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New World Trilogy #1
Piper at the Gates of Dusk
Not yet published
Expected 7 Apr 26The first in a new trilogy set in the world of the groundbreaking Chaos Walking series, which has sold over 3.5 million copies worldwide.·
“In a world full of Noise, the CHAOS WALKING trilogy delivered a razor-sharp take on humanity and morality even more relevant now than when it was first published.” Neal Shusterman
Now, almost twenty years on, Patrick Ness makes a momentous return to New World.
---
Something has been spotted in the night sky. Something that’s bringing back dreams of Noise, dreams of terror. Brothers Ben and Max have never really gotten on, each being more like one of their parents – Todd and Viola.
But now they will have to come together.
SOMETHING IS COMING.
---
Blending sci-fi, speculative fiction and adventure with themes of power, division and hope.
Jacketed hardback to feature endpaper illustration by Jim Kay, award-winning artist of A Monster Calls.
“In a world full of Noise, the CHAOS WALKING trilogy delivered a razor-sharp take on humanity and morality even more relevant now than when it was first published.” Neal Shusterman
Now, almost twenty years on, Patrick Ness makes a momentous return to New World.
---
Something has been spotted in the night sky. Something that’s bringing back dreams of Noise, dreams of terror. Brothers Ben and Max have never really gotten on, each being more like one of their parents – Todd and Viola.
But now they will have to come together.
SOMETHING IS COMING.
---
Blending sci-fi, speculative fiction and adventure with themes of power, division and hope.
Jacketed hardback to feature endpaper illustration by Jim Kay, award-winning artist of A Monster Calls.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 7, 2026
8 people are currently reading
572 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Ness
60 books18.7k followersPatrick Ness, an award-winning novelist, has written for Radio 4 and The 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 Costa Children’s Book Award. Born in Virginia, he currently lives in London.
He has won numerous awards, including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, the Booktrust Teenage Prize, and the Costa Children’s Book Award. Born in Virginia, he currently lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Want to read
December 27, 202415-year-old-me is losing her mind that this book exists
Want to read
November 10, 2025Most anticipated book of life
Want to read
November 10, 2025no one understands how much i need it to be injected into my veins.
PS. each new information about this one makes me even more excited
PS. each new information about this one makes me even more excited
Want to read
January 2, 2026patrick ness please don't ruin chaos walking for me with this spin-off series this is a very serious matter not to be taken lightly 🙏🏻🙏🏻
November 23, 2025
Thanks to edelweiss and Candlewick Press for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
RATING: 4.5
After being disappointed in a book by a YA author, which I liked, I lowered my expectations for this one, but it is so far from being a disappoint it's a really great follow up.
While it's nice to see Todd and Viola and they're still doing things here and there. The two brothers, Max and Ben, take center stage. Both of them have their own personal problems and conflicts, it took me a while to like Max, maybe because of the formatting, but by the end Patrick Ness created two great characters again, very fleshed out and really excited for the next book so they can grow some more.
The antagonists of this book are also well-written, you'll absolutely wanted to strangle them. It might be unbelievable for then, but looking around now these people exists.
While this is a young adult book, the characters are not really annoying or are they involved is some love triangle or some tropes that I find tiring. Instead in focuses on themes that are very timely today like xenophobia/racism, disability awareness and accepting of others' identity like transgender. I didn't really find them heavy handed nor do I find it subtle but it's presented to the readers organically and very well.
The mystery of the nightmares and the object at the sky is also great. Sometimes it feels like a backdrop of the themes I mentioned earlier and I don't really care for it - NOT THAT IT'S BAD. But I figured that I might not get every questions answered in the very first book. Nonetheless it's very entertaining, especially how it unfolds.
My only complaint is regarding one conflict. It just suddenly get solved... for now. It's very obvious that Ness is saving it up for the next book.
Also not a fan of the cover, but the title is just chef's kiss.
For the CHAOS WALKING fans, you wouldn't be disappointed.
RATING: 4.5
After being disappointed in a book by a YA author, which I liked, I lowered my expectations for this one, but it is so far from being a disappoint it's a really great follow up.
While it's nice to see Todd and Viola and they're still doing things here and there. The two brothers, Max and Ben, take center stage. Both of them have their own personal problems and conflicts, it took me a while to like Max, maybe because of the formatting, but by the end Patrick Ness created two great characters again, very fleshed out and really excited for the next book so they can grow some more.
The antagonists of this book are also well-written, you'll absolutely wanted to strangle them. It might be unbelievable for then, but looking around now these people exists.
While this is a young adult book, the characters are not really annoying or are they involved is some love triangle or some tropes that I find tiring. Instead in focuses on themes that are very timely today like xenophobia/racism, disability awareness and accepting of others' identity like transgender. I didn't really find them heavy handed nor do I find it subtle but it's presented to the readers organically and very well.
The mystery of the nightmares and the object at the sky is also great. Sometimes it feels like a backdrop of the themes I mentioned earlier and I don't really care for it - NOT THAT IT'S BAD. But I figured that I might not get every questions answered in the very first book. Nonetheless it's very entertaining, especially how it unfolds.
My only complaint is regarding one conflict. It just suddenly get solved... for now. It's very obvious that Ness is saving it up for the next book.
Also not a fan of the cover, but the title is just chef's kiss.
For the CHAOS WALKING fans, you wouldn't be disappointed.
Want to read
November 6, 2025i’m so seated. the employees are asking me to leave because ‘it’s not april 2026 yet’ but i’m simply too seated
January 21, 2026
Is it too early to have a favourite book of the year that will most likely remain so?
This book absolutely floored me. I was shamefully late to reading Choas Walking, despite the fact that I had read every other of Ness’ books and been deeply in love with them. When I read the trilogy back in late 2020 I was furious that I had denied myself the beauty for so long. It quickly became one of my all time favourite trilogies. I fell in love with the world. The characters. All of it. And so to be back there… oh what a joy it was!
There’s always a slight worry when there’s a sequel to a believed book or series that has come many years after the original. This fear that the author won’t be able to recreate the same magic. That it won’t have the same pull. But thankfully any fears there couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to Piper!
Several decades have passed since Monsters of Men ended, and Todd and Viola are parents now. This book focuses on their sons, Ben and Max. For years there has been relative peace. Some humans still hold a grudge against the Spackle, finding it hard to relinquish their prejudices. But still, a peace of sorts. But a new danger has revealed itself and it’s creepy, scary and confusing.
The book is told in dual narrative sections by both of the brothers and the story just absolutely flew by. I could barely breathe with how fast it went. I tried to make it last, really tried to savour it but my god it was hard.
Patrick’s writing, as ever, was stunning and all consuming. I was sucked into this book so hard and I wasn’t let go. The book ends with a huge cliff hanger that has me gasping for book 2. I am so glad that this is a trilogy and I cannot wait to see what happens next!
My thanks to Candlewick for my earc!
This book absolutely floored me. I was shamefully late to reading Choas Walking, despite the fact that I had read every other of Ness’ books and been deeply in love with them. When I read the trilogy back in late 2020 I was furious that I had denied myself the beauty for so long. It quickly became one of my all time favourite trilogies. I fell in love with the world. The characters. All of it. And so to be back there… oh what a joy it was!
There’s always a slight worry when there’s a sequel to a believed book or series that has come many years after the original. This fear that the author won’t be able to recreate the same magic. That it won’t have the same pull. But thankfully any fears there couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to Piper!
Several decades have passed since Monsters of Men ended, and Todd and Viola are parents now. This book focuses on their sons, Ben and Max. For years there has been relative peace. Some humans still hold a grudge against the Spackle, finding it hard to relinquish their prejudices. But still, a peace of sorts. But a new danger has revealed itself and it’s creepy, scary and confusing.
The book is told in dual narrative sections by both of the brothers and the story just absolutely flew by. I could barely breathe with how fast it went. I tried to make it last, really tried to savour it but my god it was hard.
Patrick’s writing, as ever, was stunning and all consuming. I was sucked into this book so hard and I wasn’t let go. The book ends with a huge cliff hanger that has me gasping for book 2. I am so glad that this is a trilogy and I cannot wait to see what happens next!
My thanks to Candlewick for my earc!
Want to read
March 20, 2025NEW CHAOS WALKING AS I LIVE AND BREATHE LET’S ALL LIVE 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Want to read
January 17, 20252026? 😭😭😭
But also . . . a new Patrick Ness book set on New World WITH TODD AND VIOLA AND THEIR KIDDO?!?!?! 😍😍😍
But also . . . 2026.
But also . . . a new Patrick Ness book set on New World WITH TODD AND VIOLA AND THEIR KIDDO?!?!?! 😍😍😍
But also . . . 2026.
Read
March 4, 2025IM SO EXCITED
Want to read
April 17, 202512 year old Charlotte is screaming. 2026 cannot come soon enough😭😭😭😭😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
As excellent as I was expecting it to be. great to be back in that world both to see how things have developed since monsters of men but also to dive into Ben and Max's story.
November 27, 2025
I got this short preview through NetGalley, and oh how I have missed you Patrick Ness!
I was a huge fan of Chaos Walking in my teens and love to find more out about the world.
The writing is visceral and keeps you on the edge of your seat. The author drops you into an action scene immediately, in which you’re not sure how it will go for the main character. I love suspense and it is done very well here!
Even though I only have access to the first 3 chapters, I will definitely be picking this back up to find out more!
I was a huge fan of Chaos Walking in my teens and love to find more out about the world.
The writing is visceral and keeps you on the edge of your seat. The author drops you into an action scene immediately, in which you’re not sure how it will go for the main character. I love suspense and it is done very well here!
Even though I only have access to the first 3 chapters, I will definitely be picking this back up to find out more!
Want to read
September 19, 2025shaking crying and throwing up. i cannot wait for this sequel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Walker Books for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
As a massive Patrick Ness and Chaos Walking fan, I read this book voraciously, quickly, trusting the author to deliver a new, exciting story with all of his signature quirks.
Unfortunately, I found that Piper at the Gates of Dusk, while being a fun and fast-paced read, is quite far from the heydays of Chaos Walking.
As much as I would like to regard this book on its own (and as a fresh start for new readers, as the marketing suggests), it is impossible for me to talk about it without comparing it to the series that originated this setting. Where The Knife of Never Letting Go was breaking conventions in YA and truly stretching the genres and its capabilities to its limits, PatGoD feels like a more traditional and straightforward narrative set in the same universe as Knife. It is not without its merits, and it's still enjoyable to read, but I thought it felt like a book that demands way less of its readers, preferring to deliver a narrative that is action packed, largely uncomplicated, easy to follow, frictionless.
Friction is, in my opinion, where Ness excels: it's a hard balance to strike, but if the reader has to work at least a tiny bit, the pay-off feels earned. PatGoD is a smoother experience compared to any of his previous books, and for this reason it feels less impactful. The characters are interesting, but rarely put in situations that highlight their most complex traits. Even genuinely emotional beats could've been deeper and more poignant if only we had waited a bit more for them (I'm thinking of a specific confrontation between the two brothers; I understand what it was trying to do, but I can't help wonder if Ness could've saved it instead for book 2, in order to let those underlying emotion percolate and settle instead of dispelling that tension immediately. Same thing for a character death; I felt that there was barely any time to get attached to them, and while it is undoubtedly an important moment for all the main characters, it ended up feeling scripted and accessory).
Moreover, I thought it would've benefited from a higher page count; it is the shortest novel set on New World to date, and I thought many moments or characters could've been improved by letting the reader stay with them longer. PatGoD feels very much all plot, and I reckon it needed some prattle.
Returning to New World and meeting up with old characters is nice, but I wonder if this could truly be a good starting point for new readers. It doesn't require extensive knowledge of the original trilogy, and past events are summed up in a way that doesn't completely spoil the fun of going back and reading the old books for the first time, but the original books are more complex, and they play with structure, form and tone in a way that isn't present in PatGoD. At the end of the day, this is a completely appropriate, fun book for teens; adults who have read the Chaos Walking Trilogy as teenagers might find it fun to revisit a beloved world, but because people grow up and priorities shift, they might come out of it dissatisfied. Similarly, in my opinion, the old trilogy holds up quite well with adult readers for its scope and depth, whereas PatGoD felt shallow and wholly YA in comparison.
My hope is that Ness is saving the big guns for books 2 and 3; I've read every single one of his novels (except for his very first one), and I know that he's done and can do much, much more. I will be continuing this series, of course, but I'll probably just recommend the original series for new readers, teens and adults alike.
As a massive Patrick Ness and Chaos Walking fan, I read this book voraciously, quickly, trusting the author to deliver a new, exciting story with all of his signature quirks.
Unfortunately, I found that Piper at the Gates of Dusk, while being a fun and fast-paced read, is quite far from the heydays of Chaos Walking.
As much as I would like to regard this book on its own (and as a fresh start for new readers, as the marketing suggests), it is impossible for me to talk about it without comparing it to the series that originated this setting. Where The Knife of Never Letting Go was breaking conventions in YA and truly stretching the genres and its capabilities to its limits, PatGoD feels like a more traditional and straightforward narrative set in the same universe as Knife. It is not without its merits, and it's still enjoyable to read, but I thought it felt like a book that demands way less of its readers, preferring to deliver a narrative that is action packed, largely uncomplicated, easy to follow, frictionless.
Friction is, in my opinion, where Ness excels: it's a hard balance to strike, but if the reader has to work at least a tiny bit, the pay-off feels earned. PatGoD is a smoother experience compared to any of his previous books, and for this reason it feels less impactful. The characters are interesting, but rarely put in situations that highlight their most complex traits. Even genuinely emotional beats could've been deeper and more poignant if only we had waited a bit more for them (I'm thinking of a specific confrontation between the two brothers; I understand what it was trying to do, but I can't help wonder if Ness could've saved it instead for book 2, in order to let those underlying emotion percolate and settle instead of dispelling that tension immediately. Same thing for a character death; I felt that there was barely any time to get attached to them, and while it is undoubtedly an important moment for all the main characters, it ended up feeling scripted and accessory).
Moreover, I thought it would've benefited from a higher page count; it is the shortest novel set on New World to date, and I thought many moments or characters could've been improved by letting the reader stay with them longer. PatGoD feels very much all plot, and I reckon it needed some prattle.
Returning to New World and meeting up with old characters is nice, but I wonder if this could truly be a good starting point for new readers. It doesn't require extensive knowledge of the original trilogy, and past events are summed up in a way that doesn't completely spoil the fun of going back and reading the old books for the first time, but the original books are more complex, and they play with structure, form and tone in a way that isn't present in PatGoD. At the end of the day, this is a completely appropriate, fun book for teens; adults who have read the Chaos Walking Trilogy as teenagers might find it fun to revisit a beloved world, but because people grow up and priorities shift, they might come out of it dissatisfied. Similarly, in my opinion, the old trilogy holds up quite well with adult readers for its scope and depth, whereas PatGoD felt shallow and wholly YA in comparison.
My hope is that Ness is saving the big guns for books 2 and 3; I've read every single one of his novels (except for his very first one), and I know that he's done and can do much, much more. I will be continuing this series, of course, but I'll probably just recommend the original series for new readers, teens and adults alike.
November 18, 2025
Patrick Ness has done it again.
Piper at the Gates of Dusk is a perfectly political, inspiring, and heartbreaking novel, all in one. Following the children of Todd and Viola from the Chaos Walking series, we are set out on a mission to discover the cause of a strange occurrence on New World.
The main characters, Ben and Max, have personalities that are so well thought out and filled with the perfect amount of teenage angst and traits from their parents. Everything from the way they talk to the witty remarks in their inner monologue is so well done.
This book explores many issues including family dynamics, disability awareness, transgender visibility, and just feeling like you belong. All in all, it was very inspiring, while not being too in your face with the life lessons. Along with the beautiful prose that fit every situation perfectly, this book has so many important lessons that are relevant to the world today.
Ness does an amazing job shaping his characters, but the antagonists especially. After the Chaos Walking trilogy, I didn’t think any antagonist could live up to the set standard, but I was proven wrong. While the story isn’t over, I look forward to seeing what comes next with all of the characters and New World.
For a more in depth review with minor spoilers, please read the article posted on my substack.
Thank you Edelweiss and Candlewick Press for the digital review copy of this book.
Piper at the Gates of Dusk is a perfectly political, inspiring, and heartbreaking novel, all in one. Following the children of Todd and Viola from the Chaos Walking series, we are set out on a mission to discover the cause of a strange occurrence on New World.
The main characters, Ben and Max, have personalities that are so well thought out and filled with the perfect amount of teenage angst and traits from their parents. Everything from the way they talk to the witty remarks in their inner monologue is so well done.
This book explores many issues including family dynamics, disability awareness, transgender visibility, and just feeling like you belong. All in all, it was very inspiring, while not being too in your face with the life lessons. Along with the beautiful prose that fit every situation perfectly, this book has so many important lessons that are relevant to the world today.
Ness does an amazing job shaping his characters, but the antagonists especially. After the Chaos Walking trilogy, I didn’t think any antagonist could live up to the set standard, but I was proven wrong. While the story isn’t over, I look forward to seeing what comes next with all of the characters and New World.
For a more in depth review with minor spoilers, please read the article posted on my substack.
Thank you Edelweiss and Candlewick Press for the digital review copy of this book.
February 6, 2026
Thank you for NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book!
I was a teenager working in public libraries when the Chaos Walking trilogy was released- I’m now in my mid-thirties, working in an academic library, and a fervent fan of Patrick Ness. I haven’t read Chaos Walking since then; it’s on a short but significant list of books that I only ever want to read for the first time. I remember Manchee and the phrase “one in particular” and I remember how each of the books felt heavy with melancholy. Piper at the Gates of Dusk does not feel the same, and it’s because Viola and Todd grew into damn good parents. Their sons have been raised with the skills their parents had to fight a war to learn, and are brave, outspoken and near unshakeable as a result. The bigotry, racism, fanaticism and denial that *still* run through the human settlement on New World is something beatable, not inevitable, when seen through Max and Ben. Hope, not melancholy, is the feeling I will remember having when I remember having read this book. No spoilers- just read it as soon as you can. Extra stars awarded for referencing The Wind in the Willows.
I was a teenager working in public libraries when the Chaos Walking trilogy was released- I’m now in my mid-thirties, working in an academic library, and a fervent fan of Patrick Ness. I haven’t read Chaos Walking since then; it’s on a short but significant list of books that I only ever want to read for the first time. I remember Manchee and the phrase “one in particular” and I remember how each of the books felt heavy with melancholy. Piper at the Gates of Dusk does not feel the same, and it’s because Viola and Todd grew into damn good parents. Their sons have been raised with the skills their parents had to fight a war to learn, and are brave, outspoken and near unshakeable as a result. The bigotry, racism, fanaticism and denial that *still* run through the human settlement on New World is something beatable, not inevitable, when seen through Max and Ben. Hope, not melancholy, is the feeling I will remember having when I remember having read this book. No spoilers- just read it as soon as you can. Extra stars awarded for referencing The Wind in the Willows.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Piper at the Gates of Dusk
by Patrick Ness
Pub Date: Apr 07 2026
This is Patrick Ness diving back into the world of Chaos Walking with a little sneak-peek of the next book. I original thought this trilogy was over but it looks like we have more coming. I am a big fan of Ness's work and I know this will be just as good as everything else I've read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for the opportunity to read this sneak-peek in return for my honest review.
by Patrick Ness
Pub Date: Apr 07 2026
This is Patrick Ness diving back into the world of Chaos Walking with a little sneak-peek of the next book. I original thought this trilogy was over but it looks like we have more coming. I am a big fan of Ness's work and I know this will be just as good as everything else I've read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for the opportunity to read this sneak-peek in return for my honest review.
Want to read
November 1, 2025I need it to be March immediately
2026-releases
November 5, 2025new Chaos Walking in 2026 are you kidding meeee
and i can rest easy now that i know that Todd and Viola got married, thank you Patrick Ness 🙏
and i can rest easy now that i know that Todd and Viola got married, thank you Patrick Ness 🙏
Want to read
November 6, 2025Someone please add a cover image! it is revealed!!!!!
Want to read
January 9, 202612 year old me is SCREAMING at the confirmation that Todd recovers and goes on to live with Viola. MOST ANTICIPATED READ OF 2026 NOTHING CAN TOP IT, PATRICK NESS PLEASE DO US JUSTICE.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Review to follow.
Thank you to Candlewick and Edelweiss for the ARC.
Review to follow.
Thank you to Candlewick and Edelweiss for the ARC.
Want to read
January 24, 2026a continuation of one of my most beloved childhood reads???? todd and viola's SONS??? let's freaking goooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 stars 1/2 star off because I had so many questions.
I haven't read the original series which caused me to feel lost at times.
Review to follow
I haven't read the original series which caused me to feel lost at times.
Review to follow
Read
February 9, 2026An excellent addition to the Chaos Walking world. Readers will not be disappointed with the characters or the dynamic plot. I’m really excited to see this on bookshelves!
Want to read
December 19, 2025The Knife of Never Letting Go was one of my fav series when I first got back into reading. Super intrigued to see where this new trilogy goes 👀
Want to read
February 1, 2026Given my track record, I should know better than to trust these YA prequel/sequel series, but when it comes to Patrick Ness I just can't help myself...
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews