The amazing YA streak continues! I can’t believe how many wonderful young adult books I’ve read recently. TKoNLG had been on my shelf for close to a year so it was high time I picked it up. But all the HYPE had me mucho worried. Then Andi read it, loved it, and so I decided to jump on in.
Todd is a boy living in Prentisstown on New World. Not Earth. Future place of habitation after Earth has had all of the terrible problems. In Prentisstown, men can hear each other’s thoughts which is called ‘Noise’. Also, no women. Not a single one. Apparently, a disease carried by the local alien population killed them off. One day Todd and his trusty sidekick canine companion, Manchee, hear a void in all the ‘Noise’ and that gets them into a bunch of trouble with the townsmen. Que running for your life adventure quest.
So much action. I’m sort of amazed at Ness’s imagination and ability to keep writing near misses and heart-pumping emotional craziness. My word of warning to you is that once you start Knife you can’t stop. I suppose you might be able to take short potty breaks, but I don’t recommend. Todd and his travel companions are always one page away from total disaster which can sort of resemble whiplash after awhile. I’ll also admit this can make a reader rather weary. I wanted Todd to catch a break every so often. But no.
The characters are awesome. Todd, in particular, is well-written. Finally, a teenage male protagonist in YA that sounds exactly like he should. Which means that Todd can be a total ass and hard to like. Perfect. But Manchee (yes, a dog) really steals the show. Because did I mention animals can talk on New World? That little guy was so full of spunk and loyalty that I defy you dog-haters to hate.
The end equals major cliffhanger. I can’t believe I haven’t bought the second book and inhaled it yet. But I think a break between the emotional chaos Ness creates is a must. My heart could barely stand this book at times. Also, no real love story – WINNING.
My biggest issue was the predictability. But not a deal breaker by any means. Recommended!
The Blog of Litwits 
You have to read the rest of the trilogy–and I think you’ll change your mind about the predictability. These may be my favorite YA books ever.
Excited to hear the predictability lessens! Such a good read, though.
I agree with Too Fond! And Manchee, yes! He must be one of the most beloved dogs now in current lit!
Oh, Manchee! I’d be terrified if my own dogs could talk, though. LOL.
YES whiplash!!! Great way to put it. I’ve actually seen some folks say the second book is better. And Ness himself in a video interview said he imagined the trilogy to go like this: a book about flight, a book about tyranny, and a book about war. So hopefully the literal running will slow down in book 2. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I’ve heard lots of readers love book 2 the most. Tyranny and war sound extremely interesting (if a little bleak)! Can’t wait to read The Ask and the Answer. I have a feeling it will be showing up in a new haul sometime soon.
My sister loved this whole series!
It really is tremendously well written.