The Knife of Never Letting Go

UPDATE: Re-read on April 2, 2024 !!!
4.5/5
I devoured this book when I was 18, and I remember it left a lingering, fuzzy impression on me. Fast forward a decade later, and with a newfound appreciation for the finer points of dystopian fiction (and a slightly sturdier wallet lol), I decided to revisit this series, hoping I could also finish the last two books once and for all. Let's just say... it hit different.

This time around, armed with an adult perspective, the novel's depth became startlingly clear. Marketed as a young adult book, “The Knife of Never Letting Go” tackles some brutally complex themes. The constant barrage of exposed thoughts, the suffocating structure of New World-ian society, and the fight for individuality – these are experiences that resonate far more powerfully with a seasoned reader.

Ness crafts wonderfully endearing characters with the likes of Viola Eadem Todd Hewitt and his loyal dog, Manchee (NOOOOO!!!!). On the flip side, the antagonists are chillingly effective – you can practically feel the EVIL radiating off the pages. The narrative also throws plenty of thought-provoking quotes your way, making you ponder the nature of society and oppression.

Honestly, “The Knife of Never Letting Go” is one of the best YA dystopian novels I've ever encountered. Re-reading it even strengthens that point. It's a shame the movie adaptation flopped because of how inaccurate and stupid it was. The world Ness created is begging to be brought to life on screen for a second chance, and I'd like to see this being adapted into a TV series. And that ending, though? How could you leave us with that! internal screaming

Off to the second book! My 18-year old self would be very proud.




ACTUAL RATING: 4.3 (Reviewed in April 21, 2014)[WARNING: This review may contain spoilers. So read at your own risk!]The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick is one of the most intriguing novels I have ever read. But I couldn't really find myself committed nor engaged during the first few chapters.Ness wrote this book in the perspectives/POVs of our young protagonist, Todd Hewitt. He's about to become a man at the age of 13 in about a month (according to Prentisstown's laws). Education isn't really essential in the story's setting, which is conveyed by the writer's grammatical and typographical errors. His companion, Manchee was also an important character in the story. Being there to guide and save Todd during times of conflicts and despair. I almost wept when he got killed, it was too damn soon in my own opinion. As for Viola, I don't have any complaints regarding with her character. She has a very mysterious personality which I really liked about, and hey! She saved our main character several times. Aaron's character, on the other hand, felt very bleak although I adored his bravery just to get killed (yeah you heard me right) by Todd (you'll learn why this is an important mission for him once you read the story). But unfortunately, he was killed by someone else and I wouldn't spoil who it was.The idea of the “Noise” also amazed me in so many ways. It's really unique and felt very original. It can be confusing at times but you'll quickly get the hang of it once you arrive at Part II. There are also terms/slangs that are written in this book but I won't compare it to The Maze Runner because it's very clear that this book came out first.I recommend this to people who are very patient when it comes to reading. It was really slow at first but it started to catch pace as soon as the intense parts came, like the author was already rushing through to finishing this book. It's really hard to put down and you'll finish it in no time ;)