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      The Ask and the Answer

      by Patrick Ness
      Published
      May 2009
      Main Genre
      Dystopian Dystopian
      Rating
      Pages
      528
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      Series
      Chaos Walking Book 2

      About This Book

      Part two of the literary sci-fi thriller follows a boy and a girl who are caught in a warring town where thoughts can be heard — and secrets are never safe. Reaching the end of their flight in THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO, Todd and Viola did not find healing and hope in Haven. They found instead their worst enemy, Mayor Prentiss, waiting to welcome them to New Prentisstown. There they are forced into separate lives: Todd to prison, and Viola to a house of healing where her wounds are treated. Soon Viola is swept into the ruthless activities of the Answer, while Todd faces impossible choices when forced to join the mayor's oppressive new regime. In alternating narratives the two struggle to reconcile their own dubious actions with their deepest beliefs. Torn by confusion and compromise, suspicion and betrayal, can their trust in each other possibly survive? Includes "The Wide, Wide Sea," a short story by Patrick Ness.

      Series Placement

      Book 2
      View full series order

      Genres & Themes

      Genres

      Speculative Fiction

      Subgenres

      Dystopian Science Fiction

      Themes

      Post-Apocalyptic

      Characters & Occupations

      Aliens

      Age Level

      Young Adult / Teens

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      Paperback

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      Oct 2009 Walker Books (UK) ISBN 1406322474
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      Aug 2010 Candlewick ISBN 076364837X
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      Jul 2014 Candlewick ISBN 0763676179
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      Feb 2018 Walker Books (UK) ISBN 1406379174
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      Hardcover

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      First Edition May 2009 Walker Books (UK) ISBN 1406310263
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      Sep 2009 Candlewick ISBN 0763644900
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      Aug 2010 Turtleback Books ISBN 0606149511
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      Aug 2010 Perfection Learning ISBN 1606866958
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      Jul 2014 Turtleback Books ISBN 0606358749
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      eBook

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      Oct 2010 Candlewick ISBN B0044UHVRM
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      Oct 2010 Walker Books (UK) ISBN 1406351695
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      Oct 2010 Candlewick ISBN 0763652172
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      Sep 2010 Candlewick on Brilliance Audio ISBN B0044X16OS
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      Sep 2010 Brilliance Audio ISBN 1441888950
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