Ness, P. (2014). The knife of never letting go (#1). London: Walker.
This story, set on an alien planet recently colonized by humans, fourteen year old Todd Hewitt is the only boy left in Prentisstown, a small colony in the New World. A war with the natives known as the Spackle, left all the women dead due to the release of a germ called the Noise, which also gives all the men the ability to read each other’s thoughts.
One day, while picking apples, he and his dog, Manchee, happen upon a swamp in which there isn’t any “noise” from the thoughts of others. He discovers a lone girl named Viola, which is the source of the quiet. She is the only survivor of a crash, from another planet.
Fearing punishment, Todd’s guardians force him to try and escape as fighting breaks out. After a harrowing journey of death and despair, and being chased by the Prentisstown army, Todd finally reaches his destination, Haven, only to find it inhabited by the dreaded mayor, Prentiss.
Realizing everything he has ever known is a lie, he is forced to make an unforeseen and climactic decision. In a desperate act, Todd will surrender to save the girl he loves.
This adventure filled, science-fiction novel will capture the attention of any reader. This book is the first in this new dystopian series by Patrick Ness. Although the protagonist is young, the violence and death might be a bit more appropriate for a more mature audience. The background Ness gives about Prentisstown is also very dark which also seems more appropriate for an older reader. As in keeping with stories about dystopian societies, this novel features a strong character that stands up against the majority, no matter the consequences. The reader watches his rapid journey into manhood as he is forced to live through the consequences of his decisions.
**Required YA novel
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