Title: The Ask and the Answer
Author: Patrick Ness
Published: 2014
Genre: Science Fantasy
Grade Level: Young Adult
-Trigger Warning: Violence, Gaslighting
-Movie Rating: PG-13 vulgar language (A LOT)
-Features: Illiteracy
Audiobook:
Narrated by: Nick Podehl
Length: 12hrs 48min
Recommend: YES!!
Blurb (from goodreads):
We were in the square, in the square where I'd run, holding her, carrying her, telling her to stay alive, stay alive till we got safe, till we got to Haven so I could save her - But there weren't no safety, no safety at all, there was just him and his men...
Fleeing before a relentless army, Todd has carried a desperately wounded Viola right into the hands of their worst enemy, Mayor Prentiss. Immediately separated from Viola and imprisoned, Todd is forced to learn the ways of the Mayor's new order. But what secrets are hiding just outside of town? And where is Viola? Is she even still alive? And who are the mysterious Answer? And then, one day, the bombs begin to explode...
My Scores: Re-read
Writing Style: Top Notch
The first novel was written entirely in the POV of Todd Hewitt. This novel brings in the POV of Viola. It was interesting to see the drastic differences between the two main characters because it wasn’t just a difference of personality, but the entire writing style itself.
Viola’s voice has no misspellings, fewer run-ons, and is not as abstract or repressed in her thinking as Todd. She trusts her instincts, stays true to herself, and takes incredibly brave actions.
Todd on the other hand is suffering with PTSD and constant gaslighting from the antagonists. He losses himself, becomes repressed, and struggles with deciding who he should trust or what he should believe.
Characters: Absolutely Amazing
The power struggle between all the antagonists in this story reminded me a lot of book three in the Hunger Games trilogy, except that these villains felt more up close and personal.
Our protagonists really do suffer for their past decisions. Their flaws, their regrets, and their utter bafflement of the world around them take center stage in their mindset. It’s so true to the human experience that it’s hard not to get emotionally invested. The reader can also feel that no one is going to be the same as when you first meet them.
Plot: So Many Plot Twists
There’s no good spot to put this book down. Once you start there’s no getting out of wanting to turn the next page. So much happens, it’s insane!
Overall: Totally Obsessed
I’m still totally obsessed! It’s only getting better! I’m on the edge of my seat. I could not be more emotionally invested in the characters. I just have to know how all of this is going to end.
Messaging:
-Your
mistakes don’t define you, it’s how you live with your mistakes.
-When you don’t know the past, it’s hard to makes decisions about the future.
-War is not romantic, it’s a horrible vicious cycle.
Goodreads
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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