Todd Hewitt’s world is full of men and the men are full of Noise, just as he and all the creatures are. In one month, Todd will be thirteen, the year of manhood in Prentisstown, when he will learn the secrets that are now buried beneath the Noise of all the men’s broadcasted thoughts. Before that can happen, he discovers a hole in the Noise and instinctively knows he must not let himself think about it. Unfortunately, he cannot keep thoughts of the Quiet silent in his dog’s mind, so the men learn his secret. Not fully understanding why, Todd flees with his dog, a backpack, a map and his mother’s journal, which he had not known existed and cannot read.

Todd’s adventures keep you nearly as breathless as he is during his flight. He meets up with good and bad, all of which helps you learn what kind of boy Todd is and what kind of man he could grow up to be. You are right there with him as he struggles with so many issues – his identity, his insecurities, right and wrong, responsibility, prejudice, truth and more. Mr. Ness wraps Todd’s story around all of these in an engrossing, thought-provoking way. He does an excellent job fleshing out all of the supporting characters, even the dog, and builds characters who stay with you long after you have closed the book.

By the end of the story, the biggest question is answered; but others are not, and not all the conflicts are resolved. After all, this is only book one. The ending shocks me and leaves me hanging out there, dying to know what happens next – generally not a great way to end a book, but it is just one final bit of the shivery anticipation Mr. Ness has created throughout the story. And, oh, what a great way to start book two.

YA fiction is the latest craze, with lots of established authors jumping into this genre. With The Knife of Never Letting Go, Mr. Ness has successfully made that leap.

Book Stats:

• Hardcover: 496 pages
• Publisher: Walker Books Ltd (May 5, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1406310255
• ISBN-13: 978-1406310252

To purchase a print copy of The Knife of Never Letting Go click here.

To visit the author’s website go here.

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