Monsters of Men (Chaos Walking #3)

4.3

4.3 (4)

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Author(s)

Patrick Ness

Publisher

Candlewick Press

Genre(s)

Science Fiction

Age Range

12+

Release Date

September 28, 2010

ISBN

978-0763647513

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"War," says the Mayor. "At last." Three armies march on New Prentisstown, each one intent on destroying the others. Todd and Viola are caught in the middle, with no chance of escape. As the battles commence, how can they hope to stop the fighting? How can their ever be peace when they're so hopelessly outnumbered? And if war makes monsters of men, what terrible choices await? But then a third voice breaks into the battle, one bent on revenge... The electrifying conclusion to the multi-award winning Chaos Walking trilogy, Monsters of Men is a heart-stopping novel about power, survival, and the devastating realities of war.

Editor reviews

2 reviews

The Fight for Peace has Begun

August 28, 2021

Overall rating

4.3

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The third book, Monsters of Men, is aptly named. There are so many factions clashing together. Mayor Prentiss created a war with the people of Haven and the indigenous species for seemingly no other reason than for the power and glory it could bring to win an all-out war. It is deeply thought-provoking on the nature of civilization. Individuals can be wonderful but can large groups work together without their different goals ripping everything apart?
Todd’s relationship with the mayor becomes very complex. The reader is in suspense of whether Todd’s natural goodness is rubbing off on the mayor or is it all a masterful deception?
The added perspective of 1017 and his struggles with reintegrating into his people are well done. The horrors he has lived through will either make him the leader his people need or the destruction of them all. The difference is balanced on a single moment.
This third book was bloody and gory as they fought hard enough that there could be a path to peace.
Which is an insightful look at the nature of war. The themes of hope and redemption made this story lighter than the other two books. Viola made a statement that echoed how I was feeling towards the end. In utter frustration, she rails about peace being the only clear path to survival, and yet there are still people out there that will destroy any chance of it.
Final Verdict: The title of the book, Monsters of Men, and the name of the overall trilogy, Chaos Walking, is a very truthful representation of what is in store for the reader. There are so many deep and thoughtful themes of the nature of humans and civilization as a whole that are worth discussing. This book reminded me of Lord of the Flies. It is a great read, but not for the faint of heart.

Connie Reid, Site Manager Top 10 Reviewer 577 reviews

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User reviews

4 reviews

Overall rating

4.3

Plot

4.5(4)

Characters

4.8(4)

Writing Style

3.8(4)

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Extremely satisfying conclusion

May 22, 2013

Overall rating

3.3

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I think that after the truly exhausting and grueling experience I had with The Ask and the Answer, I needed something different. And I got that, for which I am very grateful. Monsters of Men is just as intense and thrilling as the two books that came before, but it’s not as dark. This is the light at the end of a very, very long tunnel, and it’s a welcome relief.

Oddly enough, Monsters of Men is the one book where there’s actually a war going on. The “humans” are fighting with the indigenous aliens (oxymoron, I know). For the first time, Ness gave his readers a full-on battle scene—about 500 pages of battle scenes, for that matter. And it worked well, though I was honestly surprised that the author didn’t go into nearly the same amount of gruesome, graphic detail that he did in The Ask and the Answer.

The end—basically the final chapter—gets a lot of attention from readers who unanimously loved it. I…did not. Ness employed one of my all-time least favorite tropes, and I was rolling my eyes big time. But it’s still a good ending, and I will never say otherwise. I would have liked something different, though. (I actually had my ideal scenario all plotted out, but then it didn’t happen and I was peeved.)

Renae M Top 50 Reviewer 184 reviews

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Rocked My World

June 28, 2012 (Updated: June 28, 2012)

Overall rating

5.0

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How could I not give this series five stars across the board?? I feel kind of ridiculous doing it, but the fact is that it's hands down brilliant. So 5 stars it is.

I was psyched to read a book series about a world where you get to hear all the characters' thoughts and feelings. All the stuff they're not saying aloud. I thought it had so much potential. But then I was annoyed when I realized 100 or so pages into the first book that most of the thoughts and feelings are worthless, rambling slop-more harm than good. Why, I thought, would the author waste the potential of such a cool idea? I mean, the story/plot was enough to keep me reading, but I was flummoxed by all the stupid thoughts (except for Manchee's. I LOVE THAT DOG!!!). I finally realized that Patrick Ness is trying to make a point. The vast majority of our thoughts are worthless, rambling slop. At least mine are. I too am Chaos Walking. Once I began riding that thematic wave, the book took on new meaning. It wasn't just a rip roaring hold onto your arse thrill ride. It was simultaneously sending a deep eastern philosophical message. And Ness doesn't stop there. He also tackles subjects like suicide bombing, genocide, and the complexities of deciding whether or not to go to war (just to name a few). The thought level is profound. The characters well drawn. The dialogue LOL hilarious, poetic, original, smart, and, at times, frickin scary. Ness tackles so much in this series that he left my head spinning and my soul nourished. Get Smarter. Become more humane. Yearn for a dog named Manchee. Read all 3 books in The Chaos Walking series.

Good Points

1. The diction/style of speaking of the main character.
2. Manchee
3. Deep soulful message
4. Roller coaster thrill ride plot
5. Smart.

Patrick Frato Top 1000 Reviewer 2 reviews

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A little disappointing

June 26, 2012

Overall rating

4.0

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The Chaos Walking trilogy was brilliant. I loved the first book and the second book was quite good aswell. Although Monsters of men, was a little disappointing unfortunately.

I loved the characters, especially the new ones - won't say anymore, don' want to spoil it! The different points of view from Todd, Viola and The Return (spackle) was great and really gave you a feel for each character.

I loved the idea of the book and all the tragic events within the story but for me, alot of the book was very slow-paced. Some parts went completely off-track of the original point in a chapter or else there would be too much on one subject that was already written about several times in the same format etc.

Towards the end of the book, I was really enjoying it and definitely was not expecting what happened. The ending was quite abrupt and I felt as if there could of been another book in the series.

Good Points

The characters were brilliant and i loved the way it was from each one's point of view and also the plot was very well thought up!

Alys Top 500 Reviewer 4 reviews

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This series is my most favourite ever!!

April 15, 2012

Overall rating

5.0

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This book is the most epic conclusion of epic conclusions. It is written in the view of three people, all on different sides: Todd on the Mayor's side, Viola on the Answer's side, and the newly appointed Sky who is on the Spackle's side. I could kiss this book, it was so good. But then it broke my heart, my poor poor heart. I can't believe the ending. I won't write down what happens because it would ruin the story, but be warned it is really sad.

Like before, Todd is and always will be my favourite character. These book made me fall in love with the name Todd. I also fell in love with Todd. Viola is a very lucky little girl. I wish I could be Viola in the part where they kissed. Oops didn't mean to say that, sorry that was a spoiler.

Monsters of Men is a brilliant heart-stopping book full of power, survival, and the devastating realities of war.