MONSTERS OF MEN
(CHAOS WALKING, BOOK THREE)
By PATRICK NESS
Format: Hardcover, 603 pages
Release Date: May 3rd 2010
Published by: Walter Books Ltd
Three armies march on New Prentisstown, each one intent on destroying the others. Todd and Viola are caught in the middle, with no chance of escape. As the battles commence, how can they hope to stop the fighting? How can there ever be peace when they're so hopelessly outnumbered? And if war makes monsters of men, what terrible choices await?
Monsters of Men is the third book in the Chaos Walking trilogy. I read the The Knife of Never Letting Go and The Ask and the Answer about three years ago. I would’ve read this right after the second book but unfortunately, I got spoiled with the ending (I peeked) and I didn’t like what I read so I got discouraged from finishing the trilogy. However, just recently, I found out about the final novella, Snowscape, that’s set after this book so naturally I spoiled myself (again) by taking a peek at the ending. You can probably guess that I liked what I saw because I finally read this book.
I’m quite conflicted about how I should feel about this. There’s no doubt that I love the world of Chaos Walking and its characters, and as well as the whole story but there’s something about it that’s off and it frustrates me because I can’t quite put a finger on it. But putting that aside for all eternity, I am very pleasantly surprised by how action-packed Monsters of Men is. I knew this would be more action-packed than the second book but who would’ve guessed for there to be literally too little break between the wars? There so many wars in here with different opponents, I swear this book is exhausting. In the best way possible of course! Or not, depends on how you see it because there were times that I just want to stop the war for a moment and give Viola and Todd a few peaceful minutes together… but then the war starts again and I can’t keep myself from bouncing on my seat.
It also made me feel proud of Viola and Todd as characters because they have grown so much from the first book. They are both so mature now and both have grown to become effective leaders. The Knife of Never Letting Go seems soo long ago now but Manchee’s death screams the opposite (I’ll never move on from Manchee and I’ll be forever salty to Ness for it). The character development is my favourite aspect of the story. Truly astounding! Patrick Ness did a wonderful job in shaping Viola and Todd’s characters.
Monsters of Men is a perfect read for all fans of the Chaos Walking trilogy. There are many trilogies with a satisfying book to complete the series and if you’re looking for books like that, you gotta check out Patrick Ness’ Chaos Walking series. The world this is set in is very imaginative with complex and well-rounded characters that will make you think. Or to put it simply, if you want to have your mind blown, go read Chaos Walking!
Patrick Ness, an award-winning novelist, has written for England’s Radio 4 and Sunday Telegraph and is a literary critic for The Guardian. He has written many books, including the Chaos Walking Trilogy, The Crash of Hennington, Topics About Which I Know Nothing, and A Monster Calls. 
4.5 Fairy wings!
He has won numerous awards, including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, the Booktrust Teenage Prize, and the Costa Children’s Book Award. Born in Virginia, he currently lives in London.
No comments :
Post a Comment