By: Mariah Thomas
Sixteen years after the last published book in the world of the Chaos Walking series, author Patrick Ness revisits the beloved franchise with Piper at the Gates of Dusk. This new series showcases a new generation on the planet twenty years after the monstrous war of “Monsters of Men.” This easily could’ve been done with a time jump to continue this series all those years ago; however, the time in between adds to the reading experience for fans of the series. These sixteen years put readers in different places in life while also introducing new audiences to this created world.
Todd and Viola’s sons, Ben and Max, have never been exposed to the horrors their parents faced. The boys have only known peace as they grew up on the family farm. Being mostly isolated, they dream of things like school and going on adventures. However, nightmares soon begin. A fast growing, sudden sickness is infecting the youth of New World. Some are weary about the Spackle, the indigenous people that the humans have a shaky truce with. Others assume there is a connection to an apparent mysterious object in the sky. Eventually, one by one, the children disappear. Max and Ben get deeply caught up in quests of their own to search for answers. This journey tests the boys in many ways. It tests their beliefs in what their parents have taught them and even their trust in each other.
Piper at the Gates of Dusk is a wonderful positive example of an author revisiting a series many years later. There are many instances where tone is widely changed and plot feels watered down in comparison to the original series, which feels very intentional. Author Patrick Ness isn’t returning for the series for the heck of it – there is meaning to the return. I was not familiar with the series prior to reading this iteration but read the books in preparation for my review. There is such a natural transition to the different series while also being able to stand completely on their own. The element I enjoyed the most is how this first book opens the door for future installments in the series. This new viewpoint instantly captured my attention. It feels like a cheat to say my favorite part was the end, but that couldn’t be truer here. The way the ending sets up book number two has me already counting down the days until the next.
As previously noted, in preparation for this new series I read most of the original trilogy. I found myself fully consumed and mesmerized by the writing style of Ness. The original series came out during my time in middle school, and I couldn’t help but realize how much I would have loved these books then. Ness’ world building is equally as impressive as the story itself as often times one is more prominent than the other. In the original Chaos Walking trilogy and Piper at the Gates of Dusk, both elements hold the reader’s attention. I intend to venture out to read more of his work in the coming months.
There is a huge fanbase for the Chaos Walking trilogy as well as the 2021 film. Many have stuck with this series since its initial publication in 2008-2010. Additionally, numerous readers have discovered the books along the way and Piper at the Gates of Dusk is sure to pull in a new audience. Dealing with a dystopian world, this book, of course, isn’t for everyone. As someone who is in the early stages of diving into the fantasy genre world, I highly enjoyed this. The writing alone is worth the read to anyone interested in expanding their reading palette.