N is for The New World by Patrick Ness

The New World

Amazon Summery:

In this dramatic short story -- a prequel to the award-winning Chaos Walking Trilogy -- author Patrick Ness gives us the story of Viola's journey to the New World. 

My Review:

I haven't read the Chaos Walking Trilogy yet, but if it is anything like this prequel then I really need to pick it up. 

This short prequel follows Viola and her parents as they prepare to land on their 'new world'.  She bounces between the present and her memories of her time on the transport ship months before. 

I don't know whether I like Viola or not, at least not yet.  I don't dislike her, but she is a brat for most of the story, and the story's length really prevents her from showing any huge personal growth.  But even though I'm not sure if I like her or not, I can definitely say that by the end of the short story the author brought me to tears because of her.  

I also found myself with the deep seated need to know what happens to her next.  The author did a great job of giving 'just enough' hints about the new world, as well as the first wave of settlers, to really make me want to find out more.  I mean I have ideas....but nothing concrete and I really want to know if I'm right or not. I'm also curious to see what Viola does in the intervening time between when she has reached the new world and when the transport ship finally arrives. 

If, like me,  you haven't read any of the Chaos Walking Trilogy I think that you should definitely pick up The New World and give it a try.  As an added bonus it is currently free on Amazon.