Monsters of Men (Chaos Walking #3)

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.)

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.

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.

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.