Every month Crescenta Valley High School student Thalia Miller gives her perspective on some of today’s most popular YA titles.

(review)

“The Knife of Never Letting Go”

Once upon a time a man walked on the moon and, by doing so, opened a new frontier of possibilities with his “small step.” Today scientists are talking about exploration and life on Mars. And who, of all the millions of people on our planet, can find the most profit from these amazing acts of science? Mainly authors who are able to add their own twists to space stories in order to make these tales their own. One of the most intricately woven stories based in space is the novel “The Knife of Never Letting Go.”

This novel, the first in the Chaos Walking trilogy by Patrick Ness, is set in a “New World,” where everyone can hear each other’s thoughts in a never ending Noise. In a place

where everyone knows everything about you, it’s impossible to keep secrets. So when the main character – Todd – learns a secret, he must run away from his hometown to protect it.

That’s when he meets Viola and together they learn that everything Todd thought he knew was a lie. Chased by angry men from Todd’s town, they are faced with many challenges and setbacks that cause them to question their morality and humanity.

The high-paced action of this book will hook readers to the very end, and even after, as the cliff –hanger ending leaves readers with multiple questions. But don’t let that discourage you from reading it. Thankfully, the second book in the series begins immediately where the first book ends, so anyone who hates waiting should buy the books at the same time to prevent unneeded suspense. Additionally, fans of “Divergent” and The Lunar Chronicles will find similar enticing elements of mystery and action in this novel.

So if you enjoy novels from award winning authors and to discover a new world inside a book, or just want to read a fun, exciting story, get your hands on a copy of  “The Knife of Never Letting Go” and start reading.

Once Upon A Time, the nation’s oldest children’s bookstore, has this plus many more YA titles. Stop by the store at 2207 Honolulu Ave. in Montrose, call them at (818) 248-9668 or visit online at www.shoponceuponatime.com.