Review Detail

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.