The first in M.R. Carey’s post-apocalyptic trilogy, The Book of Koli, paints a grim future where — similar to Day of the Triffids — the plants have taken over.
Set somewhere in England, the country has been reduced to small village communities struggling to keep genetically enhanced trees and plant life at bay. During the decline of the human race’s dominance of the landscape, somewhere along the way, the ability to harness advanced technology has been lost, and what little “tech” that remains is now regarded as mysterious bordering on religious/magic.
The tale is told similar to Bernard Cornwell’s The Last Kingdom series where the protagonist is giving the reader an account of his life from some time in the future. At first the style of writing was difficult to follow, but after a few pages, I quickly became assimilated to the narrative.
Set in the village of Mythen Rood, it begins with Koli reaching his fifteenth birthday and sent “waiting” (a ritual to see whether a person can harness tech and become a rampart). Carey does well to introduce the flaws and corruption in a very small community through the eyes of an innocent, as well as describing hints of a past relatable to the reader but not the characters themselves.
The characterisation and scene descriptions are engaging and very well written. I would definitely recommend if you’re looking for a new post-apocalyptic series.
Graeme J Greenan 