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A Monster Calls

Patrick Ness,

Jim Kay (Illustrator)

Siobhan Dowd (Conception)

4.37 · Rating details · 157,248 Ratings · 28,192 Reviews

An unflinching, darkly funny, and deeply moving story of a boy, his seriously ill mother, and an unexpected monstrous visitor.

At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn't the monster Conor's been expecting - he's been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he's had nearly every night ...more

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Hardcover, 226 pages

Published September 27th 2011 by Walker Books (first published May 5th 2011)

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Newbery 2012

146 books — 737 voters

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Best Young Adult Books

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Sep 24, 2011 Cait rated it it was amazing

You can also find this review on my blog, Cait's Corner!

First things first: This almost never happens, but I have to admit that I cried at the end of this book; I clutched my cute little kitty-kat and bawled.

However, I didn't cry because of what the book in general, necessarily, but because of what it did to me. It drags out your saddest memories and pains, kicking and screaming, makes you look them right in the face and watch them all happen all over again, no matter how much you don't want ...more

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Dec 19, 2016 Zoë rated it it was amazing

Please excuse my ramblings, I read A Monster Calls in three hours and I am still extremely emotional. I should not have been given access to a computer after such a powerful book.

As I am writing this, there are still tears coursing down my face--black from my mascara. I may look like something straight out of a horror movie, but my soul feels lighter somehow. I was fooled into thinking this would be a simple story as it is only 200 pages, but it is not. It is so not. This book is raw and emotion ...more

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May 22, 2011 Emily May rated it it was amazing

Shelves: young-adult, 2011

I got back to my apartment in Bulgaria and thought I'd read a little bit of this novel before I went to bed. 2 hours later I was still sat in my original position but by this time I was sobbing my heart out. Literally sat there crying like a baby to myself. I doubt this book will be everyone's cup of tea but, whatever it has, it really worked it's magic on me.

I thought A Monster Calls was pretty much amazing in every way; from it's darkly beautiful illustrations (worth buying a paper copy for) to the great big touching metaphor that is the backbone of the story.

Didn't like The Knife of Never Letting Go? Not a problem. Forget it's by the same author whether you liked his previous books or not. Pretend you've never heard of Patrick Ness before because this is nothing like anything he has ever written. It's nothing like anything I've ever read. Where the Chaos Walking trilogy was a fast-paced adventure story, this is a very moving, well-written tale of a boy who's mum has cancer. It's about loss, and that doesn't necessarily mean death, and it's also about learning to let go and forgive yourself and others around you.

Think you've got it? Think you've worked out that the 'monster' is going to be cancer itself? Think again.

Like I said, this is a very different sort of idea (credit to the late Siobhan Dowd) and not the kind of book where you can guess where it's going. It's odd and unpredictable and very sad. Conor is one of those tragic but believable characters that you feel for all the way through. He faces constant battles in every aspect of his life. There's the obvious problem of his mother's illness, but also the fact that his dad has moved to America to start a new life with his new wife and baby. School offers no escape from Conor's miserable reality either as he finds himself between bullies who pick on him because they can and teachers who make their pity obvious every time they talk to him.

Then one night a monster visits Conor. A dream? An ancient creature that appears to those in need? Anything is possible, none of which is important. This monster is here for one purpose... to tell Conor three stories in exchange for the truth. Conor begins to learn that things aren't always as they seem and right and wrong are not so easily defined.

I loved it. It was nothing that I expected but I hope Siobhan Dowd's idea will inspire Patrick Ness to write more like this.
...more

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Jun 03, 2011 Wendy Darling rated it it was amazing

Shelves: male-ya-author, male-pov, 2011-favorites, mythic-and-fairy-tale-ish, read-2011, uk, made-my-heart-hurt, young-adult, gorgeous-prose, middle-grade

In the dark of night, when the house is still, what fears creep into your heart? For Conor O'Malley, his nightmares take the shape of a very old and very dangerous monster who visits him every night at seven minutes past midnight. He's half-convinced that these must be dreams of his fevered mind. But how can they be, when the visits are so vivid and when he finds physical evidence of the monster's existence the next day?

Conor's nightmares begin shortly after his mother starts her treatments for ...more

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May 01, 2011 Shannon rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: color-grey, horror, young-adult, made-me-cry, borrowed, surprised-i-didn-t-hate-it, favorite-books, 2011, buy-hard-copy

I just read this book from cover to cover.

I have no idea how to rate it.

It is the worst book I've read.

I would never be able to recommend it,

because I hated it.

It's ripped my heart in two.

It'll make you think of losing the one person who means the most to you.

Or it'll make you think of those you've already lost.

It's not a happy book, but it's an important one.

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Mar 03, 2018 Virginia Ronan ♥ Herondale ♥ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

”The monster showed up just after midnight. As they do.”

Seven minutes after midnight
AND
one hour after finishing the book:

*sits in a pile of tissues and STILL weeps*

<--- This was me on Saturday.

This is me now,
four days after reading the book:

*sits down to write a proper review but immediately starts to cry again*

I can’t write a review about this book, I just can’t!!!
Heaven knows I’ve tried to, but whenever I think about “A Monster Calls” I’m tearing up again.
Just to think about this bo ...more

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Nov 24, 2012 Jesse (JesseTheReader) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Such a beautiful and gripping story. I feel like this is one of those books that will stay with you long after you've read it.

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Jan 13, 2015 Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-all, own, horror-etc, young-adult

Whyin the world did I re/read this right now!

YES...THIS BOOK IS A HEART BREAKER :(

Conor's mom is dying, he won't believe it. He says she's just having her treatments and she will get better like last time.

I'm not really sure if the yew tree monster is in his mind to help him or if it's real. I like to think it is a little of both. It is there coming to Conor's window trying to get him to come out and talk to it.

I really liked the graphics in this book, they are not not oh and ah, they are just ...more

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Jan 11, 2017 Mischenko rated it it was amazing

To see this review and others, please visit www.readrantrockandroll.com

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness is a book like no other and one that I'll never forget.

My first rating in January on this book was 4 stars. I couldn't figure out why, I just didn't love the story. I re-read it this past weekend and I've revised my review.

*This review may contain spoilers for those who haven't read the book...

I was very angry, then sad, then had mixed emotions in between. My main issue when I first read it w ...more

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Nov 14, 2011 karen rated it really liked it

Shelves: why-yes-i-ya

this book is a perfect modern fairy tale.

not a nice disney one with singing birds where everyone gets to go home with their prince and all of their limbs, but the older, darker kind involving foot-choppery and decimation.

lemme step back a bit. i added this book to my to-read shelf the moment i saw its cover here on goodreads.com. i knew nothing about it except that something in me bellowed "WANT!" i did not win it in the firstreads giveaway (naturally) and as more and more people began writing r ...more

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Jan 12, 2017 Lyn rated it really liked it

TEAR JERKER ALERT!

TEAR JERKER ALERT!

OMG, I’m a 40-plus-year-old DUDE and I almost lost it a couple of times.

There is not always a happy ending. I know this, we all know this, in life as in fiction. Hell, I even welcome it sometimes and give a “meh” to too cheesy a Hollywood ending or even a thumbs down to a deus ex machina. As any reader of Cormac McCarthy knows, sometimes the best ending is not the one that leaves us all warm and fuzzy.

Patrick Ness’s 2011 short novel was based on a concept from ...more

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Oct 29, 2011 Steph Sinclair rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Everyone of all ages

Recommended to Steph by: Many of my GRs friends

Shelves: left-me-in-a-sad-emotional-state, 2011-reads, all-time-favorites, so-glad-i-read-this, mind-blowing-good, pure-win, cried-my-eyes-out, pass-me-my-tissues, deserves-every-one-of-those-stars, i-didn-t-see-that-coming

A Monster Calls has to be the most inventive book I've read this year. And I find myself struggling to put in words how much this book has touched me. But it did. If you haven't read A Monster Calls, I suggest you immediately purchase it. Don't read the e-book because you would miss out on the amazing artwork. This book is stunning. Masterfully written and beautifully drawn.

I remember the first time a book made me cry like this. I was in eighth grade in my English class, sitting under my desk i
A Monster Calls has to be the most inventive book I've read this year. And I find myself struggling to put in words how much this book has touched me. But it did. If you haven't read A Monster Calls, I suggest you immediately purchase it. Don't read the e-book because you would miss out on the amazing artwork. This book is stunning. Masterfully written and beautifully drawn.

I remember the first time a book made me cry like this. I was in eighth grade in my English class, sitting under my desk in the back of the room reading A Walk to Remember. If you've read that book you will probably understand why I cried. I'm naturally an emotional person, you see. I cry easily if I see another's suffering. At the time I was fortunate enough to not have yet experience the feeling of losing someone close to you. Unfortunately, I know that feeling all too well now and that is the reason I was initially afraid to read A Monster Calls. I saw my GoodReads friends reading and reviewing the book, but I couldn't bring myself to add it to my shelf. I had an idea of where it could take me emotionally, and it's not a place I choose to visit. I keep those memories locked up and tucked away. But this book made me remember. It made me remember the phone call. It made me remember the shock, the pain, the regret, the denial, the limo ride, the funeral, the casket, the anger, the depression, the trials. It made me remember my brother, who on some days I choose to forget because it's easier that way. Maybe that sounds horrible, but it's true. It's an awful truth.

So, how do you write a review for a book that makes you remember? How can I describe in words how unbelievably vulnerable this book can make you feel? How do I explain the beauty of the frailty? I simply can't. My advice would be to go into this book blind. You have to or you risk doing a disservice to yourself, this book and the wonderful story within its pages. I suppose you are just going to have to trust me when I say A Monster Calls is beyond amazing. It's about loss, acceptance, grief, facing your fears, and letting go. This book made me laugh, made me think, tore out my heart, made me cry, and healed me. I hope, no, I know it will do the same for others...

More reviews and more at Cuddlebuggery Book Blog. ...more

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Feb 14, 2018 Lia Bonnibel (pidgey) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: book-heaven, urban-fantasy-and-paranormal, ya-contemporaries, crime-mystery-horror

Someone please send some chocolate, a hug, and possibly some Irish scotch my way.
I think I'm dying.

If I'm not dead already, that is.

It's half past midnight, I'm an ugly sobbing mess and I think that noise I just heard was either my soul ascending to another dimension or my heart -or what's left of it-
breaking in my chest.
I feel nothing but numbness right now, though, so it could easily be both.

I hate this book so much.
It touched me in some very sensitive spots, rubbed its salty and bookish ...more

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Jan 19, 2017 AMEERA rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorite

my favorite book until i die

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Sep 17, 2011 Reynje rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-that-linger, cover-loving, emotional-napalm, favourites, read-2011, heartbreak-warning, books-to-be-hugged, illustrated, mg-lit

I don’t think I can write a review for this book. I feel neither equipped, nor inclined, to make an evaluation of A Monster Calls based strictly on its literary style and merits. (Therefore, if you’re looking for an analysis of the plot, characters etc – you will be better served with another review).

So I’m writing a response instead. Or, I will attempt to.

I have a difficult relationship with books that deal with the subject of death and grief.

Occasionally, I find a book that is moving and re ...more

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Oct 17, 2016 Sabaa Tahir rated it it was amazing

Tears. Lots of them.

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Feb 05, 2015 Lola rated it really liked it

Recommended to Lola by: Alejandro

Shelves: middle-grade, fantasy, short-read, monsters, mental-illness, school, bullying, family, love

A Monster Calls did not constitute what I first visualized in term of story, plot and themes.

Due to the spooky cover, mystifying title and evasive blurb, my mind pictured something closer to the fantasy world than our contemporary one. Yet, the author remarkably brought together the real and the unreal, inserted in the narration that which touches one, can tear another apart and is a component of what we call ‘‘life,’’ and skilfully unfolded what laid deep inside Conor hidden…in the fragile corn A Monster Calls did not constitute what I first visualized in term of story, plot and themes.

Due to the spooky cover, mystifying title and evasive blurb, my mind pictured something closer to the fantasy world than our contemporary one. Yet, the author remarkably brought together the real and the unreal, inserted in the narration that which touches one, can tear another apart and is a component of what we call ‘‘life,’’ and skilfully unfolded what laid deep inside Conor hidden…in the fragile corners of his heart but that, at any moment, threatened to break free.

I’m referring to emotions. Raw, vulnerable, intense and uncontrollable sentiments over which we, as human beings, scarcely hold control.

Thirteen-year-old Conor tried to, though. He kept it all in: his indomitable worry for his mother’s health, his hatred for his grandmother whom wanted to take him away from his beloved parent, his sadness at growing without a father and the solitude that he felt at school while being surrounded by people who showed pity, avoided Conor or bullied him…every single day.

But there was the monster too. Night after night, he visited Conor. He shared stories, thoughts and wiseness with this latter, in order to make him see things differently. But Conor was a stubborn! He heard, but he didn’t listen. He didn’t want to see the truth. He didn’t want to see, acknowledge or tell this truth. In order for Conor to breathe peacefully again, he might have to do just that.

I’m being very brief and perhaps even confusing, unfortunately, but it’s only because telling you more risks giving away too much. I had a surprisingly beautiful time discovering everything by myself and seeing how wrongly I foresaw the content to be made of. It was more than I expected. It was more than I even hoped for.

As the majority of noticeable books being found on this planet though, A Monster Calls carried a weakness, especially characterization-wise. I sadly merely perceived any background on the characters, primary or secondary ones. There were some I strongly sensed the need to learn more about, especially Harry and Conor’s grandmother…and even a little more detail would have satisfied my curiosity.

I felt certain of being in a reading slump, before I picked this marvel up. So I hope you will give it a chance too and let it fully stagger you. I cannot assure you that no tears of yours will be shed, but I surmise you will not wish to stop reading. ...more

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Jan 20, 2017 Mikee Andrea (ReadWithMikee) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

❝Your mind will believe comforting lies while also knowing the painful truths that make those lies necessary. And your mind will punish you for believing both.❞

Thank you Goodreads for graciously sending me a signed copy of A Monster Calls!

I'm not crying because this book is sad. I'm crying because this book is my story. It's my family's story. It's my mom's story. A Monster Calls was a difficult book to read. I've seen many readers say they've cried because of the words written on these pages. But I've lived this book.

My mother died of breast cancer two years ago at the age of 44. I lived the day when the doctors told my mom that she had breast cancer. I lived the day when I'd spend my 19th birthday visiting her on her hospital bed in the ICU while she was in a coma. I lived the day when I would see her take her last breath. I lived the day I let her go even if it was the hardest thing I ever had to do. Two years later, I wish I could tell you that it gets easier. I don't cry everyday anymore if that counts as getting easier. I'm not sure why I'm even saying all this, but I guess reading this book has made me feel a bit vulnerable at the moment. It's made me confront all kinds of emotions I've been trying to avoid since the day my mother passed.

Although I was reading this book through Connor's eyes, it was like reliving the tough year my family had to endure together while my mom fought the battle of her life. I've felt every emotion that Connor experienced. I hated being pitied. I was angry. At myself. At the world. At God. And when his mother spoke, it was my mother speaking to me through her words. A Monster Calls was a painful book. There were times when I even had to put this book down to compose myself. But reading it felt a lot like... closure. It reminded me that it was okay to be angry. It was okay to hurt, to be scared. It was okay to let go.

A Monster Calls wasn't a book that I would typically read, but I'm glad I did. I was putting it off for a while because I was trying to avoid the feelings that it would conjure up but it's a tale I know that many people would love. It was a tough ride down memory lane but my mom's battle with cancer was not always bad. Sure, there were bad days and even worse days. But it brought us together as a family. I was closer to my mom in the 11 months she battled cancer than I did those 19 years of my life. Reading this book brought back a lot of painful feelings but it gave me a chance to, somehow in some way, say goodbye to her once again.

03.27.1970 - 07.25.2014 <3 ...more

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Aug 22, 2013 Alejandro rated it it was amazing

Shelves: horror, paranormal, short-story

This is great book!

A BOOK FOR EVERYBODY

Very quick to read so if you are interested on it.

You'll find out that you'd read it in no time.

Also, it helps that it's a page turner, since the story has many elements to keep you hooked to it.

I hate to classify books for some specific age, since I think that books shouldn't have any age or genre.

Books should be read by men or women at any age and they should be as good as effective.

However, one can't deny that the author made this story thinking i ...more

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Dec 01, 2017 Charlotte May rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-recent, illness-mental-terminal, magical-realism, middle-grade, tear-jerker

“Who am I?” The monster repeated. “I am the spine the mountains hang upon! I am the tears the rivers cry! I am the lungs that breathe the wind!...I am everything untamed and untameable! I am this wild earth, come for you Conor O’Malley.”

I enjoyed this tale, though I have to admit I wasn’t as blown away as the masses of other reviewers seemed to be.
I’ve read a lot of books on tough topics, including illness and while I believe this one was done very well it didn’t stand out from among many oth ...more

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Jan 22, 2017 Chelsea Humphrey rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Oct 28, 2014 Maureen rated it it was amazing

BOOKTUBEATHON 2016 BOOK #7

Well I am a hot mess of emotions right now. This book was so good and so important. It handled grief so well and I just...I am emotional. I think this book is very important and that lots of people should read it and yeah, that's about it.
THERE WERE TEARS.

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Apr 02, 2015 Kai rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, owned

“Stories are wild creatures. When you let them loose, who knows what havoc they might wreak?”

description

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Jan 12, 2017 Mohammed Arabey rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

It's not a story, it's A Monster.

~~Don't read it if u r upset..or have a fearing.. don't read it if u lost someone close...don't r~~
Read it..get it all out..Call the Monster..
"القصص كائنات وحشية، عندما تطلقها من يدري ما الدمار الذي يمكن ان تخلفه"
“Stories are wild creatures, When you let them loose, who knows what havoc they might wreak?”
It's not a story, it's a Wreaking Ball.

وهذه القصة مقصود أن تخلف دمارا، وجعا بالروح..عن الألم، الحزن، الفقدان، العيش بعد موت
A friend told me it's a life lesson.. no, ...more

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Dec 17, 2014 Justin rated it it was amazing

I feel like every time I love a YA book I start my review with "I don't read a lot of YA, but..."

So, I don't read a lot of... I mean... Hang on...

Patrick Ness is the best YA author out there. If you haven't read the Chaos Walking trilogy then please put everything in your life on hold and go find a copy of The Knife of Never Letting Go. This is the only book I've read from him outside of that series, but this book is just as amazing. I would also recommend picking up a physical copy of the book ...more

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May 09, 2014 Regan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-owned-read, favorites

My heart is aching.

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Feb 09, 2018 Grace (BURTSBOOKS) rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed

Patrick Ness never disappoints me, so I naturally knew going into this it was going to be impeccable but Jesus nothing could’ve prepared me for how hard this hit.

It was sad and extremely powerful and heartbreaking, and immediately after I was finished reading, I gave both my parents the biggest hug.

The art was beautiful and dark and went perfectly with the story. My only problem with this book was that it didn't make me cry like sooo many people promised it would. Maybe I’m just cold-hearted a ...more

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Jan 06, 2017 Heather 'Bookables' rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, 2017-favorites

Holy crap this book BROKE me!

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Oct 21, 2013 Ariel rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

When going into this book, I was expecting a horror/creepy/spooky story, and that isn't what I got.. exactly. What I mean is that the overall tone of the book is creepy, and the drawings definitely are spooky, but the story itself is a contemporary tale about a boy trying to understand the feelings he has in regards to his mothers illness.

I loved this book. I loved it. It is absolutely now one of my "all-time favourites". Here's why:

1) The illustrations: The artwork in this book is BEAUTIFUL. It ...more

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Jan 02, 2017 J.L. Sutton rated it liked it

When a monster shows up and talks with 13-year old Conor in Patrick Ness’s A Monster Calls, the question behind why it has ‘come walking’ immediately arises. Has it appeared to do mischief to Conor or has Conor summoned it and, if so, summoned it to do what? The writing, especially when the monster is around, evokes dreams, faraway lands and ancient creatures. As soon as the monster begins to relate a set of stories, even though I liked the stories, A Monster Calls, along with the issues Conor i ...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
What is the monster in A Monster Calls?	9	77	May 07, 2018 09:10PM
Around the Year i...: A Monster Calls, by Patrick Ness	43	148	May 07, 2018 04:15PM
YA Buddy Readers'...: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness - Restarting April 3rd 2018	120	289	Apr 03, 2018 07:38AM
Play Book Tag: A Monster Calls - Patrick Ness - 5 stars (sob sob)	5	18	Mar 19, 2018 05:27AM

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About Patrick Ness

Patrick Ness

13,302 followers

Patrick Ness, an award-winning novelist, has written for England’s Radio 4 and Sunday Telegraph and is a literary critic for The Guardian. He has written many books, including the Chaos Walking Trilogy, The Crash of Hennington, Topics About Which I Know Nothing, and A Monster Calls.

He has won numerous awards, including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, the Booktrust Teenage Prize, and the Co ...more

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