Notes from the Burning Age

Notes from the Burning Age is a dystopian novel of espionage and subterfuge. A world readying for war over differing philosophies and pursuit of power, Ven is an inquisitor whose knowledge of languages of the past can be used to translate documents from the Burning Age. The notes from the past provide a look into happier and sometimes simpler times, but also provide information of nuclear war, disease, and other weapons that the Brotherhood seeks to harness. Since the Burning Age of environmental destruction, can society move on or will they be damned to repeat it?

Story: This was an absolutely fascinating listen. I thought it would be a little heavier on the climate, but glad when it turned out to be more of a spy novel. The writing is clever and the storyline suspenseful. The characters are well-developed and the dialogue is full of philosophical contemplation and intrigue. Very thought provoking and enjoyable! (4.5 stars)

Audio: I wish I would have physically read this book instead. Don’t get me wrong, the audio was phenomenal! I just wish I could have seen the names of characters to help remember then a little more. The narrator had wonderful voices for the characters and does a good job capturing the emotion of them during specific scenes. (5 stars)

Thank you Netgalley and Orbit this ARC. I look forward to reading more books by Claire North. Although this was my initial introduction to her writing, her other novels have been added to my “want to read” list. I will also be sharing it as a suggestion for book club.