4.5 stars! 
 Although I liked the first book in this series, the constant roller-coaster ride of drama and despair took its toll on me. The Ask and the Answer contains all I loved about The Knife of Never Letting Go, minus the up-and-down conflict. There's still plenty of conflict, but the pacing is more even, while remaining incredibly suspenseful. I absorbed the story and burned to turn those pages. 
 Viola and Todd are separated in this title, and the chapters alternate between their voices. The fonts are different too; a touch I appreciated. Each of them must come to grips with their situation, and make tough decisions about which path to take. We learn more and get to know more about Davy, The Mayor, and Mistress Coyle. Middle books in a trilogy can become plodding and dull, though this one never did. 
 Highly recommended.