The Ask and the Answer

The book begins in the most epic way possible: the main character, Todd, slowly regains consciousness while bound to a chair in the center of an enormous room. Darkness surrounds him save for a small pool of light from a small stained glass window with a symbolic picture of the "New World." Around him, the pattern is repeated on a thin rug, reminding him of the horrors the new civilization has come to. In the darkness beyond his chair paces two of Todd's enemies: the evil man who he thinks of as Mayor, and his sidekick of sorts: a man who will do anything the Mayor says. Punches fly out of the deep blackness, attempting to press the truth out of the protagonist. Todd relives painful memories, betrayals and mistakes. The mood heightens when the Mayor evilly pretends to allmost murder him... However, it is only when he cleans Todd's wounds that Todd gives him the secret that could lead to his death, or that of the only person he can trust. Then:

The Mayor lets out a long, pleased-sounding breath."Good, Todd." He says. "I thank you."

He turns to Mr. Collins.

"Lock him up."
(Ness 19)

This book is amazing and Patrick Ness is an incredible writer and storyteller. That first passage is so incredible and breathless. Such a good book.