Monsters of Men
Front cover of first edition
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| Author | Patrick Ness |
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| Country | UK / America |
| Language | English |
| Series | Chaos Walking |
| Genre | Young-adult science fiction novel |
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Publication date
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| Media type | Print (hardcover & trade paper), audio CD |
| Pages | 602 pp (first edition) |
| ISBN | |
| OCLC | 501398023 |
| LC Class | PZ7.N43843 Mon 2010 |
| Preceded by | The Ask and the Answer |
Monsters of Men is a young-adult science fiction novel by Patrick Ness, published by Walker Books in May 2010. It is the third book of the Chaos Walking trilogy inaugurated two years earlier by The Knife of Never Letting Go. Walker's U.S. division Candlewick Press published hardcover and audiobook editions within the calendar year.
Ness won the annual Carnegie Medal from the British librarians, recognising the year's best new book for children or young adults published in the U.K.
The title is taken from previous dialogue in the series; "War makes monsters out of men" is said in Knife, which both Todd and Viola later quote.
A Spackle army marches on New Prentisstown from one direction, and the forces of the Answer from the other. Mayor Prentiss has been freed by Todd to help defend the city, whilst Viola attempts to warn oncoming settlers.
The Mayor's army and Spackle army engage in a destructive battle. Meanwhile, Viola and Mistress Coyle confer with Bradley and Simone, the scout ship pilots; Coyle wants to use the ship's missiles to destroy the Mayor. However, the Mayor's army manages to push the Spackle army back into the forest. 1017 has made his way to the Spackle camp, now branded "The Return," He is the only surviving slave, and seeks revenge on Todd and the settlers.
The Spackle dam off the river to block water supply and attack the Mayor's camp. Coyle attempts to manipulate Viola to use the scout ship, and when Todd is in danger, she launches a missile that kills most Spackle warriors. The Return argues with the Sky, the leader of the Spackle, demanding more attacks. The Sky refuses, but reveals a captured, hibernating Ben, Todd's adoptive father. The Sky promises Ben to The Return if the two armies reach peace. The Spackle begin attacking the town at random. During a raid, Todd knocks the failing Mayor unconscious and takes over. The Mayor praises him for having such ability.
The Mayor's army without water, and the Answer without food, are forced into a peace talk. The two groups work together - the Mayor lures Spackle and the Answer provides bombs. Angry that the Mayor undermines her, Coyle sends a bomb into the Spackle stronghold. The Spackle respond with a message to send two people to meet the next morning.
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