The Ancients by John Larison is an absolutely captivating novel that swept me up in its emotional depth, richly drawn characters, and beautifully evocative setting. This book tells a compelling story about the passage of time, the intricacies of family relationships, and the complex bond between people and the natural world. It’s a novel that lingers long after the last page is turned, filled with moments of grace, tenderness, and reflection.

At the heart of The Ancients is the relationship between father and son. The main character, River, is a young man who has spent his life in the shadow of his father, a legendary fisherman. River’s journey is both literal and metaphorical, as he embarks on a fishing trip with his father that brings them face-to-face with not just the challenges of the wild, but also their shared history and the difficult emotions that lie between them. River is forced to come to terms with the generational differences, family expectations, and unspoken resentments that have shaped his relationship with his father.

What really struck me about The Ancients is how Larison manages to balance the beauty of the natural world with the intricacies of human emotion. The novel’s setting, primarily the rugged coastal landscapes, feels like a character in its own right, with the vast, untamed nature acting as both a challenge and a source of solace for the characters. Larison’s prose is rich and descriptive, painting pictures of the ocean, forests, and mountains that make you feel as though you are right there beside the characters, experiencing the landscape’s raw beauty and danger.

The characters in The Ancients are wonderfully well-developed and multi-dimensional. River’s internal struggle, as he grapples with his place in the world and his complicated feelings toward his father, is depicted with such tenderness and realism. Larison doesn’t just focus on the external journey, but also on the emotional and psychological landscapes of his characters. River’s relationship with his father is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, and watching their dynamic evolve over the course of the story is one of the most powerful aspects of the novel.

The supporting characters also play crucial roles in the narrative, adding richness and depth to the story. The people River encounters on his journey bring their own histories, personalities, and perspectives, creating a vibrant tapestry that reflects the complexity of the human experience. Each character adds a layer of nuance to the themes of the novel, whether it’s dealing with loss, forging personal identity, or coming to terms with past mistakes.

Another aspect of The Ancients that I really appreciated is how it explores themes of legacy and tradition. River’s journey isn’t just about understanding his father, but also about reconciling his own place in a long line of traditions and expectations. The novel poses the question of what it means to inherit not just the family business, but also the emotional weight of history and memory. It’s a story about finding one’s own way while still acknowledging the lessons and baggage of the past.

Larison’s storytelling is immersive and poignant, pulling you into the world of The Ancients and never letting go. The pacing is steady, allowing the reader to sink into the rhythm of the characters’ lives, their struggles, and their triumphs. The emotional beats of the story land perfectly, and the novel’s ending is satisfying without being overly sentimental, offering a sense of closure while leaving room for reflection.

For a while now, I've been stewing on a project—a deep dive into post-apocalyptic sci-fi futures. The categories I am diving into will be pretty broad, but let this next review give you a sneak peek at what I have been thinking about in these concerning times. The Ancients, by John Larison, is a meditation on the cycle of civilization and relationship with the land that succeeds in questioning our own ideas about that relationship while being a moderately compelling story. It’s meant to challenge preconceptions about how one must live their life in a world becoming less habitable. 

In the far future of our world changed by climate, an empire is on its last legs. An ark is being constructed so that members of the empire can start anew in a greener, more abundant place. Cyrus, who just inherited a portion of the realm from his dead father, must meet the emperor’s wool quota or lose his chance to be aboard the ship. Meanwhile, three children whose parents have disappeared on the water must fend for themselves as they journey into the mountains to find the kin that left them two years ago. There, they must learn the lessons of the land after the sea fails them. Back in the last port of the empire, their mother, along with other recently captured slaves, works to escape so she can reunite with her family. 

The Ancients is a proper slow burn for the kind of story it is telling. From the get-go, it’s clear the story is a parable. It might be a turn-off for some folks, but considering that’s exactly what I was looking for, I was sucked in. Larison’s prose is sparse, with moments of lushness. It creates a mood that grounds the reader within the world of The Ancients. This works really well with the story split into three and then some perspectives. The children see the world as it is, and how they have to. They have some lessons they learned from their parents, forced to grow up as they search for the members of their clan that left years prior. The mother, captured and enslaved, has to learn a new way of life that is removed from the sea that her heart belongs to. And Cyrus, well, he’s caught up in a civilizational project that is trying to survive a collapse. The book carefully weaves together the various perspectives with pictographs denoting the point of view character. However, it also highlights the change in perspective through the use of language, specifically the reasons why people do the things that they do.

One of my favorite aspects of the novel is how it weaves the various worldviews into the narrative. The kids and the people they belong to have respect for the world, even as it changes in front of them. They recognize the animals and the geography as having their own place in the world and lessons to be taught to humans. There is a pragmatic reverence for these things as they are powerful but generous if cared for properly. The spirituality around the people’s relationship with them is pragmatic, respectful (at times), and reserved.

On the other hand, Cyrus’ life is filled with religion. Though they worship the sun, it has a very clear relationship with Christianity smashed together with a hint of capitalism. It preaches the use of abundance and taming the land to provide for the emperor as he is the direct descendant of the Sun’s favored child. Every decision Cyrus makes is to maximize his yield of sheep’s wool. The reasoning is because the emperor said so, and it's bolstered by the religious teachings. There is no respect for the sheep, the managers, the herders, or the land that is used to cultivate the wool. It’s an arbitrary increase in quota. Even the way Cyrus talks about it feels pious and intangible. It's a waste of abundance if he cannot provide for the emperor. 

The themes are loud and worn on the sleeves of this book, but I found them charming because of how they are displayed. The contrast makes them interesting, and the practicality of observing the lands and the changes that come. The future is not promised, but change is always just a day away. Learn to adapt to the changes, and you might find a way to survive and find gratitude. However, on the opposite side of the coin, the sun god feels distant and disconnected. The reasons for the civilizational project and the building of an ark are vague and clearly an exercise in power. The focus on wasting abundance as the stick with which one prods civilization forward is easily shown for what it is: abundance for me, not for thee. No one really has a plan, even some of the characters who seem to have something up their sleeves are left to panic when the shit begins to hit the fan. It’s very in your face, and that comes with faults and charms. 

As the book came to a close, and I was left to ruminate on it, I concluded I enjoyed the book as an exercise and somewhat enjoyed it as a story. It doesn’t make life easy for the children or the various other members of the folks learning to adapt to the changes around them, and god knows they pay for some poor choices on their part. While they were given reasonable explanations as to why some of those choices occurred, there were times when I felt I could see the gear turning in the background that slowly wound the characters’ stories closer and closer together. But I also can’t help but sympathize with the larger themes of adaptability and practical relationships to the land. It’s depicted in an interesting way that makes it easy to resonate with the plight of the children and the folks outside the city walls. The Ancients is a very specific kind of story for people who want to gaze unto the distant future with a bit of trepidation. 

Rating: The Ancients  - A good starting point for grounded post-apocalyptic fiction.
-Alex 

An ARC of this book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts on this book are my own.

“To walk is to find footing. To stop is to lose it.”

A beautiful, haunting journey of a novel, quite unlike anything I’ve read or experienced before. The characters are deep and complicated, the setting rich and detailed. I really enjoyed the journey this novel took me on. I felt like I was experiencing one of those documentaries of early human life. History come to life and I had an amazing time. Well done.

The Ancients
By John Larison

A very interesting story, this book deals with an indigenous tribe which has been forced to survive by fishing; a more advanced group of city dwellers with society with a cast system; and a nomadic tribe living in the desert and following the elk. All three groups, while considering each other enemies, have one thing in common – they are all driven to desperation by the encroachment of sand due to climate change.

What is interesting here is the two points the author is making. First is that we are all basically the same and would manage much better working together. And second that climate change is cyclical – and humans must learn to adapt in order to survive (just as all species have done throughout the millennia.

This is a fascinating book, especially with the state of the world we live in now.

"You are the daughter of ten thousand survivors. Every strength that kept them alive lives within you. Trust their voices."

We follow a family, wrenched apart by unthinkable circumstances, simply trying to navigate a broken world.

I found the Ancients to be quite cinematic. Accessible, but with a good amount of depth and lyricism. In a sea of dystopias, I think this is definitely one that could hit the trajectory of "modern classic."

The familial relationships, in particular, had a complexity and accuracy that was downright heartbreaking at times.

A relatively easy read, for its complexity and pace, so very easy to recommend.

I was immersed in the world of this book immediately and as soon as I finished I looked up other books by this author. There were a few slow points that I was hung up on but overall the story was engaging and I really enjoyed it.

This is an unusual look at the future that took me a while to get into as the format is initially confusing but it's a fresh look at what the world could become. Told in dual timelines, we see a survival tale about civilization and what could become of us if we don't take a look at the environment and all of the wonders--and pitfalls--that face us if we do not. take care of our planet. It's a fascinating look at things we have done to our earth and the responsibilities we have if we want to preserve it for future generatiions!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

Expansive is definitely the first word I’d use to describe this novel that spans genres from post apocalyptic to speculative fiction. Expect a bit of a slow burn but I think the individual plot threads come together well at the climax. There is definitely a poignant message here about the cycles of civilization and hope for the future. Ultimately, I think this book really works as a thoughtful tale about humanity without necessarily saying anything groundbreaking.

The Ancients by John Larison is a dystopian, far in the future post-apocalyptic tale that could be described as the literary love-child of THE GIVER by Lois Lowry and PILLARS OF THE EARTH by Ken Follett. I will confess that it took me several tries to really get into the story, but once I was able to give myself over to the pacing of the narrative, I didn't want the tale to end. I loved the multiple character arcs and found the culmination of their individual and collective journeys to be ultimately satisfying. Especially poignant was the POV of a gay character searching for acceptance and validation. I highly recommend THE ANCIENTS by John Larison.

Many thanks to the author, the publishers, and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this e=galley.

3.5 stars
This seems to take place in the far future--plastic is considered a historic artifact--but life has regressed to a more primitive level. Most people are focused on basic survival while the upper classes exploit the others for their labor. It's a story of the rise and fall of different societies due to technology, changing climates, cultural divisions, exploitation of others and of natural resources. I felt like this could have personalized these big themes and been really powerful but somehow fell short. It was a bit slow and hard to connect with some of the main characters.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.

I read to 50% so there was something compelling about this novel. It is set in a distant future where not much of humanity has survived. The currency is made from mined plastic, but other than that, this book reads less like dystopian fiction and more like a history lesson. It is a retelling of how humans have formed societies based on superstition, cultural traditions, and power, set in the future. I don’t doubt that we will repeat our same patterns, but I didn’t find it offered me anything new to think about.

This is some of the best dystopian of 2024 and is sadly flying under the radar. Fantastic prose, complex but accessible world buildling, all the emotions. This will require some attention, but it is worth fitting in before making best of lists.

This is not normally my type of book, but I thought it sounded interesting, so. I gave it a try. Unfortunately it was too dense and heavy for me. It's very well written though! Just not for me.

John Larison's THE ANCIENTS is a masterful blend of dystopian fiction and post-apocalyptic survival. Set in a time where climate change has drastically altered the world, the novel weaves together the stories of three sets of characters, each struggling to survive and find their place in a rapidly changing environment.

Larison's novel is a survival story. A meditation on human resilience, hope, and the stewardship of our world for future generations. The pacing of the novel is deliberate, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the richly detailed world Larison has created. The narrative is both poetic and gripping, with each character's journey adding depth to the overarching themes of the novel.

The book serves as a stark reminder of our current environmental crisis. Larison's depiction of a world ravaged by climate change mirrors the exploitation of our planet and the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations. The novel highlights how those in power often take advantage of the most affected by climate change, drawing a poignant parallel to our present-day struggles. Interweaving fables throughout the story was really clever, becoming something of a warning, accenting lessons from the past and deciding on a better future.

Larison's ability to create a believable and immersive world, combined with his exploration of complex themes, makes this a standout read. Whether you're drawn to the survival aspects or the deeper philosophical questions, THE ANCIENTS offers a compelling and rewarding experience.

This book is very dense. It follows a set of siblings on their journey to find people and land where they can survive, their mother who was stolen for her labor, and the Emperor's son who has to give up the life he wants for the life he was born into.

The book is set in a world ravaged by environmental damage and the land and water are yielding less and less food. An ark is being built with the intention of taking people from the land to a greener place where food will not be in short supply. The caveat of course is that not everyone will fit so not everyone is going to go. The wealthy and those in power are the ones who will travel while the poor are, of course, going to be left with promises the ark will return for them.

There is a lot of culture commentary in so many areas from matriarchy structures of tribes to homosexuality being frowned upon to the impact of climate change.

It is a well written book, albeit heavy and packed with information and characters. It is not one that you can devour in a day, but one you would be better off taking your time with.

A young boyand his older sisters find themselves suddenly and utterly alone. They are orphaned in an abandoned fishing village. Their food supplies dwindling, they set out across a treacherous wilderness in search of the last of their people. Down the coast, raiders have the children's mother, along with the rest of their human cargo. Determined to reunite with their family, the mother plots to escape.

After 20% this Dystopia book is not for me.

Thank you for NetGalley and Viking for this ARC.

**Features:**

- Post apocalyptic story with an ‘ancient civilization’ feel
- Climate fiction set long after an initial climate disaster
- Celebrates human resilience and the importance of community

**Summary:**

The world is constantly changing. When food could no longer be grown and fishing nets started to come up empty, the people of Lilah’s fishing village decided it was time to leave. Choosing to stay behind, Lilah’s family is struggling to survive when she is captured by raiders. Presuming she and their father are dead, Leerit, Maret, and Kushim set out on a perilous journey through the wilderness in search of the villagers who left them behind. Meanwhile, Cyrus is left to navigate a complicated political landscape in one of the last human cities. In the fight for survival, all three stories will converge to determine the future of humanity.

**Thoughts:**

This dystopian climate fiction is both brutal and beautiful as it depicts three very different stories of survival. Though it is never really specific about how our society declined, this story takes place far enough in the future that people have returned to a style of living more consistent with ancient civilizations. Despite this evolution, climate change is still occurring and plays a central role. Though this book offers a critique on the parts of human nature that lead us down destructive paths, it focuses more on human strength, resilience, and community. There are plenty of dark moments, but I would say this book is more hopeful overall.

The writing in this book is beautiful and feels minimalistic. The chapters and sections are short, but I don’t feel like anything was missing. That being said, I felt like it took me a bit longer than usual to get into the story. Each storyline takes a while to find its footing, but I found each captivating once they really got going. If you are willing to be a little patient, this book is well worth the read!

The Ancients is a thought-provoking dystopian centered around climate change. The author has a talent for delivering an ominous story and yet captivating with the hope and desire to survive emanating from the characters.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is such an interesting and engrossing read. It reads like an epic, with many intersecting storylines and characters. Three siblings are left abandoned when their parents disappear. They wonder if they are the last people on Earth as they go in search of others. Meanwhile, their mother has survived and has been taken captive. We also get to see the perspective of the more privileged class. The characters move in and out of peril and luck. They get separated. We hope they reunite. And we come to learn about the various and heavy effects of climate change. I found the writing very easy to follow, and the plot moved quickly. Some of the tales within this tale were maybe a bit too heavy-handed in their morality, but overall, this book was a very imaginative way to think about climate dystopias.

Unique and surprising. I especially liked how Larison challenges the reader's idea of what is "primitive" and "modern," and his clever borrowing, from creation stories to Game of Thrones type emperors. There are many familiar elements here that are meshed together creatively.

There is also a clear point of view, in terms of the potential consequences of climate change, and the bias still facing those who are gay. This threatens to distract the reader at times from the engaging plot and richly-drawn characters, but Larison never fully takes the pulpit, to the novel's benefit. He delivers his warnings and commentary about the fallibility of those who seek power within the spellbinding realm of the story.

All in all, I would highly recommend this story to sci-fi/fantasy readers as well as speculative fiction fans.