The book is set on Prospera, an island paradise hidden from the rest of the world by an impenetrable electromagnetic barrier. “Prosperans,” as the glorious inhabitants are called, enjoy a civilization “free of all want and distraction.” They devote their attractive selves entirely to “creative expression and the pursuit of personal excellence.” Prospera lies. In the ocean. It is hidden from the horrors of the outside world. Prospera is made up of three islands. It isn’t perfect as it does have social divisions. Only the wealthy live on the largest island. The Annex is where the working class citizens and support staff live. The other island is the Nursery. For the wealthy, they are fitted with a monitor that supposedly measures their physical and mental health. When a person has an unacceptable low level, the citizen is retired. The person is taken to the Nursery in order to have memories wiped
And their old bodies renewed to start a new life. They go back and are adopted as “wards” by Prospera couples. Then this whole cycle starts again. Proctor Bennett is a Ferryman. It is his duty to accompany residents by boat to the Nursery island. He and other ferrymen help the person who is being “rebooted” is to make the transition with dignity. However, Proctor finds that he is to take his father to the Nursery where his father makes a scene and gets a strange message to him. Proctor has failed at that task — it was a significant moment where everyone stopped and watched. He will need to make a report about it. The message from his father causes Proctor to question everything about himself and his beliefs. Why does he dream? That is not suppose to happen. What made his mother commit suicide years ago? Will he find the answers he needs?

The author has written a science fiction novel with an underlying mystery. By the time I got to the end of the novel, I wondered how I got there. There is a surprise. Things are not what they are suppose to be. It’s a large book that moves with an astounding quickness.

Cronin's The Ferryman is incredibly well thought and detailed. The "twist" at the end is thought provoking, I thoroughly enjoyed the ethical implications of the virtual world that was built.

A pretty generic sci-fi dystopian but with heartwarming themes of family. I saw all the big plot twists coming, but that’s not always a bad thing.

I was really looking forward to this book because I have liked Justin Cronin's previous works. However, I don't think anything could have saved this. The story slogged along at a snails pace. Everything fell flat for me and the good parts weren't all that interesting.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick. Our library purchased and our patrons have been checking out and and enjoying the book. I see it is a popular book club choice as well we hope to have more oppurtinies to support authors like them

This was an exhilirating, fast-paced standalone that rekindled my love for Cronin's writing. Really enjoyed this one and looking forward to see what else Cronin decides to write in the future.

Justin Cronin did it again. Every time I finish one of his books, I feel as though I traveled to a far away land. A place that my heart misses.

The Ferryman is a long read, I’m not gonna lie. But the journey is worth it! Each time one chapters ends, you are greeted with a new one that is just as interesting! The story is complex and intriguing. The characters you are introduced to throughout the story, become your close personal friends. You care about what happens to them.

Would highly recommend this to everyone!

A very long story! The story is a journey of the earth ending and finding renewal in other worlds. Lots of twists, a bit confusing to know what is real at times. Great description of characters and story flow. A lot is like a sci fy trip meets dystopia adventure.

Justin Cronin, author of “The Passage,” presents his latest masterpiece, “The Ferryman.” This novel is a singular, enchanting, and profoundly thought-provoking work. the author takes readers on an emotionally intricate journey, stretching the bounds of imagination through his eloquent prose and captivating scenes.

The narrative unfolds through multiple points of view, with Proctor as the primary narrator. It commences as Proctor is tasked with escorting his ageing father to “The Nursery.” Yet, Cronin skillfully navigates between past and present, weaving Proctor’s history and the genesis of Prospera into the narrative with a gentle, undulating rhythm.

“Part science fiction, part dystopian fantasy,” “The Ferryman” offers an unflinching portrayal of humanity at its zenith and nadir. The characters, despite their multitude, are individually distinct. Cronin masterfully prompts readers to scrutinize their own morals and belief systems, leaving a lasting impression that extends far beyond the novel’s conclusion.

Loved this book and highly recommend this one.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is another ‘expanding my reading horizons’ book pick – not my traditional literary/historical fiction fare, but quite satisfying, nonetheless. As I expand my reading tastes, I find I am enjoying dystopian fiction, of which the majority of this book was. [Until it appears I was wrong… and it took a sci-fi turn, which, admittedly, is farther outside my comfort spectrum… ]

I enjoyed the mind-bending aspects of this book and the deep characterization – as well as the themes related to the power of dreams, parent-child relationships, the various kinds of families that exist, and even the way humans seem incapable of ‘getting it right’ re: our relationship with the Earth.

I admit – since I don’t read this type of fiction, my brain kind of hurts. In a good way. This felt like a bit of a mind*uck… All the twists and turns and the guessing (and sometimes confusion—though a ‘good’ confusion)… It’s the kind of storyline that, as a movie, I grapple with afterwards because my mind is mostly primed for “reality” or “plausibility.’

The writing in this book was, surprisingly, sublime to me. I won’t say more than others already have plot wise, because you just have to experience it. And I will say, as a newbie to this kind of sci-fi-dystopian hybrid, I saw nothing coming, felt a bit of intellectual, mind-warp whiplash (and wondered, “what kind of an artistic mind can come up with this kind of creativity and keep all the dots connected? Kind of amazing.)”

So, yeah... I surprised myself once again. Even the parts I didn’t think I’d like, I ended up appreciating. Not necessarily my go-to or ‘gravitate toward’ genre, but really happy to have read.

Many thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the e-copy of the book in exchange for my ‘brain-ache’ reading experience.

"The Ferryman" by Justin Cronin is a book that exceeded all my expectations. It's not your typical read; it's a captivating blend of supernatural elements, intricate storytelling, and deep philosophical themes.

From the very beginning, I was drawn into the mysterious world Cronin created. The characters felt real and relatable, making their journeys even more compelling. I found myself emotionally invested in their struggles, particularly the enigmatic figure of the Ferryman, whose story unfolds in a way that keeps you guessing until the end.

Cronin's writing style is simply fantastic. It's eloquent and vivid, painting a rich and immersive picture of the story's eerie setting. I was easily transported to this atmospheric world, which added to the overall sense of foreboding and mystery.

What sets "The Ferryman" apart for me is its exploration of profound themes like guilt, redemption, and the search for meaning in the face of despair. The characters' emotional journeys left a lasting impact on me, and the book made me reflect on these themes long after I finished reading.

The structure of the novel, with its multiple perspectives and timelines, adds layers of complexity and intrigue. The pacing is spot-on, and the gradual revelation of mysteries keeps you hooked throughout.

In short, "The Ferryman" is a five-star read in my book. It's a thought-provoking, beautifully written story that seamlessly blends supernatural elements with deep, relatable themes. If you're looking for a book that challenges you, takes you on a thrilling ride, and leaves you pondering life's big questions, this is it. Highly recommended!

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Ooh! This was one long and windy road... I enjoyed each minute of it! A sci-fi book about survival in a new world with flash backs to the past and the future. This was one riveting story which keeps you guessing about what the heck is going on! As you read more truths unfold and unravel making you wonder and question the story. It is deep and twisty, I cannot say I know exactly what happened but I do know I would ride it again. This reminds me of a great series - LOST , in which the truths you think you know may not really be true.
You like a book that keeps you guessing , check this one out. Well done as in his previous Passage series all wrapped up in one stand alone book.
A must for fans of Sci-Fi and Fantasy!

This was a great book. Some parts moved slow and some parts moved fast. But overall, amazing! It’s such a great story with a good ride.

First time reading Justin Cronin, and really enjoyed this book. Epic in scope, with well developed characters and a great story. Will definitely need to read more from Justin Cronin. #TheFerryman #NetGalley

Magical, extraordinary and something out of a dream! An absolute must read!

Sometime in the future there is an island called Prospera. People can live a long time here, and when their bodies eventually start to deteriorate, they retire. Retiring for them is they are basically born again in a new body without their previous memories. The "Ferryman" is the man who escorts the retirees to the ferry and takes them to where they are reborn.

A unique story, fantastic characters, and a very satisfying ending. Our library patrons will love this as their next sci-fi pick!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book flew by, it was so easy to read because I was hooked by this dreamlike, mysterious utopic world the author created. You are taken along for the ride as Proctor discovers the hidden underbelly of Prospera, and what the truth means for the people he cares about and this society. This was my first read from this author, and I loved the surprising turns in the story and the level of detail in his writing.

In the secluded island nation of Prospera, the citizens never die – when their quality of life (monitored by the government) dips below a certain level, they are taken to the Nursery to be revitalized, their bodies renewed and their memories wiped so that they can return to society as blank slates to live a new life. Proctor Bennett is a Ferryman, and it’s his job to ensure that those whose lives have declined to that point, as well as those who choose to go, are safely placed on the ferry to the Nursery. But Proctor’s own monitor shows a decreasing level of satisfaction, and he is plagued by dreams, in a society where no one else experiences them. And when his own father’s departure on the ferry goes wrong, ending in a struggle and a cryptic final message, Proctor’s life begins to unravel. Meanwhile, there is a revolution stirring among the Support Staff, Prospera’s less fortunate worker underclass.

I haven’t read a dystopia in a while – at one point I was fully sick of them – but apparently it’s been long enough, because I really enjoyed this novel. There’s a mystery at the heart of the story – part of which I had an inkling of what was happening, but mostly, it was a surprise. The writing is great and the story is well-paced, with a fascinating premise and plot. Give it a try if you like Science Fiction!

Representation: POC characters, disabled characters

TW: suicide, child death

I received an advance copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

THIS is the dystopian I have been waiting for literally all of 2023. I was questioning literally everything as I read and couldn't stop turning all 500+ pages. I don't want to say much about this book because I'm afraid revealing literally anything might take away the fun from so many of the reveals. I can't wait to read the next Cronin because he simply does not miss.

A heavy, intriguing, possibly triggering post-apocalyptic story. It became more suspenseful than I expected, but it just added to the story. The characters were wonderfully developed and it read a lot faster than the number of pages would lead you to believe.