Book-A-Day # 7: Monsters of Men

Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was a very good book, and I'm still thinking about some of the messages in it. I think that I liked the first two in the series better. President/Mayor Prentiss reminded me of Aaron, from the first book. The guy needed to die and just wouldn't. The book was fast paced, but going from one disaster to the next started to get a little old. The first two books had the action, but also the psychological factor of Todd fighting to be himself amidst the expectations of Prentiss and the people. I didn't feel that part of the story was as strong in Monsters of Men until the very end.

The first hundred pages where difficult with rather graphic descriptions of war, but that seemed to temper some as the story moved on. The unique narrative style- switching point of view between Todd and Viola- continued to develop as a new point of view is introduced in this book. The alternating narratives create a strongly woven story.

Sometimes when a series ends you are disappointed that it is over because it feels like there is still so much more story to be told. Sometimes you are relieved because perhaps it dragged on just a little too long. Sometimes when a series ends you are just plain satisfied because it was a good run. Monsters of Men leaves you with sadness at what was lost and hope that the characters still alive have a future. Things aren't necessarily tied up in a neat bow but it ended well.



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