Another fast, barely looked up read where I could not put this book down (following straight on from a marathon reading session of book 1). 
 Whereas The Knife is about secrets and how they destroy, The Ask is about lies. Lies to protect, lies that bind and lies that kill. As equally as dark and sometimes horrifying as Book 1 it is mostly not a pleasant read, but one that is action packed and carries on seamlessly from The Knife. 
 Todd and Viola, trapped on opposite sides of a civil war must do what they can to survive and find each other again in a world gone crazy, even if it means doing the very worst of things. 
 I particularly liked the growth of Viola and the use of her viewpoint in this story. I also loved the quiet soothing relationship Todd has with his horse Angaharrad which (view spoiler)[ after the awful loss of Manchee was rather sweet and touching (hide spoiler)] 
 Have already started the next book...