This was a free download from NetGalley in exchange for a written review.

I believe in being widely read, in reading from several genres. I read a great deal of mystery and fantasy. So, I like to read beyond these into science fiction, historical, biographical, classics and others. I believe this keeps us grounded as readers and helps us discover new authors. This download is one example. I recognized this author’s name but no more. I had not read any of his works. Therefore, I had no expectations at all when I began reading Piper at the Gates of Dusk by Patrick Ness. Here is my experience.

Piper at the Gates of Dusk can be read as a standalone work, I would recommend not reading it as such. It is only a few pages in length and is clearly connected with a larger body of work. Patrick Ness states this upfront in an opening note to the reader. He had previously written a trilogy called Chaos Walking, and this short story takes the reader back into that world.

I was drawn right away by the writing and storytelling. It is the story of two brothers, Ben and Max, and a very unusual god. The use of god bothered me but I was in a different world, in a different medium, and it was a story. The description of this god was curious, and its actions were less than god-like, well at least compared to the God I know. The god crashes from the forest, jumps into a lake disrupting wildlife and water. One of the brothers becomes injured in the process, and the other runs for help. The brother remaining begins to hear voices and identifies their location; the reason they are heard.

The story stops abruptly. I must admit I read the ending a couple of times. I didn’t get it then. As I write this review, I read it again and it becomes a little clearer. I count it due to the fact that I am not familiar with the trilogy it is connected with.

Piper at the Gates of Dusk was well written, and the characters developed as well as possible for such a short work. I would recommend reading the trilogy Chaos Walking before reading Piper at the Gates of Dusk to help with context and setting. It would certainly help when gods run from the forest and jump in a lake.

I would rate Piper at the Gates of Dusk by Patrick Ness 4 out of 5 stars. I give it this rating because of the length and familiarity with the existing work. The writing was well done and the story pulls the reader in wondering what in the world is going on, but I found myself wanting more and wishing the author had not stopped where he had. I would easily recommend this short story to anyone ages 16 and up, perhaps even a little younger. I am cautious about going younger because of my lack of knowledge of the trilogy. Now off to find the trilogy. To be continued…

All for One

Angela