The Knife of Never Letting Go - Patrick Ness

Author: Patrick Ness

Length: 479 pages

Release Date: May 5 2008

Publisher: Walker Books

Blurb

Todd Hewitt is the last boy in Prentisstown.

But Prentisstown isn’t like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else’s thoughts in a constant, over-whelming, never ending Noise. There is no privacy. There are no secrets…or are there?

Just one month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd unexpectedly stumbles upon a spot of complete silence…which is impossible…Prentisstown has been lying to him…and now he’s going to have to run…

Review

One of the best books I have read this year, without a doubt. Patrick Ness’ first instalment of the Chaos Walking series is packed with mysteries, adventure and twists that any reader will be left completely hooked on this addictive narrative. The Knife of Never Letting Go was a wild ride from the first page, weaving an intricate puzzle through a plot that sends you full throttle toward a dazzling denouement that leaves the jaw slack in shock; this book is a must read of the highest order.

Through the eyes of Todd Hewitt, the story is told in a seamless first person style made all the more personal by the different pronunciation of words outlined throughout the novel. Ness lures a reader in with the wonder of a brand new world, posing so many questions until the reader’s head is full to bursting. Along with his adorable dog Manchee (easily my favourite character!) Todd’s adventure begins on the outskirts of his mysterious home, Prentisstown, where everyone knows what everyone else is thinking. If this isn’t a hook, then the events of the first chapter are sure to drag you in, as Ness produces a magnetic opening that really sets the scene for what the rest of the book is like.

There are just so many elements and secrets to The Knife of Never Letting Go; just when one thing seems to be resolved five questions take its place, creating an enticing atmosphere of sinister mystery that makes you want to turn that next page. This novel is beautifully written, like a snaking threading itself through the trees, one never knows what will come next as Todd flees those who he grew up around. The Noise is truly a fantastic idea, reworked until it becomes Ness’ own; it allows for an extra layer of story that paradoxically gets rid of secrets whilst piling them high; this truly is a unique book, brimming with pace and plot.

Ness, on top of penning one labyrinth plot, also creates a number of characters that are complex, likeable and powerful. Todd Hewitt stands as one of my favourite protagonists this year; he was angst ridden without making the story dreary, but added just enough humour without making the story appear light-hearted. This perfect mix allows for a flexible protagonist whose reactions are believable, whose serious moments are dark but you can also have a laugh with the character along the way. We see Todd growing before our very eyes; growing into something new like all good protagonists should. With friends such as Viola, who adds her own flare to the story, and the amazing Manchee (best dog…ever) Ness writes a team well worth routing for, whilst adding an army of antagonists and villains any novel would be proud to have, pulled taut with story threads that can take this book off into any direction as its two sequels play out.

The ending of The Knife of Never Letting Go was a shocking one; this book takes a sharp left off along a road I did not see coming; it was perfect ingredient that the book needed for the reader to want their next fix of Ness; if anyone anticipated that ending, then they must be really good because I have to say I was shocked and thrilled, with the final sentence punctuating the drama of the finale. A book can have a beginning, middle and an end, but with The Knife of Never Letting Go, there was an explosive beginning, a thrilling middle and a brilliant end…enough said.

Overall, The Knife of Never Letting Go was fantastic, rife with the things every good book needs; action, adventure mystery and the hint of romance. It has shocks and twists, battles and intimate moments, and no one can take away the enjoyment many readers will get from experiencing the joys of Patrick Ness’ imagination; I for one cannot wait until I can wade full force into the powerful place known as New World because I know I will never regret it!

Dusty :]