The Ferryman, a novel by Justin Cronin may be destined to become a cult classic. It has it all, first class writing, layers of intrigue, well fleshed characters, and a story that leads the reader down lane after lane of conspiracy and trickery.

The location is Prospera, somewhere in our realm but outside of space and time as we know it. How/why does it even exist? All we know is that it’s the product of The Designer. The protagonist, Proctor Bennett, has an upscale life with a beautiful wife and wealthy in-laws. His assigned job is a ferryman. This is the modern day coachman who transports citizens who have reached their end-of-days to the ferry boat. This, in turn, takes them to the Nursery. The Nursery is both the starting and ending point for each citizen of Prospera. The point of alpha and omega.

The idealistic existence that is the design for this utopian community seems to be in flux and there’s hints of some resistance. The lower class workers, who cater to the elite, are restless. They live in The Annex and undercurrents of trouble are brewing. This story begins to unfold when Proctor is called to transport his estranged father to the ferry. His father does not go gently into the good night. When Proctor got to his home he shows him a boat he’s constructed for him. When they reach the dock the father fights those attempting to take him to the gangplank. A fight ensues, Proctor nearly kills a man, and as his injured father lays on the ground he whispers “Oranios”.

What, who, when is Oranios? This is the mystery that drives the story along. This is dystopian fiction at its best. It’s very, very best.

Thank you #Netgalley #TheFerryman #Justin Cronin #RandomHousePublishing #Ballentine

NOTE: I read a review copy of this title. Similar to Cronin’s other titles, The Ferryman boasts impressive character development. You become invested in them first, and then their struggles, and finally the overarching storyline. I was somewhat confused towards the end, but in a good way.

Just off the coast of a deteriorating Post-apocalyptic world lies the Island of Prospera. The citizens of Prospera have monitors implanted in their arms which monitor their mental and physical well-being in order to provide a long and fulfilling life. When their monitors begin to show decline they "retire" a process in which the Ferryman escorts them to a boat where they are returned to a special place on the island known as the Nursery. There the citizens ailing bodies are renewed and their memories wiped so they can restart their lives once again as young adults. Proctor Bennett is "The Ferryman", a job which he enjoys and find fulfilling however, not everything in his life is going well. His monitor is rapidly declining and he's been dreaming...something citizens of Prospera are not supposed to be able to do. When he is asked to retire his father, something goes wrong. Suddenly, Proctor finds himself in the middle of a rebellion led by a group called the “Arrivalists” and begins to question everything he knows.

The Ferryman is an exciting new sci-fi, post-apocalyptic, novel by author Justin Cronin. This one starts out a bit slow as it builds up a world in which society has drawn a distinct line between citizens of Prospera and everyone else. I have to say that I originally thought this book was going a whole different direction so when the plot twist is finally revealed I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't see it coming. I really enjoyed Proctors character who struggles with being different and not seeming to fit in anywhere in society despite his best intentions. This was an entertaining novel which I have no doubt will make the top book list...a must read for 2023!

I very much enjoyed reading this! The writing was strong and the story was enjoyable. I recommend it.

A unique, suspenseful, and thought-provoking dystopian adventure where nothing is what it seems!

<i>The Ferryman</i> is a cross between The Truman Show, 1984, The Matrix, and Inception, and it's a testament to Cronin's skill that he's able to blur the line between illusion and reality so intricately, so convincingly, and in such a diametric fashion, that you never see the turns of the plot until they're upon you. Until they twist you sideways, demolishing everything you thought you knew about Prospera and its inhabitants.

Proctor Bennet is an everyman protagonist in the sense that he's relatable. He thinks. He dreams. He questions. He becomes the lens from which readers not only see and experience Prospera, but also from where they begin to question society's true purpose. It's underlying function.

Like the eye of a storm, the plot hinges on Proctor, on his realizations and discoveries, and because of that, readers are swallowed up in everything he goes through, leaving them feeling it, too. It makes for a jolting yet exciting, vicarious tailspin of a novel that sinks your imagination in to the helm.

Definitely one you don't want to miss!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC in exchange for my review!

I don't think my review or thoughts can do this book justice.
The Ferryman by Justin Cronin was one of the most amazing novels I´ve read!
Seriously, the best!

Cronin’s writing is superb. Hands down one of the best.
The writing style goes perfectly with the story.
The world Cronin created was vivid and real.
His characters were wonderful as they usually are in his books.
They just jumped out of the pages with how real and imploring they are.
The way he goes into detail and connects the reader.... It's honestly mind blowing.
The plot was well paced, very well executed.
I found myself so consumed in the story which really had me excited.
I'm still reeling from reading this remarkable novel!
Cronin is truly a gifted writer and storyteller. And I'm really grateful for the opportunity to read an early digital copy of The Ferryman!

I cannot recommend this book enough, it will enrapture you, consume you and have you feeling things you wouldn't think of.
(Well it did me anyways)
An imaginative engaging book and one I'm most definitely adding to my shelf with his other titles!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Random House & Ballantine,
Thank You for your generosity and approving this eARC!

This book was an easy choice for me as I've read the Passage trilogy by Justin Cronin and am a huge fan of his imagination. This book is not related to those, and as far as I know it's a stand-alone. But the same attention to detail, world-building, character development are here. I loved this and am still thinking about it after finishing it.

This story takes place in the future, when there are just two classes, the "haves" in Prospera, and the unlucky "have-nots". The Prosperans lead a wonderful-- though unremarkable-- life, living in a secluded place of splendid climate, kept isolated and safe from the failing planet. They dabble in the fine arts, working at their chosen careers, and pair off (every 15 years... if they want to switch). They don't have any worries in life because they have trackers inserted in them and their health is carefully monitored. If the health falls below 10%, regardless of age, they are sent to the Nursery on an impenetrable island, where their bodies are recycled and they start a brand-new life at age 16, but childlike and needing to be taught the ways of their world. Each one is sent to live with a family who has signed up to be mentors for a child.

The support class live together in the Annex, a more crowded & run-down area, and work for the privileged class. They accept their place in life... until they don't. They have the numbers to cause trouble for the Prosperans, and a groundswell of activism is in their near future, spurred by the Arrivalists, those who believe in religion and things you cannot see.

The Ferryman is named Proctor, whose job is to accompany the person through their "retirement" from their home and by boat to the Nursery. He ponders what happens to people after they retire, where do they "go", and how does it happen after he has to retire his own father, whom he has been estranged from. Proctor, like his father was in happier years, is enamored with the night sky, the planets, the stars above. He questions his life, and life in general.

You can interpret this tale in a few different ways. My takeaway (only my opinion) was that this was about people questioning the validity of the soul of a person. If life is so easy and you never really die, just get recycled, what actually happens to your spirit? The only drawback for me were the chapters taking place in the Nursery-- not my favorite part. Though this is a long book and meanders slowly throughout, you won't feel bored or detached from the plot. The last quarter was quicker action, and I did enjoy the ending. Thank you Justin Cronin, for doing it again!

9/10

Whoa. What an incredible ride.

It is so amazingly difficult to write this book effectively and Justin nails it. Without giving it away, think of a cross between a fictional mystery, The Matrix and a Christopher Nolan story. Each chapter peels the onion further and further until you’re not exactly sure what is happening but you know for a fact that it’s all going to fit together.

Truthfully, I’m not sure how to describe the story without spoilers. Suffice to say, Proctor Bennett is the main character. He’s the Ferryman. He’s responsible for ferrying people to their ultimate transition to death.

But weird things start happening to him. And the city becomes increasingly more bifurcated as the poor increase their resent of the wealthy.

And I will stop there.

This is the first Justin Cronin book I’ve read and can’t wait to read another.

Pure brilliance.

#netgalley #theferryman

On the dystopian island of Prospera, when a person’s embedded health monitor falls below a certain percentage, they are directed to “retire”, requiring a ferry ride to another island where their bodies are “renewed” and returned to Prospera as a new life. The Ferryman alludes to the occupation of Proctor Bennett, who is tasked with escorting the retiree to the ferry. When Bennett receives notice of his latest assignment, the retiree turns out to be his estranged father, whose cryptic message as he’s being escorted to the ferry sends Bennett on a desperate journey of his own. The Ferryman is a thought provoking novel unlike anything I’ve ever read! While the plot may sound confusing, the author does a masterful job of guiding the reader through this intelligent, multi-layered story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. Revealing too many details would be a disservice, as you’ll discover as the plot unfolds. This is truly a great read, not to be missed. A resounding 5 star read.

From the first page to the last, I was caught in the magic of this compelling book. The story of Proctor Bennett, as his life on Prospera began to disintegrate, was captivating and innovative. To say anything about the plot without spoilers is difficult. But, I can say I thoroughly enjoyed the book and think the mystery of Prospera will appeal to many readers.

My copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.

Recommended for fans of “The City of Mirrors”, “The Alleluia Files,” “Dark Matter,” and “The Giver.”

“The Passage” is one of the best books that I have ever read, full stop. The moment I heard Justin Cronin was publishing a new novel--the first in seven years--I knew I desperately and irrevocably needed it.

“The Ferryman” opens with a deeply satisfying bang. The first chapter was utterly enthralling, both creating a lush scene of comfort and a gripping sense of peril. No spoilers because I want you to savor it as much as I did.

The narrative weaves between the first person POV of Proctor Bennett (the ferryman himself) and several other characters in third person omniscient. One of Cronin’s greatest strengths is his timing; the switch between Proctor and the other characters is never jarring nor frustrating. It always feels right, even when it’s a character we haven’t peered over the shoulder of yet. Proctor himself makes a fine protagonist, even if he gets laid too easily and often--this comes across as authorial wish fulfillment even if that wasn’t the case.

At 560 pages, “The Ferryman” is a bit unwieldy, but the first two thirds or so races by. It really picks up steam just under the halfway point and barrels ahead till the 70% mark. Sometimes the tone felt unsteady, and the narrative became a little lost, but I always wanted to keep reading it. If you expect “The Ferryman” to be as masterful as “The Passage,” I’m not sure you’ll be satisfied, but it does stand well on its own two feet as a gripping dystopia that leans inward and questions what makes us who we are.

Overall, while not as compelling and with prose less captivating than “The Passage,” “The Ferryman” is a solid entry in Cronin’s canon.

My thanks to Ballantine Books/Penguin Random House for an advance copy via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was quite the unexpected treat. An epic dystopian tour de force, it delivers so many twists and turns I was often totally confounded! The writing is superb and helps create an enigmatic air about the entire story. Excellent characters, intense action and truly compelling themes of grief and loss made this impossible to put down. I was totally entranced and was gratified by the unexpected resolutions. This book delivers many of the same vibes as Cloud Cuckoo Land, but seems to be more accessible. A lovely, entertaining read.

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin

Proctor is a Ferryman. He is a senior Ferryman whose duties are to take retirees to the ferry that goes to the Nursery. When citizens reach the end of a self-acknowledged lifespan they return to the Nursery for rebirth. Prospera is an idyllic paradise.
Proctor discovers that there may be a dark side to the beauty and wonders of his paradise. This book takes a look at some interesting concepts of travel, sleep, dreams, and success.
It takes some very abrupt turns than make you rethink the entire plot.
I recommend it.

It's Justin Cronin what more needs to be said? I've been waiting for him to come back into the fold since reading the passage series and Im beyond ecstatic to be given an Arc of Ferryman. Think In time, the island, etc wrapped into one. Its a fun ride.

I have such mixed feelings about this book. I was absolutely gripped reading the first half of this book. Cronin writes so well, and the plot, implausible as it might be, was so propulsive. I bought into the book completely.

And then the book takes a turn. I won’t spoil with any detail, but suffice to say that it pulled the rug out from under my enthusiasm, asking me to buy into a poorly-explained and awkward development that turns this into an entirely different book.

I’m torn by the book because, ultimately, the book ends in a beautiful fashion. And Cronin doesn’t know how to write less than expertly.

The book didn’t work for me for a variety of reasons - the plot turn, unexamined questions and motivations, and a lot of yada-yada’ing to get past gaping logical and plot holes. All that said, I would understand why others might disagree and love this book.

Justin Cronin is a wildly talented writer. His Passage trilogy is a series that I will remember forever. This standalone novel, The Ferryman, is just as, if not more, brilliant. So brilliant that, by the end of it, I felt like it had outsmarted me.

About a third of the way through the book, things begin to shift, and we start to learn what's really going on. That's where things got difficult. Had the story remained in its initial form, a "simple" story of a dystopian utopia where everyone and everything is very carefully engineered, it would have been brilliant, on par with The Passage. The way it develops into an even more complicated story takes it a little bit out of my reach.

Basically, this is like when I took AP Physics in high school. I probably shouldn't have been in the class, and I ended up with a C+. But I did learn something, and was proud of myself in the end!

Will absolutely recommend this book to others. 4/5 stars.

This had two quite disparate sections, and I again found myself wanting to just explore the normal day to day life of a quiet dystopia. The title, the way things are explained, the world building, I adored it.

This reads more like a movie than a book, to be honest -- which I think sci-fi readers will like. It was almost as if the author were writing with the adaptation already in mind.

In terms of the book world, I would recommend this book to fans of Blake Crouch and Dean Koontz.

But, like I said, this felt more familiar to film than books, almost like a mash-up of many of movies, really, so I would recommend this to fans of: Inception, The Matrix, Westworld, The Island, and Passengers.

Reads quickly, despite the large page count.

Thanks to Justin Cronin and Ballantine books for this free digital ARC. My review is voluntary.

I have always been a fan of science fiction stories and I enjoyed Mr. Cronin's book, The Passage. As such, I looked forward to this new story. The Ferryman starts off a little slow. This almost discouraged me because it is long and I was concerned that it could become a slog. I need not have worried. The tension and plot turns built up early on and before I was a quarter way through, I had a hard time putting it down. I liked the variety of characters and analyzing their shifting motives. I enjoyed delving into all the questions that arose and the uncertainty the answers triggered. There were some sections that confused me, but it mostly made sense in the end.

And the ending... It made me laugh and made me sad. I highly recommend this story.

Wow! This was my first Justin Cronin book, but now I have to read the backlist!

This book is a wild ride - and enjoyable from beginning to end.

It’s full of twists and turns. At one point in the middle, I thought for sure it would run out of steam, but I flew through the last 1/3 of the book because I just had to know what happened next!

I really enjoyed this one! @netgalley and @Penguinrandomhouse - Thank you so much for the advanced copy!