Review: Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness

Published by Darren on May 14, 2010 | 22 Responses

“That was effing brilliant! (Only I don’t say ‘effing’, do I?)”

Review: Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG!

Okay, so I was tempted just to fill this review with the above and be done with it, but whilst it would be accurate, this book (and indeed the series) deserves just a little bit more. Even if it has taken me two weeks distance to be able to put my thoughts in to some coherent sense.

For those who don’t know, Monsters of Men is the third and last book in Patrick Ness’ Chaos Walking trilogy.

Following on again, from yet again jaw-dropping cliff-hanger in the previous book, we’re immediately thrown in to the action, and Todd and Viola attempt to stop a war and curtail the machinations of the two opposing leaders, before the new settlers arrive.

If you haven’t read the series yet a bit of advice:

“If you’re of a nervous disposition, then take appropriate steps before you start reading. If you are not of a nervous disposition. You soon will be…”

This book was one of the most ‘painful’ reading experiences of my life, every turn of the page was accompanied by a flinch, because there was always the risk that something really bad was about to happen, to characters I had grown to love.

To put into context I was more scared going into this book for the survival of Todd and Viola, than I ever was for Harry, Ron or Hermione in Deathly Hallows, and I didn’t trust JKR to let any of them survive…

I’m not going to tell you in this review, whether my fears were justified – I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you What I will say though, it was most definitely worth it…

Monsters of Men is an absolutely perfect ending to the series. One which does the series and everything Todd and Viola have been through in the previous two books, justice.

Want to know more? Then check out my reviews of the first two books in the Chaos Walking Trilogy!

Other Reviews to Consider:

Things Mean a Lot

Article written by Darren

Bart, is a fully signed up member of Book Addicts Anonymous ;) Despite, constantly fighting a losing battle against his T.B.R pile, he is never happier than when he manages to sneak a new book in to the house!

Follow @bartsbooks on Twitter.

22 Responses

Lenore May 14, 2010 at 9:23 pm | Permalink | Reply

I’m trying to write my review of this now (for dystopian August) and I also am finding it hard to say more than OMG! So amazing.
1. Darren May 14, 2010 at 10:05 pm | Permalink | Reply
  
  Wasn’t it just!
Nymeth May 14, 2010 at 9:52 pm | Permalink | Reply

lol, you actually did fill it with OMGs

I was more nervous reading this than Deathly Hallows too. And that’s saying A LOT.
1. Darren May 14, 2010 at 10:04 pm | Permalink | Reply
  
  Yeah, but that was all I was going to post at one point!
2. Karin May 18, 2010 at 10:16 pm | Permalink | Reply
  
  I agree. I was much more worried about Todd and Viola’s fate than I was about Harry’s.
  .-= Karin´s last blog ..MONSTERS OF MEN by Patrick Ness – REVIEW =-.
Becky May 15, 2010 at 1:40 am | Permalink | Reply

I want to read this one so bad!!! Definitely one of the books I’m most anticipating this year
1. Darren May 15, 2010 at 12:45 pm | Permalink | Reply
  
  I can promise it is worth the wait!
Louise May 15, 2010 at 12:10 pm | Permalink | Reply

Jus saw one row of OMGs and then I scrolled down to comments. I just received this one in the mail a few days ago and I have two books I need to finish before reading this one, although I can BARELY contain myself. I will have to get back to your review when I’ve read it myself.
1. Darren May 15, 2010 at 12:43 pm | Permalink | Reply
  
  Don’t know if I could have shown that much restraint.
Jill May 15, 2010 at 12:48 pm | Permalink | Reply

I soooo need to get going on this series! I’ve had the first one for a while and just haven’t gotten to it. Yet another one to add to my summer reading list that is waaaaaaay to long to begin with! But you review might push it to the top of the list. Man does it sound good!
1. Darren May 15, 2010 at 3:55 pm | Permalink | Reply
  
  I can’t stress this enough. Make sure you have the sequels handy, the cliffhangers are brutal!
Alyce May 15, 2010 at 9:06 pm | Permalink | Reply

I’m in the middle of the book right now, and for some reason am having a harder time getting into this one than I did with the first two books. I think the addition of the Spackle perspective might have something to do with it. I’m hoping in the end I like it as much as I did the first two.
.-= Alyce´s last blog ..Saturday Snapshot =-.
Clover May 17, 2010 at 11:50 am | Permalink | Reply

I’m reading this at the moment. But I’ve been reading it for a week, and the wait is killing me (I’m in the middle of finishing an important assignment AND studying for an exam) I’m about 300 pages in and I’ve said ‘OH MY GOD’ at least 10 times. So much in fact, that my partner (a non-reader) has asked me about the book.
.-= Clover´s last blog ..REVIEW: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver =-.
Karin May 18, 2010 at 10:14 pm | Permalink | Reply

@ Clover – My husband asked me the same thing while I was reading the book. I kept saying “Oh My God” and he’d say, “What in the world are you reading?”

I just finished the book today. I growled from frustration and was brought to tears! So so good!
.-= Karin´s last blog ..MONSTERS OF MEN by Patrick Ness – REVIEW =-.
Susan Hated Literature | Monsters of men May 24, 2010 at 9:50 pm | Permalink

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Drew May 30, 2010 at 7:42 am | Permalink | Reply

I have just read Monsters of Men, and OMG it was sooooo good. I read it in 2 days and am still only just getting over it!!
I cried when reading that book soo many times!!!
Its really well written and has to be just about one of the best books I have EVER read.
Monsters of Men just keeps you on edge all the time.
When I read the back of the book before actually reading it, it said “…. Heartbreaking…” and I just knew that either Viola or Todd was going to die and I couldnt put the book down!!!!!
Definately one of my best reads!!!!!! 5 out of 5!!!!!!
Shane June 7, 2010 at 8:06 pm | Permalink | Reply

OMG I am effing dying to read monsters of men. Can some1 tell me bout it a lil more? PLEAZE….
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