Koli begins by telling us that he has to start at the beginning to tell his tale. He then recounts his life in Mythen Rood, a small village that struggles to keep safe in a post-apocalyptic world.
At first, he is Koli Woodsmith, and describes his family, friendships, and much about how the village operates. Then, at fifteen young people take a new name, and he becomes Koli Waiting. Those who turn fifteen take the name Waiting as they are housed together waiting for the test that will determine whether of not they become Rampart. Most young people desperately want to become Rampart because a Rampart can "awaken" the few pieces of tech that have survived. The Ramparts have a rarefied place in society and are charged with the protection of the village in several ways because certain tech weapons have "wakened" to them.
The beginning is a little slow, but as Koli reveals information in his own particular order, mentioning characters and events, then saying he will get to them later, as he attempts to tell his story in a chronological frame. Gradually the narrative picks up speed and interest until the reader is immersed in Koli's world and events.
Koli suffers a disappointment at the Testing and realizes he is not able to become a Rampart, and when this is followed by another disappointment, circumstances combine to reveal a shocking truth: the Testing is not fair and has never been. Koli, frustrated and angry, makes some choices that will have consequences and long-term effects.
There is an honesty to Koli's account of events. He includes his mistakes and his shame for some of his behavior, even though he acknowledges his youth, his immaturity, and his lack of knowledge (a result of the isolation of the village). He gives accurate descriptions of his friends and fellow villagers instead of vilifying them. The coming-of-age element is an important part of the narrative, especially as Koli meets Ursula and Monomo, and begins what Joseph Campbell refers to as the hero's journey.
OK. The Book of Koli was a fascinating beginning to the Rampart Trilogy, and if you have enjoyed M.R. Carey's previous books, you may find this one as intriguing and thought-provoking as The Girl With All the Gifts and The Boy on the Bridge. I can't wait for the next one. Recommended!
NetGalley/Orbit Books
Dystopian/Science Fiction. April 14, 2020. Print length: 416 pages.
I haven't read all of Carey's books, but I do think he's a really good author. Glad you enjoyed this one. :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read all of them either and none of the books under Mike Carey. :)
DeleteI really enjoyed The Girl With All the Gifts. I went on to read Fellside, which was good, but not as good as TGWATG. This new one sounds intriguing. I may listen to it on audio. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
ReplyDeleteI forgot about Fellside. I didn't care much for that one--either for Jess's conviction or the prison aspect. I did like TGWATG and The Boy on the Bridge and this one, though! A lot. :)
DeleteI didn't know the author has a new book out. I enjoyed The Girl With All the Gifts so I'm intrigued with this one.
ReplyDeleteI liked it, and I'm glad there will be two more books. :)
DeleteI still need to read The Boy on the Bridge, but I loved The Girl With All the Gifts. I look forward to reading this one as well.
ReplyDeleteThe Boy on the Bridge takes place 10 years before TGWATG. I liked it a lot. :) The Book of Koli is a slow burn, but again, once it grabbed me, I was all in.
DeleteI feel like this very much like and unlike anything he's done before. i'm honestly not sure what to make of this, reviews like yours are helping me understand it better. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is different, isn't it? Some of the details of the world building didn't work that well for me, but I still liked the interaction among characters and the coming of age trope a great deal!
DeleteSounds really good, Jenclair. I like the whole premise of this one, and a trilogy is just about the perfect way to tell a story like this one. I'll add it to my list and see when I can get to it. I'm still reading at a much slower pace these days, so I am not even going to make it through my April stack at this point.
ReplyDeleteI find myself reading too quickly and having to go back and reread. Sign of the times, I guess, Sam!
DeleteThis will definitely go on my list! I really liked The Girl With All the Gifts (not had a chance to finish up with The Boy on the Bridge yet). I like how, as you indicated, the author is quite intriguing with his stories and where they go. At least, the finale of The Girl With All the Gifts went where I did not expect it to, which I really appreciated for this genre.
ReplyDeleteI'm eager for Carey to get the next book out. This one wrapped up the first episode--not a cliffhanger. The decision of "what next" has been made, and I'm ready to find out. :)
DeleteI did enjoy The Girl With All the Gifts but not quite sure about this one. It seems a bit more sci/fi than I typically like. Glad to hear you really enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteYes, some of the technology from before the apocalyptic event that left the survivors in such dire straits still works. Since there is very little tech left and even fewer people who know how to operate it, the population operates mostly like an agrarian society before the industrial revolution.
DeleteWhen I can remember specific details a week after I've read the book, I consider that book a winner! This one sounds good.
ReplyDelete:) True. So many books fade quickly from my memory, and I struggle to remember details the next day!
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