Ness expertly weaves discussions of environmentalism, xenophobia, disability, gender identity, misinformation and disinformation, and more around explorations of family, personal agency, and belonging, creating a creative science-fiction roller coaster. An absorbing, deeply human tale of finding common ground in the perpetual struggle to do the next right thing.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
[A] gripping trilogy opener. . . . Witty, propulsive first-person narration alternates between the sibs’ perspectives as they navigate issues of morality, mortality, identity, and disinformation.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Gripping and emotional. . . . Ness . . . delivers an incredibly layered story about settler colonialism, belonging, and the dangers of deceitful leadership, brilliantly juxtaposed with a gorgeous portrayal of interconnection.
—Shelf Awareness (starred review)
Ness tackles timely topics, such as identity, prejudice, and the consequences of misinformation.
—School Library Journal
[A] spectacular return to the world of his Chaos Walking trilogy. . . . the story will appeal to returning readers and new fans alike, desperate to follow Max and Ben to the end of the world to get answers on why the young people of New World begin to disappear, who the brothers can trust, and what it all means.
—Booklist
[A] welcome return to the world established in the Chaos Walking trilogy. . . . Ben and Max are each compelling narrators with strong perspectives. . . . Ness’ immersive worldbuilding is fluid and subtle, with small details woven into observations, dialogue, stories from the Land, and even relationships and what those show about the planet. It all ends on a stunning cliffhanger, but fans can at least take heart that there are two more novels coming and new readers will be thrilled to have the original trilogy to read while waiting.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Ness is a skillful storyteller—plot, character, and setting remain as propulsive as ever—and the themes of xenophobia and propaganda in this story will especially remain with readers.
—The Horn Book
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