Fleeing from Mayor Prentiss and his army has been a long and dangerous journey for Todd and Vila, resulting in Vila on the edge of death as they arrive in Haven. Haven was supposed to be just that – a haven from the army, a place to find a cure for The Noise and finally a place to live in peace. It is anything but that.

Mayor Prentiss insists he is now to be called President Prentiss and Haven has also been renamed to New Prentisstown. Begging the president to save Viola, Todd agrees to everything.

Todd is locked in the town bell tower with Haven’s now ex Mayor. After some time, he is freed daily but put under the armed control of Davy Prentiss junior who treats Todd with his usual disdain. Todd is increasingly horrified by the treatment of the inhabitants of New Prentisstown.

Apart for months with barely minutes spent between them, Todd and Viola struggle with their new lives. Deep down they are the same as they were when on the run together, but they are now both influenced by the people who control them.

One of Todd’s jobs under the control of Davy Prentiss jnr is to help guard a group of 1500 Spackle as they slave for President Prentiss. Todd however is under as much guard as The Spackle, with armed soldiers constantly posted around them. The treatment of The Spackle is as manipulative as Todd’s treatment by President Prentiss, and even more shocking surprises are in store for Todd and Viola.

The Ask and the Answer is an enthralling middle to the Chaos Walking Trilogy. Tension slowly builds as both Todd and Viola share their stories via their own viewpoints. Their bond is tested again and again, through separation, manipulation, control and even torture.

Two leaders grapple for control with soldiers, bombs, attacks and spies. Can’t wait to read the final in the Trilogy – Monsters of Men.

Author – Patrick Ness

Age – 12+

Read a review for the first in the Trilogy 

Read a review for the final episode in the Trilogy

(2009, Walker Books, Series, Trilogy, Sci-fi, War, Control, Guns, Madman, Love, Aliens, Manipulation, Mind Control, Slavery, Multiple viewpoints, Choices, Loyalty, Action, Grief, Power, Revenge, Conflict)