The Knife of Never Letting Go
by Patrick Ness
Interest age: 12+
Reading age: 12+
Published by Walker Books, 2008
About this book
Winner of the 2008 Booktrust Teenage Prize, the story begins in a small town where women have been banished and only men remain. Due to a virus, everyone can hear each other’s thoughts, which they call 'Noise'.
Todd Hewitt, the last boy in the town, is on the brink of manhood. Forced one day to flee through a nearby swamp, he stumbles upon a patch of silence and – surprisingly – the first girl he has ever seen. Despite their initial mistrust of each other, Todd and Viola team up to evade the men who are chasing him. As they flee he discovers much about himself, his family, about friendship and about prejudice.
The first in a series, this enthralling sci-fi novel grips readers throughout, presenting them with tough questions about identity, ethics and the nature of truth.
About the author
More books like this
-
The Ask and the Answer
by Patrick Ness
11 to 14 years
-
Piper at the Gates of Dusk
by Patrick Ness
11 to 14 years
-
And the Ocean Was Our Sky
by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Rovina Cai
11 to 14 years
-
A Monster Calls
by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Jim Kay
9 to 14 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Favourite dystopian books
Discover an array of dystopian worlds in our recommended booklist. These are suitable for 11 and upwards.
-
Best books for teens (teen)
Read our list of outstanding teenage books that either won or were shortlisted for the BookTrust Teenage Prize during its running from 2003-10. With fantasy, crime, horror and coming-of-age there is definitely something here for a book loving teen.