that's simply because I've never read anything like it before. It quickly became a part of the book and emphasized the fact that Todd is living on New World, a whole different culture of sorts. Ness' writing was effective, emotional, and at times even funny. I fell in love with the characters and the world he created almost instantly. Todd's dog, Manchee, was such a good addition to the book! And what a personality he had. (Ow, Todd?)

Not only does The Knife of Never Letting Go have an array of unforgettable characters, but the book is also such a page turner that it's on the brink of being painful to put down. Pretty much every chapter is left making you crave more, and there are twists and surprises everywhere you look. You'd think that a book like this would be totally plot-driven, but you'd be wrong. Every single element of this book works, and together creates a masterpiece that everyone should consider reading. Don't follow my example and wait to read this book - treat yourself to it right now.

I don't want to get too analytical, but there are countless messages and meanings you can take away from this book. Trusting yourself, the desire for power, the importance of privacy, are all touched upon and make this book so much more than simply an exciting and addictive story. It has substance, which was unexpected but very, very welcome.

Recommendation: YA readers sould get this book for sure, but even if this isn't your normal genre (like me!) don't ignore it. You'd only be punishing yourself.

14 comments:

-Book Lovers Delight said...

Emidy Hi!

Found you through the Blog Hop and absolutely love your interest in genres. Book Lovers Delight is now a proud follower!

Come stop by Book Lovers Delight when you have a moment.

Have a great weekend.

-Book Lovers Delight said...

By the way, are you a fan of Suzanne Brockmann?

I hope so, she writes adult fiction (romantic suspense) and she is a wonderful writer.

Tammy said...

Very cool review-and timely. I just received this one in the mail and now its moved up on my TBR pile. Thanks!

Marce said...

Emidy I had this on my Wishlist and then I read my first YA Dystopian and realised not the genre for me.

But your review is great, makes me reconsider this one actually.

Adriana said...

I've heard great things about this book, but you've finally convinced me that I must read this book. It does like a really interesting and unique story.

Jan von Harz said...

I love action and adventure books so if this one has won you over then I am sure I will adore it. Loved the review!

Sara said...

Whoa this sounds amazing! Definitely a book that has it all, unforgettable characters, messages, awesome writing! This isn't usually my genre either, but I'll most definitely be reading it! Thanks for the super amazing review Emidy! (:

Darlyn said...

Thanks for the review.Think I should try this too.Can hear everyone's thought is really cool,to me at least ;p

Tales of Whimsy said...

Oh my. Sounds amazing. I really really need to read this. Thanks for the awesome review.

Q: Is this a series?

PS Missed you :)

The Library Lurker said...

I love this series! I am so looking forward to Monsters of Men! Great review!

Emidy @ Une Parole said...

Book Lovers Delight - Wow, thanks so much! I'll check out your blog for sure. And no, I haven't read anything by that author. I'll be looking out for her books, now!

Tammy - Oh, great. You're going to love it!

Marce - I'm glad you're reconsidering it. Give it a try, at least.

Adriana - Yay, I'm glad! Read it for sure.

Jan - You'll love this book without a doubt if you like action and adventure.

Sara - Great, I'm so happy you want to read it!

Darlyn - You should try it! Hearing people's thoughts is so great in books.

Juju - Yes, you DO need to read it! And yes, thankfully it is part of a three book series. Aw, I'm happy to be back!

Library Lurker - Thanks! I'm so excited to read The Ask and the Answer. Then, it's on to Monsters of Men!

Athira said...

I have this one in my TBR as well. Didn't realize it was so good! Gotto bump it up!

Splendibird said...

So glad you enjoyed this. I honestly think that the Chaos Walking series is some of the best writing that I have seen in years - and each book in the series is better than the last.

Emidy @ Une Parole said...

Aths - Don't wait any longer. Read it now!

Splendibird - Yay, I'm so glad to hear that! Can't wait to start the next book.