Patrick Ness's More Than This is a compelling mix of mystery and philosophical introspection, praised for its imaginative premise and deep emotional resonance. Critics admire its complex characters and thought-provoking themes. However, some find the pacing uneven and the resolution unsatisfying. Overall, it offers a rich, if occasionally challenging, reading experience.

Readers who enjoy introspective, genre-blending novels with young adult protagonists will appreciate More Than This by Patrick Ness. Fans of John Green's Looking for Alaska and Neal Shusterman's Scythe series will find the blend of mystery, emotional depth, and speculative elements compelling and thought-provoking.

More Than This by Patrick Ness follows Seth Wearing, a teenage boy who dies by suicide and wakes up in a strange, desolate version of his childhood hometown. As he explores what he believes to be his personal hell, he learns that humanity entered an alternate online reality to escape an ecological collapse. Seth meets other teenagers who also "died" and together, they evade a machine that seeks to reinsert them into the simulation while confronting their own traumas and the nature of reality. Topics include suicide, suicidal ideation, domestic abuse, anti-LGBTQ+ biases, and physical violence.

Mysterious / Emotional / Contemplative / Dark / Suspenseful

Patrick Ness

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Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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More Than This Summary and Study Guide

Background

More Than This Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 29

More Than This Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 29 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 30-52

More Than This Part 2, Chapters 30-52 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 53-69

More Than This Part 3, Chapters 53-69 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 70-83

More Than This Part 4, Chapters 70-83 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

More Than This Character Analysis

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Themes

More Than This Themes

Symbols & Motifs

More Than This Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

More Than This Literary Devices

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Important Quotes

More Than This Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

More Than This

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read More Than This?

Reading Age

Book Details