"A thrilling and profound sequel to an iconic series."
April 2026 Book of the Month
One cannot help but feel a little anxious about a sequel to an iconic award-winning series, but fans of the Chaos Walking trilogy, which won Patrick Ness his first Carnegie medal, need have no fears.
Almost as much time has passed in our world as in New World and fans will be very keen to find out what has happened to Todd and Viola in the intervening years. They are now parents to two boys, Ben and Max, and this story is alternately narrated by them. New World has been transformed for the human settlers, they have found a cure for the Noise and the uneasy peace with the indigenous Land community still holds despite humanity continuing to show their worst side.
Although Todd refused the cure for himself, their boys were given it and Ben lost the power of speech as a result, which will turn out to be deeply significant.
Newcomers to the series also need not worry that they must read the original books first; without wasting any time on a rehash of past events, enough is explained when they need to know it, for this book to stand alone, which is helpful since the book starts with a classic Ness breathtaking opening that propels you immediately into the action. Indeed, it will be very hard to put the book down from that point onwards, with the roar of a huge burning ‘god’ pursuing Max and Ben across their farmland. As the god lunges for them, it falls into the river and vanishes in a cloud of Noise.
There is also a mysterious object in the sky, and hideous Noise- filled nightmares plaguing all the young people, apart from Ben; and the more frequent appearances of these burning figures, who target and snatch both human and Land youngsters, indicates a terrible threat to all the inhabitants of the planet.
Despite the nail-biting tension of the plotting and the prescient political themes, it is the characterisation and the relationships which are the true strength of Ness’s writing. The way in which he so skilfully presents issues such as disability and gender identity as relevant traits of multifaceted, complex and very real characters, rather than as an issue to be artificially woven into a plot, is exemplary.
So, for example, we only gradually realise that Max was adopted and assigned female at birth, despite having Noise, and we have a wonderfully nuanced depiction of a family, where a marriage is under strain and sibling differences threaten the harmony, but unshakeable bonds give them the strength to meet the challenges thrown at them.
Another classic Ness trait is a terrifying cliffhanger ending, so we are all left desperate for the next instalment. A truly superb beginning to an enthralling and deserving sequel to the magnificent science fiction creation that is Chaos Walking.
The first in a new trilogy set in the world of the groundbreaking Chaos Walking series, which has sold over 3.5 million copies worldwide.·Now, almost twenty years on, Patrick Ness makes a momentous return to New World.
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The first in a new trilogy set in the world of the groundbreaking Chaos Walking series, which has sold over 3.5 million copies worldwide.·Now, almost twenty years on, Patrick Ness makes a momentous return to New World.---Something has been spotted in the night sky. Something that's bringing back dreams of Noise, dreams of terror.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Piper at the Gates of Dusk and determined it is suitable for children aged 13-18 years old
Piper at the Gates of Dusk features in the following genres: Featured Books for 13+ readers, Featured Books for Young Adults, Books of the Month, Recommendations, Star Books, Adventure Stories, Fantasy / Magical, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational
Paperback, Hardback. £15.29, down from the £16.99 cover price. In Stock.
Piper at the Gates of Dusk was written by Patrick Ness and published by Walker Books Ltd an imprint of Walker Books
Piper at the Gates of Dusk has 348 pages
Yes it is part of New World series
£15.29, reduced from £16.99. In Stock.
