Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness-ADVISABLE

Ness, Patrick, Monsters of Men. Candlewick Press, 2010. Pgs. 608. Language:PG-13 (various swears no “f”s), Violence: PG-13, Sexual Content: G

As a world-ending war rages on between two human factions, the world’s only hope lies with two people: Todd and Viola. Their only hope is to get Mayor Prentiss, the tyrant government leader, to compromise with Miss Coyle, the terrorist healer bent on overthrowing the mayor. Attempting to them to compromise, however, is impossible. The two only want peace if it is in their favor. Things only get worse, however, when the Mayor starts using “Noise,” a way to influence male humans mentally into his way of thinking. As “Noise” begins to try and suppress the desperate will of many and the Mayor’s army of Spackles is looming over the valley, things begin turning ugly. Can Todd and Viola find a way to bring peace to their world, or will Mayor Prentiss succeed?

An action-packed adventure for reluctant readers. The characters are well-developed. The plot is intense and holds the reader’s interest. Readers who like science fiction, dystopic fiction, and war fiction will enjoy reading this book. HS. ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High.