First of all... I LOVE YOUR BOOKS. THEY ARE FAN-TAS-TIC!!!! I can't wait for the 3rd one!!!! :oD

Earlier today, you were at my school... St Cuthberts College. I don't know if you remember me but I'm Caitlyn, the girl who said she loves them. Yea... I'm that girl.

Thanks for writing... your books are awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!

Caitlyn :oD

Hi Patrick,

I'm at St Cuthberts and we just had your talk. Just want to say thank you so much. Also I LOVE your books

Hi

My name's Georgia and I just heard you speak at school... (St Cuth's) and I realy want to read your books! they sound cool!

From Georgia

P.S. you remind me of Ryan Seacrest - American Idol!

Hi Patrick,
Thank you for coming to our school today you were funny and great. I haven't read your books but I will soon . Thank you again , I bet you inspired lots and lots of people to write books through your talk.

HI PATRICK YOU CAME TO ST CUTHBERTS SCHOOL (IN NZ)
IM GOING TO READ YOUR BOOK, I THINK IWILL REALLY ENJOY IT!!!!!!!!!!
^U^

Hello
I really want to read your books now. You've inspired me to write my own out of this world stories. You've just finished telling us about you at St Cuthberts in NZ.

HI. YOU CAME TO OUR SCHOOL TODAY. IM GOING TO READ YOUR BOOK. YOUR A REALLY GOOD WRITER

I go to St Cuthbert's College and just listened to you and I enjoyed it.

i absolutely love your books! just finished the ask and the answer and can not wait until the next book comes out!!
from a huge fan :)

Hi Patrick,

Amazing talk last night - my friend and I left feeling both amazingly inspired and wildly inadequate - thanks!!
I of course thought of a question to ask you once I was on the train heading home but I suppose I can ask you now!(it is a bit of a stupid one so I probably would not have asked last night anyway). When I read (usually on the train) I tend to listen to my iPod and I find my own soundtracks to the books I am reading, but I am having a lot of trouble pinning down a soundtrack for Chaos Walking (which considering I've read them numerous times over the last two and a half years is really crazy!) So, my question to you is pretty much, do you have any suggestions? I must say that although I am the kind of person who can never get my words out when I meet someone I truly admire in the flesh, it really was a great pleasure meeting you and listening to you talk. I am almost finished re-reading Ask and the Answer and I can't WAIT to sink my teeth into Monsters of Men - sans expectations!
Best wishes for the remainder of your tour!!
-Bec

Hi Patrick,
Is started reading The Knife Of Never Letting Go when i saw it on the 'must read' list at my school and it was amazing! I nearly cried when [edited for spoilers], but is was a well written book! i am in the middle of The Ask And The Answer and that is also a brilliant book. I was wondering, when does the Monster Of Men come out in New Zealand? and also, will you come to New Zealand schools for book signings and talks about your books? would love to hear back from you,
Izzy

Hello Patrick, it's me again:)
I wonder how I can contact you more personally because in my English class, I have work to do on the English-speaking authors, and I immediately thought of you! Please also apologize for my pathetic English, I'm French! ^ ^
Thank you very much.
Zead :)

OMG i can not wait until the 3rd book comes out! i am having a heart attack waiting. i read the first book in a week because i wasent to enthusiastic about startin it cuz it looked wierd. i finished the second book in 2 nights. i am desperately waiting for todd and viola to finally fall in love. im also waiting for manchee to come running from a bush and he is all ok! i cant wait for MONSTERS OF MEN! omg. A MAN WITHOUT A FILTER IS JUST CHAOS WALKING***** WAR MAKES MONSTERS OF MEN* omg omg MAY 3RD IS MARKED ON MY CALANDER AND I WILL BE THE FIRST TO BUY THAT BOOK AND WILL FINISH IT BEFORE I SIT DOWN!!!!!

Dear Patrick
Hello! I wrote to you in December. I LOVE your books sooooooooo much! They are unbleievably good. Will you ever come to Galway for a booksigning? Please come!
From Olivia

Hi Patrick

I was at your presentation at Fort Street High, NSW today, it was brilliant, I loved it!! I loved how you explained where you got the ideas for the main aspects of the book. I've read them both, I loved the way you made it so emotional without it being unbelievable and cliched.

One question I'd be interested to know the answer to; where did you get the idea for "I am the Circle and the Circle is me"?

Definitely one of my favourite series, can't wait for Monsters of Men, if it's as good as the other two I won't be disappointed.

Regards,

Alex

Loved your book (The Knife of Never Letting Go) and your embarrassing of Tess. Good stuff. WARNING SPOILERS. But why did [edited for, you guessed it, spoilers]. Why????? :-( Joking, I'll het over it... eventually... LOL

Hey Patrick.

Wow, the amount of times you would have heard it by now, but you're an amazing writer. i was truly astounded by your amazing writing style and how unique it really was. I was even more astounded to read a friend of mine (Laura) has already commented on your page recommending you come to our school (St Leonards Collage, Cornish campus, vic). She's a pretty smart kid, and i think shes on to something there...

Hi Patrick, I, like so many other before me, absolutely loved your first 2 books in the Chaos Walking trilogy. My son, Brody was given the Knife of Never Letting Go for his birthday, he's 10 and read it in 3 days, every time I looked at him his head was in the novel, even in the car! He read The Ask and The Answer in the same time frame. I have read both the books too, something Brody else Brody and I could discuss and it's amazing the different take you get from a ten year old, Brody even opened my mind up far wider. Disappointed we both have to wait so long for the third book, but at least now I can get on with my studies :) I hope Todd and Viola find some peace and unite "the new world". Thanks heaps. Melissa

Wow. Just wow. That is all I can say about your books. They are truly a work of art. I can no longer read another book, thanks to you. Haha... no other book is as intriguing and as intense as yours. I cannot wait for Men of Monsters. I am so excited. I just wish it would come out sooner here in the US. >=[ Oh well, I know it'll be worth the wait.

Thanks for being one of the greatest authors ever. =)

Have a good day,
Mike

Hi Patrick,

We are really looking forward to having you in our school tomorrow. Great writing, great books and tomorrow great girls learning from you.

Thank you for taking the time to visit us

Mrs S

Hey there!

Is there any chance that an extract of Monsters of Men will be released prior to the publication of the book itself?

Megan.

Hi, I am a random librarian that came to see you (and Isobelle Carmody) talk at the State Library of Victoria yesterday afternoon. You were highly entertaining! A spectacular sense of humour!
I read "The knife of never letting go" last year, but I have not been able to pick up "The ask and the answer" yet. Why? As much as I wanted to, I have not been ready to go back into the highly-paced, stressful world that Todd and Viola are in!
I wanted to put my hand up in the Q&A session at your talk and ask why you [edited for spoilers]. Devastating.
Thank you! I'm glad I was able to attend your talk, and now I am ready to go read book two!

Hi!

I met you last year at the Guardian Hay Festival of Literature. Yesterday I booked the flight to go back and now I wonder if you'll be there this year again?

Greetings from Switzerland
Lea :D

Hey Nessy!( I dunno if you heard my friend say that when we left to you)But Your talk thingy was awesome as.The few awesome clonard girls who was there first saw you with the clock and we were confused if you were a maitenance guy or something from the place. Thank for signing the poster. You spelt my name wrong! well me friend thinks its right maybe i cant read letters :P Anyhow... Come by geelong again and we can get some icecream with some people. it'd be awesome, this wasn't my idea but i like it! have fun doing your thing bye byee. :D

Hi!!!

I know your really busy from your trip, and today when i was at school (i'm in melbourne) i was really sad because i really wanted to meet you and when my friends were like "emily what's wrong?" i was like "i dont get to meet one of my favourite authors because he's in melbourne today!!!"
then they were all like "who?" and when i told them they were still confused and i was shocked........i hope you have fun in the dandenongs (they are really awesome!!) and i hope you have fun in tasmania...
Can't wait for your next book to come out....:D

Emily Z:D

Hi Patrick,
This is like the third time I've spoken to you (probably getting annoying...). Anyway, I came to see you today at the state library, you & Isobelle were amazing so thanks for coming down & talking to us! I also thought you were really very funny! So, I just finished reading the littole taster of Monsters of Men, &...wow! Why do you always leave us hanging!? (Don't worry, its a good thing!) So I'd better finish up (because if I talk any longer it'll get boring & that's when I feel for people!) But, good luck on the rest of your tour & in New Zealand! (there are heaps of sheep there!) And good luck for your marathons (& try not to fall again- horrible images ran into my head when you spoke about that!) Haha.

Good luck & have a safe trip home!
- Adrian

Hi Patrick,

I was lucky enough to hear you speak in Geelong yesterday evening, and it was a real pleasure to meet you. You spoke from the heart, just as you write, and the 'joy' in your writing is obvious to me (even though the topics themselves aren't always the most joyful).

One question I would like to ask you, and didn't think about until this morning - what was your reason for the women not having Noise? I can think of a couple of possibilities, but would love to hear your thoughts. If this does get answered in Monsters of Men, just tell me to be patient!

Thanks for two wonderful books, and I'm looking forward to the finale!

Hi Patrick
We're just home from the session at State Library of Victoria with a bus load of enthusiastic Marcellin boys, many among them with their signed copies and yes - we did beat the buses home :) I also took a few notes from your talk which I'll use as discussion starters in our weekly book club.
I wanted to ask if you are working on another YA book. I also wanted to tell you how frequently I feel that I am Chaos Walking personified.
Best wishes for the remainder of your tour.
Judith, need I say, looking forward to Monsters of Men.

Hey Patrick,

Meeting you yesterday was awsome. You have convinced me to read your series Chaos Walking. First chapters good so far.
You've inspired me to write my own stories.
Thanks.
:)

Wow what amazing books! I have read the first two books and i LOVE them!!!! I simply cannot wait for book number three, and you know i am already thinking about whats going to happen, hopes and fears! I am so looking forward to it! I read them again and again and never get bored, because of teh excitment and how well written it is! Wow. I love your style and i LOVE your books. I cant wait to see what happens in your awe inspiring novels!

G-day Patrick,
I wrote a massive comment but I lost it all. So that was suckish
But yes, I shall start again :)
I was in your lecture today in Geelong, and I've got to say that you are a pretty awesome guy!
I have always been writing stories (or at least trying to) ever snce i learnt how to write my alphabet, but I never finished them.
It was only in the past few years that I really got into writing a novel and it's been going well, but with all my schoolwork I haven't been able to get a lot done recently.

I haven't read much of you work, but what I have read is anough to say that you are a really talented write and I can't wait to buy your books as soon as my pocket money (or allowance, I'm not sure if pocket money is a well known term oustide Australia, let alone Geelong)

You inspired me to keep on writing today, and I thanks you for it :)

My apologies if my grammar isn't too good, I rushed because I have to go to beddybyes soon :)

I hope the rest of your time in Australia is great and I hope you come back!!
You're always welcome here.

And before you leave Australia, try eating fairy bread.
It is bread, buttered with sprinkles all over it.
Ask an aussie, they'll know what it is :)

Goodnight :)

Oh my gosh! I cant wait until September! It feels so far away. I've enjoyed your books so much. Monsters of Men is sure to be amazing. Wish me patience! Thanks for writing your books, I hope there are more to come.
Lots of fan love,
Kana

I Never liked sci-fi anything. I was strictly classics; Orwell, Emerson, Hemingway, etc. I�m in 11 grade, but in an AP Language and composition. Have you ever read Billy Collins "introduction to poetry"? Well that�s pretty much us...times 10. After a while it�s all we do. Read. Critique. Discuss. Read. Critique. Discuss. No time to enjoy, you know? But when I picked up "The Knife of Never letting go"...what a breath of fresh air! Todd and Viola is such a likable pair...and Maunchee! Cutey. But most of the time I was focusing on your Syntax and rhetorical effects. It was definitely a modern way of righting, packed with information. Not only did you use strategic visual effect, but the breaks in the paragraphs were quite effective. I loved the way you misspelled words to show the reader what was being thought and how. If I grow up to right, I�d hope it will be as effective as you are.
p.s. the new book needs to come out sooner in the U.S...7 months?

Patrick ciao! mi chiamo Alice ho 12 anni e ti scrivo dall'italia, precisamente da Mantova! ti scrivo per chiederti un please, stiamo leggendo il tuo libro "Il Buco nel rumore" (mi piace d'avvero!), Sono stata incaricata Dalla mia classe di scrivere una tua biografia da allegare alla recensione del libro, Potresti darmi qualche notizia ... per cos dire "di prima pagina", in rete ho trovato davvero poco su di te, mi dispiace!,? spero di Trovare una tua risposta molto presto, spero anche di non averti disturbato, ti saluto e ti ringrazio.
Alice

Just finish reading The Knife Of Never Letting Go and I am abot to begin The Ask and The Answer. I believe these books are GREAT additions to the Young Adult genre (because I find such few good books) and I can't wait for the final novel!! Keep up the fantastic work and I know the nex two will be as fulling as the first!!!

I'm lovin' it!!

P.S. So was it just me or did anyone else cry when [edited for spoilers]????

I want a talking dog...

thank you for so many great moments.So enjoying your work.It fulfills the hope I have @ the beginning of every book to be encompassed and immersed....I have Todd and Viola on my mind alot and I know they will always be with me. I can still feel the heartbreak of losing Manchee.This is powerful stuff on so many levels. I look forward to making sure it gets read at the right time by all the kids in my life. Greatly anticipating Book3. Thank you. All the very best. kathy

Dear Mr Ness,
I have just been through the comments on your page and find that your books are highly popular with both the young and the slightly older (lol).
Firstly I must say that I bought the 'Knife of never letting go' for my 13 year old son and he loves it and wants to read your other works, but having tried to read it myself I was somewhat confused by the spelling and the grammer.
I consider myself to be a fairly up to date mum (being only 31) and I use the text talk and slang etc on my phone and in personal emails and fully understand it all, but I got lost trying to read your book. I was reading it out loud as I like to read my guys stories and I kept having to stop and re-read lines which I found quiet annoying as I had not understood them. I wondered what style it had been written in as I haven't been confused by a novel before?
I do however compliment you on having a wonderful idea for a story and the plot is fascinating I would love to beable to read it myself but have had to leave my son to read it himself (which isn't a problem).
Quinn (my 13 year old son) says super story ,he loves your style of writing and it makes it easier for him to read a lengthy novel (he has a reading age of 17). He wishes you all the best for the future (as do I) and he says that he is really looking forward to reading your other works.

K Melton.

I know what that robot is from! It's from an anime movie called "Castle in the Sky".

Oh my gosh. I just literally finished THE ASK AND THE ANSWER about thirty seconds ago. I'm pretty much still in shock. What an amazing book. No, what an amazing series. While reading the last few pages, I was a wreck, shaking and just about killing myself trying to figure out what was going to happen. Oh, my God. You books really can shake a person up.

Hello from Japan!!
I came across "The Knife of Never Letting Go" at a bookshop last year, and it seemed interesting so I read it, but I never thought that it would be my favorite book at first. Now, I just love your books! I already lent book 1 to two friends, and they both love it too. I also read "Topics About Which I Know Nothing". I liked the way you wrote the stories in various ways. Well, I just wanted to tell you how much I love your books. I can't wait to read "Monsters of Men"!
Sorry if my English is weird, because it's been a pretty long time since I came back to Japan from America.

Hi,
I have just read The Knife of Never Letting Go and am half way through The Ask and The Answer. I am a Year 6 primary school teacher and some of my pupils are reading the books as well. Every morning we share where we are up to in the story and what we think about what has happended. Your books are an excellent tool for communicating with kids. I am going to det up a book group for Monsters of Men.
Thanks
Mrs H

I loooooooovvve yours books! They are absolutely amazing!I saw The Knife of Never Letting Go in the local library,I picked it up,and read!I am currently reading the Ask and the Answer.I am on page 315 and dying to read the rest!I came online and searched yur name,then I learned that there is a third!iAM ECSTATIC! i CAN'T WAIT FOR MONSTERS OF MEN TO COME OUT!:)GREAT BOOKS!!!

I absolutely adore your books. As soon as I finished 'The Knife of Never Letting Go' I called up the book store to see if they had it. But sadly I had to wait until my school library got it. I put neither of the two down until I finished them. I also have a question: what exactly do the Spackle look like? I can't really get a mental image of them. XD

Hi Patrick,
I know I a commentwriter than many others.Maybe you ve got any time to anwer but I want actuelly ask behind thats book haw long do it take to write a such long story in germany were Im writing from its calls NEW WORLD and you my favorite writer

Hope you answer and why Todd is so nice to the people but not to Sparkels?

OMG IM SO EXITED CANT YOU RELEASE MONSTERS OF MEN EARLIER !!! UR D BEST WRITER EVERRR!

Hey,
I just wanted to say that I love your books, especially Chaos Walking - they're amazingly addictive and I ate my way through them ridiculously fast. So excited for the next installment!

When I first read the Knife of Never Letting Go I was hooked and couldn't put it down. I was the same with The Ask and The Answer. I love your style and the characters you've created. I wish they were real :]

Thanks for producing such excellent novels!

Wow Mr.Ness,
I have to say your books are amazing because if i dont then id be lying by just saying they were great. :)[i just waved to you hello]. The characters you create are so....ehm....how you say.....Lifelike:). I kinda wish i knew someone like Todd. Hehe, Viola's pretty cool, and i must say: you have a brilliant imagination. I really hope you get to read this and just smile:)

Anywho.....
I can but i dont want to wait until September for Monsters of Men (which by the way has an enticing and visually cool cover)

Thank you these books actually helped out alot:)
Please write back:) and i hope its not a message like: "Thank you for showing interest in my book(s)" oh! or dont even get me started on "Thanks. My next book comes out [insert date here] and can be sold at bookstores near you for [insert prices here]"
~Melody:)

Hey Patrick,
Our names are Tess and April and we adore your writing. We think you are an amazing author, we are currently in year 9 and our school is going to the Geelong library to see you next wednesday and we are so excitied to hear you speak! We are currently writing our own novels and would like to be inspired by your words of a professional writer and to hear your personal experiences.
Cant wait,
Tess and April

hola again!
(waving hello back)
although i'm sure you've gotten a lot of this, i gotta say it- 'you. are. awesome.' 3 words but very true. i CANT wait until september!!!!! it seems like its a bagillion forevers away!!!!!! every time i pick up the knife of never letting go or the ask and the answer, i get all jittery because i'm dying to read the final book. i even have 'war makes monsters of men' engraved into my ipod. i'm that book-obsessed. peeps in UK, Australia, and Ireland are so freaking lucky. so. freaking. lucky. and the more i read the other two books, the more i realized how desperate i am for the 3rd.
happy wednesday!
~Micki-Aela
(I MISS MANCHEE!!!!!!!!!!!)
PS>Todd & Viola rock my socks

I love your books! I have changed my dogs name from Stan to Manchee!

hello patrick :)
im laura (obviously) and i live in australia. im just another teen that absolutely loves you books. you obviously get a lot of comments on here, so mine doesn't make much of a difference, but you say you read them all, and when i read that i couldn't pass the opportunity to tell you how great your books are! (are you sick of it? i think i would be, but it's true)
i love your sight and even though i have never written to someone famous or anything like that, (which is weird because im the type that has something to say about everything) here, i don't feel like im one in a croud of raving fans, and it's nice to feel like your heard, even if your instantly forgotten :)
i would like to offer you a late welcome to australia, i wish you could come to my school (i go to St. Leonard's College (there's a brighton campus but i go to the one in bangholme) in victoria). i say this in case there is a slim chance that you can come at one point in the future, and this unreasonable request somehow does not seam so unreasonable when asking it from you. we would all love it, truely we would, not just the book worms.

i no when i log off and start reading the ask and the answer i will think of many better things that i could have said on this post, but this will have to be good enough.

i hope one day i will see you (in bangholme!)
welcome again to australia
laura

I was lucky enough to win all this year's books on the Costa shortlists in a competition. I decided to start reading "The Ask and the Answer", so I got "The Knife of Never Letting Go". I am really enthralled by the books. I went to a coffee house at lunchtime to read a bit more and had to force myself to return to work. What wonderful stories.

Dear Mr. Ness:

*waves hi to big gigantic robot and you*
*taps you in the shoulder magicly* I am proud of your books. You got me to read again! I had given up reading large books after trying to read like 3 novels that I got bored with right away, but your Chaos Walking Book Series?! Dude, its like the best book series in the history of book series! I find myself in Todd's position and I know exacly how he feels even though he's just a character, I understand Todd so much I wish he was real and I wish I could yell out "OH MY GOD TODD! I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL! I AM LIKE YOUR TWIN! I KNEW EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU EVEN BEFORE I READ THE BOOK!" but well... he he I can get really deep into stories. It's funny, my friend is also making another story (has nothing to do with your books) and her character's name is also Todd, and another funny thing is that my science teacher's name is Todd too, its all so magical and makes me remember about your book series everyday. I can't tell you how much I love the series in words because, well I don't even know how to describe the feeling I have towards your books. I have been searching for books like these for like 13-14 years! I gotta say, in the future, if I ever become a director or a special effects animator, the first movie idea I will have would be about your book. Just to afford The Ask and The Answer, I had to waste all of the money I had received from my birthday and waste it, I gotta say though, it was worth it. None of my friends have heard of wither The Knife of Never Letting Go (awesome book), The Ask and The Asnwer (Majorly awesome book!), or Monsters of Men (I wish I wouldn't have to wait this long!) but I am getting them influenced. Except, here where I live, the bookstores and libraries here don't own your books so we have to wait like almost 2 weeks to a month to finally receive an order of your books. I wish I wouldn't have to wait until September for the third book. However, I've waited 14 years, I think I can wait a couple of months.

sincerely and feeling honored:

Liz, a Chaos Walking
Series fan that gets inpired to
draw by reading the books.

i love your books so much. they are my new favorites of all time. how could anyone possibly write such good books?

hi,
I have read the knife of never letting go and the ask and the answer. I loved both of these books so much. Is there another book, a third book coming out soon?
thanks

That statue is from a japanese movie!
I love your books!

I got the Knife of Never Letting Go for Christmas this year and the Ask and the Answer a week ago and have motored through both. When I heard that there was going to be a third book in May I did a little dance of happiness (I tripped over and banged my knee. Whoops!). I'm a budding writer myself (Started a book year before last and am aiming to finish it this year) and found your books a delight to read. The characters of Todd and Viola really resonate with me.

Have fun in Australia and New Zealand. I live in NZ and am so pleased that we have not been bypassed in favour of Australia (which happens depressingly often) yet again.

hello Mr Ness,
I've read knife and became a fan. Thank you for giving us a great story and I'm hoping you can visit us here in Singapore( and maybe I can get my books signed.)

Hello Patrick,
I have just finished reading "The Ask and the Answer".It was the best book I have read in a long time!
I just can't wait until "Monsters of Men" comes out in Germany,but I have to wait a long time =(
I am glad about the third part.

Thank you for you wonderful writing.

Greetings from Germany.
Michael

(Sorry for spelling mistakes)

Like most people, I'm assuming, who visit this site, I'm a teenager who loved your books.
The thing I love about The Knife of Never Letting Go and The Ask and the Answer is that they feel so real. The feelings Todd and Viola feel are real emotions, infinitely better than the two-dimensional attempts most books accomplish.
Here in Southern California, I'm waiting- longing for- the next book to come into my library. I hope my mom will let me check it out once the library gets it.

One of the things about your books that I loved is it WASN'T the kind of book I read in one sitting, which I normally do for the very good ones. I read it slowly, savored it, and it stayed with me. I still think about your books.

I like how you said you read every comment, and sorely hope it's true. I've typed too many heartfelt comments to authors who haven't replied, or worse- had one of those auto-replier things that sends you a set message automatically, like "Thanks for showing your interest in [author's name here] book(s).

Well, I guess you do enough reading of comments daily, so I'll cut this short.
Thanks for writing so amazingly. It's made my life a bit nicer.
Oh and I just waved back to you and the giant robot. :)

Very beautiful cover! (Monsters of men for UK)I hope that "Le cercle et la fleche" will also be attractive!I can not wait! :p

Knife of Never Letting Go. Amazing. I have some ideas buzzing inside my head and I want to write a book. I need help getting started. Can you give me some tips on how to begin the writing process and sufficiently formulating my ideas and organizing them?

Hi Patrick
what's up? why the german book have got a strange name? In germany chaos walking becomes new world, knife of never letting go - the flight, the ask and the answer - the dark paradise and now! Now becomes a cool book name like monsters of men to meaningless "burning knife"!
In my bookstore have 50% of the books a boring name like brennendes messer, fluch des feuers and so on ...
When I present Chaos Walking in school, my german teacher said that chaos walking sounds much better than new world. They should not change the name because New World is english too so thats a little bit brainless.
But at the end the name of the book is unimportant, because the story is the best I've ever read. Thank you and god for that.
Too bad that it wont comes out before october. But Ive got birthday than so its not so bad.
Sorry for my bad english and so much text but I must say that! ;D
Glueck auf

Dear Mr. Ness,
Holy. Crap.
How can I possibly say how awesome your writing is? I'm a high schooler in the US (no, it's SO not fair I have to wait until SEPTEMBER to read Monsters of Men, I'm going to die while waiting)and I swear, your books are fantastic. The wording is so beautiful, you always somehow get the emotions JUST right, and the characters (especially Todd) are some of the most realistic I've ever read. They're the sort of people I wish I knew!
Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you so much for writing, because frankly, your works are amazing. Please, please please keep it up!

Kris

Hello again Mr. Ness --

Just wanted to let you know that my cousin arrived from Hong Kong a few days ago and delivered to me The Ask and the Answer. Once again, I finished it in one sitting. (It was also very engaging, though I think I prefer just staying in Todd's POV.)

Now things start turning problematic for me, as I know I'll have to wait until May before the third installment becomes available to the public. I've searched the bookstores here in the Philippines and unfortunately I've discovered that the Chaos Walking Trilogy is not available here. I'm not sure how I'll get my hands on the third book (since I might not see my cousin again in a long time), but don't you worry Mr. Ness. =) I promise I'll read and own a copy of Monsters of Men, one way or another.

Thank you again for your writing.
Aren't you amazed that with your words, you're reaching so many people from so many different parts of the world? =)

God bless!
Najee

I took The Ask and The Answer out of the library yesterday and finished it in 5 hours. That's seriously a record. 5 hours of non-stop reading. It was so gripping, right from the start, and I'm scared for what's going to happen in the 3rd book. I really want there to be a happy ending and my two favourite characters (no prizes for guessing who they are...) to survive and be happy, but something's telling me that's not gonna happen. I hope I'm wrong.

Is there any way that I'm going to be able to hold on til May to find out? I wanna read it so badly!

Ghausia (again) :)

HI Patrick,
I just have a question...in the Ask and the Answer we hear Viola's point of view, for obvious reasons. But I was wondering if in the Knife of Never Letting Go you heard her point of view as well? Was it only Todd you heard narrate or did you ever consider having alternative points of view in both books? Sorry if that doesn't make sense.

P.S. I named my pet snake Viola...and she's just as feisty and bitey as the character.

I'm so excited about the release of the US cover of Monsters of Men! It's gonna look great on my bookshelf next to the first two books! Now, to wait until September... :)

Patrick, The tears for [edited] and frankly, all the pain, are still on my face. I am amazed at the depth, caring and skill of creation you show in your writing. "The Knife of Never Letting Go" is such an original story to my weary eyes - that despite the tears, I was able to enjoy it immeasurably. Thank you for an excellent read. Becky M.

Your site seems mostly frequented by teenagers who all rave about your books. It must be tremendous for you to know you have written something that means so much to all your readers. I am a well-over-60 grandmother and I was blown away by The Knife of Never Letting Go and its sequel. I gave them to my 45-year-old son and he was blown away too. How are we going to hang on till May for Monsters of Men? But oh - Manchee.
And thank you for your writing tips too. I am a literary consultant and I do wish more would-be writers would pay heed to your precepts before sending their books out into the world.
I'm off to order The Crash of Hennington - how can one resist a herd of rhinos in a seaside town?
Thank you for your wonderful writing,

Diane

Hi, Patrick!
I absolutely LOVED The Knife of Never Letting Go, and the Ask and the Answer! I just can't wait until Monsters of Men comes out!!!!! But I'm sad that Monsters of Men will be the last book! HUGE fan! I just love the characters! Love, Ronan

Very happy Valentine's Day, for my part, it will be with my jar of Nutella that I'll pass: p

Zead :)

I am a primary school librarian living in Dubai and am contantly on the look out for inspiring books to lead my year 6 students to. Whilst i cannot have your books on my primary library shelves (as the students are too young ) I think your writing is terrific and at every available opportunity i recommend that students spend any bi8rthday/pocket money on your and Scott Westerfields books!!!! Can't wait for the next installment...

Hi, again
just to say I've re read both the books today ready for the 3rd May, ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IM SOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!!! but I still cry at the same bits everytime :( I'll have to read them again before monsters of men comes out, but anyway, Im really excited and counting down!
bye
xx

Hi, I am a new user of theis site and i would just like to say how incredible your books are. After reading 'The Knife of Never Letting go' i am now halfway through 'The Ask and the Answer'. They are both awesome books and i am really looking forwrd to the release of 'Monsters of Men'. Thank You for presenting me with so much enjoyment. Best Wishes, James :D

P.S Is there anyway i could have an address with which i can write personally to you by letter? Many Thanks.

Absolutely LOVE the Knife of Never Letting Go, and the Ask and the Answer!!! I can't wait until the next book comes out!! A huge fan!!! Ronan

Hey Mr. Ness,

I remember around this time last year I went to this event at Lister School and we met you there because we were readers of the Carnegie Longlist 2009. Well, I have to admit, I am a slight procrastinator, and I did put off reading your book because of all sorts of things. Schoolwork mainly. But anyway, I was browsing through the school library a few days ago when I came across 'The Knife Of Never Letting Go'. Finally, I took it out and read it and I loved every second (or should I say page?) of it. There are so many questions I want to ask, but I guess I've missed the boat slightly. Anyway, I guess some of my questions will be answered in the sequel, which I've really been trying hard to get hold of. Since I'm not doing the longlist this year, I can't gain access to the book for quite some time, so I'm going to have to check the public library out which involves getting a new card and everything. But I'll do it because I can't wait to read it and follow the adventures of Todd and (hopefully) Viola. And I'm sure that I won't be able to wait until May to buy the third one. Hmm... writing this comment has really gotten me thinking - to authors use slang when they type? Because I'm looking at the comments on this page and I'm writing in full words and not using any words like 'lol' at certain points just so I sound smart, but my personality isn't really being displayed much in this comment because of the lack of smileys and stuff I'm using.

Wow, I know how to babble. I thought this was going to be a short comment. But, the main point of this comment was basically to say that I really loved the way 'Knife' was written and your style of writing, and I'll probably be reading more of your books in the future (so I think you're going to have to get used to my essay-type comments). Okay, I feel the need to use a smiley face now, so with that, I'm going to stop boring you now. Hope you read this!

Ghausia :)

Patrick Ness,

Forever I had stuck myself in ready fantasy and fairytales. I came across your book on the shelf in my school library and asked my librarian about it. She confessed she hadn't read it yet (the woman has practically read every book in her library!). I was hesitant, but she convinced me to try it. I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. Which, unfortunately, seemed to be a bad thing since my school is very small and every student must triple or even quadruple responsibilities. I thought you book was excellent and thought provoking. It made me realize the information that swarms around everyone at all times, and yet we still can't understand most of it! Immediately I went back to my librarian and told her of the book's awesomeness and requested that she buy the next one. About two months into this school year she got and I read it in less than one day. I believe you to be a great author and visualist. Thank you so much for the hours of enjoyment you have given me and the best of luck to you in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Senior '10

Hi again!!

Everytime i go on your site i see the events page for when you're going to be in Melbourne (Aus) and I just get really sad because the times you'll be here i can't because of school and that just really sucks.......(it's not all that bad i just think it would be amazing if i could meet you....) Oh well i can still keep my spirits up by thinking how awesome it will be whe monsters of men comes out (still can't wait!!) I better go now, i hope you have fun on your Australia/ New Zealand tour and good luck with future writing!!!

Emily :)

Hi, last year was a dark and gloomy time for me in high school, and then on one magical lunch break in the library i came upon the strangest book title "The Knife of Never Letting Go" After reading this book in 4 days i instantly became hooked to your great books. I finished The Ask And The Answer minutes ago and i am really pleased. I cant wait until the third book comes out.
-All the best, Eric

LaylaViolet recommended your first book, the knife one. It totally blew me away. I'm starting the second one, and I hear there's gonna be a third? What I want to ask is... can you somehow get this to be made into a television series? do not let it be made into a film; directors always mess up perfectly good stories (like this one) and a TV series would do it justice.

I LOVE CHAOS WALKING.
I love Todd. I might have to marry him.
Is that legal?
Anyway, my main point;
We have this thing on our peninsula thing (the Wirral) called Wirral Paperback of the Year, and the Knife Of Never Letting Go was on our list. Me and my friend Ellen read it, and it's like the best book on there (and there's only 20) (and then after we read that we went and bought The Ask And The Answer because we found out that was out too)
And sometimes in this paperback of the year thing, the council like contacts authors and asks them to come and do book signings...
We know you've probably been asked already, but, please? 8)
We've got like one good author coming, but since I read Chaos Walking it's become my favourite series.
So, pretty please? We know you probably have a really busy schedule D:
Much love!

Hello,
I'm currently a junior in high school and i got hold of your book, The knife of never letting go, from my school's library, It is one of the best books i have read for awhile. My school library also had The ask and the answer, which i read in less the 24hours. I was equally as good. I love how it just never stops. One of the best written, worst moment was when [edited for spoilers, sorry]. It was like loosening a friend. Another really good thing i liked was going back in forth between Tod and Viola's perspectives.
I can't wait for your 3ed book to come out I am looking forward to it!
Thank-you for the good Read,
~Jason

Now if we could just get you to write a blog (journal, diary - add whatever else you would refer to it) on your thoughts. Not just a location finder either - A glimpse into the man himself and what interest him. Something were us writers could comment back and forth. This would be perfect (winks). I came by way of an interview you gave on a book blog "Presenting Lenore". I was intrigued enough to look you up here and see what else I may discover. In friendship (hugs) Indigo.

i just finished the knife of never letting go! i loved it so much, i really want to read the secound book and the third one!!!!! i can't wait for may(is that right??)

Hello Mr. Ness --

I just dropped by to commend you on The Knife Of Never Letting Go. I come from the Philippines, and I bought the first book in HK. I finished reading the book in one sitting, for about 6 hours, and I'm now waiting for my cousin to bring the second book back to the Philippines. It's an amazing read, one that really elicits big emotions in the readers. Todd and Viola are incredibly endearing, and the themes found in the book were very relevant.

I wish I read this book when I was younger. I would've wanted to read it at 13. It would have most likely made me a braver, more courageous girl. =)

I'm an admirer of your work, and I do hope to read more from you soon.

All the way in the Philippines,
Najee

hello there patrick, i've just finished reading the knife of never letting go and the ask and the answer i wanted to say, they are by far the the most most suspenceful, i read the ask and the answer in 12 hours because i just couldn't put it down! i can't wait for the monsters of man in september.

I've read all the famed vampire books, such as the twilight saga, the other vamp-romance books,eragon and other fantasies, but I don't think any of them has ever compared to The Knife of Never Letting Go. I read so many books (and I mean so many) but they all just fade to the background, and I move on, but Knife I could never forget. I don't think that its place as my "Favorite Book of All Time" will ever be moved. I could read the book over and over and over again:) :) :)
Can't wait to Monsters of Men
P.S. The Ask and The Answer was awesome too!!!!

Wow. I just have to say that I most definitely love your series. It was fantastic! My friend and I stayed up practically all night reading the first one.
We are writing a book of our own and we were wondering if you could maybe give us some advice? That would be so awesome to get your input.
Todd Hewitt is now part of my heart and I have to thank you for that.
Great job! I hope to read more of your stories :)

Excellent book - just finished The Knife of Never Letting Go. This one will not stay on my shelves long, nor will The Ask and The Answer. Thank you for great storytelling.

Dear Patrick Ness,
Having to wait until tomorrow to be able to get my hands on a copy of The Ask and The Answer from my school's library is going to be brutal.

Sincerely, Stephanie.

PS. I'll have you know that page 350 of The Knife Of Letting Go made me throw the book at a wall and sob.

Hi Patrick-
I am a thirteen-year-old girl living in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Over the summer, my family and I went on a trip to Ireland with a "pre-cation" in New York. In the airport, I finished reading one book and needed another. I found your book, "The Knife of Never Letting Go." I decided, "This looks cool. It has an amazing cover! I'll try it." I will spare you the "reading-until-three-in-the-morning" details by just saying that by the end of the book, I was hooked! I was SO desperate for the "Ask and the Answer"! While I was going crazy over it, I let my friend borrow the first one. Now SHE is hooked, too!

I have thoroughly enjoyed both books and I wished I lived in the UK so that I could get the 3rd one sooner!

Your Fan,
Sadie

P.S. By the way, the "Monsters of Men" cover is amazing (just like the other two)! And what an awesome and edgy name! Love it!

hey!! i have read ur chaos walking series and i loved it!! i am looking forward to monsters of men!! thanks for writing and keep up the good work!!!

Hi (again), I just read your whole Twitter interview and I also am inspired by music. I feel encapsulated in the beats and rhythm and it overall triggers a creative flow! I read that you are listening to Radiohead for the final book, any songs in particular though as it just so happens it's my favorite band! If you liked Muses tracks I would guess you are listening to "Hail to the Thief". Those songs seem to suit the genre very much so.

Not long now! Thanks, Stef

Mr. Ness:

I stumbled across a review of The Ask and The Answer in The Wall Street Journal. (This, I confess, was a few months back). The reviewer threw out enough superlatives it intrigued me, so I tore out the article, promising myself to find both novels. Took me a while to get around to that part, though I did try at our local B&N. Oddly enough I couldn't find your novels - too many vampire and zombie books (what is up with that)? In desperation, I finally defaulted to Amazon, which, as always, came through this past weekend, and . . . wow! What an utterly brilliant story! I literally read through the night this weekend on The Knife... and have been trying to squeeze in The Ask... this past week (with four kids and their schedules, it's been rough), but Todd and Viola keep drawing me back. They are two of the most credible, amazing and resilient characters. That, of course, leaves me tremendously anxious to see how Monsters of Men wraps up the story.

Thank you for crafting such an inventive and thrilling story. Extremely well done.
Lara

hey!

I am a real big fan of your books, i always have a hard time finding books im intrested in, so when i found the knife of never letting go and loved it i was so cheerful:3 your books are by far the best books i have read keep up the great work :3

Whoa, I can leave a comment. That's so cool.

I'd just like to say that The Knife of Never Letting Go and The Ask And The Answer are two of my FAVORITE BOOKS EVER!!! They're so amazing. I own the first one. I also plan to read The Crash of Hennington, but my library doesn't have it.

Can't wait for Monsters of Men! Patrick Ness, your writing is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A quick question from a Canadian fan.
My friend's little sister really enjoyed The Knife of Never Letting Go... but she can only read in French.
I was just wondering if we would see a French version of The Ask and The Answer so she can follow the rest of the adventures of Todd and Viola.

Thank you for giving us such great books to read! I can't wait for the release of Monsters of Men!

Maude

Hello all the way from Canada! :) Just another fellow fan of your fantastic books dropping a line. I hope to keep following your works, even after Chaos Walking, so do keep up the wonderful writing! Actually, I rather like how your release dates always land in the week of my birthday, so it's like an extra treat! :D

I also just read your Facebook Q&A, and I'm a little curious, any specific songs you would deem the theme song of the second and third book?

Hey,

You're coming to Perth! You just turned my day in to an amazingly awesome one. I can't wait to hear what you have to say. I love love love your writing and oh, Davy just broke my heart so much. Why isn't it May already? So looking forward to seeing you at the fest and May and I just can't express how much this has made my day!

In your post you said you would be visiting heaps of schools. Can you please come to my school(erskineville public school

I have read The Knife Of Never Letting Go and The Ask And The Answer and it was amazing:D
thank you for write these books:D

when monsters of men come in germany out?
i maybe read it then in english when it take too long that it comes out:D
can you give us maybe a little extract?

thanks

i just wanted to say that i love your book, and am looking forward the the 3rd :] x

I am a high school librarian at Gahanna Lincoln High School (near Columbus, Ohio). I wanted to let you know much my students and staff LOVE your books. I cannot keep The Knife of Never Letting Go or The Ask and the Answer on the shelves. Students are sooooo excited for the final book! We are all very excited.

My staff is reading The Knife of Never Letting Go in May for our staff book club. I am sure they will LOVE it. I am wondering if you ever do computer chats or use skype with groups. We would LOVE the opportunity to chat. Just let me know!

Hi Patrick!
sorry i keep comenting so much but I just want to say to you that you should do some kind of event in the UK......preferably Northern Ireland....maybe even Coleraine?! It would be great!

Hi Patrick,

I hope your extra-cool something else in New Zealand is in Auckland! If you get a chance, pop into Unity Books (in Wellington or Auckland). They love your books and have been fabulous at spreading your word(s). :)

Cheers,
Denise

I'm an English teacher - it's my duty to read teenage fiction. But reading 'the Ask and the Answer' was an honour. Big issues and big emotions - loved it. Don't you DARE let us down with the third one!
PS. Love to have you come up to Gordonstoun School if you ever fancy a trip to the Highlands.

Sorry to bother again so soon but i was reading where you are going to be when your in Aus and it sucks coz i'm either not in those areas or not able to go because of school (AHHHH NOOOOO!!!) and i also read how you're going to be visiting tons opf schools and was hoping if you could come and visit my school because if you did you would absolutely make my year!!!

Emily

After a busy final year at school I finally plucked up the courage to read The Ask and The Answer. I was nervous. Was it going to be as good as the Knife of Never Letting Go? Would I still like Todd and Viola? Would you be able to keep up the tension?

I picked up the book the night after I finished a Star Wars Marathon with my friends. I was tired, I only had three hours sleep and so I picked up your book with the intention of reading a chapter, maybe two.

I physically couldn't put the book down and finished it, all of it, in one night. In answer to all my questions, the book lived up my every expectation and then surpassed them. The story is agonising and ugly, yet there is so much beauty. Your books have such a raw realism in a way that no other I've read can compare.

To conclude (sorry about being so long winded) I'm looking forward to your Australian visit!

My friend Joe (good man) recommended The Knife of Never Letting Go which was so good it gave me a week of late nights. I rushed out and bought The Ask and the Answer which I also consumed so quickly it made my head spin. I haven't read two books in such a long time that have had this effect. I read a lot of feminist science fiction in the past, people like Octavia E. Butler and they remind me of them in a way. I found them very visual too, are they optioned for making into films? I wouldn't be surprised. I am telling everyone about the Chaos Walking books, they are phenomenal - can't wait until May for the third instalment...

I got The Knife of Never Letting Go for christmas, Ill be honest tho. The title didnt appeal to me much so i only just got round to reading it. Once i started reading it i was unable to put the book down, i think i read about 300 pages in 1 sitting and lost track of time. Anyway great book cant wait to read the next one and i hope it doesnt seem like a massive wait for the third book to come out like it has been for the seventh book in the keys to the kingdom series by garth nix.

I hope to read more of your material in the future other then this series.

Jesse

Oh My Gosh!!!!!

I have read The Knife Of Never Letting Go and The Ask And The Answer in the last 3 days!!! They are AMAZING!!!!!

Monsters of Men is coming out in MAY?!?! How am I supposed to wait that long???????

Eliza xx

Hi again,
I just quickly wanted to say hi from down under (it's been pretty hot these past couple of days...) and today i was sitting down reading A street car named desire (for literature) and asked my mum if she wanted to read The Kinife of Never letting go, she said yes and found it pretty interesting XD.

I can't wait for school tomorrow (yes i am actually excited to get back to school) and i can't wait for Monsters of Men to come out. (i know i've said it heaps of times already but i just can't wait!!! It's going to be cosmic!!)

xxEmily

Woo-hoo! Congrats on the award! Can't wait for May! I notice that I'm starting to spread the word about you to my bookstores....Carpe Librum, McIntyre's, Malaprop's, the reps of Southern Territory Associates (who sell Candlewick in the southeast)....

Love the books. Can't wait til monsters of men, when's it coming?
Thanks

Hey Patrick!
Like i've alrady said before...I love the chaos walking books!!! Really, I can't get enough and I cant wait for Monsters Of Men to come out. I'm really exited about it but also sort of sad too. (it will be the last book with Viola and Tod in it!) I've been searching for a book thats any where near how good chaos walking is - so far I've had no luck! Haha!
Thanks for answering my question about the Spackle. After I read the Knife Of Never Letting Go again I realised that the answer is pretty obvious...and now I feel a little stupid! But thanks anyway!
Oh, and congrats on the Childrens Book Award! You really deserve it!

Good day to you Mr. Ness!

You are the first aurthor I have actually went out my way for to compliment. The Chaos Walking series is amazing. While in my school library, I had to hurry and choose a book, yours was the first I saw. The cover looked interesting, so I thought I'd give it a whirl. Turns out, I have stayed up every night till the lines were blurring together enticed in your book! I am literally counting the days till "Monsters of Men" comes out. (Which by the way is May 5, 2010, right?) I absolutely love your work and I hope there will be many many more to come.

Stephenie

Hello Mr.Patrick Ness! =]
I've been meaning to write to you for a while. i just re-re-re-re read The Knife of Never Letting Go, and EVERY TIME it makes me want to throw the book at the wall, scream in rage and then go into a corner and cry in to my pillow.
thanks alot.
I also couldn't put the book down when i picked it up and i constantly read it through the night, which means i fell asleep in my lecture class. thanks alot for that too.
Also, your book made me question our world and mankind and the goodness of people. thank you very very much for that.
you're an amazing writer. please continue with what your doing. i love your work. with much thanks and love,
Saadia

Aright Ness ?? _

Love de Books _

I just Cant Pictre Viola ?
Or the Noise ??

Do wrods Juz Come Ou Of their Heads Or Wah ?

I really enjoy your books. and i have a major question are there pictures of a spackle that you made becasue i just cant picture it

Congratulations on the costa award! You totally deserve it Have you got any info on release / touring dates in aus?

I love your books, they are my favourite and i have recommended them to all my friends. I really think you should make your books into movies, i know so many people who would watch them and they would appeal to everyone. Also thank you for inspiring me to try and write my own book.
Alicia xx

I love your book the knife os never letting go, I just got done reading the second one the ask and the answer. I hope their will be many more! I would like to know how did you start writing. How did you come up with this idea , its amazing! I want to be a writer , I have it all in my head I just don't know what to write about. wish you the best with your books and in life. Thanks you for Todd Hewitt and Viola!!!

Hello
I finished THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO yesterday, and like most people, i loved it. Your books are great.

I am 11 years old i like reading, writing, drawing and painting. You have inspired me to write my own story's. Please could you give me a few tips?

thanks
Ingrid

Heya!

Just wondering, not so much if there are any plans for a film, but whether you would WANT there to be a film made of the Chaos Walking series or not. I know various authors feel differently about seeing their work portrayed in a different medium and just wondered what your stance on it was?

Hullo.
I've made this little art (in the URL) of Todd and the Noise.
I hope you like it

I just learned the release date of volume 2 of the trilogy!(April 2010 , In France) I am so mad with impatience! For all those who visit this site to learn more about the book unforgettable sir patrick ness, run at your local bookstore you buy the pleasure of modern literature! Again thank you patrick!

Hey. I really liked your books. I got my dad and my brother to read them. They were so addicting that I read them in 2 days!!!! I am a 7th grader and I love to read. I can't wait to read the 3rd book. The second one leaves you hanging. PLease e-mail me back. Good luck on your next book.

Hi Patrick.

I have just finished reading "The Ask and the Answer", it's great! I'm so happy that Australia is one of the first to get Monsters of Men.
I think the way you wrote The Knife of Never Letting Go was simply the best. The minute I finished it I wanted to go to my local bookstore and get The Ask and the Answer.
Finally, I think the way you finished The Ask and the Answer could not have been better (in a way that makes you want to know what happens next, now).

Thankyou for some of the best books I've read in a long time, maybe even ever.
Bye

My daughter and I love your books. They are real page turners. I hope Viola and Todd can rule together. I really wanna see Mayor get offed and good. Ivan the traitor needs to go to. How do you think this stuff up? It is wonderful. Well done you, Well done.

Hi,
I am a bookseller from Australia and I have to say, I just (literally) finished The Knife of Never Letting Go and whilst it truly was an amazing read and I can't wait to get to work on the second one which is sitting on my work desk as we speak, I felt the need to let you know that YOU BROKE MY HEART! I don't think I have ever in all my many years of reading been unable to stop crying whilst caught up in a story, but I think I will hear the gut wrenching 'Todd?' forever. I thought 'surely he won't do it...' No writer would [edited for spoilers]. But you did and I am still crying. I guess that means you are really good and your work so well done. *wipes tear* .
PS. Sorry this comment is so long. I tried not to put in any spoilers while praising you and at the same time expressing my overwhelming sadness... lol

I just finished Book Two and was, like, 'Ah!' It really kept me going how you let Viola speak too. It's nice to hear from her, but I think Todd is more entertaining. Davy's nickname for him always made me laugh; I actually cried for him too (which surprised me). I would like to know if you will keep Viola speaking for the third, or if you will let someone else speak too. Mayor Prentiss? Mistress Coyle? Will Viola see some of her friends from the ship? AH! I want to know what happens!! You've become my number one favorite author, and I hope you'll write more young adult novels.
Thank you for creating such imaginitive work for us to enjoy. :P

Hi! (again!)
reading both your books again now...waiting for the next one! :P
But please say you are joking about the 'Adults only' at the Arvon Foundation thing!!! (even though I rarely have time to write) I'd love to gooooo!! your books are amazing, but so are Celia Rees'!!!! Damn it!
If I was just a few years older I would soo be there!

thanks again for your amazing books, and congratulations on the Costa awards!

oh my gosh!
i have read The Knife of Never Letting Go,and it was awesome,and now i read the ask and the answer,and its awesome,too.
I can`t wait for the third book.....can`t you give us a little rehearsal of Monsters of man?

Hi again from Australia,

i'm just so excited and cant wait for monsters of men to come out....i was so excited because i bought the books that were already out adn i'll keep reading them until the third comes out......i just realised how much of a nerd with no life i must have just sounded......oh well good luck with the rest of what your writing....XD i havent really written anything in ages but i think its because i've been drawing--another of my favourite things. i better let you go because i know heaps of people want to let you know just how amazing your books and you are and they are right and it would be an absolute honour if i ever met you....(i think i might die but let's hope not)

Bye!!! xxxEmily

Hi Patrick!

I just wanted to say that I absolutely love The Knife Of Never Letting Go and The Ask And The Answer and I can't wait for the next book! I've recommended the books to all my friends and those who have read them really like them too. Congratulations on winning those awards also, you deserved them!

Stacey
(Canada)

Hi Patrick

I recently read The Knife of letting go and The Ask and the answer. Absolutely outstanding! My 13 year old son who is a bookworm says that they are his favourite books and 11 year old son who is a reluctant reader was engrossed in the sequel while we were in holiday in India.I have recommended them to children and adults alike. Currently my 70year old Indian uncle is reading the first book! Can't wait for the next book and thankyou for your wonderful work.

Best wishes Doel

I can't wait for Monsters of Men book coming out later this year.
I just read The Ask and The Answer and the ending was a great hook.
Can't wait for book number three!!!!!

Hey great books, i used to hate reading now I love it thanks to 'the knife of never letting go'. getting the ask and the answer soon.

Quick question: When Todd says (shut up), he's telling himself to shut up, right? Because at first I thought it would be mean to be laughing and he's telling us to be quiet 'cause it's not funny.
Just finished Second, dying for third!!

like so many of your other fans, i'd like to say thank you for writing the chaos walking books. i love your characters and can't wait to see how they live through the last book.
your fan
michelle

Dear Mr. Ness,
My son and I have read both the first and second installments of the Chaos Walking series and are anxiously awaiting the last. Do you have a tentative release date yet?
Heather and Noah

Hi Patrick -- I remember you from London! Good to hear that you are heading to NZ very soon -- I live in Wellington now. Hope all is happy and joyous...

hi my name is lance and I just wanted to say I love "the knife of never letting go" and "the ask and the answer" and hope finish the next one soon cause its driving me crazy =) but anyways thanks for writing them and I hope u finish with the third one soon cause as I said its driving me crazy
thanks, Lance

Hey Patrick!
Just a quick question...
What is the quote at the start of the ask and the answer? its really appropriate for the book, and im curious!!!
Ciara

i've read both books in the chaos walking trilogy many times and love them! i really wanted to get the knife of never letting go in hardback but can't get it anywhere. i was wondering if you could help by recomending any bookshops that have it in print.

thanks alot :)
Sian Age 15

p.s can't wait for the new book to come out
p.p.s have you got any tips for a young author i.e me :)

Hullo.
I love Chaos Walking, It's my favorite series.
Monsters of Men will be amazing.
Yer a fantastic writer, sir, and good luck!

First of all, I love the giant robot. Totally cool.
I just finished 'The Knife of Never Letting Go' and was ulitmately blown away; I'm halfway through 'The Ask and The Answer' (AAHH!! Totally amazing!). This book was the only one that ever made me cry; if I ever get a dog, I'm naming it Manchee *tear slips* If you've answered this question already, then sorry for repeating it: How did you come up with New World and its problems? Where did the 'Spackle' come from?
Seriously, though, it's writers like yourself that have inspired me to pursue a career in this amazing profession. I plan to take creative writing classes, and am currently writing several short stories and submitting them to mags and contests. Thank you for creating amazing stories.
And I cannot wait for the third installment. Does it really have to end?

Hello,
I loved 'The Knife of Never Letting Go'. I don't normally like futuristic books, but yours was brilliant. I have bought 'The Ask and the Answer' with my christmas money, and am going to read it very soon (although I have read the first few chapters just to make sure that everyone's okay!).
I also read your writing tips on the Booktrust website, and they were very, very useful.
Congratulations on the Costa Award! If your second book's anything like the first, you deserve it!
I loved the waterfall scene, by the way - I could really picture it - [edited for spoilers]
Do you find it difficult killing off characters? Sometimes bad ones just because they are so good at being bad?
Anyway, thanks for reading this. Keep writing!
I can't wait for the third book, and anything else that comes after it.
Sophie

I have an incredibly rubbish job in a call centre Patrick and i just wanted to tell you that you inspire me to keep writing.
(In the hope that one day i'll get out of here!)
thank you for your words.
xx

o my gosh! You are amazing! im so sad that whole thing in the 2nd book with davy! amd what u did in the 1rst book with todds doggie ):! i can not wait for the 3rd book to come out please please please write like 8 book for the series your very talented!

Thankyou for writing this amazing series, a friend told me about the series briefly and i just took a whim and read it even though i am often short on time. I finished the books as soon as i could, the story really reigned me in. I look forward to the next book, and thankyou SO very much for not throwing traditional plot twists into your novel, you really dont leave any open ends in your novels. I like that becuase i often find myself reading books with too many loose ends and it just leaves me feeling suspicious of the characters lives turning out OK after the climax of the story. - Hello to Miyazaki's Robot! - David

Patrick Ness...Wow is all i gotta say haha
I absolutly loved A Knife of Never Letting Go but I completly hated [edited for spoilers, sorry] and then just BAM! everything that you expected not to happen happened. Amazing book though and by far one of the top 3 that I've ever read. I can't wait to start on the second one! ^_^

i really like the chaos walking series its amazing (took me a while to realize what some of the words todd was saying meant though)i cant wait for monsters of men to come out! can you please tell me what tokyo was like? happy new year =)

THAT'S THE ROBOT FROM CASTLE IN THE SKY!!!!! :D

...heehee

I would say I love your books, but everyone has already said that. :/

...

Can't wait for Monsters of Men to come out!!!
(That'll have to do) ;)

I'm so in love with your books Patrick, at least those come out in France, 1;) I can not wait to know when is that Volume 2 will be released in my country! Please! I still can not wait!

OMG!! i love your first 2 books of the chaos walking trilogy. i soooo cant wait til the 3rd comes out!! i read the books in 2 days (finished the ask and the answer today) and i LOVE the way you write when Todd is talking...or describing. I reckon ur an awesome writer.
:)and i agree with the other comment. I hope Todd and Viola falls in love. And its sooo sad about [edited for spoilers]!! :(

Finally i have reached the bottom to write a comment..You read all these comments? woahh hate to b you lol jokes,,,im a aussie and i live in Victoria in a small town and i got your 2 books for xmas and i hate reading so didnt wanna insult mum so i started reading and i was really enjoyin it an i managed to finish the books in 2 days!! and thats a achievement for me! Lol I have to wait 3-4 months till i get the next book?? damnit! a book a year ,,naww its al good , cant wait.. well would be good to hear back from you!!..cya x..p.s i think your a very talented writer..dont ever stop!:)

OMG!!!!! LOVE THE COVER OF BOOK 3! AHHHHHHHHHHHH CANT WAIT FOR MAY 3RD!!! ILL BE FIRST IN LINE!!!!! todd and viola better fall in love or i will kill some1! i keep hoping manchee will just run out of no where and they will be like OMG ITS MANCHEE HES OK! YAYYYAYAYAYAYAYA! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP SO EXCITED AHHHGHHHH

Hi there!
I was gonna come on here to tell you that your books are amazing, but it looks like I've been pipped to the post. (man that sounds posh). anyway...
your books are totally amazing, I finished the first late last night then just reached over and picked the second one up to start reading straight away again! These were one of the few books, ever. (and man have I read a lot of books)that i could not tear my eyes away from! (apart from when [edited for spoilers} then I had to run downstairs and hug my dog [edited for spoilers])
Can't wait for the new book to come out (yay) you have such a nice web page (unlike SOME people!)and Happy New year!

Hi, just seen your interview on BBC news channel. Im going to get my teenage son to read your "ask.." book. what a great idea to have book which includes the emotions involved in torture. So simple but always missed out! Im seriously impressed! Ha xx

I have been trying to get my 10 year old son to read for some time now but with little success. There must be something about your books which have gripped him and in a way we are delighted about. Luke also loves telling us about the adventures each night (presently reading The Ask and the Answer).
If you get the chance just to say "hi Luke Campbell" he would be chuffed to bits!
Many thanks
Ian Campbell

Ok, so this will probably seem rude and inconsiderate and I realize your an author under high stress and you don't need this sort of idiocy and so on and so forth, but I'm just curious.

How many times did you get rejected from being published? Probably not too many times, seeing how well-written your books are, but I've heard half-listened-to stories about how J.D. Salinger and others having their novels rejected x amount of times before some brave publisher took and chance and the rest is history.

*waves to you and the giant robot* ^^
-warning..this is..very long.... Way too long.-

Hello,Mr.Ness/Patrick/whatever you would rather be called (: ...I just wanted to tell you how great your books are (although,you should probably know how great thet are,by now!)

From the first page of The Knife Of Never Letting Go,I was hooked. I found it really hard to put it down. However,unlike most books,which I normally finish in about 3 hours,I made myself put this one down. I wanted to really enjoy it. I wanted to spend a long time reading it...Because I really didn't want to let the story end. Anyway,when I got to the middle of the book,I gave up trying to read it slowly,and finished it in about an hour! I was a bit disappointed with the ending..not that it was a bad ending,It was a really good one,but I had no idea that the sequel was out already,and I didn't want to stop reading! So,as soon as I found out,I bought it straight away. I didn't bother with trying to read it slowly,I just jumped straight in,and finished it all too soon!

Yesterday,my friend asked me if I'd read anything good recently,because she'd just finished reading a great book,and she wasn't sure what to read next. I told her about the chaos walking series straight away! But it was so hard for me to describe to her just how awesome the books are. I really couldn't find words. I ended up writing something the length of war and peace,just trying to convey to her how incredible the books are.

You know how bagpipes are classes as a weapon,because of the effect they have on people? well,I think your books should be classed as a weapon,too. Because they seem like alot more than just words on paper. I honestly couldn't breathe when I was reading the last few chapters of 'the ask and the answer' I mean,seriously,if the book had been any longer,I probably would have passed out! I just felt so excited,and terrified,and *involved*. After I'd finished the book,my heart was beating way too fast,and I felt so...strange. A book has never actually had an effect like that on me before. The things I've read have really never been anything more than books,but like I said,your series is so much more...

Anyway,I think I'll shut up now ^^ If you actually bothered to read all the way down to here,then,well done! XD Thanks for taking the time to read my comment..I hope you can get back to writing the book now (what do you mean,'you're not writing at the moment'? We can't wait much longer! :D)

i have read al of the chaos walking books (so far anyway) and reading the ask and the answer now and lovin it

I just wanna let you know you're the coolest writer ever and I get insparation from yhuu, like proper inspiration(meaning I get my butt of the sofa and start writing and all that stuff).
BUT WHY DO YOU HAVE TO [edited for spoilers]!!!!
YOU MADE ME CRY!
AND I DONT LIKE CRYING KAY!But other than that I can't wait till you're third book, but i sorta CAN wait cos i don't want the story to end. You know I'd completely forgive you bout the Davy and Manchee buisness if you write like... 8 more books for Chaos Walking.
So yeah bye, Nazan x.

I purchased "The Knife of Never Letting Go" after hearing it praised on the CBC's Children's Book Panel, and I have to tell you that your book is phenomenal. It bewitched me, and I couldn't put it down. I rank it so highly, up there with books for young adults like "The Giver" and Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials series. Really, a fantastic job.
And clearly I'm not alone in my praise - I tried to go and purchase "The Ask and the Answer"... only to find that all the stores in my area were sold out :)
Keep up the good work.

Congrats on winning the Costa award.....
Can't wait for May and Monsters of Men!!!

Thanks again for your support with my small but
wonderful year 8 Booktrust group.
You're a gem!!!

Take care Amanda

I stumbled upon your book (The Knife of Never Letting Go) in the library and was instantly hooked. I found Todd to be an incredible character, and I was completely absorbed in his story. I was surprised to find that my favorite character ended up being Manchee. "The Ask and the Answer" was even more incredible then the first. I think the way you developed Todd and Viola's relationship was masterful.

I am eagerly awaiting "Monsters of Men". I will be the happiest person on earth when it comes out. I don't even feel guilty about not doing my law assignments when I read your books. That is a gift.

Have a good one,
Gemma

Hi Patrick!
I have one Question. In The Ask And The Answer, after the spackle attacked Tom and Davy, Tom said that the spackle bodies shouldn't have been burned but thrown in the swamp.
He said, "That's what spackle bodies are for. You put them in water and then-"
I know this is strange but could you please tell me what the end of that sentence would be? I've been curious about this ever since I read it!
thanks! xx

congrats on the Costa Award, and great interview too - we're really pleased for you!! Can't wait for the third.....

I'm only 11 but I've read the Chaos Walking series (or what's already out) and they're absolutely amazing.
I love the uniqeness of tha style and the differences between character's thoughts.
I love them!

Mr Ness-

I absolutely love the Chaos Walking Series, and I can't wait for 'Monsters of Men'! And when I found out that you're coming to Australia this year, I was so stoked!
But from someone who's been outrageously disappointed by being unable to attend things and missing out on opportunities to meet some of my idols, I just wanted to say one thing:
Please, for god's sake, DON'T DO A BOOK SIGNING DURING SCHOOL HOURS ON A SCHOOL DAY!!

That is all.
Thanks for all that you've done! Your writer's tips as Writer in Residence were particularly helpful!

-Nadia

Congratulations on winning the Costa Award! You definitely deserved the award as Ask and the Answer was such a fantastic book. I'm really looking foward to meeting you at the Somerset Festival of Literature in March.

Big congratulations on winning the Costa! Just fantastic news.

I just finished The Knife of Never Letting Go and I absolutely loved it!Got it for Xmas, my friend sent it over from Ireland,hadn't heard of you before but she's got great taste in books and knows what I like.She's currently writing her own young adult novel and I hope that she will be as successful as you.Cannot wait to read the The Ask and the Answer!! Wishing you all the best of luck in 2010!
P.S. Manchee is a legend of a character-brilliant!!

hi patrick

just wanted to congratulate you on the costa children's award. very well deserved! you must be really over the moon. so looking forward to the next one.
jane
(ex) Borders Preston (sad sigh)

Remember me?

Heard your name on the Front Row programme, BBC R4 this evening. Fingers crossed.

Hi
I'm always reading your comments, but have never written one, so here's to my first comment.
I'd just like to say that you are an amazing author. The Knife of Never Letting Go was brilliant, I read it in one go. I was in the book so much, I didnt eat lunch that day, coz it was so amazing.
The Ask and The Answer was better, though I didnt think it was possible. Cliche, but I couldn't put it down, it was that good. I was trying to explain to my science teacher what the book had to do with emperical formula (oops.)
Anyway, I cant wait for Monsters of Men to come out! I'm soooooo excited!!
Thanks for writing these books, there the best!
Bye
Chloe

Hi! I love your knife of nevr letting go series, I know thats not what they're called, but I forget. I'm 11 years old, I read your first book when I was 10, I just love them!They gave me the idea of writing my own books someday, when I'm older that is, I can't wait for the third one, it'll be fantastic!
Anyway, just wanted you to know I'll be waiting for your new book, and that your my insperation (or however you spell it)
Thanks!

Dear Mr Ness,

I take my hat off to you, sir. You have confirmed what I have always believed; the best books aren't the ones lingering in the contemporary fiction section, glistening with a seductive cover, induced with a plot fueled with controversy and soap-opera tactics to get good sales. No. The best books are the ones sitting in the children's section and the teenage section, quietly, patiently, waiting to be read. The ones with an original plot, wild ideas, where the impossible becomes possible and the story and the characters (such brilliant characters) steal you from your life into theirs. A bit like what you've created.

Even the concept of 'The Noise' is something so simple and genius I'm shaking my head at adult fiction and wondering, 'why don't any of you lot come up with something like this?'.

Hopefully one day, one day soon, I'll find my name on the same shelf as yours. Thanks for the inspiration and the reminder. Comment 391 (I think). A thousand away from Viola.

Michelle

I absolutely loved the Chaos Walking series. I'm waiting extremely eagerly for the third one!!! I've told pretty much all of my friends and family to read the series. Thanks for writing it! You're definitely my favorite author!
Lots of love from Texas,
Kana

Mr. Ness, I absolutely adore your book "The Knife of Never Letting Go", it is quite thrilling and amusing. When I finished that book, I was very eager to start yor second book of the Chaos Walking trilogy "The Ask and the Answer" I am only on pae 93 but I will try to finish it soon, I particularly like the fashion in which you wrote the first book the words:"cuz", "effing", "yer", etc.
Thank You for your amazing books,
H.

Ps:I've been to the "Totoro" Museum too, and I also took a photo with my Mum right where you're standing.

Dear Mr. Ness,

I finally purchased and read "The Ask and Answer." It was quite brilliant. The complexity of the characters is remarkable. The Mayor has to be my favorite villain of all time. I cried like a baby when [edited for spoilers]. You write emotions so well!

Thank you for writing this series. I will cherish it always.

Truly,
Karen

Dear Mr Ness,
My college and I (we're both English teachers) read 'The Knife of Letting Go' as part of our Carnegie adventure with our student book club last year. I have to admit that after reading the first line I was dubious but I apologise; I was completely wrong. We both loved the novel. It�s heart warming and breaking, gut wrenching and totally original and engaging. We�ve been thrusting our copies at students ever since. They have, as you might expect, been very well received. We also read and enjoyed �The Ask and The Answer� but had great difficulty in tracking down copies of �The Crash of Hennington�. My college eventually found and bought me a copy. It is one of the most enjoyed gifts I�ve ever received. I was addicted to it and it is with great difficulty that I do not pick it up and flick through the drama when I see it on my shelf. A second college had already read �The Crash of Hennington�, before the publication of your novels for younger readers, but was just as thrilled by the Chaos Walking series. We have been through the correct channels to enquire about an author visit and hope to see you soon. This, however, is just a note to say thank you. I look forward to reading more and in particular to discovering the fate of Todd and Viola in May. Can I request a happy ending?

Dear Patrick Ness.

Last week I finished "The Knife of never letting go" and wow.I think its just amazing.I cannot wait for the next book to read.Even though I dont read much this book took me inside the story from the first page.
I would love to see these books as movies.

Thank You for writing them,
Victoria

Very happy New Year to you patrick! Lots of good things and of literary inspirations for possible new works for teenagers!

Dear Mr. Ness,
I am a young writing student and was wondering did John Wyndham's "The Chrysalids" influence the idea of telepathy in your novels. I was also wondering do you consider Chaos Walking literary fiction or genre fiction? I'm really interested in literary writing and was wondering if you could give me a few tips on what makes good literary fiction.
Thanks,
Winston

hello mr.Ness,
i don`t know whether you read these comments but i would just like to say how briliant i thougt the Ask and the Answer is...even better then the knife of never letting go. I wanted to ask you what spackle stand for how do they look like are they man or kinda animal like who or what do they represent..
.i saw that the follow on book comes out may 2010...seeng as i`m german i suppose that means another couple of months till i can get it...i read the first two in english..but i`d like to read the last in german to fully understand it..
next to robert harris you are definily my favourite author...
in deep respect...david
ps.please let pres.prentiss die

Patrick Ness my friend, you are a genius. Never have i read books such as the Chaos Walking series. I must credit you with all the kudos i can muster.

Can't wait for book. My name's George, if you want to dedicate it to me :) (Joke)

Congratulations again.

Hi Patrick,
I just finished your book The Ask and the Answer yesterday and i thought it was awesome. The phrase "I am the circle and the circle is me" has helped me to calm down when i have been frustrated and it helps me to see what i need to in my life. Anyway i was wondering if you ever thought of making the chaos walking trilogy into movies or one big amazing movie. I thought it would be cool to see my favorite book series as a movie, thats all. I also wish that i had an autographed copy of each of the books of that series because i bet they will be worth even more in the future. I can't wait to read Monsters of Men and see what happens to Todd and Viola next!!!! Thank You for writing these books, they helped me a lot. :)

hey,
just a quick message,
i've just finished 'The knife of never letting go' and thought it was soo amazing!! something of that quality should be recognised as im sure it already has many times, but i just wanted to say it.... keep up the good work, ive just ordered the next two, though I know the third wont be out till may, however i have it on the pre-order :)
Grace
p.s I was gutted about [edited for spoilers, sorry]! bring him back!! :( :(

Patrick,
I was given the knife of never letting go as a birthday present and I can honestly say it was one of the best gifts I have ever received. This has given me faith in the world of teenage books again, I'm used to having to choose between romance or si-fi all with the same plots as the book you read before. The knife of never letting go was a breath of fresh air, a heroin with some guts and Todd who has problems and feelings with truth and depth.
thankyou for this wonderful book.
sarah :) x

Dear Patrick Ness,
My eyes are still sore from reading The Knife of Never Letting Go so quickly over the last days. I am tired and exhausted after my trip to New World - the narrative and themes are still whirling around my head, and I can't express enough how impressed I am about the world you have created, but also all the little themes about life, war, family, togetherness that are so important. I am way past the 12+ age, but this book has given me a wealth of thought. I loved the song of Here and the choices between violence and peace. Everybody should have a song of Here, and I'll make sure to introduce my kids to it.
I bought the book at this year's Federation of Childrens Books Conference, and while you were signing it you said 'let me know what you think'! Brilliant, brilliant, exhilarating, wise, wonderful also so sad and happy at the same time... I could go on, but in short - Patrick, in case you didn't know, it's SUCH a good book. If I ever start my own publishing, the 'Knife themes' of children taking responsibility in this world, would take centre stage. Must go and read The Ask and the Answer now.
Have a happy New Year, Patrick, and thank you for being so amazing!
Vicky

dear patrick.
you ve probably heard this a lot of times, however i wanted to say that i am deeply astounded by your style of writing and your use of simple words, to create such a complex character and plot. i am 16, i am german, and i go to a british school in the united arab emirates. it is here, that i found your book in a simple bookfare. when i go bookshopping i go alone and take ages to comb through 1 book shelve. however it was different with your books. (the knife of never letting go) i got this book on the 5th of december and read it before xmas passed, i got the second book on xmas eve and finished it yesterday. and for the first time ever, i started to read book again. i usually laughed about people reading books over and over again, believing that they are unable to remember the story or understand it in the first place, and now? i happen to laugh at myself, but i ve finally understood why. when i finished the last word of the last page, it was like my heart ripped apart. like i lost something i cant pinpoint what, but i think i m getting there, and i couldnt bear to have the story over and done with, and i think that was the reason all along. maybe this is my pure overreaction, maybe you think off me as wierd now, but what i m basically trying to say is please, please dont ever let anyone tell you that you should change your writing. you know what you can do, dont EVER think differently, dont change. thank you. good luck.

hey again Paddy

Great to hear you're heading down under! Out of vague curiosity, are you stopping in victoria anywhere? Love to come out and see you ;) And merry christmas! Once again, you're awesome!

Georgia

Ok i completly loved the knife of never letting go and the ask and the answer. you are an utter genius !!!!! and i am not exaggerating. i cant wait for monsters of men to come out, every time i see the title now i go crazy! Dude you are awesome, Ness for president !!

Dear Patrick Ness,
I have read "The Knife of Never Letting Go" and "The Ask and The Answer" and although I'm not usually interested in books including aliens and the end of Earth as we know it, your book was so good that I really enjoyed their parts in the books. I am looking forward to "Monsters of Men" and even though it won't be out until a year after I finished "The Ask and The Answer" I'll run to Chapters as soon as I know it's there. Keep up the amazing work!
Ali
ps. If you have some spare time could you squeeze in some book signings in Nova Scotia? :)

Hello!
I legit just finished reading The Ask and the Answer 30 minutes ago.
My mom, watching TV, looked up to me after I'd stumbled, dazed, into the room and said, "What have you been doing?"
"Reading."
"What book?"
"The Ask," I gestured wildly, "and the Answer." I said it like it was supposed to mean something - BECAUSE IT DOES.
She gave me kind of a weird look because I'd started staring into the middle distance.
"It's like... I can't... I can't even convey its amazingness to you!"
And then I walked off.

So as you can see, your books are just so affecting. They fill you with terror, excitement, love, heartbreak and THOUGHT. Thought as in it made me think about the history of war - the torture described in The Gulag Archipelago by Solzhenitsyn, the Holocaust, slavery in America... just... yeah - and "the human condition" or whatever and loyalty and the things we try to hide.

And something just clicked in me for once about the futility of war. More than books like All Quiet on the Western Front that we read in school.

Anyhoo, THE WORLD IN THIS BOOK IS SO AWESOME.

When the next book comes out in America I just may explode.

Dear patrick,

i absolutly LOVE your books!!!!!!!!!!!! they are amazing i really wish you wouldnt stop writing them like keep going not stop at the third. because they are really good. i read the first one in like 3 and half days i could barely put it down but the ask and the answers it took me a lot longer to read because im really busy!!! but in this book the third one i hope theres romance between todd and viola cuz it always makes me smile!

Hi Patrick,
I'd just like to say, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I know that monsters of men is the final book in the chaos walking trilogy, but what am I going to read after then? I'll probably just reread the over and over again till I go dizzy.

So what are you writing now? Is it good? Well, we all know it will be extremely good, but is it written in the same style of T.K.O.N.L.G (TeHe)and T.A.A.T.A (TeHe again) and soon to be M.O.M (TeHe the most)?

I feel compelled to tell you (I don't know why) that I had to write a 30 page short story on something about a world called Kraznir. Then a few days ago I got a postcard from school saying it was extremely good, and was signed by the head of the english department at my school, and the head teacher himself!

But anyway, thanks for making my life a bit more interesting with something to read. All of my friends have read both of them now, but I can't take all the credit, My friend Megan read it first.

Merry Christmas
Rachel
P.S. I don't know when you are going to read this, but for me it's Christmas day tomorrow!!!!!
P.P.S If you are getting fed up with my random comments, just say. :D

Hi Patrick,

I have to say, I was blown away by Knife of Never Letting Go. I read A LOT of young adult fiction (hoping to write this my self when I can become disciplined enough), and your series is by far the best thing I have read in such a long time. I almost feel like it was a wake up call to me: "If you want to be a writer, even half as good as this, then you need to actually spend some time writing." So, in that, you have succeeded where many others have failed. But I wont go on with this ego-stroke for much longer...

Just long enough to say that I am very much looking forward to meeting you when you come to Australia next year. That, and I CANNOT WAIT for Monsters of Men!

Keep doing what you're doing and I'll keep being inspired.
Michael.

Dear Patrick,
Me again.

Just wanted to wish you a lovely Christmas and a great new year.

I also wanted to tell you that I'm still a huge fan of your books- but I'm also so dissapointed that Monsters Of Men only comes out in Septemeber in Canada !I'm trying to convince my mom to fly out with me to the UK in may - So far, no luck.

But honestly, there is no higher praise for a novel.

Merry Christmas !

Hi Patrick,

Just wanted to say congrats on creating a wonderfully orginal duo of books (soon to be three - v excited!). Love the concept, love the characters, love the slow drip-feed of info in the narrative...I am a writer myself, and know how difficult it is to achieve this!

As I said, I've just signed up with an agent, who has sent my book out to a few editors (I believe one may be yours!) - my book is the first in a series, a fantasy, and v dark. Would you have any advice on telling a long narrative, given that you are now comning to the end of your trilogy?

Also - love your journalism work in the Guardian, particularly the piece on picking readings etc for Civil Partnership (will soon be addressing that quandry myself!).

Again, sincere congratulations. Can't wait to read "Monsters of Men"!!

Best,
Nigel McD

Dear Patrick Ness
Hello! I am now reading the first two books for the third time and I can honestly say that they are amazing! I cried my eyes out when [edited for spoilers, sorry] :( So did my friend Jane, who is also obsessed with the books. I cannot wait until Monsters of Men comes out and the cover looks class! By the way, will you ever be coming to a booksigning in Galway, Ireland? Please do!
From Olivia

dear patrick ness,
i really really really loved 'the knife of never letting go' and 'the ask and the answer' they are the best books ive ever read!!!!
my friend took me to this reading group in the library and the knife of never letting go was the book we had to read and i wasn't a strong reader but i finish the knife of never letting go in 6 days. i have a cronic pain condition in my foot and im in constant pain but when i was reading the knife of never letting go it really destracted me and kinda made me forget about my foot for the time i was reading it!! then the next day i went out and bought the ask and the answer and read it in three days i hardly slept tehe!! and now im dead excited for monsters of men i can hardly wait im gonna go buy it the day it comes out!! it the best series ever!! well i just thought id leave a comment because i really love the books.
thank you so much :)
love from, Alexis

I'm a young writer (on my frist book) I pick up the knife of never letting go, and I couln't put it down it was the frist book I ever read in a day. When I finished I just counted the days till my next pay check to I could go buy The ask and The answer. Its a wild ride, take your time on last its going to be monumental.

Hi Patrick!
I loved your books, the knife of never letting go and the ask and the answer. I was so excited to hear that you're coming to Australia, well in Victoria i know, for a Centre for youth literature programme at the State Library and i was so crushed when i found out it was only for students in years 7-10.(i'll be in year 11 next year and i was so upset all morning I've always wanted to meet you because you're one of my favourite authors. (i also like Andy Griffiths and i've meet him and that was pretty awesome)

I hope you can come to Australia, particularly Melbourne (because its more awesome than sydney and i live in melbourne) because i think it would be awesome to meet you..

Thanks for being awesome,
Emily

Hello,

You should be proud of me :)
When I read The KONLG, it took me 5 days. This time with The Ask and the Answer, it took me 4 days! I honestly hated having to stop reading the book.I mean it when I say that your trilogy should be made into movies. It would be so awesome and I'd hand over my money with a smile :) I can not wait until the 3rd book, and I know its going to be A.W.E.S.O.M.E. BTW, I've told about 3 people just how awesome your books are, so you're probably gonna get more fans! haha

Thanks for being so creative and writing such an awesome trilogy,

Jessica B.

Dear Patrick Ness,
I am a teen who has read your books The Knife of Never Letting Go and The Ask and The Answer.
I love your writing! I think your characters are amazing and the story is so easy to get lost in. I wish I was as tender as Todd, and as brave as Viola. They are one of the best teams EVER. They're perfect for each other and so exciting to read about. I can't wait until Monsters of Men comes out!!

You rock,
Kyra

Canadians Rock!

Dear Patrick,
My name is Rachel and I'm 13.I never enjoyed reading much until one day when I was sick and I found your book "the knife of never letting go" in my sisters room. I couldn't put it down for a minute! It�s the only book I ever enjoyed reading. I enjoy how descriptive and emotional the book is it made me sigh, laugh and cry. I couldn't ever even imagine, how could a man come up with this book?, this idea? I'm getting the ask and the answer for Christmas, I read the start of it in a library and I enjoyed it soooo much I've been searching everywhere to read it online! I can't wait to read it. Can you please (I'm dying for you to) make a fourth book?
Thanks for your time, Rachel
P.S. Let me know about that fourth book ;)

Thank you so much for writing the chaos walking trilogy and whisking me away into Todd's world. I first picked the book in Waterstones and 2 days later I had read the whole thing! After a bit of a wait I finally received "The ask and the answer" and once again wizzed through it. I can not wait for the third book!

Thank you

Larry
London

I love your wirting style and after i've finished reading the books I faind myself talking like Todd and the others. My friends think im weird...Can't wait until monsters of men comes out. Keep writing.

Dear Patrick Ness,

I am a student and I have read 'The Knife of Never Letting Go' and 'The Ask and the Answer'. I have to say that the books were absolutely exhilarating and I enjoyed entering the world of Todd and Prentisstown. I am now waiting for the third book 'Monsters of Men' and I am requesting for you to finish this book as soon as possible as I know that the third book to the Chaos Walking series will be the most heart thrilling book in the trilogy.

Thank You

Ayaat

Hi Patrick! I figured out that its really nice and alot of work to do for you to accept all our comments so I'm here again(to trouble you). Sounds like a pretty pointless thing to comment about but anyway, I saw the UK book cover for Monsters of Men, and its really great. I just bought the knife of never letting go for my birthday(read from the library actually),and i spent one hour wrapping it with the plastic thingy. Just wanted to tell you its still worth my time. I'm from
Singapore by the way, so I hope the book won't come much later than in US and UK. Happy writing, hope you read at lightning speed too.

Just finished 'the Ask and the Answer' and thought it was really fantastic, loved the new views and thoughts on terrorism, especially in today's world!

the way different characters suddenly became turncoats really hooked me and i loved the passion you summed up between Viola and Todd, still debating whether i like the Mayor or not, though there is something delightfully wicked about him!

I'm *so sure* you're in need of another gushing comment on here...well, have one anyway because I just read A&A and I genuinely, genuinely think it tops KONLG (Suggestion/demand: use smaller titles next time, these abbreviations are not catchy.)

Last time I was here I was "revising" for my English Lit GCSE...thank goodness for free periods because they gave me the time to properly concentrate on this book, and it was...I think complex is probably the word. The amount of thought that must have gone into it is pretty insane, because it's got so many layers its untrue.

I also cried at a certain part (you can probably guess where but I don't want to spoil it for anyone ^^) which was pretty embarrassing seeing as I was in the middle of the common room at the time.

Anyway, please excuse my long and rambling sentence structures; and here's hoping the HTML tags worked or my life is over.

Thanks for another cracker, and I'm looking forward to MM!

Emma x

I am anxious to indicate you that I am francais ^^ Before having read the knife of nether letting go, I did not like reading. And when I had to exceed 100 pages, I became hooked! Patrick, you have me make discover and like the reading and I like has to thank you! Zead

I have to say you wrote a great read in the chaos walking series. i am a mom of two and 29 years old.
I believe that your books can captivate anyone of any age and are real page turners. I can't wait to get my hands on the third book. I am going to subscribe to your blog so that i can follow you and your book writing journey.
Keep on writing these great books.
Annemarie Staples
united states

Hello,

I just wanted to say that I read The Knife of Never Letting Go last year, and I just got The Ask and the Answer today! Can't wait to read it and can't wait to read the 3rd one :)

- Jessica B.

I just want to say how AMAZING i think your books are!! I finished "The Ask And The Answer" last week-end. I read for six hours till I had finished!!!! I don't think I can wait much longer for the next book!!!!

Um, oh my god??
Do you KNOW how many people have left you comments on here?? Totally frightening how your books affect people but also... totally cool too? I've loved The Knife Of Never Letting Go and The Ask and the Answer so much it's ridiculous. In fact for some obscure reason I seem to have this completely irregular crush on Todd?? Which really is weird, because 1) he is meant to be what? Thirteen now? Too young and 2) He's not real. :S
So obviously your characters are pretty amazing and only add to the overall amazingness of your books.
I cannot WAIT for 'Of Monsters and Men' to come out and you can bet that I will use all of my power to try and be one of the first to obtain it. ;)
Sorry about the essay but I guess it was all just a long way of saying 'thanks'. So - Thanks Patrick Ness, for writing books that actually take my breath away. Congratulations. :D
Love, Z. .x.

Dear Patrick,

I'm 140pp into The Knife of Never Letting Go.
And am hooked.

love the way you mess around with language. and build tension. and character. Todd is a great protagonist and Viola has just started talking.

I've enjoyed your book reviews for some time in the Guardian and could not be happier to now being reading your fiction.

Good luck with the Costas

Best

Jamie

Just want to say that I love the picture of you running the Dublin Marathon! What time did you do it in? (Ive always wanted to run a marathon, and im planning to do the Dublin marathon as soon as i turn 18!

Hi,

I'm a teacher (and technically not even close to being a young adult...) and loads of my students were reading The Knife of Never Letting Go so I thought I'd give it a try. Could not put it down. Same for The Ask and the Answer.

I have to say I am now outraged that I have to wait so long to find out what happens next!

Hurry up!

Patrick Ness... you are a God! The Chaos Walking Trilogy is one of my new favorite series and Todd is by far my favorite character out of ANY book or movie that I have ever read. I just finished The Ask and the Answer tonight. I started it this morning and couldn't put it down. AMAZING! Thank you!

Hi Mr Ness :), I'm from Canada! Just wanted to tell you that I discovered your first novel this year and I absolutely delighted it. You are an awesome writter and you deserve the right to be known all around the world. I'll talk about your book to everyone I know who's a good reader as I am.
I speak french and I'm waiting to recieve your second novel in french. I hope it will be translated soon, cause I die to know the second part of the story.
Continue your good work, be sure you inspire a lot of small writers as I am.

Hello,
I love your books and have recently read The Ask and The Answer, i have also just seen that you are writing the last book. i don't know wheater to be happy or sad! One thing i have to ask however is about Todd's and Viola's relationship. Although you breifly mention that Viola loves Todd, is it teenage love or one and only love OR more family love? If this will be answered in number three i understand. But it has just been really bugging me!

Gemma.

Hi Patrick!

I'm from germany and I read chaos walking 2 yesterday. It was great, O.K. The knife of never letting go was better but they're the greatest books in my bookcase!. They are my favourite books and I gave a presentation on book one. I hope that book three will be an unbelieveble great book, too.
Keep at it!
Hau rein, altes Haus!

i really love your books, the knife of never letting go and the ask and the answer..really can't wait for the third book!!..i wish they can be put on film..haha..how great would that be!! :)

what is monsters of men gonna be ?????? is it that the spackle are really humans that came there first and after a while since the noise was there they evloved in to what they are????????? u may use thi in ur story if u want

Hi Patrick,

I am a teacher of English in Australia. Ever since I read the first two Chaos Walking books I have been slowly saturating casual classroom discussion with the idea of noise. The library is building a collection of your books to meet the growing demand. Can't wait for Monsters and Men...our whole family loves your books. The Chaos Walking books are the first books I have been addicted to in years. Not only could I not put them down, but I could not stop sketching the most powerful parts of the story.

i loved the knife of never letting go and getting the 2nd book (if i can find it in the shops) for christmas!! i can wait, cant wait, cant wait... the suspense if KILLING me!!! what will happen to viola? or todd...

I just want to say that you are one of the best authors out there!!!

I love what you have created with The Knife of Never Letting Go and The Ask and the Anwser and I can't wait for the new book!!! But will also be sad when the trilogy ends.

When I picked up The Knife of Never Letting Go (for it's lovely cover - i know never judge a book by it's cover) at my local library it was a book to keep me going during the holidays. I never expected it be so good!!!

But this has happened to me often (with the Harry Potter series and the Dark Triliogy)where I have stumbled upon amazing books.

Has this ever happened to you?

Keep up the amazing work. You are trully inspiring.

Also was The Knife of Never Letting Go infleunced by the knife crimes in the UK? As it trully shows the consquences of yeilding a knife.

Hey there :)
Just about to finish The Ask and The Answer. I can barely put it down long enough to do homework!

You really should see about making these into movies. I would be at my local theater (in the US) opening night, for sure! So far, the two Twilight Saga movies are the only midnight premiers I've been to!
If I could email an important person at any movie company, (preferably Summit so my favorite series wouldn't have to compete) I would tell them to contact you. Right away. Or would you have to talk to them? Whichever :)

hi again,
just to let you know, your books are better than the twilight books!!
the knife of never letting go should be a movie :)

Aine

dear patrick,
i love your books, their are one of very few books i read, i have convinced other friends to read them and they enjoy them as much as i do or even more. i cant wait till monsters of men comes out, by any chance are you going to do a book signing at all? if so can you come to dorset? oh and in your next book can their be some one called marta? only joking ;D

Hey, of all of the books I have read i really like the Chaos Walking series, so I'm kinda anxious for the third book to come out. I think the Chaos Walking series is really cool, and I love the characters in it like Davy, Todd and Viola a lot. I really cried at the end of the 2nd book...Erm and... the titles for the books are really cool too and you're my favorite writer too!Hehe...I wanna be a writer when I'm older too. I wished you best of luck for anything and yeah... :D

Hey Patrick,
I just finished the knife of never letting go about 1hour ago, and i am bound to say i am utterly amazed. Your book is my absolute favorite EVER (which is saying something considering I read a Y/A novel or more every day) Your book was able to not only show the emotions of your characters, but trigger the emotions of your readers (or at least me) to me, that shows the sign of a good author. Now looking back on my "used to be my favorite book" I can't believe I actually liked it, it seems so petty now. I also like what you posted in your blog about teens - me being one it is nice to see someone NOT against us. I also was wondering about a possible movie? (I know your probably being pelted with this question) If so, I'll be at the auditions for Viola! :) I was also wondering where you get your inspiration from, I myself have been writing a "novel" in hopes of it being published - and was generally curious about where you get your ideas. I also (and finally) wanted to thank you for giving me something to believe in - just the idea that they can survive all of these elements against them gives me hope for solving my current problems, and to see that some of my problems aren't actually all that problematic. Continue writing earth (or other planet) shattering books.
-Mady

hi i have just read the fist two books of the chaos walking books an i loved them sooo much i just cant wait to see what happens ! i was just wondering what date is it out??? -aideen

Hi Patrick,

There's a lot I can say about the Chaos Walking books, but most of all you really made me consider the male protagonist, in a way that I never have before. I'm the mother of a teenage girl (I am also working on a YA novel), and tend as a result to gravitate towards books with a female main character, of which there is no lack. Your books made me reconsider. And I have to tell you there is no finer example of novels that talk to boys about what it is to become a man, than yours. Thanks for reminding us all (readers and writers alike) to consider the boys. I think I offended the saleslady at Chapters yesterday when I intervened between her and a customer insisting that this was the only book for a teenage boy she was shopping for. The customer left with it, but maybe because she was afraid of the raving lady. Also thanks for the writer's tips, I refer to them often when I feel the madness threatening to dissolve the will to write. Can't wait for the third book!

HI PATRICK it is MMEEEE...again! can you come to my school next time you are in Swindon. Mrs Rogers, our libarian, wrote your name down to ask if you could come to ur school because i bugged her to. still you NUMBER 1 FAN!!!!!! Please can you come to my school!!!!!

Hey Patrick,
I picked up The Knife of Never Letting Go at a bookstore last week (I was drawn in by the cover)and never put it down. It was awesome! I just finished The Ask and the Answer and thought it was even better! Can't wait for Monsters of Men ...(but part of me can because then the trilogy will be over :(

Last year when my library got The Knife of Never Letting Go, I was the first to read it because, frankly, it looked awesome. It didn't disappoint. The ending however was one that left you with your mouth hanging open searching frantically for the next book which of course wasn't out yet. I shared the book with my best friend so I didn't have to suffer alone. Months passed and I eventually forgot about the book. A couple days ago I saw The Ask and the Answer. I picked it up because again I thought it looked awesome and I quickly realized it was the second book. I read the book all the while teasing my friend who wanted to read it too. Again, the end left me with my mouth hanging open except this time instead of searching for a book I knew I wouldn't yet find, I googled you in hopes to find out anything about the next book. Thus here I sit, waiting for 2010 to come faster, typing out this little story of mine in its entirety, just to tell you the books were awesome and to get Monsters of Men published and distributed as fast as you possibly can. :)

Hi Patrick, i just have to say that after reading, The knife of never letting go, It just left me breathless!! And after spending nine hours reading, The Ask and the Answer (in one siting!) I was just ....... theres no words for how your books touched me! They are the best books I have EVER read. It would be such an a amazing movie! I know they will go far! Good luck:)

Good evening Patrick!
I was just wondering if you could inform me on Monsters of Men release dates.
Any possibility for a loyal fan?????
btw I'm fourteen and I loved NNLG & (that's right,an ampersand) A&A
E-MAIL ME PLEASE!!!

Hi Patrick.i love your books.I read TKONLG this summer and quickly devoured the Ask and the Answer. My dad has read TKONLG and could not put it down! I like the idea of certain animals having such basic thoughts. My younger brother loves sheep and was disappointed at the idea that they have so little to say (this is not a complaint!). I can't wait for Monsters of Men to come out next year.

Heyya Patrick (:
I am reading The Knife of never letting go, as I have finished the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer and picked the book up in my school library out of curiousity.
The librarian, wasn't going to let me have it out, but I insisted that I needed to read a good book.
How did you get into writing books and what was your favourite sunject at school?
Thanks Cassia Xx

Yesterday, less than 12 hours ago, my 13-year-old daughter insisted we go to the library to get "The Ask and the Answer" for her to read. While we were there, she grabbed "The Knife of Never Letting Go," saying that I had to read it. Now here we are the next morning and I've read both books. I am amazed at your talent. Why do those infernal "Twilight" books get press (and movies made) when your stories are so finely crafted and actually have metaphorical *meaning*? I look forward with anticipation to the third book. You really have me hooked.

I've read the first and the second book and I really can't wait till the 3rd!
I wish there was a movie, the books are so good!

Will [edited for spoilers, sorry] win the war?

Hi Patrick!!!!

I'm Emma, I am a young author that hopes one day to get her stories and poems published. Once I read The Ask and The Answer and The Knife of Never Letting Go i knew you were my favorite author ever. You probaly have millions of comments of girls wanting you to have The Knife of Never Letting Go made into a movie and wanting to be the part of Viola. I think thats weird but i'm going to be a hypocrite and say I would be the best for Viola, i think. She has a strong personality that I think I can pull off. I am very much like her, i just turned 13, November 22, but for a 13 year old i'm very tall and can look like i'm 14. These books were my favorite and i can't wait for the next one to come out! Email me, thank you for listening!

-fav reader and future author!!!
Emma

Hey Patty! (ya don't mind the nickname? It's kinda a thing with me)

Well, where to begin. Thanks to you my science teacher yelled at me for not handing in my essay as I was too busy staying up until 4 in the morning, eagerly flipping my way through 'the Ask and the Answer' after our library finally got it in after I spammed the suggestion box with your name. I've never done that any book I've wanted to read before, and I read a lot of books, so you should feel pretty damn honored ;) Nah, but really, The Chaos Walking series has really gotten through to me, rising a lump in my throat at all the wonderfully subtle manipulation on every page, making me weep at the suffering and cruelty in the direction of poor Todd and Viola, and making the first words that pop into my head when I'm pretty mad or sad 'I am the Circle and the Circle is me'. I'm really looking forward to the next book, what with you leaving it on the massive cliff hanger of a nameless individual cutting the bind of another nameless individual! What ever will happen now with second nameless individual running around free just after first nameless individual finally held second nameless individual at his mercy. Anyway, just so you know, you're like my new idol for your awesome writing abilities. Best of luck with the next book! Can't wait for the conclusion!

Oh, and I'm currently waving at the computer screen like an idiot, saying hi to your giant robot friend. Dunno his name, So I'm gonna call him bob. Hi Bob!!!

Yep, you're awesome, I failed science but I don't really care (Too damn interested in English) and no pressure, But I'm almost literally holding my breath for that new book...but absolutely no pressure! Thanks for being my own personal Jesus, and cya maybe one day

Dude, one question: did you just make up that "I heard a maiden call" song, or does it have an actual tune, cuz it's driving me crazy.
Seriously you gotta tell me,
Natasha

I came across your books in the Book Centre in Waterford a while ago. They had named The Knife of Never Letting Go the "Book of the Week". I bought it and the Ask and the Answer, and didn't put them down until I was finished. What can I say? Stephenie Meyer has some serious competition in the YA fantasy genre! When is Monsters of Men coming out? I cant wait!
P.S. I love the arcticle you wrote about teenagers... I'm 14 and hate the predjudice me and my friends get if were hanging around...

Hi, 2nd comment from me! I have just ordered your first two "knife of never letting go" books for my 17 year old nephew in New Zealand, and had to add a note to him telling him he will have to wait until May for the 3rd book, same as the rest of us! I also gave the first 2 books to my 30 year old son in law for his birthday! I am doing my best to spread the word about how brilliant this story is! Can't wait till the 3rd book comes out, my family will not eat or get the house cleaned until I have read it cover to cover

Hi Patrick,

I am 15 years old. I have never been one for reading. While i was reading "The Knife of Never Letting Go" I couldn't put the book down. I connected with Viola so much and I just felt like part of the book. I think you should make a movie series out of these books. If you need an actress for viola, I'm here. lol I don't know what it was about her it just made me Want to live. Great job on Her Character. Thank you for inspiring me too read and inspriring me to follow my dreams. Have a great year ... Keep writing. :D

~Hannah

p.s. The boundaries that divide life from death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where one ends and the other begins?

Hello! I love The Knife of Nver Letting Go and The Ask and The Answer! I just finished book 2 last Thursday! It was amazing! Book 1 was amazing! I told my favorite teacher to read it and she loved it! She got mad at me though because I didn't warn her that it was sad! It was funny! Another thing, me crying while a book is very rare, there is only one other book that I have actually cried while reading it. I think you know what part I'm talking about it book one. One more thing, What month is Chaos Walking book 3 coming out?!! Sorry for such a long comment, keep writing awesome books! See ya!

Love the books... but you know that! Looking forward to Monsters of Men.

I was wondering if we'll see Wilf and Jane again.

Patrick your Chaos books were amazing the only time i could put them down was when you writing made me have to throw the book at the wall, laugh, tear up, or rethink what was going on but most amazing books i have ever read can't wait till mosters of men is on my shelf 2 and to the movie idea think about this they can destroy the movie but they can't do anything to the books can they.

hi!

I picked up the book you wrote called 'The Knife Of Never Letting Go'at my school libary and so far i think its brilliant! Im between page 100 and 150 and so far i think that i might need to read all the books you have wrote! I can't wait till next year to read the new book that you are releasing!

Nicki x

NESS
i just read THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO this year and i read in 5 days with says alot because it takes me like 2 weeks to read other book with half the pages it was the best book that i have ever read and i went to every book store and library in town till i found book 2 THE ASK AND THE ANSWER it took me only 2 days to read it because i was already down with the plot i have to say if this MONSTERS OF MEN comes out half as well as i know it will this will most likely be the best series i will ever read but seriously i really don’t think i can wait that long to read it and it sounds like no one else can eater but PATRICK gotta say that i hope that after this you come up with some more books like it. Thanks your the only reader that sucked me in enough to actually finish the book.

Hi! I absoltely LOVE your books! I randomly picked out The Knife of Never Letting Go at the library and decided to bring home the sequel too, just in case. I started the first book and couldn't put it down. I would tell all my friends about how amazing it is, describing my favorite parts and the parts that made me sad. I literally read as I walked home one day, immensely glad that I had the sequel. I just now finished The Ask and the Answer! It is SOOOOOOO good! The plot is complicated in a great way, the characters feel like real people to me, and it just kept getting better! I love your style of writing and hope I write a story this great one day. I can not WAIT until the next one gets published! You are a great writer, keep it up!

Hi
Wow, you're books are sooo amazing!!!
The Knife of Never Letting go was the BEST book i've read, and i've read a lot of books. I got the Ask and the Answer today, after having to wait for ages for the book shop to get it in. I can't wait to read it, the cover looks great!
I'm really looking forward to you're tour in Australia - i will be there!

I just got The Knife of Never Letting Go and The Ask and the Answer about a week ago, started reading them about four days ago, and I'm already finished and waiting VERY impatiently for Monsters of Men. This is no mean feat for me right now, since I am very busy, but I just couldn't put them down! I haven't been so engrossed in a series since my love affair with Harry Potter. The writing style, character development, and illustration of human nature is amazing. I was deeply touched and even cried at [edited for spoilers, sorry], which is even now tugging at me a little. Please don't stop writing!

The Ask and the Answer is a brilliant novel. I wish I was still at school and this was a gcse text; the discussion would be amazing.

It is evocative of genocides and wars in Europe and the whole world. The character of the Mayor is so chilling and his methods of control are so relevant in society today.

Can't wait for the next installment.

Hi Patrick,

I'm travelling around rural Asia at the moment and find it difficult to get hold of books. Any chance your series is going to get an ebook release? I read a sampler online and LOVED it but am hanging out for the whole book!

Best,

Joel

Hi again, just wanted to say I loved the second book, and I'm doing an english essay on it!!! Can't wait for the next book !!!!

Hi Patrick !
I'm french and i read your book "The Knife of Never Letting Go"
And i was amazed !!!
It is such a great story !
How did you do ?
You even made me cry !
I had a really great time reading it , and i can't wait to read the second one but i cant find it in my little French town ...
Well thank you , your book is really great!

For aine, I am 11 and I know two people(both boys) in my class that have read/ Are reading the chaos walking trilogy. I told them about the website, hopefully they comment soon.
- Lauren

P.S- Patrick, Are you touring or something for the release of Monsters of Men or is it just going to go on sale???

I can't believe I actually found this site!
Hi Mr. Ness,
I just wanted to let you know that I found your first book at my local library (Naperville, Illiois Public Library)and found the book ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. After reading that book I was more then upset at the ending. (Don't get me wrong, I LOVED it, but it was a TOTAL cliffhanger-) Then after doing some hardcore research-I realized that the sequel didn't come out in the US until the day AFTER my birthday!!! (What a pain...) And I didn't get a hold of the book until now-I think it's only been a few days tops... (I choose to read The Ask and The Answer instead of my book report book for this month ;) But - I just finished it and was AGAIN looking for some information on the third book. I'm dieing here Mr. Ness...... Can't wait!!!

I just wanted to say that your books are my second favourite series(don't worry the first isn't Harry Potter or Twilight). They're especially refreshing to see on the shelves at the bookstore after seeing the vampire saturated books they're surrounded by.
And to all of those people who think this should be made into a movie: are you crazy? Hollywood would ruin this book. I used to think it would be great if Eragon was made into a movie and we all know how that turned out.

Hello Patrick,

While I don't normally post on author's websites, I'd like to make an exception here. I picked up THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO at the Toronto International Festival of Authors in October. The concept stood out amongst a sea of YA fantasy/sci-fi. As a children's and young adult agent, I was looking for something different... You effortlessly impress. Since, I've asked everyone in the industry if they've been following the career of one Patrick Ness. The word is spreading quickly here ;) Michelle is lucky to have you. Let me know if you are ever in Toronto!

All the Best,

Ali McDonald
Associate Agent
The Rights Factory

Hi Patrick,
I really think you are an amazing author, I've just finished reading your 1st book and going on to the 2nd and I loved it!!!

Hey!

Okay so around this time last year I was at a book fair at my school, and since my mum's the librarian, I had to help out. For this, I got first choice of books before everyone else could see! (Yay, since I read a lot!)
So after looking across LOADS of books, I came across this really cool looking one, sortof weird, sortof creepy. Not really the sort of thing I'd USUALLY pick out. But I thought HEY, lets give it a go.

It turned out to be The Knife Of Never Letting Go. I really liked it, and was SO frustrated with the cliffhanger ending. But anyways, I continued along, reading other books etc etc.

Then what happens? This year, book fair again, I find The Ask and The Answer. And I was soooo excited that I bought it and began reading it straight away. I had it finished in two days flat. IT'S SO GOOD.

And I was SO happy to realise it was a trilogy, and then I get on here and realise I have to wait untill MAY to go to Scotland and buy and read Monsters Of Men!? =( If i had noise it would be seriously red tinged. Although that would be weird, me being female.

Anyways, that's the story, and I just wanted to say they are BRILLIANT books. Utterly unique. I love it. Recomending it to ... EVERYONE!

And I'm hoping that I'll be the first person to say I've bought, read, and loved your book ALL THE WAY FROM THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES!!!

-Tash

hi :)

your books are really great and i would like to know exactly when monsters of men are coming out so i can buy it straight away!

also i wasn't sure, are your books and writting for adults or teenagers? I'm 13 and all the comments look like they are coming for adults and i only kno one other person who is my age that is reading them :)

your a great author :) byee.

Hi,
This is Jane again. Would just like to say how privileged I feel to have my comment read by Mr Patrick Ness, I mean wow!!! Also I forgot to say last time how cool I thought the cover for 'Monsters of Men' is: very cool, definitely livig up to its predecessors. I also wanted to say that although I like Lee, I would be terribly sad if Viola and Todd didn't end up together although I have a feeling that I will end up terribly sad. But anyway, thank you for writing such a wonderful series.

Jane

waiting for Monsters of Men is making me a crazy!!!!!!!We want it now!!!!LOL

I really like the new cover. It should look very striking on the bookshelf with the other two: white, white, BLACK. Makes me wonder just how bad things are going to get!

hi PATRICK NESS!!!! you might remember me from coming to swindon. I am still you BIGGEST FAN!!!! :) You were amazing and thank you for coming it was great. My friends and everyone are really annoyed with me because i won't shut up about meeting you. I cannot wait until your next book. The front cover of the book Monsters of Men looks WICKED!!!

I beg the question so many others have asked previously;

What should I read for the next 6 months?!?!??!

Monsters of men looks and sounds so cool that I wish i had a time machine to fast forward and buy the book... no matter what else changes.

Thanks again for your talk in Swindon today. I forgot to inform you when I introduced you that your novel was the very clear winner of our 'Spread The Word' sessions in the morning. It provoked an unusual debate about what's true to life and what's realistic.
Obviously the novel has had much greater accolades but the pupils wanted you to know that they thought it was the best.
Your robot is spooky and I'm really looking forward to 'Monsters of Men'.

Hi!
I was at your session this afternoon in swindon about writing. Just wanted to say thank you and that i had a great time. Your talk and books have really inspired me to write and i can't wait until monsters and men comes out. I'm glad my birthday's in may :) (my mum was a bit suprised when i said i'd already written my birthday list)

x

Hi

Having just read your home page about the release date of "Monsters of Men," I was just wondering when it might be released in South Africa? Please please PLEASE can you make it the same time as the UK, in May 2010? I really don't think I can wait until September. Your writing is awesome!

dear mister Ness,

I have just finished "the knife of letting go" in french, i really loved it.
I didnt know your books, i found it by chance in a library, i read it in 3days, it was very gripping.
My english isn't very good but I want to congratulate you for the quality and originality of your handwritting and your story.
I am eager to read the next book but i think i have to be patient to wait the french translation! :))
Please come back Manchee! :)) I was very sad about him!

Laure

Hi,
firstly we, (maddy and sai)would like to say that your books, the Chaos walking trilogy, are our favourite books ever! And we aren't just saying that...so thank-you for them.
But we have a question. Your books are doing so well that we are worried that they will be turned into movies, that may probably miss out parts of the plot and character traits. Overall ruining the story. just please to finish our comment please resist the offer of movies, when, and we say when they arive.

Hello,

Hope all is well. My husband is currently not speaking to me as he is engrossed in TA&TA (which is better than before when he wasn't speaking to me because I had to return the copy to the library before he'd a chance to read it as there was a queue of people waiting for it.)

Anyway, I'm starting up a Teenage Reading Group tonight and TKONLG is going to be the second book we read (I'm starting them off on Beast by Ally Kennen which is gripping, thrilling and nicely sinister)

We're playing a little game. I've taken 8 books and written two new blurbs for them, and the young people have to guess which is the real blurb and decide which one they would like to read. Yours was particularly difficult to re-write as the blurb is perfect as it is, and I can't imagine what else the book would be about if it wasn't what it was about!

But, this is what I came up with (the first one owes a debt to Philip Pullman and Quantum Leap), don't be insulted!

TODD HEWITT IS THE MOST ORDINARY BOY IN PRENTISSTOWN

Or at least he thinks he is until one day he finds an extraordinary weapon. Todd finds a knife that opens a rift in time.
Using the knife Todd can leap through the time vortex and travel wherever and whenever he likes. And he does, getting further and further away from the time and place that he knows. Soon Todd wants to come home, but he cannot find the way, desperately slashing through the space-time continuum, hoping against hope that the next leap, will be the leap home.

Jo has never met Major Todd Hewitt, but he knows everything about him.

When running from the police, yet again, Jo squeezes into an abandoned building and hides under the floorboards. There he finds a box containing an old army knife, some dusty old letters and money. A lot of money.

The box belongs to Todd, and it the letters he tells his sweetheart Viola about life on the front line, his hopes and fears and the perilous mission he is being sent on and he promises to come home to her, signing off each letter with �Never letting you go�.

Jo decides to find Viola and deliver her the letters, 60 years too late. But what about the money and what was that dirty old knife really used for?

So, that's what I'll be doing this afternoon!

All the best, Alison

Holy Guacamole!
I love The Knife of Never Letting Go and The Ask And The Answer!
Two of my favorite books now. :]

Todd is one of my favorite characters. :) I like Violet, too. I hope she ends up with Lee! Hehe. :3 I was so heartbroken when [edited for spoilers, sorry]. I love Davy. He is so childish, and happy. :)

I love your books!!!!! It's beyond amazing. :]

Hi patrick,
I'm a frequent commenter, and I thought you should know that I have your blog as my homepage.
However... you probably don't remember but you sent me an email after I asked if I could have a private copy, but my friend doesn't believe me, so if you could jus say yes you did send me an email that would be great thanks!
In my english class we just had to write a really really long story, and mine was rubbish, but then I looked over your writing tip things and changed it. Now it's quite good. I will tell you what grade I get. By the way I'm in year 8.
Also, so you call them tousers or pants?
XXXXXRachyXXXXX

You have an amazing gift of empathy and psychological insight into why people become who they are, based not only on the choices they make, but also everything they've ever experienced, been told, or believe. Your characters and the choices they make in the face of the situations they're in are so realistic, and often so grim, it is almost overwhelming at times. I read The Knife of Never Letting Go last spring, and I devoured The Ask and the Answer yesterday, and was inevitably depressed at each "ending", which were of course really the beginnings of the next books. Today I found and read the short story "The New World" via the link from this site, which helped me recover somewhat.

It seems that the overarching theme of the series seems to be hope in the face of constant and frustratingly realistic obstacles, but MAN... does it have to be SO unrelenting? You roll up all of the worst things that humans can do to one another on individual and mass scales into one story (Nazi Germany, guerilla warfare, physical/mental/emotional torture, single-mindededly deadly religious frenzy, and the way a simple desire for self-preservation [read: complacency] can lead to horrible living situations that entrap the majority of a populace before they realize it), and then leave us with these cliffhanger endings where everything that seemed to finally be getting better suddenly gets so much worse. It's amazing and compelling storytelling, but hard to take for depressives such as myself who are already halfway convinced of the hopelessness of humanity in the grip of forces beyond them.

Hardly anyone else who survives is as smart, as strong, or as well-intentioned as Todd or Viola, and even they are so confused and disempowered so much of the time, and have such a limited view of their overall situation. The fact that they are adolescents only makes their ability to rebel against authority that much more believable. The adults willing to be active participants in any part of any struggle seem narrow-minded and fixed in their roles. I just hope (yes, that word) there is some sort of resolution and relief at the end of the final piece of the trilogy that makes all that hoping through the struggle, compromise, and trauma that your characters go through worthwhile. Not a too-easy all-ends-tied-up "and they lived happily ever after" romantic sort of ending, as that is entirely unsatisfying and unrealistic, but ... some sort of feeling that people might actually learn to treat one another better, individually and on larger scales.

I know it's fiction, but I also know it's very much based in the reality of human potential reactions given the right (wrong?) circumstances, and that there are things going on all over the world right now that are as bad and worse than what happens in your books. I'd really love to hear your thoughts on the overall potential of humanity... are we doomed? And if not, how can we EVER get past all the cyclical damage of our existence to truly start making things better? Or is that just too much to hope for? Because I'll tell you, thinking about all this, I'm really not feeling all that hopeful myself right now. And yet, despite it all, I can't NOT feel hope. I suppose that's the human condition, but, really... it's enough to drive a person crazy.

Wowza! I just finished The Ask and the Answer. It was amazing. I just love Todd. I'm eagerly awaiting Monsters of Men but I'm also a little sad for it too. I don't want it to be over! I'll be recommending the series to everyone I know.

Virginia from Texas!

I absoluterly love both books so far, it pains me to wait 'til may for Monsters of Men. :)
The books are just so epic, I love how the end of each chapter shocks me, and I never expect it!
I've read a fair few books, but I honestly think that these are my favourite books, ever. Everything's just so right, and I love seeing the plots, characters, everything develop.
:D

Hello!!!

I just wanted to say that I absolutley love Chaos Walking and cannot wait for Monsters of Men. Your books would definitely be amongst my favourite books of all time (I know this because I have found myself re-reading them over and over (and over), and this only happens with my very favourite favorites). Ok I'm sort of rambling on a bit too much now so I'll just say once more that I love everything about your books (particularly Todd and Viola and Manchee(sob) and even Davy).

Love, Jane.

Patrick. ( can I call you Patrick ? Yes ? Good. )

ARE YOU SERIOUS ?
Like, seriously ?
Fo real ?

Freaking SEPTEMBER ???

I live in Canada.

Why the heck does the UK and Australia get the book SO much sooner than us Canadians ? ( I'm guessing we get the book at the same times as the USA )

Seriously ?

- Kendra

WHY????? Oh please tell me [rather a lot edited out for spoilers, very sorry, but I did read it -- PN].
You see, i am a senstitive reader, i feel the way the main charactor feels VERY STRONGLY.You are an extremely talented writer, i had to put the book down in fear of ruining it i cried so hard. (and for so long) Also, i wanted to get some tips on writing because i am currently writing something.
THANK YOU!
(hope you take this into considaration!)
~Linnea

Hello sir, I know you don't know me....but I know somewhat about you. I live in the United States, and I am a huge fan. I stumbled across your book, The Knife of Never Letting go, in my local library. I read the whole book in one day, and immediately went back to the library and got the second book and had finished it the next day. Since then I have bought both books, and read them paying attention to minor details several times over. I hear that the UK and Australia get the last book in May '10 ,but the US doesn't get it until fall '10. Please don't do this to me sir. I need book 3. There's this hole in my heart knowing I can't have book 3 in 6 months rather than a year. Please get it here in May because I am only 17 and don't have a credit card to order online. Please consider this, it's not so fair for a large portion of your fans to have to wait a lot longer than the rest to read the final installment of this story you have us all enthralled in. Have a great day sir and always (ALWAYS) keep writing. You're the effing best (I don't say effing, I say what effing stands for).

Absolutely LOVED TKONLG and TAATA. Can't wait for the last book. They should be made into movies!

Fien

Hi there,
I must say I LOVE your books!!! As a matter of fact, I have just finished 'The Ask and the Answer' and it was BRILLIANT!!! Can't wait for the third book!! (no, seriously)
I just want to ask: Where did inspiration for the books come from?

Phill...

At 23 you would have thought i had become a 'grown-up'. but nuts to that, is what I say!
I find that Young Adult books tend to have so much more to them these days than the plain, boring 3 for 2 fiction books the likes of Waterstone's and Borders offer their customers.
Your books are wonderful, and I do hope you continue to write more after you have finished the Chaos Walking trilogy (brilliant name for a trilogy by the way, conjures up images of some massive flaming giant charging through a forest and just burning everything in its path... awesome!)

I just wanted to say: Thank you for Manchee, and Todd and Viola, and even Davy. I love how you can make your readers hate and then forgive so easily. You made me cry, but you made me laugh too. you are so lucky to have that kind of talent.

Nat xxx

Hello I just finished the ask and answer I loved it!!!!!! When is the third one coming out in the USA????

OMG!!!
I cant believe that i hadnt read The Knife of Never letting go earlier!!I want to punish myself :P
I read soo many books, i promise you i hardly remeber their names after i finish reading them, but The Knife of never letting go is going to stay with me forever, it's going into my favorites!!!
Im reading the second book really slowly,because i want the third book to come out really quickly!!!

Gosh!!!You do know that you are tortoring us right??
Ahh mann!!

I found The Knife of Never Letting Go at my school library this week and thought it looked interesting. I almost stopped reading it part way through, but decided to keep going. I just wanted to let you know I thought it was absolutely amazing!!! It's definitely one of the best books I've ever read. Everything about it was so beautiful and emotional. You're an amazing author.

I've just started The Ask and the Answer and I'm excited to finish that. I can't wait for Monsters of Men!!

OMGGGG i finished the knife of never letting go and just now i finihed the ask and the answer im in love with ur books i was so scared there wasnt a third thank god! i have monsters of men

Just one question - how did you choose the name Manchee for the dog in Knife of Never Letting Go?

It just happens to be my surname, so naturally I'm curious.....

AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! totally forgot to give u the BIGGEST TWO THUMBS UP I'VE EVER GIVEN ANY AUTHOR IN MY LIFE when i read the Ask and the Answer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! oh my goodness i was GLUED to that book for the 1 and a half days it took me to read it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it was positively wonderful. i finished it and my first words were 'oh my goodness, i think i'm just gonna crawl into a hole and wait a year for the third book.'. so i'm waiting. and thinking about the possibilities....though i know you'll come up with something completely different than what i'm dreaming up. i loved it. i loved it so, so much. you are AWESOME.
luff,
kaela

Your books are fantastic!

There's a part near the end of book two where Davy reminds me of Manchee. His noise, the feelings in Todd - it's a beautiful parallel.

Your books are filled with so much feeling, so much struggle. I love the complexity - but also the simplicity of Todd & Viola's bond during their journey together.

OOOOH I can't wait for the third!!! Hurry up :-D

I have the feeling you're going to wind up on a lot more than two "Best of 2009" lists. I know you're going to make our store's list. (I also read "Knife" this year, and it came in paper in 2009, so it will be there too.) I've got lots of friends hooked on Chaos Walking by now, and they all ask the same thing--where the hell is #3? I will be ordering mine from the UK again, of course. Thanks for letting us share Todd and Viola's world, horrible though it can be.

Hi Patrick,
I have read ALOT of books in my 16 years, but Viola and Todd are my favourite characters of all time,(oh, and Wilf too, he's wicked).
Being a writer, I think your characterisation, plots and language are extroadininary.
But those twists! Oh, be still my beating heart! I thrive on that "Oh my God, he tricked me AGAIN" feeling. Any little nuggets of advice on how to be so twisty-turny would be much appreciated...PLEASE (imagine me with a whiny childish voice, begging shamelessly).
So thanks for the wonderful world you've created...or not so wonderful. It is rather corrupt, isn't it?
Bye bye, ta ta, see ya on the flip side, etc.

P.S- I'm obsessed with Japan and that robot in Tokyo is AWSOME!

The class agrees with me. This has to be made into a movie!!!!

Hello Patrick Ness!! I'm a 27 year old (yikes!!) fan of your books and just wanted to let you know how really, REALLY great they are. I just read The Ask and The Answer and am eagerly awaiting the next one. I would read anything you write.
~Fjuri (AKA, Deven)

Patrick,
I just wanted to tell you that the Chaos Walking books are absolutely fantastic and they are my favourite books. The Knife of Never Letting Go and The Ask and the Answer took my breath away, and, to tell you the truth, I just about die when you end your books, because the cliffhangers are so horribly good! When I finished Book One, I think I screamed and possibly cried as the next book wasn't coming out for months. And let's just say that when I finished Book Two I may or may not have thrown stuffed toys and said a couple of swear words. I know it sounds like I have an anger management problem, but its your brilliant stories that make me this way!! I am very much looking forward to Monsters of Men, keep writing :)
Love, Cleo, 15 from Australia xx
P.S. I cried when [edited], when [edited] and when the Mayor [edited, sorry] :c

Hey :)
I picked up 'The Knife of Never Letting Go' back in July, a bit unsure of what I'd think of it if i'm being honest. BUT I started reading it and found myself thinking 'Oh just one more chapter before i go to bed' that chapter turned into another chapter etc etc.
I finished it in just a couple of days. When i went shopping the following weekend, I promised myself i'd wait until 'The Ask and the Answer' came out in paperback to save money. Well, that plan failed miserably.
So, I thought i'd let you know how you had made me, and probably many others, practically broke but gave us hours of engrossed reading time. So thanks :)
I thought i'd let you know that I, and i'm sure many others, think that the books are absolutely amazing and I cannot wait until the next one!
Victoria, 16, London

I REALLY REALLY LOVED you book "The knife of never letting go". I was actually the BEST book ive read in such a loooooooooooong time. so long you wouldntve believed me. i actually borrowed this book from the library, and i was actually gonna go return it without reading it, cause i usually dont like to read really thick books, they scare the heck outa me. But once i stared reading it, i just LOVED it. i stayed up until 12 AM to read 1/3 of it and went to school in the morning with HUGE bags under my eyes. the last time ive ever felt this way with a book was probably while reading the alex rider series.

Also one more comment, i watched "UP" the movie, and the dog really reminds me of Manchee! Manchee was so cute, i loved him, but why he have to... you know...!

and also, it took me awhile to find out what Twixt meant. (it means between, right?)

I have read all of the 'Chaos Walking' series so far, and I can say that mister Ness has a great talent. I'm only a teen, but I can tell that Patrick is a clever man, due to the way he wrote the series.

A foot taller than most other people... really ?
If you don't mind me asking, just how tall are you ?

Ps. You're odly God-ly, you know ? I've already read The Chaos Walking books 4 times.
Amazing.

-Kendra

Hiya!

I just thought that I didn't really mention before just how much I love your books. Todd and Viola are such fantastic characters, and the narrative is stunning! I really can't wait for Monster of Men - it can't come out soon enough!
Many thanks for you incredible response,

Megan. :D

Hi again,

I went to see up and it is a fantastic film; the 'good' talking dog, Dug, is so cute (but not as brilliant as Manchee).
I still can't wait for Monsters of men; good luck with getting it all finished, I'm sure it will be amazing.

Kimberley

HEY! its me again. i just had to tell u i finished the 2nd book in 2 days. when i finished the first i made my dad go out to the mall and buy it that night. i finished it in the next 2 days. my grandma thought i was crazy and so did my ELA teacher. please consider visiting your BIGGEST FAN EVER ALLISON! LOVE UUUUU.

oh my gosh. i am probally the biggest fan of these books. if u asked me any question i could tell u. this should definately be a movie. i would be the first 1 to buy tickets. PLEASE! I CAN NOT WAIT FOR MONSTERS OF MEN! I WANT VIOLA AND TODD TO FINNALLY FALL IN LOVE! this is gonna be the best 1 of the series. at times viola just pisses me off but then i stared to like her again, omg poor [edited for spoilers, sorry]! i creid my eyes out all night. i read that part over and over and cry every time. its like tourting myself. he was my favorite! =^D i am going to mark may 3rd on my calander and i will be in line at like 4:00 am to buy that book. PLEASE EMIAL ME! I LOVE U!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-YOUR BIGGEST FAN EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Allison D.

I just read your article about judging a book by its cover, which delighted me, as the American cover of "The Knife of Never Letting Go" is exactly the reason I picked it up. I knew from the title and the cover image that I was going to be completely immersed in the book, and I was totally right. I read a lot of young adult fiction (even as a college instructor in my 20s), and the first two books in the Chaos Walking trilogy are some of the BEST I've ever encountered. I cannot wait until the third book is released next year. Can I request that you hurry? ;)

Thank you so much for your incredible story!

Hi,

I don't normally leave comments like this on Authors walls...well actually you're the first! (I don't know whether you people even READ these things but oh well) so like i said, i really dont do this but...wel...i read your work and, after re-reading the first and second installments of your epic trilogy "chaos walking" i just found myself typing your name into google. 2 minutes later here is this comment.
Yours were two of the rare books that moved me to tears (wait i lie, i cry at loads of books, but these tears were different). i just wanted you to know that, i guess!
the books are brilliant. thank you :)

dear patrick ,
i was wondering what the word 'twixt' means in your books???

Hi Mr Ness - We are reading The knife of never letting go at my local library book club (Westbury Wiltshire) I read your book in 2 days and went straight out and bought book 2 which i read in a day and a half.. Your book are fantastic. I know they are aimed towards teenage readers but as a 29 yr old I can honestly say these are the best books i've read for a long time (i read alot) My mum (shes 60) is currently tearing her way through book 2 and is as big a fan as i am!! I had a lump in my throat for days after [edited for spoilers, sorry] - oh dont get me started again! ha I just wanted to write and say well done. Your books give a clear msg to the younger generation about the horrors of knifes and that "they are the choices they make" all kids should read this book at school. Im recommending it to everyone and cant wait til book club in a few weeks when we can all talk about it. How long do I have to wait for book 3!?!?

Patrick
I tried to email you a few months ago as soon as I finished 'Ask' because I felt that I just had to let you know how much I enjoyed that and 'Knife'. Unfortunately, it turned out to be such a long email that it timed out on me and so I never got to send it. Never mind, I'm doing it this way now and Ill keep it shorter.
So, Im just going to say that both books provided days (not long enough!) of much pleasure and excitement and sadness and riveting emotion that it is hard to wait so long for the final installment. It's a book I am waiting for as much as I did with JK Rowling's 'Deathly Hallows'. We all know what a massive success that franchise is and in my opinion your work is on a par with that.
I stumbled upon 'Knife' by accident when I heard one of my school children mention it in the classroom and the title just intrigued me. Since it seemed that not as many people were reading it as the story deserved, I am trying to get as many as possible to read the books and every one I have got to do so thus far has been as gripped as I am.
Thanks for the sheer joy that your work is bringing to all of us who read it.
John

Awesome triligy so far!!! The Knife of Never Letting Go was very exciting; love the characters. Had to go out and purchase The Ask and the Answer did not put the book down (o.k. a couple of times) but finished it in a day and a half. Definitely will recommend this book in our K-8 school. We have a small Young Teen section of our library, I love to read the books before entering them into our library. Cannot wait for Monsters of Men, try, PLEASE, please, please.... release in USA soon :D

Drat - busted! Well ya gotta try!

"And yes, I've already changed the title of Chap 14; it was wrong anyway."

Oh man, there's goes my insider information that I was going to lord over everyone!

In both books, but particularly The Ask and the Answer, I have loved the way the characters have developed. In fact, quite a few times in the second book I found myself actually starting to dislike Todd. Even to the point that I was starting to think that Viola would be better off with Lee (wash my mouth out!) But eventually, Todd won me back, and I found myself empathising with him and liking him again. When an author can create characters that you start to relate to in such a profound way, it is an indication of just how good the books are and how much talent the writer has. I'm really looking forward to the third and final book in the series. The one thing that I am hoping hough, is that the end will not turn out to be one of those depressingly sad and unhappy conclusions (usually described as poignant) that seem to be so much in fashion today.

Patrick,

I just wanted to say hello and thanks for being so nice to the weirdo on the train! The interview was great, well worth getting up early for, and getting to chat with you just made my day.

I'm so looking forward to MONSTERS, and now I'll be especially interested to see the title of chapter 14! Good luck finishing it up.

Best wishes,
Cristin

hellooo Mr Ness!
I know you've had about a gazillion comments like this, but i would just like to say how AMAZING the first two installments of the walking chaos trilogy are; i seriously don't know how to wait for the last one!
lovee S (: xoxx

Dear Patrick,

I am so mad at you! I am getting nothing done since picking up THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO, and subsiquently THE ASK AND THE ANSWER. And now I'm going to have to wait God-know's-how-long to read book three--stranded out here in the states as I am. Very ruthless of you. Not sure I can forgive you...especially after the whole [edited] thing...sniff...horrid man. They have a special level of hell for people like you.

:P

Rachel~

I love you. Simple as that.
You're a totally amazing writter. You bring the characters to life like no other author... and the characters are just so real, and deep.
I read a lot, ( like, a LOT lot ) and your Chaos Walking trilogy is totally up there in my top 10 list.
Marry me ?
( Kidding .... kind of )

- Kendra.

I've read your first 2 books in the Chaos Walking trilogy, and I think their pretty amazing c: thanks so much, and I can't wait for the last one!

Your books are absolutely amazing and i love the plots How do you come up with them? They are so cool and amazing. Please can you realese Monsters of men as soon as possible as i can't wait to find out what'll happen with the spackle. Your books are AMAZING!!!!
Cora 13

Hi Patrick

I finished The Ask and the Answer a few days ago and felt like crying because I finished it, I wish I could forget I ever read it so I could read it again and again! You are a brilliant writer and I can't wait for the next book!

Thank you for your books, they're classed as young adult but I would say for definite that they can appeal to a huge range of people. I'm 18 and think they're absolutely amazing - took them to uni with me! Can't wait for the third and final book and the thought of waiting until May is torture!

Hi there! im a 15 year old student, and i just wanted to say that i think you are an absolutley amazing writer! I recently finshed reading The Ask and the Answer (cant wait for Monsters of Men!) and i think, in fact i know, that its the single best book i ever read :) the sheer vastness of emotion in the chaos walking trilogy is overwhelming and you have single handedly inspired me to start writing my own story, so thank you Patrick Ness, and good luck for the future!
p.s im loving the little dialect thing you do with words like "atenshun and conversayshun" its genius!

dear Patrick,
I'm toward the end of book 1. I am hooked to it! The only part that I dont like is where [edited for spoilers, sorry]. Could you somehow make him come back in the third book? Hey, It's a magical world, Right?

I'm sorry if you have been asked this a million times, but is there any chance of a visit to London? I am new to your work and would love to go to a signing or anything. Give us a heads up on any trips down London! Great reads, great music too!

Stef

Hey Patrick, I just finished reading The Ask and The Answer and on behalf of all the people I'm going to fore this book upon: thanks, you really are amazing.
Manchee has got to be the coolest name ever in the entire history of the universe and he was DEFINATELY the best character. I love the way each person has a kind of build up and I can seriously feel everything that they feel.
Thanks again and good luck with the third book, no pressure. Ha, thanks.

Hello Mr Ness

Ah, how nice you have a space out in electronic space. I wanted to say how brillant Crash of Hemmington was and it brought some well needed sunshine into a dark time in my life. I have just finished reading the first Chaos Walking, which really gripped me. Your books and now site has encourgaed me to write again, and to carry on beyond chapter 9! Thank you!

WOW!! I borrowed the first 2 books from my 13 year old nephew. In fact, I pinched the 2nd book from him before he has finished it!! I can't remember the last time I was soooo hooked on a story. I can't wait for the 3rd book. Please let it end happily, there are so many cliff hangers so far. Do I take it you share my birthday (17th Oct)? I have just bought the first 2 books for my son in law's 30th birthday! I will be interested in his view when he has read them. Keep writing! Brilliant stuff

Dear Patrick Ness,
WE absolutely love the Chaos Walking series and cant wait till Monsters of Men comes out! We first read your books in Year 7 at school, when Kate was 11 ( she has a late birthday) and Sophia was 12. We are now in Year 8 and still love your writing! We were wondering if you aimed the Crash of Hennington at teenagers too, or is it an adult book? We are going to read it anyway! Keep on writing and we'll buy Monsters of MEn as soon as it is out!

Hi there. I am a 7th grader from the US. My mom just bought the first Chaos Walking book and it is great! I just wanted you to know that I loved that book and I can't wait for the third! I think you are a really great writer :)

Do you have any idea when Monsters of Men will be published in 2010? My book club kiddos will want to know!
Thanks, Laura

Hi Patrick, I realy love oyur books, I hope you could come and do an Author event at President Kennedy some time. I think it would be great.!!!!!

From

Charlotte

I just finished reading the first two books in your Chaos Walking trilogy and want to meet the author who's kept me up reading until the wee hours of the morning for the past two weeks. And I want my students to meet you. I teach 7th and 8th graders and I haven't been this moved/disturbed/inspired by young adult literature in a long while.

Wow.

I want to buy multiple copies of both books and redesign the curriculum this year so that my students can help me grapple with the thought-provoking questions raised in both books. Due to recent budget crunches, I'll be applying for grants to make this wish come true. Students need to read your books because Todd and Viola have taken up residence inside of me. I want to introduce my students to these characters who I have come to love. (I can't believe I have to wait until 2010 for the last book in the trilogy--what month is the book releasing?)

Thank you for your gift of words and for raising the bar for young adult lit. Having taught middle school for seven years now, I believe that our youth can be trusted with big ideas and weighty conversations. You have provided them a world in which to explore the questions that matter.

This is a bit delayed, but I have loved both your books in the Chaos Walking series, and my reviews for both are posted on my blog: http://agoodaddiction.blogspot.com/

You have to look for them since they aren't at the top, but they are on there. Great writing- great idea and great dialect and I look forward to more in the future!

Just wanted to add to the praise; your books are some of the best, most original things out there today. You have such a talent for two things: (1) capturing the voice of your characters in 1st person, especially Todd, and (2) ending chapters and books with cliffhangers that MAKE you have to keep reading!

FYI I'm an 8th grade english teacher and your series is one of the first things I recommend to my students. We have multiple copies at my school that are getting passed around.

Wanted to ask if you or anyone out there knows the best way for a "bloke" like me waaaay over here in the United States (North Carolina) to get a copy of "Monsters" when it comes out in the UK many months before the US release. For Ask+Answer I ordered from Amazon.uk, is there a better/quicker way?

Hello Patrick (and Happy Birthday),
I was given 'Ask' on its release for my 40th birthday, following my frantic and almost breathless reading of 'Knife'. Wow, I never thought I'd be looking forward to my 41st birthday so much!
Can I ask a question? I am (and I'm sure you meet these by the bucket full) an aspiring writer. I have partially written some material - with plenty more in my head (again, something you must be told daily!). My main character is a teenage boy, so therefore does this make my story a children's/young adults book?
I ask this mainly because of the swearing that is involved (I love the way you handle swearing - natural, funny and necessary). Or should I not be worrying about it at all?!
Best wishes,
Chris.

hello from germany

i read your two books and they're really great!! now, i wanna know, when i can read the 3rd one but i dont know when i can buy it in germany ):
could you please help me?

Happy birthday for yesterday!

I noticed you went to Norwich School, any chance you could come back to Norwich? :P I only live a couple of miles away and it would be so awesome to meet you!
I really enjoy your books and the one thing I find so brilliant about them is Mayor Prentiss, I've never read about a character so terrifying, controlling and just downright creepy! I am definitely rooting for Todd and Viola in the next book, and it's so frustrating that I can't predict what will happen to them (which is also why I think you're a great author).

Rachel :D

Greetings from Ontario, Canada. I just wanted you to know that I am currently reading "The Knife..." aloud to my grade 7 class at Ballantrae Public School, which is just north of Toronto. I have never done a read aloud that has captivated the students (especially the boys, who are often difficult to engage) as much as this one has. I literally get booed when I have to discontinue my reading. This is in no small part due to your excellent use of cliff hangers at the end of each chapter. We have been focusing on some story boarding and a close examination of how Todd's character development helps define the idea of what a hero is. I suspect that there will be a run on the local book shops when I get to the end. Several students have already bought the sequel and are chomping to begin it.
It's a great resource and I like what we're doing with it, but any suggestions about how the book could be used in this kind of situation would always be welcome.
Thanks.

Hey Patrick,

First of all Happy Birthday! (for yesterday, sorry its late...) It's mine tomorrow =)

Secondly just wanted to say thanks for two of the best books i have read this year. I finished both of the chaos walking series earlier this year and was reserving judgement until later. But it can be safely said that it is the best series ive read this year. However because it was so good i really really REALLY want to read the last book! Hope it is early 2010 that it's released =D.

Best of luck, hope all goes well
Dan

When im older, im going to get a dog called manchee. or a pig maybe, because i think dogs have a thing against me.
but i'll still call it manchee.
happy birthday by the way :) enjoy your food :)
ive just read the knife of never letting go, and i got detention because i was trying to read it in textiles :P but it was worth it.
im lovng the twist at the end, makes a change from all the other books, but im a sucker for happy endings :)
abig thank-you to the person who invented library cards :)

Ellie S

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have now put your birthday on my calender for next year! Have a good one!
Rachel

happy birthday!!!

Hi!
I came across your books in Carnegie last year and they are AMAZING!! I made my dad read the Knife and the Ask is under his bed waiting...
I totally agree with Hazel and Meg--these books are waaaay better than Twilight! (Right up there with Harry Potter!) My best friend Sophie loves the books too!
Byee! Alice

I just finished THE ASK AND THE ANSWER, and am stunned--particularly by how much Davy's story and movement in the story affected me. Can't wait for the third book. Congratulations!

hey patrick - just wanted to thank you again for the book signing session tonight. have already had comments left for me by fans who were so thrilled to meet you and get a chance to discuss the books with you.
sorry about the mix up with the taxis - hope it didn't delay you too much.
thank you so much for coming to borders - it was a pleasure to meet you. jane froud

Hi its Jack, Its the night when you did a signing at borders. I was the one who was writing his own book.

Just to say I love all your books and cant wait for the next(and last) in the trilogy to come out!!

Thanks

hi
I don't usually visit author websites-- unless I was completely blown away by their books as I was by yours. I was kind of unsure whether or not it would be good when I first came into The Knife of Never Letting Go, but as I read, and read and skipped meals and homework and read some more, I came to see just how great it was. And it was followed by the wonderful the Ask and the Answer.

And, I have to say, that these are some of the best, most gripping books I have ever read and that I recommending them left and right.

It's hard to find a good book these days with so much vampire crap floating around and I am so glad I stumbled upon the Knife of Never Letting Go and I can't wait until Monsters of Men comes out.

Your characters are brilliant and I gotta say, I surprised myself at how attached I became to Todd and even Viola.

Thanks for writing such amazing books, and I am looking forward to future novels and Monsters of Men with much anticipation.

--Sarah Ry

I just finished the first book for a book club, first thought: it was boring and odd. Now that I have finished it I was like Woah. I am so going to read the 2nd book and buy the 3rd! Hey, your series could end up being my favorite!

Thanks for writing!

OH MY GOODNESS. HOW CAN CAN YOU WRITE SUCH AMAZING BOOKS! MUST be gifted by God.

Hi, this is Hazel and Meg Wilks. We are cousins and we both fell in love with The Knife Of Never Letting Go when we read it. HAA and we both read it within about 2 days. But OHHHHH when [edited for spoilers, sorry] we CRIED! WHY? (It was a good storyline tho). We are racing each other to get the next book and see who will finish it first. We both agreed that your books are waay better than the Twilight series and we are DYING for someone to make them into movies!
God Bless,
The Wilks Cousins.

Hi,

I was just wondering if you're able to tell us when the synopsis for Monsters of Men will be released?

Loving the books! Thanks so much!

Dear Patrick,

I found The Knife of Never Letting go at the Edinburgh Book Festival, read a couple of pages and went looking for The Ask and the Answer and bought them both as a gift for a young friend of mine. Of course I read them both first, and think the books are brilliant (including the tactile covers. Today I received a note of thanks and my young friend said "I read both books in 4 days because they were so good..." I promised his mother that I would find the third volume next year, read it myself and pass it on!

When I saw the picture of you I thought it was a statue of The Iron Man (read Ted Hughes' book) but it is not quite right!!

Please keep writing - so we can all keep reading.

Ann

heey
:)

well today you came to our school and spoke to us like adults not children,smart intellectual people not idiots, but i mean really you have to be lying when you say you read every single comment?!?! i mean im trying to make this comment as original funny and articulate as i can even though really i know your not going to read it-maybe other people, here to write another individual comment after me but not you!

im the one who got your signature twice :D thats another thing i think must be so strange, i mean your just a person who wrote a good book and got it published and people actually want you to write your name on a piece of paper because your "famous"!! thats the thing i liked most about your books(-i havent read them...BUT!)i like the fact its a world where everyone knows everyone because sometimes i wonder how close minded society is and that people on stick with certain people and never know anyone elses story

anyway sorry for the enourmous comment that you probably wont read!!!

:)

Dear Mr Ness
I want to thank you for writing such awe-inspiring books. They are the best books I've read in so long. I think the plot is just breath-taking and so original. I love Todd; you make him feel so real, he's not just a two dimensionaly 'good' protagonist. I also love Manchee; he's the best animal character in all of the books I've read. I can't wait for Monsters of men!
Thank you again

Kimberley

Patrick Ness will be instore at Borders - Preston on Tuesday 13th October from 5pm. He will be signing copies of his awesome books! Come and meet him!

Call 01772 703856 for more information.

Hello Patrick,
As a librarian I am always on the lookout for a book that I can suggest to teens that will hook them and make them lifelong readers. Your series, Chaos Walking, is just that! I adored the first book and literally counted the days for Book 2. I passed it on to my sister who has been hounding me, "When is Book 3 coming out?"
Thank you for a great story! We eagerly look forward to Book 3.

Sincerely,
Karen

um, so I'm reading "Knife" and I'm at the part when Ben tells Todd [edited for spoilers]. So what exactly happens(there's no details)? Or is more revealed later on into the book?

Thanks

I picked up The Knife of Never Letting Go, 'cause it looked interesting and I was in deep need of a new book; glad I did, I really love it :D
And I bought The Ask and The Answer today, can't wait to read it.
And I keep thinking of Todd with a Yorkshire accent. :)

after the first sentence of the knife of never letting go i was addicted soo bad! you are amazing! im o excited for monsters of men. even you titles rock.............

Hello,
Just to say my friend told me about the first book Loved it & cried my eyes out when [edited for spoilers, sorry] - it broke my heart, ive just finished the secong book oblivious to know it had already been released and past it on to my friend - it was totaly unexpected and I'm dying for monsters of men!!! Todd is soo strong and [edited] was so kind in his own way and i just cant believe [edited, too, sorry] ! If this was a movie i would use the sound track wonderwall by oasis cause it fits in so perfectly with Viola and the war & also little by little by oasis - Trust me & just listen
:) xx

I fell in love with The Knife of Never Letting Go from the very first sentence; I absolutily love your style of writing. Guess what? Your third book is being released in my birthday month!!! So exited!!!!!!! You're now my new role model; don't let me down, now!

good luke writing the third book !

Hi,
I love the way that on your most recent post you put about Todd. "He's your character as much as mine." I imagine him looking like someone I know, mixed with Alex Rider, from storm-breaker. And Viola looks like Bella from Twilight.
You should really do a movie! I would love to see that, and I know all my friendos would.
Also, could you change the day of Monsters Of Men to come out, to Feb 16th? I want(I mean need) it for my birthday, and so does my friend for a few weeks later.

Best Wishes
XXXXXRachyXXXXX
P.S. :D

I'd like to second Kevin's comments....I'm in my 30s and have been addicted to your books! I love reading books in general and I'd agree that adults may well miss some damn good reads just because they're in the young adult section. Once I started "The Knife" (and got past being irked by the occasional weird spellings - I have OCD tendencies!!)I was completely hooked and have read "The Ask" in quick succession - you have indirectly been the cause of many late nights. The stories are riveting and compelling, but the concepts behind them are really thought provoking and clever...and I love a book that makes me think!
I'm in the process of writing a review of the 2nd book for my friend in Australia, who has her own book shop in Sydney and is doing a promotion of your series based on my recommendation :) (I live in the UK)
Thanks for your work to date...and get moving with that book 3!!

Hey! I'm Poppy. I love your books. The Knife of Never Letting Go is the only book that has ever made me cry, it was brilliant. I kept crying in the Ask and The Answer too and I stayed up all night reading it.

I can't wait til the next book! Bye!

Hey Patrick
The Chaos walking books rule!
I have read the first two and cant wait for the last one.
Your writing technique is ace - the way you end every chapter with a mini cliffhanger makes it almost impossible to put the book sown.

BEST BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ!!!!!!!!

Keep up the good work!

Hi Patrick
WOW!!!!! Finished 'The Ask and the Answer' this weekend, as with 'The Knife of Never Letting Go' I was so enthralled and actually felt like I was there with Todd and Viola...I really cant wait for 'Monsters of Men', think I may have to read the first two again as I miss all the goings on in New Prentisstown already and its causing me FRUSTRAYSHUN as its only been a day!!! I have got several colleagues and friends reading your books and they too are completely involved in Todd and Violas world. Keep up the great work.

Hello Mr Ness

As 43 year old I know I am not your target market but I read a lot of teenage fiction, as well as lots of other stuff. I think it's ridiculous that such great work is labelled as 'teenage fiction'and have been trying to get every adult I know to read your books. I have written about the work on my own blog and will continue to spread the word. I wish you every success with Chaos Walking and look forward to the final book, but will be sorry to reach the end.

Cheers

Kevin

Hi Patrick,

I'm 14 and, like everyone else on here, LOVE the series. It's just so good. I was wondering (don't know if you answer questions on here, but what the heck) what everyone's accents are in the books. I mean, in your biog it says you were born in the US but now you live in the UK (same here), so do you imagine them as American or English accents or a mix of both or... Sorry, it's a random question, but I wonder about things like this. :)

You are such a great author :)

From Kate W

Hello Patrick,
A wave from Greece:)
My partner and I have just finished reading the knife of never letting go and the ask and the answer.I read slower than him and when he eventually caught up with me, we actually tore the book apart, so that he can have half and I could keep reading the rest! And as he kept catching up, I kept ripping off sections for him! That's how compelling your books are! We cannot wait until the 3rd one is out. (we'll each get a copy of our own) Fantastic writing, great characters, well done and please keep them coming:)

All the best and thank u,
Tee

I loved the Chaos Walking books and can't wait for the third. I'm recommending them to everybody!!!
A great story idea and very well written.

Hi, my names Kindell.(Im a girl( ha! I loved your book The Knife of never letting go. As the others have said you have left us wanting to read more! I am working on saving money to go to Barnes and Noble to buy the Ask and the Answers. I was in my school library and i had been looking for a good book that i could actually get into. At first sight i thaught it was not going to be that interesting, and then i looked again, and checked it out. I loved it soo much and thx for writing such a good book. Idk if you read these things but i am so looking forward to buying teh second book of yours and am also looking forward to reading lots more from you.

BYE!

I discovered Chaos Walking in May of this year. Ater coming up for air after blasting through The Knife of Never Letting Go, I proceeded to settle down to nibble my nails and count the days off on the calendar until The Ask and The Answer was published in North America. Those brief hours (of non stop, round the clock reading) were sublime, diabolical, heartbreaking, and really, really tense, but in a good way.

Now. I must just say.... I understand that the UK gets first crack....but Australia? Why Australia and not Canada? We're all brothers & sisters together are we not....proud members of the Commonwealth and all that..... I do think it's a bit unfair....dare I say cruel, to make those of us in North America wait 6 MONTHS. This is hell, truly it is. My nails won't make it.

Seriously, one of the best series I have ever read! I tell everyone I know about your books.

Hi! Just wanted to tell you that I *loved* The Ask and The Answer. I read it in one weekend and wrote a favorable review for it on Amazon. Also (and no pressure) but I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.

Seriously.

I hope you are holed up somewhere writing.

:-)

eeeeeeeek!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yarrrgh!!!!!!!! live in new hampshire, and i was totally down in manchester when i finishe dthe knife of never letting go. i couldn't very well throw a fit, but i tried my best. sobbing and nearly unable to breathe, i tried DESPERATELY to change the words 'end of book one' into the 2nd and third book. sadly, nothing changed. in agony as i went home, i saw that the ask and the answers was coming in a few months. i was on amazon.com everday since september 1st, hoping to gawd that it was released.
so this is for viola, who scared the crap out of todd,
and for todd who always wanted to be a man but never killed,
and this is for ben, cuz i cried both times he left.
I LUFF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

omg patrick ness is the BEST author of all time. the chaos walking series is most definitely the best book of all time! i just cant wait till the next book coms out! i nearly threw the book at the wall at the end of both. i guess i'll just hve 2 w8 4 it!

OMG i cant wait for MONSTERS OF MEN arrrr!!:P
but i live in AUSTRALIA so i'll have to wait even LONGER to read it...
im soo exited 'bout yer aussie tour! (my mum owns a mary ryans book store...wink,wink,nudge,nudge)
when i finished KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO i fully threw the book at the wall cuz of the HUGE cliff hanger...

WWWOOOOOOOOOO (standing ovashun for PATRICK NESSS)!!!

Hi Patrick,

Just wanted to say what a huge fan of your books I am, and I really think they'd make an awesome film. But you'd have to have some sort of oversight in the whole thing, because it would have to be just right. Looking forward to Monsters of Men.

I love Viola so much, I named my MacBook after her.

I think I'll have to come and see you when you come to Australia. I don't suppose you'd be coming to Newcastle, so I guess I'll have to come allll the way down to Sydney. Oh well. You better give a bloody good speech or something to make it worthwhile. I mean, you're just a human. I could say hi to a random stranger in the street, and at the end of the day, it'd still be the same.

Kidding. :)

Anyway, keep up the good work. :)

hi
your books are AMAZIN!!!
i wasnt really a reader before i saw your book the knife of never letting go and now i love reading. seriosly your a genius and now that i no the title of the third book of chaos walking i am going to have to buy it as soon as it comes out!
*how did you come up with such an idea for this series?
AMAZING

Your books are brilliant. I found them in the library. I got out both the knife of never letting go and the ask and the answer and read them both in a week. Then I wanted more and came on line to find out when the third is coming out. It will be hard waiting. I want to know what happens. it reminds me a little bit of the times before all the harry potter books were out and we had to wait. I am waiting for a few books but I am waiting for your next one the most. I hope the [edited for spoilers, sorry]. my favorite character is Todd. I like him even more than the sparkle. Thank you for writing the books. the are very brilliant to read.

Your books are phenomenal. How do you think of such a complicated yet gripping story?
I'm dying of impatience waiting for 'Monsters of Men'..
I've got one suggestion - MAKE CHAOS WALKING INTO SERIES OF FILMS. It would make your books even more famous and lots more people around the world would be able to enjoy this wonderful series,,
x

Hi!

I really loved both books and the short story and can't wait for the third. The only problem is:

What do I read until May?

Hey, your book s are amazing i read them in one week i came to see you at the Edinburgh Book Festival on Thursday 27th August i acctually screamed when you came on.
How old are you because you seem very young

Your Sincerely

Coryn McKnight :D

Hey Patrick, I read the knife of never letting go and the ask and the answer during my holiday, they where so good i read them both by the 5th night. I simply cannot wait for the 3rd book, i wish there could be more then 3. any way i have to go now, looking forward to the next book, jack

Hello Parick Ness!! I`m from England and I just started your book yesterday...tho, I just managed to put it for five seconds away to research the genius who wrote that book and than I found this website and I just wanna let you know that I love (so far) your book, and somehow I know that it just get`s better.
Well done, dude! You just found yoursef a fan.

PS: If your books will turn some day (I feel quite positive about it) into movies....can I play a part in it? XD
Don`t worry, I`m not trying to put pressure on you.
KEEP UP WITH YOUR GOOD WORK!!
(and I mean it...please, don`t dissapoint us.)

Hey :)
I am absolutely in love with your books, Chaos Walking, and am very very very excited to find out what happens in the 3rd book :), and am very impatient for it to be released :)
Thank you for creating the books!!! :D
xx

Hi!!

I bought The Knife of Never Letting Go while I was living in Scotland, a couple of months before the UK release of The Ask and the Answer...I didnt want to ever put the first book down...but at times there was so much going on that I just had to put it down and reflect on what was happening...it nearly killed me waiting for the second book! haha Now I cant wait for Monsters of Men! Im so excited! You are an amazing writer :)

Becki
x

Hi! I'm waving from England. Just wanted to say that I really love your books. And also that I think Viola is a great character, because I get quite annoyed at all the 'Bella Swan' type weak boring need-protecting-all-the-time female characters. So it's ace to see a really strong, brave female character!
Good books!

Hello! A big wave from England, UK! :)
I finished "The Knife Of Never Letting Go" a few days ago.
I have to say, it is just about one of my most favourite books in this whole galaxy. I cried so much when [edited for spoilers, sorry]! I really can NOT wait until I get the next book.
Speaking of which, has it been released in the UK yet? Because I can't find it! (Even though I have only looked in one book store so far... But shh!)
Anyway, I'm going to stop this ramble.
Never give up writing, because I think I may have to hunt you down and slap you with a fish. :)
Much love,
Alice, xoxo

Helloo, waving from Canada.
I've just finnished "The Knife of never letting go". Whew. Every step that Viola and Todd take seems like a slap in the face. Its like they climbed a mountain, a big one, then realized they'd forgotten something and had to do it again. Nothing seems to go their way.
I cannot get the next one till September, but maybe thats a good thing...?

Hi patrick i used to read books by Michael Morpurgo and found them captivating, but since then i have been stuck as every book i pick up i end up not finishing and getting very tired of it.
But my school set up a scheme for advanced student to read new book and i got given the "Knife Of Never Letting Go" and refused to give it back (when surposed to) until i had found out what had happened to todd, viola and manchee. I was then plesantly surprised when i found out that the was anouther book named the "ask and the answer" The same day i made my way over to the lacal libary and took out the next one! I am just finishing it now and reading it slowly as i don't want it to end!!
Thankyou for a great read and im looking forward to number 3!!
from the girl who is obsessed whith chaos walking lol x P.S what im i going to read till MAY!! x
ANYONE GOT ANY SURGGESTIONS???

Helloo :) I'm waving from Scotland x
I'm half way through "The ask and the answer" and i'm finding it very exciting.
I think it's alot better than "The knife of never letting go" although i thurly enjoyed that book.
I can't wait to find out about the third and last in seris.

Wow, what can I say?
I love your books.
I've just finished the Ask and the Answer,
And the only thing that I'm upset about,
Is that I will have to wait another year til' I can read it again, or about a year! :'(
Keep up the amazing work, and I can't wait for your new book to come out! :D

I have finished reading "the knife of never letting go" and more recently, "the ask and the answer". In between i tried reading another book but it just didn't grab me. Ever since I finished the ask and the answer I wanted to know about the final book so i could finally be content and go on to other series. Just a Question :have you ever tried reading one book over 10-11 weeks? It is hard!!!!

Hey,

I do love your books. I have just started reading the ask and the answer, one thing I didn't like in the first book was the [edited for spoilers, sorry!]. That really scared me.

Bye = ]

Hello, I simply loved the Kinfe of Never Letting Go and didn't hesitate to buying The Ask and the Answer. It is simply great and I can't wait for the third, Monsters of Men. I too read The KONLG in the Shadowing Scheme and it was the only one I liked. Great job Patrick Ness, and i'm holding on for the third. Plus, I love the short story, New World. Another fan, Stef.

Hi Patrick,

I'm not one for leaving lots of comments on an author's website but here I am for a second time to tell you that thanks to your books, my 13 year old nephew is now reading books again! The playstation gets lonelier and lonelier. And he's bonding with his aunty (me) over Todd and Viola. How cool is that? So thank you again for your wonderful books.

Cheers,
Denise

Hey Patrick,

I logged on 10 mins ago and there was it. And just 5 mins ago, I checked on page 102 of Ask and the Answer and no wonder it made sense! I am looking forward to the next book, which would be, I'm sure, the best (but last D:) one in the trilogy. I so wished you'd expand the series, but, then again, you 'd probably had your reasons (I so regretted that I asked now...)

And I've also read your fantastic short story and I loved the way you portrayed their emotions and actions. It was so realistic and expressive...I won't spoil it for other people.

Hope you enjoy the rest of the summer!

hey Mr.Patrick Ness.
i just finished reading "the knife of never letting go" and i am absolutely IN LOVE with it. can you please please let us know when the second book is coming out in the U.S. b/c I'm dying for the next installment.
you're an amazing writer. you really are. your writing is an inspiration to me.

Monsters of Men? Monsters of Men? What does that mean? Is it going to be bad? It's going to be bad isn't it? Aaaarrrggghhh! I knew I shouldn't have looked!

Chaos Walking has me wishing my life away. Can't wait until May...

I first read "The knife of never letting go", while doing the carnegie medal shadowing scheme 2009, and may I say, 'What a relief!' In comparison to the other monotonous books I had to read, in my opinion, there was no compition as to which book should have won the medal (yours). I couldn't put it down, and am currently reading "The Ask and the Answer", and waiting on "Monsters of Men". Finally, I just wanted to say 'Thank you' for the amazing books you have written, especially as I haven't had the fortune of reading a very good book in far too long.

Hey Patrick,

OH MY GOD!!!!! The title is finally here! As soon as I found out (via internet cafe coz I'm on holiday) I emailed my friend to phone my other friend to tell her!
I'm soooooo exited, But I don't think I wait untill May next year!!!!!!! Couldn't you just post a private copy of the book through my door?
With All My Love And Hope That This Book Will Out-Sell Harry Potter
XXXXXRachelXXXXX

I have been searching for The Ask and The Answer, but alas I cannot find a store that has it in stock. No matter, the internet will provide.

To the point, I loved the short story. The way you portray emotion is so raw and how you deal with death is phenomenally real. Your writing just draws people in and this small taste further inspired my search for book two. Rest assured that when I find it (which I will) and read it I will be leaving a long and glowing comment.

In the mean time, keep up the awesome work.

Hello Patrick!

My name is Rheo and I am nearly 13 years old. I read your first book as part of the Carnegi book awards and I was hooked. I went to buy your second book and finished that in the fastest time I had ever read a book of that length. I have more than once claimed them to be 'the best books I have ever read'. Todd is my favourite character and I love his personality. I love viola and often found that when I was reading the book I was her. The books NEVER failed to make me laugh, cry, jump about in excitement etc. I love the emotion and pasion between the two characters and often wonder how it is going to evolve. I am soooo excited about the next book and I can't stop thinking about the books I have read so far. They are very special to me and the books are often the topic of conversation. I would love it if there was a film and would absolutely LOVE to be Viola. I hope you are well and almost finished writing the third book. :D
Rheo

Hi! I love your books! I stayed up till 2 in the morning just to finish The Knife of Never Letting Go. I've also finished The Ask and the Answer in June, which I bought the very next day. ... I loved Manchee. "Poo, Todd."

I've never read such a captivating book since The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. (Which I read last December, in 4 days!) Can't wait for the next book! :D

From,
Micaela

Hiya,
Please can you tell us the book title earlier? Because I'm on holiday then and I really want to know!!!!!
SSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNN
Yay!!!!!I dream of getting a job even slightly like yours! I love engllish and anything to do with a pen. My friends treat your books like royalty! Its really funny. "You did NOT just drop that book!" "Why? What book is it?" "Patrick Ness' Book!" "Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to!"

Hehe

Love XXXXXRachyXXXXX

Hey, :)
Oh my god, i read The Ask And The Answer yesterday and wow. I couldn't put it down. its not that often when you come across such good books like that. i can't wait for the 3rd book to come out. i dont know when that is but hopefully soon.

Aileen, 17

The Chaos Walking series are the two best books ever written -
The Knife of never letting go was so fast paced my heart was pounding so fast dying to find out what happens next, I couldnt keep my emotions in I cried at more than one part especially when [edited for spoilers, sorry] I cried for ages - The never knowing what will happen next meant I couldn't put the book down at all during the few days it took me to read it!
The Ask and the Answer was so confusing (In a very good way) [edited for spoilers again, sorry about that] - It was all so amazing and I cannot wait for the 3rd book - I am so excited - I am 13 years old - and I am addicted to Chaos Walking! Good Luck with the new book (Not sure I can wait untill 2010 for it though, is there a set date yet or is it too soon to tell) Megan.

Hi!
I really enjoyed the books and I was there at the Reading event. You wrote Sorry about Davy, after a question I asked. Can we know the title of the new book please? We just want to know!
Helena,
St-Crispins, Wokingham

Hi patrick,

Both me and my mum have read the knife of never letting go and the ask and the answer and loved them,
(in fact i love them so much i have bought the signed first edition of both of them.) Manchee was my favourite character. I know its the final book and you need to finish it in some way but please make it a happy ending!
p.s every one i know loves your books!

Loved the "hopefully" part of the blog. I do that all the time. My inner pedant is constantly at war with the part of me that knows that language is DEscriptive not PROscriptive. Like the split infinitive. I no longer eschew it. I mean, the only reason you're not supposed to split one is that in Latin, you COULDN'T because it was only one word.

Hurry up on that third draft! Knife came out in paperback stateside this week, and, as a result, several of my (out of town) friends picked it up. I've now personally created at least ten hardcore fans, and that's not counting those who bought Knife because of my store blurb. Several (those in town) already got to read Ask and the Answer. I think my friend John would be after you if you weren't already hitched. Most all of them took down Knife in just one or two sittings. I gave it to a friend named Melissa Delbridge, who is a sixty-ish archivist from Duke University who wrote an exquisite set of autobiographical essays last year about growing up in Alabama in the early 70s (I grew up in Alabama in the early 80s). She surprised me by saying one day she was a huge science fiction fan--this is a woman whose favorite pursuits are knitting, writing, and making pickles. So I told her about Knife, and she read it in one sitting. She said, well, no, I can't tell you, because it would have spoilers. But she loved it. In fact, everyone I've gotten to read it has loved it. Keep writin'!
Frazer

Hi Patrick,
i am so looking forward to the third *Chaos Walking* book 'cos i loved the first 2. Me and my friends(aged 11-13) can't wait for any info on the book. Maybe just the name PPLLEEAASSEE!! Thanks anyway!
***Rosalind***

Hi,

I cannot wait untill the new book is out! But I really need to know the title! Me and my friendos (We're all 12-13) have to keep saying "The new Book By Patrick Ness" instead of what it's actually called! Please, Please, Please tell us soon!
XXXXXRachyXXXXX
P.S. If you have already told us, you need to make it clearer and also, I never existed!

Hi Patrick!

Took me a while to get the Ask here in the US, and I enjoyed it immensely, as well as The New World. I've had a lot to mull over after finishing the Ask, and I must say I'm very impressed on how things have turned out and the way you wrote the perspectives. It's taken me a while to write you, but thanks again for your amazing series.

Looking forward to the next one!

Stephan
currently in Texas

Hello,
I find your books amazing to read!
Im so addcited, please write the 3rd one quickly!
Its really rare to find books I get into that much, but I really enjoyed both of them.

OMG your books are super amazing. Best I've ever read. Gotten each book as soon as they were out!

I really love both the Knife Of Never Letting Go and The Ask And The Answer...actually cried when [edited for spoilers]. Are you going to make a movie out of them? Gosh they sure are brilliant.

Lying in wait of your next book.

Flavia

OMG, ure books are amazing!!!!
finished the knife and immediatly told my mum that i needed her credit card, im buyin the knife and Ask and Answer (as i borrowed Knife from library). God, they're awesome. Just about to read ure short story on Viola; suer its gonna be excellent...
just amazing
waiting for thrid book; sure to be immenmse

Hey there,
Just read 'The new world' and really enjoyed the short story, It was nice to know more about Viola's life before the crash and can not wait for book three!
Megan.

the knife was the best book ever and i put the book you signed for me in my safe so that i wont lose it

I've been running Carnegie Shadowing groups for about ten years now, and I don't think I've ever seen the kids get so excited about any other book as they have been about Knife. A bunch of us have rushed out for Ask/Answer - and we have the perfect idea for what you should call Book 3. If none of my shadows tell you within the next week, I'll spill the beans.

And for me personally, I'd put Knife/Ask up there in the same bracket as Tales of the Otori as an example of just how good fiction can get. And because Todd and Viola are more equal than Will/Lyra, you win over Philip Pullman. Just don't get all Amber Spyglass pompous and blow it on Book 3...

Thankyou.

Hi again, Patrick...Read your prequel teaser THE NEW WORLD, and it nicely book-ends and tempts the palette for Book 3....We await with bated breath!...Karl

Hey Patrick I commented a while back about how i live in the U.S and I was wondering when is the second book coming out here? I loved your first book!

You were robbed. We're gutted. Looking through the Carnegie Shadowing Groups, there was no question who the kids were voting for. In Holly's group, you were voted top by everyone.

hi patrick ness i was with beechwood school when we visited you in reading i had a great time and has already started to read the night of never letting go. so far it was brilliant.
thank you for signing the book i brought and i had a wonderful time meeting you

thanks
Charlotte Scaife form beechwood secondary school slough

Ahh, Patrick Ness, Patrick Ness...
You truly are amazing. Though, perhaps if I'd never came across your books, I might actually get a good nights sleep for once. Sleep deprived teenager, over here. Yesterday I found myself reading 'til the sun rose - and I STILL haven't finished The Ask And The Answer.
After reading book one, I was certain there was no way book two could be as breathtaking... but here I am just half way through and breathless!
Seriously though man, I love you. :) You're a real influence and I thank you for this.
Keep being awesome and such.

Davina, 16 from England. xx

I's just like to say the first book is amazing. I can't wait to read the second. These books have recently been brought to my attention as part of a reading and presentation book scheme with Blackpool council and read the first one in half a day it was that good! It was moving and I felt like I was running along with Todd and Viola myself. Thanks a great read Patrick!

I just thought that i should post my views of your two Chaos Walking books so far; they are the most moving and utterly epic books you will read. They are different from thr usual books i read like The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Darren Shan and Trudi Canavan. Patrick Ness has such a great way of writing you can really feel what the characters feel; both of his Chaos Walking books are a must read for anyone. I assume if you are on this website then you know about his books so the final thing for me to say is: "When is the last book coming out?!?!?!?"

-Stephen

I've been meaning to leave a comment for a while, but I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading the Knife of Never Letting Go, and The Ask and the Answer.

I read the Knife of Never Letting Go, summer last year, and I couldn't get enough of it. I love the way it is written, and as I read it I can see the action happenning in front of me, it's thrilling. So many brilliant moments! I've recommended it to many, and all of the people who have read it have come back to me saying how brilliant they think it is too!

So, I was ecstatic to get my hands on number two, and it certainly didn't disappoint, I actually really enjoyed reading from Viola's perspective, and towards the end as the perspective shifts considerably faster it gets very exciting. You've created characters that seem so real, you feel for Todd as he [edited for spoilers, sorry!] and you can't help but like [ditto!] towards the end...All the characters are really well thought through. Gah, there's lots to write about but anyway, yeah, I enjoyed the Ask and the Answer at least as much as the first book, they're both great achievements (and my favourite books to date)

I'm ordering the French version of book one and I'm going to give that a go, (my French is nearly up to it, and I'm sure I'll get a lot out of it!)

(I found out about book one from a "taster" I got with a Starbucks coffee! I don't go there often, but I'm so glad I did, I fear I may not have come across these great books otherwise.)

Can't wait for the third installement. I look forward to hearing what it's called!

- Ash

the knife of never letting go is great.the ending was my favourite bit

Patrick, you're such a tease!

Dear Patrick,

Omg I totally love your 1st Chaos Walking book: The Knife of Never Letting Go. It touched on so many issues in so little time, it was also really sentimental and amazing, it totally took my breath away when I shadowed the Award-Which-You-Won. I can't wait to buy your next book: The Ask and The Answer. Or the 3rd and final one. These will be the most exhilarating books I've ever read.
I'm now shadowing the Carnegie awards this year and I'll be rooting for you! Good Luck in the future!

hey!

luvin' the knife of never letting go! (my fave book ever perhaps...) it would be awsomme if there was a film... i'd go see it anyway ( and thats what counts right?) if you read this book whilst listening to jonny sniper (by enter shikari)its even better! it proppa works seriously give it a listen and u will no wot im talking about!!!!(if there was a film... i'm thinking theme tune, you know what i mean...) :')

Hi Patrick. I've just finished The Ask and the Answer and (you've probably heard these words before) I loved it, it's brilliant, awesome....
I put a copy on reserve at a library that, somehow, had copies despite release date being weeks away here in Melbourne, and on a icy cold and windy day I indulged in (or should I say was captured by) your book, beside the fire.
When will we have news of Book 3?
Is it true you might be visiting here in 2010?
I'm just beginning to examine my responses to books, being maths and science trained, and I'm having a great time challenging secondary school boys where I teach. Yesterday I led a discussion with a group of 12/13 year old boys beginning with KofNLG and on to the notion of winning and losing, success and failure.
But now I can get back to planning my trip to your country and my friend in the UK will not have the responsibility of having a copy on hand when I set down in Heathrow in two weeks time :)
Thankyou for a great book

Hi.
In school at the moment (2nd year) we are reading all the books that have been nominated for the Carnegie Medal. The 2nd book that i decided to read was 'the knife of never letting go'. It took me a while to get into it but when i did i was hooked. This storyline line is such a GREAT idea and i think it would take a genius to come up with it. I absolutley LOVED it and the ending was soo dramatic. Pleease Please Please Please dont kill of Viola :( I actually get so emotional about the characters even tho they're not real. it was the best book that i've ever read. it even tops all the Harry Potter Books. If you dont win tthis competition i'm going to be really shocked. You'l definetly be getting my vote. I need to go and buy 'The ask and the answer' now as i can't bear the suspense any longer.

thanks
x

Hi!

Saw you today and the talk thing at Avon Valley (don't know the posh word, sorry!) I did really like your book, 'The Knife of Never Letting Go' but I have to say I think that you should have left it at one book with the cliffhanger - though, as I haven't read the second one, I can't really talk.

I asked you for some help with my story, and I think the advice will be really useful, but I also wanted to ask (though obviously I know you're busy, and I don't mind if you say no!) would you be interesting in reading it so far? It's a bit rude of me to ask, I know!

But well dont on your books, they're really amazing and gripping. Your visit and talk was really interesting and told me quite a lot about how to write books.

Rosa

Hello!

Met you today at the thingie at Avon Valley (sorry I don't know what you call it!) and I love the books! Can't wait for the next one! My Friend Ruby was really glad that Ben and Cillian were "together together" by the way, and I still think that Mayor Prentiss is mean for being a son hater, but it just makes the story all that much better! And you shouldn't feel too bad for being beaten by my dad, he only beat you by THREE MINUTES! Which isn't all that much at all! (maybe if that silly bollard looked where it was going and that silly car didn't need to be cursed you would have beaten him. LOL!)Love the website by the way! It's coooooooool! And now Rosa is writing to you but i want to post mine first. so WELL DONE! YAY!

Ellen xxx

Hi!

I'm in Secondary School and have read The Knife Of Never Letting Go (Twice) and have almost finished the Ask And The Answer.

I love your books. And find Todd and Viola easy to relate to although I have never been through any of the situations they have been through.

I was thrilled to find that The Ask And The Answer was out a whole month ahead of it's release date. Even though I only bought it this weekend. I cannot wait for the third book, I just hope I don't have too long to wait.

Erin, 15

Absolutely loved "Knife of never letting go"!! I actually stumbled upon it by accident...safe to say, best accident ever! Unfortunately i'll have to bite my nails a while longer while i wonder what happened to Viola and Todd. The joys of living in South Africa, book releases are delayed. I think its time to visit Kalahari.net....

Really love the books. Hope you keep writing!

Hi Patrick, I just finished 'The Knife of Never Letting Go'. I work in a library and was intrigued by the title after tidying shelves in the young adult section and i've got to tell you I absolutely loved it! You are an excellent writer and i now have the second book on request and praying that it comes to me soon.
Having said that I do have one small problem with 'The knife; Manchee reminds me so much of my own little pup so you can imagine which part i'm talking about!!

Thank you so much for an entertaining weekend of reading,
Carly :-)

Hey Patrick,
I read The Knife of Never Letting Go ages ago, and though it was brilliant, and could not wait for the second book to come out.
I then forgot for some time about it, until i found the book again, and thought the second one might be out, but no, it was a few months before it was to be released, well, it arrived saturday morning, and i finished it this morning, so within 24 hours!
I absolutley loved it, it was amazingly written, i love how you kept throwing us off balance with who was really doing good and who was bad. And everytime there was doubt for Todd or Viola about there feelings for each other made my stomach turn lol.
I am really looking forward to your next book in the trilogy, its gonna be good i know, thanks for all your work =D =D
Ross

I just finished reading The Knife of Never Letting go and I will probably buy The Ask and the Answer tomorrow. I only read this as part of the Carnegie book award but with only 1 left to read i think this will be my favourite. Keep writing awesome books. =)

Hi Patrick,

I know i already commented on your blog about 5 times accidently, I'm sorry about that!

I just wanted to show you my picture of how i imagine prentisstown (the old one)

http://yfrog.com/0dprentisstownwallpaperj

I really enjoyed both books, they top the chart!
I think i already sent you the link to the review.

I am going to try to do new prentisstown as well sometime soon.

You were by far the most interesting author we saw at Hay Festival, and i really liked your tips on writing and the "truth" of the story. I really dont like it when a story covers up the truth or censors it. It makes me feel belittled. So, basically i like your style of writing! =P

Also, when we lived in the US, we visited for Belvoir!

Charlie

To anyone who wants to know, it was done it photoshop with a tablet in about 2 hours. It's not my best and is a bit sloppy but i really just wanted to give a rough idea of how i imagined the town!

Hi Patrick,
I just finished the first book in your series 'the knife of never letting go' and felt compelled to seek out a site like this and post my feedback. I am an avid reader, I have read hundreds, if not thousands of books and I can't say I have ever read anything like what you've written. It was so fresh and original and compelling and really got me thinking. The perspectives you used were so real and it is amazing how you were able to break away from your own frame of reference and give your characters a totally different way of seeing things. Congratulations! I can't wait to read the second book. Oh and by the way, I cried soooo hard when [edited for spoilers, sorry!]. Probably harder then I ever cried during any book OR movie. Thanks for the great reading experience!

Hi Patrick, Just to say saw you at both things at Hay, and found you to be the best discovery in what was a very inspiring 3 days at the Festival. Your comments on writing for yourself, understanding that there's no such thing as a typical teenager and the "joy" that any artist of integrity exudes all resonated so much with me, amongst many more. Will now be buying up your previous books, and waiting for all your future ones! Hope you win the Carnegie!

hello :)
I just finished reading The Ask and the Answer and i think it was amazinggggg
I finished it in two days! I was up a whole night just reading.
I loved The Knife of Never Letting Go, as well, but I honestly think The Ask and the Answer was even better.
It was soo exciting to read and I was never able to guess what was going to happen next. It was just so unpridectable.
I especially loved how the story was [edited for spoilers, sorry!]
Thanks so much.
I'm literally DYING to read the final book!!!
and ideas what it's going to be called?
Have you started it yet?

Hey there!
I just finished The Ask and the Answer and I thought it was a brilliant sequal to The knife of never letting go!
You are one of my all time favourite writers and left me sitting up reading till the early hours of the morning.
Cant wait for book 3!

Hi Patrick

I've just begun to read La voix du couteau and i'm amazed by your writing and your vision. As a french SF reader i got to say that you've just entered a tiny circle of happy-fews with the kind of Iain Banks and Peter Hamilton.

I should have been reading Lord of the Flies last night for my GCSE English, but I put it aside for this. Seeing as it was a bit long to be reading in one night, I spent most of...Friday, was it? Most of Friday wishing I'd stayed up later and read through it. Its one of those books (and I haven't had one in a while) where I literally have to stop myself skipping paragraphs to get the the next twist in the plot. I laughed, I cried, I'm a fan of Ben and Cillian and...well, there's not much else to say, except it was a good book.
Ohh, I just read a comment from a girl called Emma and thought I'd written it. Freaky head rush.

And finally...hello robot. Had to be done. Sorry.

hey!
you came to our school in Dublin today, 15th may! We have had many authors in and you were one of my favourites! We haven't had an author in for ages since jenny valentine came in(im sure our teacher told oyu about that tragedy) and your books our so amazing! and I loved the story you made about sam! I bought both your books because they just sounded so good and you are so funny (especially the nine months later bit...)

I just want to really thank you for coming to the school and hope your third book goes well!

I read 'The Knife Of Never Letting Go' in school and absolutely loved it! I am currently reading through 'The Ask And The Answer' and it is also amazing. The characters are great and I'm still upset about [edited for spoilers, sorry] :(

I can't put 'The Ask And The Answer' down, It's too good!
They are the best books I've read in years and am anxiously awaiting any further titles from you.

Leon Stott

P.S My teacher is Tony Skelton who commented as well on May 11th :D

Hey Pat, Im a Year 9 student living in Salford. In English at the moment, we are reading The Knife of Never Letting Go. I am Amazed and Hooked. The best book i have ever read. The Ask and The Answer, I am purchasing tommorow, and im very excited bout Chaos Walking: Book 3.
Drew Burdaky, 14
PS my English teacher is Anthony Skelton who recently left u a message

You need to write faster! Just finished the second book, which I ordered from England (Candlewick couldn't get me an ARC soon enough) and am once again stunned. I love the way the story advances and the big picture becomes clearer (and I can hear a lot of today's stress in their situation) and the characters and the moral ambiguity and, well, just the whole freakin' thing. I can't remember when I've met characters I loved (or hated) more. It's powerful, brutal, exhilarating stuff.

OMG.. I loved the Knife of Never Letting Go! It was sooo good!
I literelly JUST finished The Ask and The Answer...i have one word... WOW
Soo fantastic! I just want to know if there is going to be another one?! There HAS to be.. right?
It was left on SUCH a cliffhanger! I cried so much... was awful. When is the estimated time of release for the next one?

YOU'VE DONE IT AGAIN AND NOW WE ALL NEED TO WAIT! I missed [edited for spoilers]...write fast, pleeassse!
=)

I loved your book, The Knife of Never Letting Go! It made me laugh it made me cry. I hope everything works out in the next book, The Ask and the Answer! I doubt it will knowing your type of writing. I am in America so I can't get your next book for a while. :( I am hoping I can order it online from the UK. You rock! Your book is one of my very favorites!!!

~Keep Writing,
Kyra Dougherty :P

I love the knife of never letting go. It is so centimental. [edited for spoilers, sorry!]
I can't wait till i get The ask and answer book.
love your book. so great. your my favourite author now. sorry Darren Shan. You are my second favourite author.

Dear Patrick Ness,

I have just finished The Knife Of Never Letting Go, and I would just like to tell you that I thought it was absolutely amazing!!
I am reading it as part of the Carnegie Shadowing scheme, and I really, really want it to win!! Last night I nearly finished the book, and was determined to finish it by today so for the rest of this morning I was reading the book at school. As soon as I had finished it, I ran to our school library and began gushing to the school librarian about how much I loved the book. Most of my friends have read it or are currently reading it now. Now I can't wait to read The Ask and the answer!
Thank you so much for writing such amazing books, and giving me a new series of books to fall in love with.

Lots of Love

Louise xxx

p.s Why, why, why [edited for spoilers]???

Hi Patrick,
As a teacher teaching your first Prentisstown book to Year 9 students in sunny Salford, I loved it and they are gripped. Just bought the second book and am already engrossed. Some of the finest teenage writing I have come across. Also, you're right. The Doves album is an absolute corker. It's even better when they do it live.

Dude, you did it again.
I loved loved LOVED it. You made me stay up til stupid o'clock though, and I was like a zombie in work. I have to say Mayor/President Prentiss is a really good character. He actually frightened me! Miss Manchee so much.
Can't wait for your next book, I am so eager to spend more time with Todd and Viola.
I loved Angharrad too, she's lovely.
Well done, Patrick!

Thanks,
Lisa

Well, you've done it again with THE ASK AND THE ANSWER...Now I've to wait another year for the concluding volume, darnit...Great stuff, Patrick, might bump into you at the CBI Conference in Dublin too and get you to sign a couple. Best of luck! Karl

Hello Patrick,
I wanted to give you feedback on what we thought of 'The Ask and the Answer' We have 22 readers in our group and over half read 'Ask...' and most gave it 10/10! Below are some comments and some questions!

The Ask and the Answer is a great book. The twists are always unexpected but brilliant. I'm already ready to read the last in the trilogy because the ending is really gripping. 10/10 Katherine B.

Interesting twist @ the end. 9/10 Sam S.

The Ask and the Answer is amazing. It's always unpredictable which makes it even more exciting! Q: Why did ____ untie ____?!!! (omitted to avoid spoiler). 9/10 Charlotte S.

The Ask and the Answer is absolutely amazing. Definately 10/10! I predict that in the next book that ______ will actually be on ____ and ____'s side and not _____.
10/10 Robert S.

I think that the book, The Ask and the Answer was really good because it kept on changing storylines. I like the way that the two main characters kept saving each other. 7/10 Nathan S.

Congrats on the Tiptree.

Don

Yes, I loved The Knife..too. I loved the way that it explores politics, langauge, expression, relationships, feminism, adolescence, religion and cultural identity, and is still completely accesilble and easy to read. I love the way that my thirteen year old sister has enjoyed it equally as much as I have and that it has given us something to share. Thank you. I think it deserves to become a universal classic.

Hello,

Just wanted to wish you luck for the run on Sunday. Hope you're drinking plenty of water and eating lots of lovely pasta.

Am getting itchy waiting for the next book. I had to re-read TKONLG just to tide me over, and all it's done is make me excited about the end again.

All the best, Alison & all at Bury Libraries.

Today,I just finished the french version "la voix du couteau". I really loved your book. Like it is written in The Times in november,"it's the one I looked forward to reading each night".
I'm not a teenager anymore and I don't think it's a children book.
When I finished the last page I was really glad to discover that you have already written the second book, but I'll have to wait because my english is not good enough to read the original version.
Sorry for my english.
A french reader

I just wanted to say that i read the book, cover to cover as i was walking around, never once put it down, running into doors and poles and most often windows and other students. It was so great. And I found this passage that I want to use as a monologue for my next serious audition. Its the page after Todd kills a spackle. The first time i read it I started crying. Its like I could hear his anguish, and fear, and mourning, and self hatred just screaming in agony right off the page. It was amazing. When I monologued the passage for my friends i was crying and shaking appropriately, its a great page. Thank you for the wonderful book. Its very inspiring and very wise

You are so frustratingly honest! I know there are no such things as completely happy endings...life goes on, after all, after the final chapter has come to an end, after the final word has been written - and we know that the lives of (even imaginary) characters continue! Life isn't as tdy as many novels make out! But you...! You made me wait for the the second instalment of the Knife of Never Letting Go and I knew that as soon as I took the Ask and the Answer off the shelf that when I finished it I would be left in the same position as I was on completing the first book of the trilogy - unsatiated and wanting to know 'What happens now?!' So now I have to wait until you decide to finish the final book in the trilogy - before I can be immersed again in your clever concepts and Out Of This World, In This World, Where in the World, Too Much Like This World characters and situations that you claim is teenage literature! I am hooked! So thanks for that, Mr Ness! Seriously, though - thank you!

Hello Patrick,

I am currently reading The Knife of Never Letting Go and I am not done with it but, i find it very fascinating. :)
A friend of mine, Adrian read it, and he told me it was a excellent book to read! So I took his word into consideration.
Your a filled with true intelligence and knowledge and originality to write a creative, yet different novel like this. You followed your dream, and look where it got you!
My dream is to become a artist. Someday maybe, Everyone has to have a dream to start off with.
But although this book is amazing. The whole concept of it, and how no day repeats its self, how balance plays a role. Keep doing what your doing.
Be smart, Be easy and be blessed Patrick!

Ally.

A big hello from the "Big Apple". I stubbled across The Knife of Never Letting Go while picking up Agatha Christie for my son's ELA class. I read it in two days - couldn't put it down. What a moving book! I just gave it to my 19 year old nephew to read. i can't wait for book two - it feels like I have to wait FOREVER!!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CREATIVE WRITING!!!

Hi Patrick/Mr. Ness/Authour of one of the best books ever written,

I've been ill over the past few days and yesterday I decided to begin reading your book "The Knife of Never Letting Go" and honestly, I haven't been able to put it down. I have just finished and I'm am utterly speechless. I've alreay begged my family to read it and recommended it to all of my friends. It was such a touching, heart breaking story.

I CANNOT wait for the sequel!

Thank you SO much! x

Hi Patrick!
Oh my word! I was literally crying and laughing and smiling out loud in the book! Amazing! This is the first book that has ever made me do that! Well done!!!!!!!!!
Can't wait for the next one!!
Thanks a million!
Kerry

Hello Mr Patrick Ness

I came accross your book in the kids section, looking for Charlie Brown books of all things!

Last night I woke my husband in tears, then gave our pup a great big cuddle!! I read through the night and finished this morning.

The passage where Todd looks at Viola and realises that he can 'read her' noise or no noise, was so beautiul - I pondered upon that a lot.

Like many others, I am looking forward to the next instalment.

Cheers

Theresa

Wow... just.. wow...

The Knife of Never Letting Go is truthfully the best book I have ever read in my life! When I finished it I literally just realized that I have to wait until the second book comes out! I have to say that the characters, plot and the intuitive noise were all so engrossing that I lost myself in your book!

Cheers you to Patrick Ness,

Sheldon, Auckland, New Zealand

I'm sure everyone has read the popular twilight series
and well i thought KONLG was heaps better. One day i decided to borrow a book from our school library and saw this book on a stand, it was brand new,unread and looked really interseting. so i borrwed it took it home started, and couldnt stop reading. I was both sad and happy when i found it was a series sad becuse i had to wait another year for it to come out, and happy that it continued on. This book is amazing and please, keep writing!
Love Kate

I finished KONLG and immediately went online to find out when the next one was to be released - here in Aus we have to wait till July . So I told my students (I'm a high school librarian) that I had bought a ticket to the UK for to buy a copy. And so I have! Loved the book and won't wait any longer than I have to :) Like your spelling too...
Cheers

I'm sorry, but I can't forgive you for (the heartbreaking bit). I found I had to invent my own alternative version of that particular story line in order to continue reading without resenting certain characters. Other than that, a fabulous story. I read probably 2 books a week and am always on the look out for something fresh and original. Your book was that and so much more. I'm thoroughly looking forward to the next one.

Sure you've heard this a hundred times before, but this morning I reached a point in the book where I had to stuff KONLG back into my bag very quickly and take several deep breaths so as not to burst into tears on a crowded bus on the way to work... and then spent the rest of the day sulking and/or psyching myself up to carry on reading... Glad I did, though.

Fabulous stuff. And YA, as per usual, is where all the decent genre stuff is living at the moment - Suzanne Collin's 'The Hunger Games' sucked me into checking out the new arrivals being 'ghettoised' in that section and your cover art caught my eye. But obviously, you had me hook line and sinker at Manchee's first line :o)

Mr Ness,

I got The Knife of Never Letting Go as an uncorrected book proof while doing work experience at a bookstore, and never has Fate served me as well as it did that day. I was hooked from the moment I saw the cover. Your book was extremely well-paced and full of emotion, and the concept with the Noise was very original (and awesome!). I immediately made my book-loving friend read it so I finally had someone to squeal with over... certain plot points, and we're both eagerly awaiting the next book!
Thank you for your wonderful addition to my bookshelf!

Avid fan,
Nadia

Mr. Ness

Of all of the books I have read in the past couple of years (and that list is quite a long one), yours is the best, most emotional and thought provoking that I have ever seen. The Knife of Never Letting Go was, hands down, the best book I have ever read.

Your style was fresh and interesting in a time where many YA books just get the same old treatment. The future sequels (they cant come fast enough) are instant additions to my bookshelf.

Thank you Mr. Ness, for reminding me what it is I read for, for showing me that it is possible to have new, inventive and creative ideas, and then to give them a solid literary backing.

Your fan after a single read,
Alex

I love The knife of never letting go.My favorite book of the new year so far. When is the sequal coming out? I live in the US and your book just came out over here.

To Dear Mr Ness,

Just giving you a little electronic pat on the back. I have been readin YA and Children's Literature for my course and I think the Knife of Never Letting Go is incredible, a heavy meal that lingered within a year of feasts.
I always know I like a book when I walk around the house lamenting and moaning, chattering feverishly about characters and threatening to bite things until I get the next story in the series. I was lucky enough to be able to read His Dark Materials in one day-long sitting, filled with little sleep, hardly much more sustenance and lots of nail biting. My only regret is I must wait until JULY to continue the walking chaos series.

Let us hope I do not fade away with anticipation before then.

Hope to see you in Melbourne Australia before long.

Best wishes with your marathon training (you certainly like to lock yourself in for long gruelling things don't you?)

Suez.

Just finished 'The Knife Of Never Letting Go' after a friend recommended it, and it was AMAZING. It made me so sad at the...y'know...SAD BIT. But I got really excited near the end, only to have my positive emotions choked by that RAPSCALLION cliffhanger.
You are an amazing writer, Mr Ness, an inspiration. Truly.

Your faithful reader,
Jasmine Cooper

Hey Patrick!
I love Knife of Never Letting Go. Why will the second one only come out in May? We all have to wait and wait and wait. I started crying at the end. My brother thought I was really hurt. I read almost the whole book to my friend. I love it. I just got a new guitar (I always give my guitar names). I called him Manchee. one of my favourite characters in all the books I've read!He made me laugh, and what happened to him made me cry. I kept thinking that it's not true, and he'll come back.
I can't wait until MAY!!! Keep writing!

The Knife Of Never Letting Go was not just a book- it was an unbelievable, suspenseful, breath-taking adventure with passion and heart all tied into something more then just a normal novel. All the characters, especially Todd, where amazingly real. I cried when it ended, for the sheer fact that it had ended. I look forward to The Ask And The Answer being just as thrilling and compelling. You, Patrick Ness, are an inspiration to writers, readers and daydreamers everywhere. I can hardly wait for the books to come.

Your faithful reader,
Lixsa D.
Teenager
Bookworm
Escapist
Fangirl

hi patrick ness.

i just wanted to say that the knife of never letting go was seriously ... the best book.
i cried and everything.. and then did an english project on it.
can I meet Todd please? because I think i might just be in love with him.

i can't WAIT for the ask and the answer to come out in Australia. Can you send me one from Britain in May? I can't wait till July! Please....?

You've been to so many cool places.. you're so lucky.
Hope you had fun in the marathon, you're braver than me.

from Isabelle Kimber, aged 14, Adelaide, Australia.

I've been sitting here for a while not knowing what to write because there are no words to describe how I feel about your writing!
I love your book 'The Knife of Never Letting Go' to pieces and I felt so in tune with Todd and Viola. I'd hold my breath at some points and almost sob at others. You're a fantastic writer! I just NEED to tell you one thing!
NEVER LET YOUR BOOKS BECOME FILMS. No matter how much money you'd recieve. To put a face on Todd Hewitt would ruin everything. Keep your books lovely and as books. :)
And please, bring on May the 4th!!!

From Ami-Jaye, 16 from Essex.

I just finished "The Knife of Never Letting Go" and all I can say is "wow, just wow!". Truly one of the best books I have ever read and I'm 59 years old (though I feel 16 in my head as one of the earlier commenters stated). It's a shame this book is labeled "young adult" as that means so many adults won't have the pleasure of reading it. I'm happy that I heard about it on the Sirius XM radio book channel. I would hate to have missed it! Thank you so much.

TKONLG

Simply Sublime!

so i'm waitin in line watching all these kids keel over tear drenched..good for you! the old human heart has been forgotten by the movies, the news, and everything else this world has to offer. next time your in kyoto, come visit. we also teach the value of the human heart in our dance school.much cuter than that idiot robot. and much more genki too. ha ha. just got the rhino book, won't let me put it down, they follow me into the bath, imagine the 80 year old tatoo encrusted yaks, who have seen everything, starin at the rhino's that follow me in. i have to buy them all a beer just to keep in good standing. manchee found a friend in kimchee, and is taking a long vacation from your cruel fingers, but he told me to let you know no hard feelings.sometimes it takes a dog to bring out the tears, i know i cared more about him and his loyal courage than any of the others, but then again, i am an old fart(64) a bit weary of so called adult humans, so dogs all love me because i love them, whats not to love, in a world of greedheads and cowards, all animals stand high above, patient and hopeful that someday, us poor mutated monkeys will see the light. thanks diogenes, for shining the light where it needs to be seen.
you are one king hell writer..ya make me glad to be alive..and hopeful for the future. your mt. bike riding ex-hell's angel pal from kyoto. x

Well! Have just finished it and feel utterly exhausted. I'd been told there was a cliff-hanger ending but was absolutely blown away by how brilliantly you did it. Went straight to Amazon to pre-order Book 2. I had exactly the same problem when Philip Pullman was writing His Dark Materials - waiting for the next one was agony. Really hope it's on the Carnegie shortlist.

Just finished reading The Knife of Never Letting Go and cried like a baby - especially when [edited for spoilers, sorry]!! This really is one of the best books I've read in a long time.

Cannot wait for book two.

Thanks for a brilliant novel, the best I have read in a long time. That rare combination of great writing, wonderful characters that you really care about, and intriguing story. The only downside [well, other than having to wait for book 2!] is that I wanted so much to see how it ended that I rushed through the last hundred pages. Big relief to read the jacket of the next book on here, and see that [will leave the name unnamed!] is ok. Btw, loved there being a male/male couple included so casually. Thanks again for such a out of the ordinary read.

Hi Patrick,

Just got quite a few copies of "The Knife" sold in Hawaii, and I read it again on the airplane back. Seems to be becoming my airplane read.

I must again be amazed at the quality of the character development and the development of the plot and main points.

When is "The Ask and the Answer" (I didn't notice now many askings there were in the first book) coming out? I need to plan a trip to Europe to get it, perhaps. Sponsoring, well, we'll see.

Stephan

I have never been so deeply affected by a book in my life. After a particular scene, I had to stop reading. Books rarely make me cry but I sobbed and wept uncontrollably and had to wait before I could pick up the book again.

Thank you for such a beautiful book.

Hi!!
Just about finished 'the knife of letting go', got to the last page and screamed out NO!!!
I didnt realise it was part of a series! So now, so now i have to wait! wait wait wait.
to make it worse, it was only published in 2008 so the second one shall be miles away.
oh well, its worth it. i will quit my complaining.
todd, viola... what becomes of you?

you've got to be kidding me!

i just finished The Knife of Never Letting Go like five minutes ago, and i am in dire desparation to know what happens to Todd and Viola. i feel like i just ran all those miles with them too. i don't think i've ever gasped and cried out obscenities while reading a novel as much as i did while i was reading this book. also i've never wept that much from a work of fiction.

The Knife of Never Letting Go happens to be one of the most well written novels i've read in a long time. a breath of fresh air because its a new kind of story that needs to be told.

O m g
=]

I finished The Knife Of Never Letting Go in about 5 days. Talk about an awesome book! =]

There are 2 things that made me mad.
1. The [edited for spoilers, sorry]. You know what I mean.
2. Where is the 2nd one??

haha, I'm like "omg I NEED that 2nd book!"

Can't wait to get it! =D

I agree with Sinistra--I am really mad at you right at the moment for writing this nearly effing perfect book. It's been a long time since I've had my heart broken that badly by a novel. But I'll get over it. Looks like the sequel won't be out until September in the States, so I may have to order it from the UK. Keep writing--not just because I want you to finish the series but because the strength of this novel makes me eager to see where you'll go in the future.

I haven't finished the Knife of Never Letting Go yet. But I have gotten to that part. Yes, -that- part.

I just wanted you to know that although you've written what may be the best book I've read in a very long time, I hate you for doing so right now.

Mucho loves, keep up the good work.

I loved the knife of never letting go, but, damn, what a cliffhanger!

I mean that in a good way, though. ;) Can't wait for May!

Hi Patrick! I just finished "The Knife of Never Letting Go", and i absolutly loved it! It was so amazing and i can't believe how you left it like such a cliff hanger like that! I need to know what happens to Todd and Viola. Can't wait for the second book!

I loved the Knife of Never Letting Go. Todd and Viola were such awesome characters. Also, I was intranced by how the story flowed together so much and so fluidly. The character's personalities were quite good. My favorite characters so far are Todd and Ben. It was, and still is, a good read for those days when nothing else seems right to do. Thanks for writing such a great book!

I began “The Knife of Never Letting Go” yesterday and, unable to put it down, I have just finished absolutely exhausted. What an adventure! I have laughed and I have cried, and gosh did I cry!! At times I had to cover the page with my hand as I read to avoid jumping ahead to find out what happens – the narrative is so engrossing. This is simply an outstanding novel that I will recommend to many and I eagerly await the next exciting adventure. May is too far away!!

I loved The Knife of never letting go!! But couldnt believe how it ended at such a cliff hanger!! I was so depressed cause i was in france and wud have to wait until i was back in england to buy the next one, and then i re read it and found out it wasnt coming out till may!! but great book and i like how it was rlly thick seeing as i finish books too fast! will you give snippets as we get closer to may? :D

Loved your book,"The knife of never letting go". My mistake was reading it before the last of the "Chaos Walking" series was published. Now I have to wait anxiously for each new book to come out in print! Sigh! It is a shame that books have to be put into boxes such as, "Young Adult", because that may turn older adults away from reading your your excellent book. I am 58 years young and waiting.

Hey Patrick,

I have to say The Knife of Never Letting Go was one of the best novels I have read in a very long time.It engrossed me from page 1 and since Christmas day I've spent many hours (and sleepless nights)practically glued to it.It's even inspired me to write a novel of my own. (Although I doubt I'll get it published anytime soon ;). )

I can't wait for the next book "The Ask And The Answer", conveneitely coming out in May,the month of my birthday.

Keep up the great work,
Adrian-14

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED "THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO"!!!!!
IT WAS SOOOO GOOD AND I CANT WAIT FOR BOOK 2!
THANKS FOR A GREAT READ!

I cried when [edited for spoilers, sorry!]. My whole family randomly say "poo Todd" every so often :)
I can't wait for The Ask and the Answer. I work in a Waterstone's bookshop and I recommend your book to every single customer I see.
Very original!
Lisa

i read knife of never letting go and loved it!!
(great book - am buying the rest soon)

more please :D

thanks

this is the first book i've ever actually commented about. says something about the writer, huh?

Alex

Hi Patrick!

The Knife of Never Letting Go, wow, it was awesome! I really got attached to Manchee. xD I can't wait for the next book!
Keep writing!

Alina

I absolutely loved The Knife of Never Letting Go but I can't believe I have to wait until May to find out what happens to Todd and Viola! I'm a teacher at a secondary school and we're reading your book in a reading group I'm running. It was absolutely stunning and I couldn't stop reading.

Dear Patrick,

Thank you for not panicking. How nice it is to realise that not only can you write a splendid book, but that you are a calm sort of chap also. I wish everyone else would just have a nice cup of tea and a lie down. Preferably with a good book.

Cheers!

It is usually hard for me to find a book I can stick with past the first 5 chapters, but I must say that The Knife of Never Letting Go completely caught my attention. The entire concept was mind-blowing! The best thing about the book, though, was that I could not predict the ending. Please make the books to follow just as amazing! I must know what happens to Todd and Viola!

Wow, what can I say, The Knife of Never Letting Go was amazing and unforgettable!!
This was the most original book I have read in a LONG time which was why I found it a bit weird at first (like all the spelling mistakes) but then I ended up loving it, can't wait to start reading the next book in the series!!
Ingrid

It was an absolute delight to read "The Knife of Never Letting Go." I literally had to fight myself to put down the book. The choices were pay attention in class, get sleep, or read the amazing story. Unfortunately, I chose to get sleep. Finished the book in two and half days though. ^__^

Hi Patrick,
I am just writing to say thank you. Thank you for an incredible book; The Knife Of Never Letting Go was stunning and I only hope there is a sequel to it. But don't just take my word for it read the reviews (includig mine) on the Manchester Book Awards website. http://www.manchesterbookaward.com/book/169/
Thank you again, I do hope you make the shortlist.

Just to follow what everyone has been saying the Knife of Never Letting Go is a very good book worth any award. But lots have people have been asking "What's happening in the next one" Now in my point of view if it's a trilogy this will be the one where... [I had to leave off the rest because of spoilers, but he makes some very good guesses, one of which is exactly right (I'm not saying which, though) -- Patrick]
Tej 10

I must say that there have only been a handful of books that have kept me up until five in the morning, and The Knife of Never Letting Go was definately one of tehm. It was fantastically writtenand extremely intense. The only criticism I could possibly give your book is that it was too good. It's not easy going to school on no sleep! I cannot wait for the next book in the Chaos Wlking series.

Keep up the good work!

Hi Patrick, I think you are a great writer! I read lots of adventure/horror/thriller/sci-fi books with a lot of sad events but the first chaos walking book was the first ever book that made me stop and think... [spoilers regretfully removed by Patrick, but it's a great comment!] ....anyways great writing Pat keep it up!

the 'knife of never letting go' was just brill..kept making me hold my breath which isn't such a good idea when you've had a few pink gins to drink. Read some of it to my 7yr old son at bedtime (before the gin) who was so fixated that he drew the spackle (which looks a little like that giant robot behind you!)
take care

Hi!

KONLG is awesome! I read it in 3 days, and I`m only 11.
When`s the next book out?

Bye!

Hi Patrick!

I am waiting with anticipation for the next installment to the knife of never letting go. I was gripped and finished it in two days, I tried not to but just one more chapter, one more chapter....

Can you give us an incling as to when the next one might be coming, and what it might be called? Well done on such an amazing book, it truly had me from start to finish. Keep up the good work, I am defintely a fan!

If I was a bloke, my Noise would be shouting "WHEN'S THE NEXT ONE OUT? WHEN'S THE NEXT ONE OUT? WHERE'S MY BEER? WHEN'S THE NEXT ONE OUT?"

I'm not a bloke. I am silent. But still wondering.

Also, your book drew blood today! Scrabbling around in my bag, and sliced my hand along the corner of the cover. Books usually just leave scars on the inside, but KONLG obviously wasn't satisfied with that...

Loved it, and can't wait for the next volume. I'll just have to entertain myself with Hennington and Topics for now.

I did email you before I saw this page, so I shall reiterate in public.

WOW - The Knife of Never Letting Go is fantastic. A real page-turner - moving, exciting, original. Brilliant.
I can't wait for the next instalment.

Heartfelt congratulations on winning the Guardian's Children's Fiction Prize. Have requested KONLG from the library - and am truly looking forward to reading it for me and hopefully also recommending it to my nephews/nieces. Inspirational - thanks -jft.

oh my...

heart still beating,
it is the only noise I can hear.
spent all day finding quiet places
out of the rain devouring the knife of never letting go.

It is a book you can taste.

Thank you.

Just finished The Knife of Never Letting Go (congratulations on the Guardian award, by the way) and have to say that I loved it. Gripping and original and very, very more-ish. When can we expect the next instalment?

Well done on winning the Guardian Award!

Many many deserved congratulations on winning the Guardian Award! Always great to see quality fiction recognised. Enjoy!!

Congratulations on winning the Guardian Chlidren's Fiction Prize! Having reviewed your book to win the place to be there at the party I was very pleased you won. It was a great book and it was very interesting speaking to you.

Hi Patrick,
I recently complete the Twilight saga by Stephenie Meyer and was a little sad that it was over and I had nothing new to read, so I popped off to my local bookstore and saw your beautifully designed book. I am a designer so it was the unique and tactile cover that made me pick up the book and buy it. Once I had read the first page later that day I was hooked, I even forgot to eat my dinner! I continued to read the book until I fell asleep later that night. What an enchanting story supported by wonderfully refreshing and creative typography that made the visual imagery jump around in my head. The only negative thing I can say about the book was that the ending came to fast. I just wanted to keep reading and reading it. I loved the cliffhanger ending and cannot wait for the next part. Please don’t keep us waiting to long!

Hi Patrick
I've just finished reading The Knife of Never Letting Go and I had to tell you that it completely blew me away. I know it's aimed at youngsters but in my head I'm not 60 but more like 16 - honest! I can't wait for the next volume to be published so I'm really hoping you're not intending to do a JK Rowling and keep us hanging on and on in desperate suspension. I listen to a lot of books on audio (after I've read them on paper!) and find it brings another dimension to a story. Is there any chance of this book being published on CD?
Best wishes
Eileen Kenny - UK

I've just finished reading 'The Knife of Never Letting Go', which I picked up not knowing it was for 'young adults', but am now at least glad to know that 30 years old is still young for adults. So bravo for making me feel particularly youthful today. As for the book, it was marvellous. A joy from playful start to emotional end. However, I must now go and commit horrendous crimes* to steal a copy of your finished second book in the series and then kidnap you and force you to write the third one really really quickly.

*all threats are merely fictitious... but 'Want book now, Todd!'

Hey Patrick!
It's Holz here and to be honest I'm a complete Book Nerd. Ask all my friends and they'll say that I came into school with a new book everyday. *blushs* Anyway, I really loved your book 'The Knife Of Never Letting Go.' and was wondering when then next one is coming out? I nearly cried ... In the middle of my Gym lesson, behind the benches :P
Keep Running and Writing!
Holly
Age~ 12

Hello again Patrick,

Just found your book in Sydney, but I can't seem to find in in Cairns. I'm glad to hear about the second book, I like the title. Looking forward to it already. Quite a good interview on the Buzz that I saw as well. A movie version would be truly impressive, and in my opinion, much better than any 'teen' fantasy or sci fi movies coming out of Hollywood these past few years. Then again, I think you book is much better written.

Farewell for now,

Stephan (SteveD)

I don't see why The Knife of Letting Go is dubbed as a work of "Teenage Fiction". It's truly one of the best books I've ever read and I'm no teenager. Finishing a book in under 48 hours is something I've never