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

- More Than This was first published in 2013 and showcases Patrick Ness's signature blend of science fiction and young adult themes, exploring concepts of life, death, and reality.
- Ness was inspired to write More Than This by a desire to explore what might happen beyond life and to delve into the intricacies of existential questions.
- The book received critical acclaim and was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal, highlighting Ness's ability to resonate with both teenage and adult audiences.

**Seth Wearing**  
Seth is a high school boy and the protagonist of the story, which is narrated from his perspective. He faces significant challenges related to his past and develops over the course of the narrative.

**Regine**  
Regine is a tall and assertive girl with a strong presence who becomes close friends with Seth. She comes across as tough but is deeply caring and supportive.

**Tomasz**  
Tomasz is a young and clever boy with a distinctive messy hairstyle, known for providing comic relief through his dramatic demeanor. He shares a close friendship with Seth and Regine.

**Gudmund**  
Gudmund is one of Seth's close friends and has a secret romantic relationship with him. He is depicted as bright and easygoing.

Patrick Ness

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore More Than This reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read More Than This | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore More Than This and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

More Than This Summary and Study Guide

Background

More Than This Background

chapter

chapterType

section

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

character

Character Analysis

More Than This Character Analysis

theme

Themes

More Than This Themes

Symbols & Motifs

More Than This Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

More Than This Literary Devices

quote

citation

Important Quotes

More Than This Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

More Than This

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read More Than This?

Reading Age

Book Details