The New World: Prequel to the Chaos Walking Trilogy

By: Patrick Ness

Narrated by: Angela Dawe

Publisher's summary

The New World is a prequel to the award-winning Chaos Walking trilogy, setting the stage for the world we discover in The Knife of Never Letting Go, The Ask and the Answer, and Monsters of Men. The story was written while the author served as writer in residence for the Booktrust an independent UK-wide charity dedicated to encouraging people of all ages and cultures to enjoy books.

The New World tells of Viola's journey to the New World, brilliantly capturing the hope and fear of settlers in search of a new life. Patrick Ness says that he wrote it "as a huge and deeply-felt thank you to readers. I've had so many questions about Viola and what her life was like before that I couldn't resist the opportunity to reveal just a little bit extra. I knew these things - they're vitally important to her as a character, even if they're not directly in the novels - so it felt like a secret trip I could take readers on. The challenge was to make it work on its own, too, so anyone could read it. That was really, really good fun, and I hope the final result is an exciting one."

The New World can be listened to before or after the trilogy – and some may choose to do both. The story works as a standalone piece, but listeners already familiar with The Knife of Never Letting Go will learn more about Viola’s life and the events leading to her arrival and first encounter with Todd, while newcomers to the trilogy will discover a white-knuckle ride of an introduction to the series. Whether you're a new or faithful listener, though, it's a welcome chance to immerse yourself in the world of Chaos Walking.

Listen to more Chaos Walking.

©2011 Patrick Ness (P)2011 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

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4 out of 5 stars

By JudyD on 06-21-13

Okay read - just too short for me, but....

It was meant to be a teaser, and it does that well. Yes, I will consider reading and/or listening to the first in the series by this author. I do like sci fi, and this premiss would certainly allow the story line to develop in many different directions.

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5 out of 5 stars

By Sean on 03-31-19

An extra nugget of Chaos Walking

This is a wonderful addition to the Chaos Walking story. We get a taste of what happens to Viola just before she lands on New World. This explains a bit of who Viola is and where she's coming from.

It is a short read/listen but seems to be packed with extra nuggets for the Chaos Walking story; mostly about Viola.

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5 out of 5 stars

By Tiffany L. Forrister-Patterson on 07-23-20

space the final frontier

great read/listen, though one could see the ending coming from a mile away. sad, such tragedy 😢

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5 out of 5 stars

By Cozy Reader on 07-01-14

Makes Me Want to Listen to the Rest of the Books!!

I enjoy science fiction, and in the last few years I've been reading more than my fair share of YA science fiction. Beth Revis' series starting with Across the Universe was one of my favourites. I picked up The New World a couple of years ago on Audible and didn't think to listen. That was until this week, when I was waiting for a new book to come out and thought I'd listen to The New World while I wait. Well The New World blew me away and I can't believe I haven't listened before now.

The New World is a prequel and tells the story of Viola and her family, who are the landing party sent out to settle on a new world and report back. The new world isn't what Viola or her family expects.

This story was a great teaser. It made me want to race out and grab the first book in this series. I plan to listen to the rest of the series right away!! It was narrated by Angela Dawe and I liked her narration of Viola, and how she portrayed Viola's doubts about the new world.

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5 out of 5 stars

By Hope on 08-10-21

I cried

Oh goodness, this just reminded me of how much I like all the other books as well.

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3 out of 5 stars

By Carrie Fletcher on 09-02-12

Interesting ... contemplative ...

Would you try another book from Patrick Ness and/or Angela Dawe?

I think I should .. or would.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The story was a bit dragged out but all in all, I found it a nice listen. I don't like whinny children whose parents are doing the best they can to make a better life for everyone as a whole.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Angela Dawe?

Yes ... she sounded youthful, ambitious and had nice pacing.

Was The New World: Prequel to the Chaos Walking Trilogy worth the listening time?

It was just a bit 'slow' ... but that doesn't mean it wasn't good.

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4 out of 5 stars

By Amazon Customer on 09-23-12

Interesting - 3.5 Story/4.0 Performance

Good story will be downloading the whole trilogy. Thanks Audible for the free Prequel.

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5 out of 5 stars

By Allen Jackson on 01-30-17

Just wonderful and Im notva very big reader.

Loved it very much. This is the first in the series that I have read I can't wait to start the next one.

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5 out of 5 stars

By jbaxley on 10-18-12

GREAT PREVIEW OF GOOD THINGS TO COME

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked the gift that she used at the end of the sequel.

Any additional comments?

I am looking forward to getting into the book now, but, I have several ahead of it. Can tell I will be as hooked on another series as I have been on POTE and WWE.

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5 out of 5 stars

By Clifford Reynolds on 06-07-18

fabulous

I only wish it were longer. just as good as the trilogy. keep writing, Patrick

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