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The Ancients
A richly imagined, sweeping novel set in the climate-changed world of our own descendants, by the acclaimed author of WHISKEY WHEN WE’RE DRY.
A young boy and his older sisters find themselves suddenly and utterly alone, orphaned in an abandoned fishing village. Their food supplies dwindling, they set out across a breathtaking yet treacherous wilderness in search of the last of their people.
Down the coast, raiders deliver the children's mother, along with the rest of their human cargo, to the last port city of a waning empire. Determined to reunite with her family, she plots her escape—while her fellow captives plan open revolt.
At the center of power in this crumbling city, a young scholar inherits his father's business and position of privilege, along with the burden of his debts. As the empire's elite prepare to flee to new utopia across the sea, he must decide where his allegiance lies.
With a rapidly changing climate shifting the sands beneath their feet, these three paths converge in a struggle for the future of humanity—who will inherit what remains and who gets to tell its story. At once a sweeping survival story; an epic of the distance future; and a post-apocalyptic vision of hope and optimism, THE ANCIENTS weaves a multilayered narrative about human resilience, hope, and stewardship of our world for future generations.
A young boy and his older sisters find themselves suddenly and utterly alone, orphaned in an abandoned fishing village. Their food supplies dwindling, they set out across a breathtaking yet treacherous wilderness in search of the last of their people.
Down the coast, raiders deliver the children's mother, along with the rest of their human cargo, to the last port city of a waning empire. Determined to reunite with her family, she plots her escape—while her fellow captives plan open revolt.
At the center of power in this crumbling city, a young scholar inherits his father's business and position of privilege, along with the burden of his debts. As the empire's elite prepare to flee to new utopia across the sea, he must decide where his allegiance lies.
With a rapidly changing climate shifting the sands beneath their feet, these three paths converge in a struggle for the future of humanity—who will inherit what remains and who gets to tell its story. At once a sweeping survival story; an epic of the distance future; and a post-apocalyptic vision of hope and optimism, THE ANCIENTS weaves a multilayered narrative about human resilience, hope, and stewardship of our world for future generations.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published October 15, 2024
102 people are currently reading
10.4k people want to read
About the author
John Larison
6books365followersJOHN L A R I SON spent much of
his childhood in remote regions of Australia,
the Caribbean, Canada, the South Pacific,
Alaska, and the American West before graduating
from high school in Ithaca, New York. He
studied philosophy and literature at the University
of Oregon, and became a renowned flyfishing
guide ahead of earning an MFA from
Oregon State University, where he stayed to
teach while writing Whiskey When We’re Dry.
He lives with his family on a small farm in rural Oregon, where he is at work on his next novel.
his childhood in remote regions of Australia,
the Caribbean, Canada, the South Pacific,
Alaska, and the American West before graduating
from high school in Ithaca, New York. He
studied philosophy and literature at the University
of Oregon, and became a renowned flyfishing
guide ahead of earning an MFA from
Oregon State University, where he stayed to
teach while writing Whiskey When We’re Dry.
He lives with his family on a small farm in rural Oregon, where he is at work on his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
October 24, 2024
“The Ancients� is a complex dystopian novel that I found challenging to connect with. Revolving around three sets of characters, the backstory remains ambiguous. This seems to be in a future where conditions are primitive, possibly due to a climate disaster. I understand the sermon the author was preaching; the pacing was just sluggish and the journey too long.
Thank you to Viking and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Viking and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2024
The prose? Evocative. The landscape? Harsh and fleetingly beautiful. The story? A testament to human resilience and hope.
This novel is a journey—one that everyone should take.
Set in a world where the line between past and future blurs, the story follows several different perspectives, all through a lens of survival. The characters� depth and versatility shine against the ever-changing backdrop, embodying endurance in the face of overwhelming odds.
I couldn’t exactly pinpoint where in time the story fell, but ultimately it was irrelevant—the themes are timeless and universal. The spare writing style starkly captures their world yet enriches it with sensory detail, creating a contrast that kept me engrossed from start to finish.
The interwoven fables lent a mythical quality, transforming the narrative into a profound cautionary tale of survival, loyalty, and the quest for a better future.
TL;DR: This novel is a masterful blend of evocative storytelling and poignant themes. If you want a thought-provoking, emotionally charged literary experience, read this book.
Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the early review copy!
This novel is a journey—one that everyone should take.
Set in a world where the line between past and future blurs, the story follows several different perspectives, all through a lens of survival. The characters� depth and versatility shine against the ever-changing backdrop, embodying endurance in the face of overwhelming odds.
I couldn’t exactly pinpoint where in time the story fell, but ultimately it was irrelevant—the themes are timeless and universal. The spare writing style starkly captures their world yet enriches it with sensory detail, creating a contrast that kept me engrossed from start to finish.
The interwoven fables lent a mythical quality, transforming the narrative into a profound cautionary tale of survival, loyalty, and the quest for a better future.
TL;DR: This novel is a masterful blend of evocative storytelling and poignant themes. If you want a thought-provoking, emotionally charged literary experience, read this book.
Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the early review copy!
July 16, 2024
I'm giving this five stars because of the book's high quality. It was moving, and I got attached to the characters. It is fairly slow-paced, though, and may not be accessible to all readers. It's the kind of literary book you have to be in the mood for. I'm writing a Booklist review, although I need some time to digest it before I come up with anything coherent.
August 26, 2024
So we have been here before?
Yes, child, this has all happened before, and like the last time, we wil learn again to thrive.
from The Ancients by John Larison
The Ancients imagines a far future world that seems all too familiar, a place we have read about in ancient history, and more unsettling, it is too much like the world we live in.
The Emperor demands endlessly greater tribute, depleting the land in the endeavor to meet his demand. The ‘barbarians� with bronze weapons capture the ‘heathen� for slave labor while claiming to better their lives–at least they are fed. Coastal tribal groups distrust each other over differences in culture.
In a lifetime, the fishing folk have seen the dunes overtake the land, the fish disappear. Rather than starve, an entire village leaves for the mountains to follow the elk. One family remained behind. A barbarian ship captures the mother to be a slave, the father drowning in the sea, leaving their three children alone to fend for themselves.
The oldest girl leads her siblings up the mountain to join the villagers. Tragedy strikes, separating the three. The oldest girl becomes a warrior rising up against the barbarians. The middle child bonds with sheep herders who take her in. The boy is sent to the barbarian city to be healed. Their stories reveal an entire world in crisis.
Cyrus, a master in the city, must increase his wool tribute. He has been a scholar until his father’s death. He is forced to borrow money from a powerful general. The man he loves has married. His mother is pushing for him to marry, too. He hopes to be on the massive ark the emperor is building to take the people across the sea, hopefully to a green and thriving place.
Cyrus grows from a sheltered, self absorbed boy. He sees the workers, stolen from their homes, who labor in his wool processing factory, who mine the valuable plastic. He reads ancient scrolls that shatter everything he ever believed about history and the world. Most importantly, he learns that the stories we tell create the world we believe in. Change the story and change the world.
In the author’s note, Larison reveals the inspiration for this story. “History reveals countless examples of technological regression,� he tells us. “Any technology may be just as fragile as the ecosystem of nature, culture, and alliance that fueled it.� We exploit the world to collapse. Yet, humanity survives, even if only a few hundred. There will be a future. Another chance to get things right.
The story is a warning, but not without hope.
Thanks to the publisher for a free book through NetGalley.
Yes, child, this has all happened before, and like the last time, we wil learn again to thrive.
from The Ancients by John Larison
The Ancients imagines a far future world that seems all too familiar, a place we have read about in ancient history, and more unsettling, it is too much like the world we live in.
The Emperor demands endlessly greater tribute, depleting the land in the endeavor to meet his demand. The ‘barbarians� with bronze weapons capture the ‘heathen� for slave labor while claiming to better their lives–at least they are fed. Coastal tribal groups distrust each other over differences in culture.
In a lifetime, the fishing folk have seen the dunes overtake the land, the fish disappear. Rather than starve, an entire village leaves for the mountains to follow the elk. One family remained behind. A barbarian ship captures the mother to be a slave, the father drowning in the sea, leaving their three children alone to fend for themselves.
The oldest girl leads her siblings up the mountain to join the villagers. Tragedy strikes, separating the three. The oldest girl becomes a warrior rising up against the barbarians. The middle child bonds with sheep herders who take her in. The boy is sent to the barbarian city to be healed. Their stories reveal an entire world in crisis.
Cyrus, a master in the city, must increase his wool tribute. He has been a scholar until his father’s death. He is forced to borrow money from a powerful general. The man he loves has married. His mother is pushing for him to marry, too. He hopes to be on the massive ark the emperor is building to take the people across the sea, hopefully to a green and thriving place.
Cyrus grows from a sheltered, self absorbed boy. He sees the workers, stolen from their homes, who labor in his wool processing factory, who mine the valuable plastic. He reads ancient scrolls that shatter everything he ever believed about history and the world. Most importantly, he learns that the stories we tell create the world we believe in. Change the story and change the world.
In the author’s note, Larison reveals the inspiration for this story. “History reveals countless examples of technological regression,� he tells us. “Any technology may be just as fragile as the ecosystem of nature, culture, and alliance that fueled it.� We exploit the world to collapse. Yet, humanity survives, even if only a few hundred. There will be a future. Another chance to get things right.
The story is a warning, but not without hope.
Thanks to the publisher for a free book through NetGalley.
July 24, 2024
In a world of sea and sand, everyone looks for green land. Kushim, Maren, and Leerit are a trio of siblings who struggle to survive in the wilderness after they are abandoned by their parents in their rundown fishing village. Their mother Lilah is a captive torn away from her home by desert raiders, and she’s desperate to reunite with her children. Cyrus the city-dweller grapples with conflicting loyalties and forbidden love. The environment continuously shifts and collapses around them, but every versatile character is an expression of human endurance.
This is a poignant climate fiction novel that is post-apocalyptic but with a prehistoric feel. The spare writing style enhances the stark and bleak atmosphere, but it also richly captures both the bounty and brutality of the natural world and the hard lessons they learn from it. Fables are interwoven throughout the story until this novel itself becomes something of a cautionary tale, emphasizing how to learn from the past in order to create a better world for the future. This thought-provoking novel is perfect for fans of The Bear by Andrew Krivak.
(This review was originally written for Library Journal magazine.)
This is a poignant climate fiction novel that is post-apocalyptic but with a prehistoric feel. The spare writing style enhances the stark and bleak atmosphere, but it also richly captures both the bounty and brutality of the natural world and the hard lessons they learn from it. Fables are interwoven throughout the story until this novel itself becomes something of a cautionary tale, emphasizing how to learn from the past in order to create a better world for the future. This thought-provoking novel is perfect for fans of The Bear by Andrew Krivak.
(This review was originally written for Library Journal magazine.)
August 20, 2024
Thank you to Viking/Penguin and NetGalley for the ARC of the novel.
Earlier this year I read Golden Days by Carolyn See, a novel that in part imagines life in a post-nuclear war southern California. The world See describes before the nuclear annihilation is one of Los Angeles glamour, parties at mansions, the accumulation of wealth, while in the air there is the distinct scent of doom. It is never addressed directly, but there are references to tensions in the political sphere, chest-thumping politicians, whispers that grow louder of a nuclear threat. Would they really do it? But life goes on (what else can one do?), until it suddenly doesn't. The final section of Golden Days is the aftermath of the nuclear battle written with great detail and attention to the devastation on the environment and the human survivors. Eventually those survivors make their way to the California coast, where they join other survivors on a beach where the sand has melted into glass. And these survivors start to build community again.
I thought of See's novel when I finished The Ancients. John Larison has written a novel that is an acclamation of the human spirit, a celebration of the human will to live, and a reminder that humans thrive in community. In The Ancients, the existential threat is environmental made worse by the dominant civilization's refusal to change and adapt to the new reality. Instead of moderating their wants into needs, the empire seeks to extract more resources from a dwindling supply, causing devastating suffering for the many people not wealthy enough to purchase even the basics to sustain themselves. The leaders of this empire continue on this path of destruction because they have created an exit plan for themselves, a means of survival that does not have room for everyone.
Of course, there are echoes here of today's world with climate change and its potentially devastating effects along with the stories of the super-rich building their bunkers and spaceships in order to survive. They have their escape plans ready to go. The world of The Ancients is the world we are creating (destroying?) now, generations into the future. It is a world where humans are once again hunters and gatherers, living symbiotically with their environment, appreciating what nature provides without wasting the resources. Yet those humans who live in concert with nature suffer the consequences created by those who don't, those who seek material wealth above all else. And the cycle begins again. But Larison's novel is ultimately hopeful, seeing in humans the potential to survive, to come together and live together as community. There is an appeal in the novel, I think, quiet, yet insistent, that maybe it is time to try a matriarchal approach to civilization. Larison's female characters are as strong as men, as fierce, yet ultimately the wiser, the ones gifted with the "longer view."
The Ancients is a fast, entertaining novel. Larison jumps right into the narrative, and readers are pulled along for a great story with characters that move you. What begins as three separate narratives get funneled into a cohesive final whole that is satisfying and rich. In some parts almost Biblical, in other parts violent, and in other parts tender, The Ancients is a novel that is compelling in its writing and its vision.
Earlier this year I read Golden Days by Carolyn See, a novel that in part imagines life in a post-nuclear war southern California. The world See describes before the nuclear annihilation is one of Los Angeles glamour, parties at mansions, the accumulation of wealth, while in the air there is the distinct scent of doom. It is never addressed directly, but there are references to tensions in the political sphere, chest-thumping politicians, whispers that grow louder of a nuclear threat. Would they really do it? But life goes on (what else can one do?), until it suddenly doesn't. The final section of Golden Days is the aftermath of the nuclear battle written with great detail and attention to the devastation on the environment and the human survivors. Eventually those survivors make their way to the California coast, where they join other survivors on a beach where the sand has melted into glass. And these survivors start to build community again.
I thought of See's novel when I finished The Ancients. John Larison has written a novel that is an acclamation of the human spirit, a celebration of the human will to live, and a reminder that humans thrive in community. In The Ancients, the existential threat is environmental made worse by the dominant civilization's refusal to change and adapt to the new reality. Instead of moderating their wants into needs, the empire seeks to extract more resources from a dwindling supply, causing devastating suffering for the many people not wealthy enough to purchase even the basics to sustain themselves. The leaders of this empire continue on this path of destruction because they have created an exit plan for themselves, a means of survival that does not have room for everyone.
Of course, there are echoes here of today's world with climate change and its potentially devastating effects along with the stories of the super-rich building their bunkers and spaceships in order to survive. They have their escape plans ready to go. The world of The Ancients is the world we are creating (destroying?) now, generations into the future. It is a world where humans are once again hunters and gatherers, living symbiotically with their environment, appreciating what nature provides without wasting the resources. Yet those humans who live in concert with nature suffer the consequences created by those who don't, those who seek material wealth above all else. And the cycle begins again. But Larison's novel is ultimately hopeful, seeing in humans the potential to survive, to come together and live together as community. There is an appeal in the novel, I think, quiet, yet insistent, that maybe it is time to try a matriarchal approach to civilization. Larison's female characters are as strong as men, as fierce, yet ultimately the wiser, the ones gifted with the "longer view."
The Ancients is a fast, entertaining novel. Larison jumps right into the narrative, and readers are pulled along for a great story with characters that move you. What begins as three separate narratives get funneled into a cohesive final whole that is satisfying and rich. In some parts almost Biblical, in other parts violent, and in other parts tender, The Ancients is a novel that is compelling in its writing and its vision.
March 1, 2025
Interesting dystopian story, fully developed characters, a slow burn to tie everything together but well worth the wait.
November 20, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
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.
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.
November 18, 2024
3.5 stars
Nicely written story about how tradition and myth can bind people over time, and the possibilities that emerge when you let that go. Reminded a bit in feel of by .
Nicely written story about how tradition and myth can bind people over time, and the possibilities that emerge when you let that go. Reminded a bit in feel of by .
October 17, 2024
I really enjoyed this. A unique take on a dystopian society (two, actually) and the way they conflict and interact with each other.
November 1, 2024
I am so torn with rating my perception of this book. It took me a while to figure out the timeline and characters, and how they all connected. I read this slowly and with deep thought, which usually means a book is full of prose and poetry that I love, but I wouldn’t say the author is a “beautiful� writer because I was mostly just finding myself lost in thought. Wondering. I love books that make me pause with awe, and this only scratched that surface toward the end as everything wrapped up. I’d recommend it if you want to consider a Time Before and are more reflective on your place in this world, how far we’ve come, and the possibility that we are reinventing civilizations that have already gone before us. This is definitely more of a 2.5 than a 2 for me, meaning it was okay.
November 5, 2024
4.0 though end wasn’t as strong as the rest of the book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2024
A very satisfying and well-written bit of speculative fiction. I hesitate to even call it post-apocalyptic because it takes place so far in the future (at least 800 years) that there is no trace of, or any memory of, anything technological. We’re literally back in the Bronze Age. I wouldn’t it call it science fiction, for the same reason, though there is a long history of putting this kind of survival story in the SF category. However, this is a completely unique take on survival and social conflict that doesn’t draw any immediate comparisons to other post-apocalyptic stories. So I like that it is unique, and that it tells a compelling story in one nicely-paced arc without need for yet another trilogy or ongoing series.
The writing is efficient and doesn’t get in the way of itself, which allows for a very clear picture of events in the reader’s mental imagery. Style is a very subjective matter, but for me it finds a nice middle ground between the prosaic literalism of Blake Crouch and the transcendent ponderings of Martin MacInnes (In Ascension).
The concept, prose, and characters are all interesting, but what impressed me most was Larison’s ability as a story teller. Pacing was perfect; not once did the story flag. A couple of times I was momentarily puzzled by the shift from one story line to another � and there are three primary stories that unfold here � but then I noticed the helpful symbols at the start of paragraphs (a sun, elk tracks, a sailing ship) which indicate which story is being told. And I like how the story flows forward without flashbacks or one narrative skipping ahead while we catch up with another. That was the real purpose of the shifts within each chapter, so I applaud this technique.
I liked that for once characters didn’t do stupid things that make the reader flinch and recoil (“oh no, don’t do that!�), that the reasoning behind actions is explained to the reader so that we have some degree of sympathy for all the characters � even those who are fighting against each other. I also found it fascinating how everything was interconnected and how it all comes together at the end.
A solid four-star read, better than many other books that I’ve generously rounded up to four stars, but not quite a five-star favorite. Still, a keeper for my library, to enjoy again sometime in the future. I recommend this mostly to readers who enjoy historical fiction, rather those that might be expecting something along the lines of a zombie apocalypse.
The writing is efficient and doesn’t get in the way of itself, which allows for a very clear picture of events in the reader’s mental imagery. Style is a very subjective matter, but for me it finds a nice middle ground between the prosaic literalism of Blake Crouch and the transcendent ponderings of Martin MacInnes (In Ascension).
The concept, prose, and characters are all interesting, but what impressed me most was Larison’s ability as a story teller. Pacing was perfect; not once did the story flag. A couple of times I was momentarily puzzled by the shift from one story line to another � and there are three primary stories that unfold here � but then I noticed the helpful symbols at the start of paragraphs (a sun, elk tracks, a sailing ship) which indicate which story is being told. And I like how the story flows forward without flashbacks or one narrative skipping ahead while we catch up with another. That was the real purpose of the shifts within each chapter, so I applaud this technique.
I liked that for once characters didn’t do stupid things that make the reader flinch and recoil (“oh no, don’t do that!�), that the reasoning behind actions is explained to the reader so that we have some degree of sympathy for all the characters � even those who are fighting against each other. I also found it fascinating how everything was interconnected and how it all comes together at the end.
A solid four-star read, better than many other books that I’ve generously rounded up to four stars, but not quite a five-star favorite. Still, a keeper for my library, to enjoy again sometime in the future. I recommend this mostly to readers who enjoy historical fiction, rather those that might be expecting something along the lines of a zombie apocalypse.
October 12, 2024
In the midst of despair there comes hope. This novel primarily deals with the strength of will of people struggling with the results of perhaps war or climate change many centuries earlier. Family is the center of lives and rulers fight for control of the people. The descriptions of setting are amazingly poetic and easily pictured. The storyline could easily be seen as the future result of our current political and environmental paths.
Thanks to NetGalley and Viking Press for the ARC to read and review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Viking Press for the ARC to read and review.
September 12, 2024
This book definitely takes some patience to get through. It is quite long and very slow paced.
The book is a story of people who try and survive a world where the earth is becoming inhabitable.
The book would have benefitted greatly if it would have started with some background information. It just dove right into the story, and I never really figured out what time period it was from, how they ended up in the situation they were in, and where they were. There was also several different groups of people, and it was never explained who they were or what their differences were. An extra chapter at the beginning setting all of that up would have been helpful and eliminated confusion.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book is a story of people who try and survive a world where the earth is becoming inhabitable.
The book would have benefitted greatly if it would have started with some background information. It just dove right into the story, and I never really figured out what time period it was from, how they ended up in the situation they were in, and where they were. There was also several different groups of people, and it was never explained who they were or what their differences were. An extra chapter at the beginning setting all of that up would have been helpful and eliminated confusion.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 7, 2025
The Ancients by John Larison is a thought provoking, dystopian read, set in the far future in a world destroyed by climate change and mass extinction. Humanity is forced to start again, and here we follow young hunter-gatherers and siblings, Leerit, Maren and Kushim. Their parents have disappeared and so the three must go on a journey to find them and the rest of their village, who'd previously moved on while their family stayed where they were.
Along the way, we encounter raiders, barbarians, a wool factory in a distant city, and a space ark built for the privileged.
Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all in all, I very much enjoyed this read, my first one of 2025.
It's evocative, it's poignant and it'll have you pondering themes of family, society, the effects we are all currently having on our planet, and the far reaching consequences our actions will inevitably have on future generations.
It's a brilliantly detailed and descritive read, it's incredibly imaginative with rich, thick writing.
I'd say it's slow paced, but for this type of novel, that's no a bad thing, but rather a positive, as this is a read to take your time with, to savour and I'm sure, like me, it'll have you up late turning the pages long after you should have gone to sleep.
5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
Along the way, we encounter raiders, barbarians, a wool factory in a distant city, and a space ark built for the privileged.
Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all in all, I very much enjoyed this read, my first one of 2025.
It's evocative, it's poignant and it'll have you pondering themes of family, society, the effects we are all currently having on our planet, and the far reaching consequences our actions will inevitably have on future generations.
It's a brilliantly detailed and descritive read, it's incredibly imaginative with rich, thick writing.
I'd say it's slow paced, but for this type of novel, that's no a bad thing, but rather a positive, as this is a read to take your time with, to savour and I'm sure, like me, it'll have you up late turning the pages long after you should have gone to sleep.
5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
January 2, 2025
The Ancients was definitely an interesting read. Think of it as a thoughtful take on where humanity might be headed, though fair warning: it's not your typical beach read and can not be read in one sitting at all.
You've got three main storylines weaving together in a world ravaged by climate change. There's a group of kids (led by this resourceful young boy and his older sisters) trying to survive in the wilderness after losing their parents. Meanwhile, their mom's been captured by raiders and is plotting her escape from what's basically a human trafficking operation. Then there's this young scholar in the last remaining "civilised" city, dealing with his inherited wealth and privilege while everything's falling apart around him.
I'm giving it 3.75 stars, though I had to round up to 4 on ŷ (seriously, why no half stars?). The author, Larison, chose this stark writing style, very deliberate, often distant. It works for the story they're telling, especially given the themes of isolation and abandonment, but it definitely slows down the pace. If you're looking for fast-paced action, this isn't it.
What really stands out is how well-crafted the characters are. You get just enough detail to understand their motivations without getting bogged down in unnecessary backstory. And while climate change is obviously the big theme here, the focus stays on the human story - how people adapt, survive, and try to maintain hope when everything familiar has been stripped away.
If you enjoyed Station Eleven or The Road but want something more focused on environmental collapse, this could be worth your time. It's definitely a slow burn, but the kind that sticks with you after you finish the last page. Perfect for those nights when you want something that makes you think about where we're all headed without completely destroying your faith in humanity.
Think of it as climate fiction for grown-ups who've been around long enough to appreciate a slower, more nuanced approach to dystopian storytelling.
You've got three main storylines weaving together in a world ravaged by climate change. There's a group of kids (led by this resourceful young boy and his older sisters) trying to survive in the wilderness after losing their parents. Meanwhile, their mom's been captured by raiders and is plotting her escape from what's basically a human trafficking operation. Then there's this young scholar in the last remaining "civilised" city, dealing with his inherited wealth and privilege while everything's falling apart around him.
I'm giving it 3.75 stars, though I had to round up to 4 on ŷ (seriously, why no half stars?). The author, Larison, chose this stark writing style, very deliberate, often distant. It works for the story they're telling, especially given the themes of isolation and abandonment, but it definitely slows down the pace. If you're looking for fast-paced action, this isn't it.
What really stands out is how well-crafted the characters are. You get just enough detail to understand their motivations without getting bogged down in unnecessary backstory. And while climate change is obviously the big theme here, the focus stays on the human story - how people adapt, survive, and try to maintain hope when everything familiar has been stripped away.
If you enjoyed Station Eleven or The Road but want something more focused on environmental collapse, this could be worth your time. It's definitely a slow burn, but the kind that sticks with you after you finish the last page. Perfect for those nights when you want something that makes you think about where we're all headed without completely destroying your faith in humanity.
Think of it as climate fiction for grown-ups who've been around long enough to appreciate a slower, more nuanced approach to dystopian storytelling.
December 15, 2024
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 dynamics, 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.
I received an advance copy via NetGalley.
I received an advance copy via NetGalley.
October 28, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
The Ancients is a well crafted dystopian story of two societies on the brink of ecological collapse. The Coastal communities are matrilineal, lead a simple existence, give thanks and pray to their Mother the Sea. In this climate damaged land, resources grow increasingly more scarce. The Coastal people are forced to leave their villages in search of more favorable fishing and hunting grounds. At the center of this story are three siblings whose life course is changed when their parents leave to find food and never return.
A more technologically advanced, patriarchal society, reside among the hills where they worship the Sun. The patriarch is on his death bed, and his son Cyrus has no interest in taking a wife to secure his position as heir to the throne. Instead he wishes to be a scholar, and to study alongside Ashair his secret lover. Meanwhile, conflict and rebellion threaten. Desertification encroaches on their land, and shrewd political leaders plan their escape. An arc is built to sail for more prosperous lands to colonize, but not all will be allowed aboard.
If speculative climate fiction is your thing, then give The Ancients a read. You will find themes of human resilience, stewardship of the earth’s resources, the power of myth making, and questions about who gets to control the story.
Many thanks to the author John Larison, @VikingBooks, and @NetGalley for the pleasure of reading this imaginative tale in exchange for an honest review.
The Ancients is a well crafted dystopian story of two societies on the brink of ecological collapse. The Coastal communities are matrilineal, lead a simple existence, give thanks and pray to their Mother the Sea. In this climate damaged land, resources grow increasingly more scarce. The Coastal people are forced to leave their villages in search of more favorable fishing and hunting grounds. At the center of this story are three siblings whose life course is changed when their parents leave to find food and never return.
A more technologically advanced, patriarchal society, reside among the hills where they worship the Sun. The patriarch is on his death bed, and his son Cyrus has no interest in taking a wife to secure his position as heir to the throne. Instead he wishes to be a scholar, and to study alongside Ashair his secret lover. Meanwhile, conflict and rebellion threaten. Desertification encroaches on their land, and shrewd political leaders plan their escape. An arc is built to sail for more prosperous lands to colonize, but not all will be allowed aboard.
If speculative climate fiction is your thing, then give The Ancients a read. You will find themes of human resilience, stewardship of the earth’s resources, the power of myth making, and questions about who gets to control the story.
Many thanks to the author John Larison, @VikingBooks, and @NetGalley for the pleasure of reading this imaginative tale in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2024
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.
August 25, 2024
It was an entertaining read. The narrative revolves around 3 main deities: the Sea, the Sand and the Sun. We follow characters devoted to the Sea into the capital of the Sun empire. They call each other barbarian and don’t understand each other’s language. We witness a panicked construction of the Ark that should save civilization from being buried under the sand that’s blowing in all directions. The story touches on issues of homosexuality, slavery (hey, we put food on their table and give them jobs!), extensive growth of production without any measure, wealth inheritance, corruption, claim to power by birth, blinding faith, hunters and gatherers vs scholars and manufacturers.
It definitely gives a general “Game of Thrones on climate change� vibe. There are some intriguing science fiction lines that are left underdeveloped, hints on who the ancients might be (us) and how human society is bound to spin in samsara of prosperity and disaster even when they stay as close to the land as possible. This idea of always having a possibility of a fresh start somewhere else (oh hi, Mars).
It definitely gives a general “Game of Thrones on climate change� vibe. There are some intriguing science fiction lines that are left underdeveloped, hints on who the ancients might be (us) and how human society is bound to spin in samsara of prosperity and disaster even when they stay as close to the land as possible. This idea of always having a possibility of a fresh start somewhere else (oh hi, Mars).
July 24, 2024
This book is the tale of a journey into the unknown, traveling through the harsh landscape of the future; The only goal (at first) is survive. The author masterfully weaves in myths and fables into each persons story: you have siblings attempting to find the rest of their family, the son of a wool merchant trying to balance his position of power while dealing with his father’s debts and the siblings� mother trying desperately to reunite with her children.
This multi-narrative novel is a sweeping tale of hope, survival and resilience in a climate-shifting world.
This multi-narrative novel is a sweeping tale of hope, survival and resilience in a climate-shifting world.
Read
March 1, 2025I won an ARC of this in a giveaway and tried to read it, I really did. However, I stopped around halfway through because it was a snoozer.
I'm finally ready to admit that I will not be returning to The Ancients. I'm just... not at all interested.
I'm finally ready to admit that I will not be returning to The Ancients. I'm just... not at all interested.
March 4, 2025
This read like it was written by an early AI model. Slow af, boring, really had no purpose of existing.
March 7, 2025
Worth it for the 3 page epilogue alone
October 20, 2024
A Dystopian Masterpiece for Our Time
In an era where climate change looms large and societal divisions deepen, John Larison's "The Ancients" emerges as a powerful, thought-provoking exploration of humanity's capacity for survival and reinvention. This sweeping dystopian epic, set in a future world ravaged by environmental catastrophe, weaves together three distinct narratives that ultimately converge in a struggle for the future of our species. Larison, known for his acclaimed novel "Whiskey When We're Dry," once again demonstrates his gift for crafting richly imagined worlds and complex characters that linger in the mind long after the final page.
A Tapestry of Survival
The Children of the Coast
At the heart of "The Ancients" lies the story of Leerit, Maren, and Kushim � three siblings suddenly orphaned in an abandoned fishing village. Their journey across a treacherous wilderness in search of their people forms the emotional core of the novel. Larison's depiction of their struggle is both harrowing and deeply moving, capturing the fierce bond between siblings and the resilience of youth in the face of unimaginable adversity.
The Captive Mother
Parallel to the children's journey, we follow the plight of their mother, Lilah, captured by raiders and delivered to a dying port city. Her determination to escape and reunite with her family drives a tension-filled narrative that exposes the brutal realities of a world where humanity's worst impulses have been unleashed. Lilah's storyline offers a searing critique of exploitation and the commodification of human life.
The Scholar's Dilemma
The third strand of the narrative centers on Cyrus, a young scholar who inherits his father's position of privilege in the last bastion of the old empire. As the elite prepare to flee to a supposed utopia across the sea, Cyrus grapples with questions of loyalty, morality, and the true meaning of civilization. His storyline provides a fascinating exploration of power, knowledge, and the weight of history.
A World Transformed
Larison's world-building is nothing short of exceptional. The post-apocalyptic landscape he conjures is vivid and terrifyingly plausible � a world of shifting sands, rising seas, and the remnants of a civilization in decline. Yet amidst the desolation, there are moments of breathtaking beauty and glimpses of nature's resilience. The author's background as a fly-fishing and whitewater guide shines through in his evocative descriptions of the natural world.
Climate Change as Character
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its treatment of climate change not merely as a backdrop, but as a character in its own right. The ever-shifting environment drives the plot and shapes the characters' choices in profound ways. Larison avoids heavy-handed moralizing, instead allowing the altered world to speak for itself, challenging readers to confront the consequences of our current path.
Themes of Resilience and Rebirth
The Cyclical Nature of History
"The Ancients" is deeply concerned with the cyclical nature of human history. Through its intertwining narratives, the novel suggests that civilizations rise and fall, but humanity endures. This theme is reinforced by the presence of ancient artifacts and half-remembered stories that hint at previous cycles of collapse and renewal.
The Power of Stories
A recurring motif throughout the novel is the importance of storytelling as a means of preserving knowledge, culture, and hope. The characters cling to old tales and create new ones, using narrative as a tool for survival and a bridge between past and future generations.
Adaptation and Evolution
Larison's characters are constantly forced to adapt to their changing world, both physically and psychologically. This emphasis on adaptability serves as a powerful metaphor for our own need to evolve in the face of global challenges.
Masterful Prose and Pacing
Larison's prose is a thing of beauty � lyrical yet precise, capable of rendering both sweeping vistas and intimate moments with equal skill. His background in classical mythology infuses the narrative with a timeless quality, elevating the story beyond mere post-apocalyptic fiction.
The pacing of "The Ancients" is particularly noteworthy. Despite its epic scope, the novel never feels sluggish. Larison deftly balances action, introspection, and world-building, creating a narrative that is both propulsive and deeply immersive.
Characters That Haunt and Inspire
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its richly drawn characters. From the determined Leerit to the conflicted Cyrus, each protagonist is complex and fully realized. Even secondary characters are given depth and agency, contributing to the novel's exploration of human nature in extremis.
Standout Character: Lilah
While all the main characters are compelling, Lilah's journey from captive to leader is particularly powerful. Her transformation embodies the novel's themes of resilience and the strength found in community.
A Nuanced Approach to Dystopia
Unlike many works in the dystopian genre, "The Ancients" resists easy categorization of heroes and villains. Larison presents a world of moral ambiguity, where survival often requires difficult choices. This nuanced approach adds depth to the narrative and invites readers to grapple with complex ethical questions.
Comparisons and Literary Context
Readers familiar with Cormac McCarthy's "The Road" or Emily St. John Mandel's "Station Eleven" will find similar themes of survival and hope in "The Ancients." However, Larison's novel stands apart in its multi-generational scope and its focus on climate change as the primary catalyst for societal collapse.
Echoes of Larison's Earlier Work
Fans of Larison's previous novel, "Whiskey When We're Dry," will recognize his talent for creating strong, complex female characters and his ability to blend gritty realism with moments of lyrical beauty. However, "The Ancients" represents a significant evolution in scope and ambition.
Minor Critiques
While "The Ancients" is a triumph overall, there are moments where the multiple storylines can feel slightly disjointed. Some readers may find themselves more invested in certain narratives than others. Additionally, the novel's open-ended conclusion, while thematically appropriate, may leave some yearning for more concrete resolution.
A Visionary Work for Our Times
"The Ancients" is more than just a dystopian novel � it's a meditation on the resilience of the human spirit and the cyclical nature of civilization. Larison has crafted a work that is at once a warning and a beacon of hope, challenging readers to consider our place in the long arc of history and our responsibility to future generations.
Why It Matters Now
In an age of climate anxiety and societal upheaval, "The Ancients" offers a unique perspective on our potential futures. It reminds us of our capacity for adaptation and the enduring power of community in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Final Verdict
John Larison's "The Ancients" is a remarkable achievement � a novel that is both timely and timeless. With its compelling characters, masterful prose, and profound exploration of humanity's relationship with the natural world, it stands as one of the most thought-provoking works of dystopian fiction in recent years.
This is a book that will haunt you, challenge you, and ultimately inspire you. It's a must-read for anyone concerned with the future of our planet and our species. Larison has established himself as a visionary voice in contemporary literature, and "The Ancients" is sure to be discussed and debated for years to come.
In an era where climate change looms large and societal divisions deepen, John Larison's "The Ancients" emerges as a powerful, thought-provoking exploration of humanity's capacity for survival and reinvention. This sweeping dystopian epic, set in a future world ravaged by environmental catastrophe, weaves together three distinct narratives that ultimately converge in a struggle for the future of our species. Larison, known for his acclaimed novel "Whiskey When We're Dry," once again demonstrates his gift for crafting richly imagined worlds and complex characters that linger in the mind long after the final page.
A Tapestry of Survival
The Children of the Coast
At the heart of "The Ancients" lies the story of Leerit, Maren, and Kushim � three siblings suddenly orphaned in an abandoned fishing village. Their journey across a treacherous wilderness in search of their people forms the emotional core of the novel. Larison's depiction of their struggle is both harrowing and deeply moving, capturing the fierce bond between siblings and the resilience of youth in the face of unimaginable adversity.
The Captive Mother
Parallel to the children's journey, we follow the plight of their mother, Lilah, captured by raiders and delivered to a dying port city. Her determination to escape and reunite with her family drives a tension-filled narrative that exposes the brutal realities of a world where humanity's worst impulses have been unleashed. Lilah's storyline offers a searing critique of exploitation and the commodification of human life.
The Scholar's Dilemma
The third strand of the narrative centers on Cyrus, a young scholar who inherits his father's position of privilege in the last bastion of the old empire. As the elite prepare to flee to a supposed utopia across the sea, Cyrus grapples with questions of loyalty, morality, and the true meaning of civilization. His storyline provides a fascinating exploration of power, knowledge, and the weight of history.
A World Transformed
Larison's world-building is nothing short of exceptional. The post-apocalyptic landscape he conjures is vivid and terrifyingly plausible � a world of shifting sands, rising seas, and the remnants of a civilization in decline. Yet amidst the desolation, there are moments of breathtaking beauty and glimpses of nature's resilience. The author's background as a fly-fishing and whitewater guide shines through in his evocative descriptions of the natural world.
Climate Change as Character
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its treatment of climate change not merely as a backdrop, but as a character in its own right. The ever-shifting environment drives the plot and shapes the characters' choices in profound ways. Larison avoids heavy-handed moralizing, instead allowing the altered world to speak for itself, challenging readers to confront the consequences of our current path.
Themes of Resilience and Rebirth
The Cyclical Nature of History
"The Ancients" is deeply concerned with the cyclical nature of human history. Through its intertwining narratives, the novel suggests that civilizations rise and fall, but humanity endures. This theme is reinforced by the presence of ancient artifacts and half-remembered stories that hint at previous cycles of collapse and renewal.
The Power of Stories
A recurring motif throughout the novel is the importance of storytelling as a means of preserving knowledge, culture, and hope. The characters cling to old tales and create new ones, using narrative as a tool for survival and a bridge between past and future generations.
Adaptation and Evolution
Larison's characters are constantly forced to adapt to their changing world, both physically and psychologically. This emphasis on adaptability serves as a powerful metaphor for our own need to evolve in the face of global challenges.
Masterful Prose and Pacing
Larison's prose is a thing of beauty � lyrical yet precise, capable of rendering both sweeping vistas and intimate moments with equal skill. His background in classical mythology infuses the narrative with a timeless quality, elevating the story beyond mere post-apocalyptic fiction.
The pacing of "The Ancients" is particularly noteworthy. Despite its epic scope, the novel never feels sluggish. Larison deftly balances action, introspection, and world-building, creating a narrative that is both propulsive and deeply immersive.
Characters That Haunt and Inspire
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its richly drawn characters. From the determined Leerit to the conflicted Cyrus, each protagonist is complex and fully realized. Even secondary characters are given depth and agency, contributing to the novel's exploration of human nature in extremis.
Standout Character: Lilah
While all the main characters are compelling, Lilah's journey from captive to leader is particularly powerful. Her transformation embodies the novel's themes of resilience and the strength found in community.
A Nuanced Approach to Dystopia
Unlike many works in the dystopian genre, "The Ancients" resists easy categorization of heroes and villains. Larison presents a world of moral ambiguity, where survival often requires difficult choices. This nuanced approach adds depth to the narrative and invites readers to grapple with complex ethical questions.
Comparisons and Literary Context
Readers familiar with Cormac McCarthy's "The Road" or Emily St. John Mandel's "Station Eleven" will find similar themes of survival and hope in "The Ancients." However, Larison's novel stands apart in its multi-generational scope and its focus on climate change as the primary catalyst for societal collapse.
Echoes of Larison's Earlier Work
Fans of Larison's previous novel, "Whiskey When We're Dry," will recognize his talent for creating strong, complex female characters and his ability to blend gritty realism with moments of lyrical beauty. However, "The Ancients" represents a significant evolution in scope and ambition.
Minor Critiques
While "The Ancients" is a triumph overall, there are moments where the multiple storylines can feel slightly disjointed. Some readers may find themselves more invested in certain narratives than others. Additionally, the novel's open-ended conclusion, while thematically appropriate, may leave some yearning for more concrete resolution.
A Visionary Work for Our Times
"The Ancients" is more than just a dystopian novel � it's a meditation on the resilience of the human spirit and the cyclical nature of civilization. Larison has crafted a work that is at once a warning and a beacon of hope, challenging readers to consider our place in the long arc of history and our responsibility to future generations.
Why It Matters Now
In an age of climate anxiety and societal upheaval, "The Ancients" offers a unique perspective on our potential futures. It reminds us of our capacity for adaptation and the enduring power of community in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Final Verdict
John Larison's "The Ancients" is a remarkable achievement � a novel that is both timely and timeless. With its compelling characters, masterful prose, and profound exploration of humanity's relationship with the natural world, it stands as one of the most thought-provoking works of dystopian fiction in recent years.
This is a book that will haunt you, challenge you, and ultimately inspire you. It's a must-read for anyone concerned with the future of our planet and our species. Larison has established himself as a visionary voice in contemporary literature, and "The Ancients" is sure to be discussed and debated for years to come.
September 2, 2024
The Ancients is a dystopian story of a society which is close to collapse. Food is scarce; grass has mostly been lost to sand, the elk is the only major huntable animal, and the technology does not exist to properly store food through the winter. Some inhabitants have been building a giant ark, hoping that they can save civilization by finding a more habitable locale. The trouble is, they are not sure if there even is a more habitable locale, or if they are the only people remaining on earth.
Larison's description of the life of these people is deliberately vague. We never learn what happened to cause the current conditions or how long they have been living like this. There are a few tantalizing clues: a sign is uncovered which refers to an American city, and the city's library contains scrolls which seem to refer to ancient times when things were different. These clues, however, are never referred to again, which makes me wonder why they were even included. I had a hard time figuring out the details of these peoples' existence - where they might be located, for example, and an overarching theme for their existence. The publisher's information seems to indicate that this is a story about climate change, but there is little indication of this in the narrative. We don't know if human-made or natural climate change caused their conditions, or whether or not it is reversible. Given that, I'm not sure this is intended as a cautionary tale.
Another aspect of the story which was confusing to me was the caste system. Three levels seemed to exist: the lowest caste which were nomadic, a workers class in the city, and a ruling class. They referred to each other by names that didn't seem consistent - I wasn't sure, for example, if when one group referred to "Barbarians" and another group referred to "Left Coasters" they were talking about the same people. It certainly didn't give me any more information with which to understand their situation.
It seems to me that the key to a good dystopian novel is creating a world where the reader knows more than the inhabitants do. That way, their actions and their fate can be seen in context. I didn't get that in this book.
Thanks to Penguin Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Larison's description of the life of these people is deliberately vague. We never learn what happened to cause the current conditions or how long they have been living like this. There are a few tantalizing clues: a sign is uncovered which refers to an American city, and the city's library contains scrolls which seem to refer to ancient times when things were different. These clues, however, are never referred to again, which makes me wonder why they were even included. I had a hard time figuring out the details of these peoples' existence - where they might be located, for example, and an overarching theme for their existence. The publisher's information seems to indicate that this is a story about climate change, but there is little indication of this in the narrative. We don't know if human-made or natural climate change caused their conditions, or whether or not it is reversible. Given that, I'm not sure this is intended as a cautionary tale.
Another aspect of the story which was confusing to me was the caste system. Three levels seemed to exist: the lowest caste which were nomadic, a workers class in the city, and a ruling class. They referred to each other by names that didn't seem consistent - I wasn't sure, for example, if when one group referred to "Barbarians" and another group referred to "Left Coasters" they were talking about the same people. It certainly didn't give me any more information with which to understand their situation.
It seems to me that the key to a good dystopian novel is creating a world where the reader knows more than the inhabitants do. That way, their actions and their fate can be seen in context. I didn't get that in this book.
Thanks to Penguin Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Read
July 3, 2024DNF. I was sent this by the publisher, so I tried it. I wouldn't have picked it up on my own. And it was not my thing at all.
January 22, 2025
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes through a giveaway hosted on GoodReads.
In the distant future, all of our current knowledge as a society has been forgotten. Much of the population has returned to lifestyles found in the past, the technology and science of our time now only relics and legend. Now, the world is going through another cycle of climate change, and the future is uncertain as everyone searches for a guarantee that they will have the opportunity to survive. Three siblings have been left behind after fish and elk have become scarce in their village, and now must journey across the mountains in search of their community after their parents suddenly disappear one night, and are presumed dead. Meanwhile, in a city of vast class division, an ark is being built to bring the rich to a distant, green land that none of them know for sure to exist. A young man is thrust into the role of patriarch of his family after his father's death, and is trying desperately to produce enough wool to satisfy his and his mother's place in the new world, while also dealing with forbidden feelings for a married peer of a lower class. Time is limited. However, these are familiar stories. They have happened once, and they will happen again, for as long as human beings persist.
The Ancients by John Larison is a thought-provoking novel about human relationships, the nature of society, and the persistence of natural cycles. I have also read Larison's first novel, Whiskey When We're Dry, so I had high hopes for his novel, but The Ancients still exceeded my expectations. The world in which our protagonists live is rich in detail, and every character is developed to the point that they feel as if they might jump off of the page at any moment. As I read, I often had to stop and remind myself that this was a story that is based on our hypothetical future, rather than a story pulled from our past, until the moment that one of the characters comes across some object or structure that remains from our own time, though its original purpose has been long lost, just as so many things that had been used by past civilizations are now only artifacts with their stories lost to time. It really helps to drive home how history always repeats itself, and will always repeat itself. Whole empires will come and go with time, animals will continue to migrate to wherever they can find food and shelter, and even the climate distribution of our planet may someday change entirely, just as it once had in the past. What will always remain, however, if the connections we form with other human beings. Siblings will always fight, but will do everything in their power to protect one another when they are threatened. Parents separated from their children will long to reunite, and for their children to remain safe in the mean time. People will fall in love, even when society tells them they cannot, and will fight to pursue their affections, no matter the price they have to pay. The way that this book explores relationships, I would even argue, is one of its strongest features. Leerit, Maren, and Kushim's joined and separate journeys throughout the book examines the importance of both biological and found families, Meanwhile, Cyrus struggles with how his love for Ashtair conflicts directly with both his responsibility to his family's future, as well as with the laws and expectations of the society he lives in, forcing him to question how much he is willing to risk for his own happiness (and, I would argue, sets the groundwork for his other struggles with trusting authority and the accepted narrative of the Empire later in the book). And, through it all the story never feels predictable. I was never quite sure what would happen next, or how a certain conflict would resolve, and was excited for each new chapter to learn more about this world, its characters, and the story it told.
I highly recommend this novel for anyone that wonders about what the future may hold for us, especially in our era where manmade climate change has accelerated the natural warming of the planet far past what is natural. Although there is no way to be sure what will happen in the future, this book does offer one interesting possibility, one that is some ways more hopeful than many current predictions tend to be. However, I would caution that it is probably best suited for older readers (high school or above) due to some discussion of adult themes, including some (minimally detailed) descriptions of sexual situations, both within consensual relationship and in instances of assault. All in all, though, I believe that this is an excellent novel, and look forward to Larison's next project.
In the distant future, all of our current knowledge as a society has been forgotten. Much of the population has returned to lifestyles found in the past, the technology and science of our time now only relics and legend. Now, the world is going through another cycle of climate change, and the future is uncertain as everyone searches for a guarantee that they will have the opportunity to survive. Three siblings have been left behind after fish and elk have become scarce in their village, and now must journey across the mountains in search of their community after their parents suddenly disappear one night, and are presumed dead. Meanwhile, in a city of vast class division, an ark is being built to bring the rich to a distant, green land that none of them know for sure to exist. A young man is thrust into the role of patriarch of his family after his father's death, and is trying desperately to produce enough wool to satisfy his and his mother's place in the new world, while also dealing with forbidden feelings for a married peer of a lower class. Time is limited. However, these are familiar stories. They have happened once, and they will happen again, for as long as human beings persist.
The Ancients by John Larison is a thought-provoking novel about human relationships, the nature of society, and the persistence of natural cycles. I have also read Larison's first novel, Whiskey When We're Dry, so I had high hopes for his novel, but The Ancients still exceeded my expectations. The world in which our protagonists live is rich in detail, and every character is developed to the point that they feel as if they might jump off of the page at any moment. As I read, I often had to stop and remind myself that this was a story that is based on our hypothetical future, rather than a story pulled from our past, until the moment that one of the characters comes across some object or structure that remains from our own time, though its original purpose has been long lost, just as so many things that had been used by past civilizations are now only artifacts with their stories lost to time. It really helps to drive home how history always repeats itself, and will always repeat itself. Whole empires will come and go with time, animals will continue to migrate to wherever they can find food and shelter, and even the climate distribution of our planet may someday change entirely, just as it once had in the past. What will always remain, however, if the connections we form with other human beings. Siblings will always fight, but will do everything in their power to protect one another when they are threatened. Parents separated from their children will long to reunite, and for their children to remain safe in the mean time. People will fall in love, even when society tells them they cannot, and will fight to pursue their affections, no matter the price they have to pay. The way that this book explores relationships, I would even argue, is one of its strongest features. Leerit, Maren, and Kushim's joined and separate journeys throughout the book examines the importance of both biological and found families, Meanwhile, Cyrus struggles with how his love for Ashtair conflicts directly with both his responsibility to his family's future, as well as with the laws and expectations of the society he lives in, forcing him to question how much he is willing to risk for his own happiness (and, I would argue, sets the groundwork for his other struggles with trusting authority and the accepted narrative of the Empire later in the book). And, through it all the story never feels predictable. I was never quite sure what would happen next, or how a certain conflict would resolve, and was excited for each new chapter to learn more about this world, its characters, and the story it told.
I highly recommend this novel for anyone that wonders about what the future may hold for us, especially in our era where manmade climate change has accelerated the natural warming of the planet far past what is natural. Although there is no way to be sure what will happen in the future, this book does offer one interesting possibility, one that is some ways more hopeful than many current predictions tend to be. However, I would caution that it is probably best suited for older readers (high school or above) due to some discussion of adult themes, including some (minimally detailed) descriptions of sexual situations, both within consensual relationship and in instances of assault. All in all, though, I believe that this is an excellent novel, and look forward to Larison's next project.
January 20, 2025
The Ancients by John Larison is here to sweep you into a richly textured, climate-changed future that’s as haunting as it is beautiful. In this sprawling epic, Larison crafts a world where nature has reclaimed its dominance, and humanity's remnants must navigate not just survival, but the moral complexities of their crumbling society.
At the heart of The Ancients is an interesting story of three orphaned siblings: a young boy and his two older sisters, abandoned in an eerie, desolate fishing village. Their journey across a treacherous wilderness in search of what’s left of their people is filled with breathtaking landscapes and the ever-present danger of a world that has moved on from humanity. Think The Road, but with an extra dose of sibling camaraderie and a glimmer of hope.
Meanwhile, down the coast, the children's mother is embroiled in her own high-stakes adventure. Captured by raiders and delivered as human cargo to a decaying port city, the last gasp of a waning empire, she refuses to succumb to despair. With escape on her mind and the spark of revolt in the air, her narrative brings a gritty, action-packed contrast to the children’s quiet, harrowing trek. You’ll find yourself rooting for her fierce determination and cunning tactics as she plots her way back to her family.
In the crumbling heart of the empire, a young scholar finds himself at a crossroads. Inheriting not just his father’s business but also his debts and obligations, he’s thrust into a world of power plays and existential choices. As the elite prepare to flee to a utopian fantasy across the sea, our scholar must wrestle with where his loyalties lie and what legacy he wishes to leave in a world on the brink of collapse. His storyline serves as a thoughtful meditation on privilege, responsibility, and the moral cost of survival.
One of the most compelling aspects of The Ancients is how Larison brings the climate-changed world to life. It’s not just a backdrop; it’s an active, breathing entity that shapes every decision and every twist in the plot. From the eerie, reclaimed forests to the unforgiving coastlines, the landscape is a character in itself, unpredictable, beautiful, and deadly. Larison’s prose paints vivid pictures that make you feel the crunch of dry earth beneath your feet and the ominous weight of storm-laden skies above.
The Ancients is a story about resilience, of individuals, families, and the remnants of a civilisation. It’s a hopeful, albeit sobering, look at how humanity might adapt, evolve, and find ways to thrive even in the face of overwhelming odds. The book doesn’t shy away from tough questions: Who gets to decide what’s worth saving? How do we balance survival with morality? And, most importantly, what kind of future do we want to leave behind?
This is not the typical post-apocalyptic fare is its underlying optimism. Sure, the world is in shambles, and the challenges are immense, but there’s a persistent thread of hope that weaves through every chapter. Larison offers a vision of the future that acknowledges human fallibility while celebrating our capacity for growth, compassion, and stewardship.
If you’re a fan of expansive world-building, complex characters, and stories that make you ponder humanity’s place in the grand scheme, The Ancients is a must-read. John Larison delivers a narrative that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking, filled with heart-stopping moments and deeply resonant themes. It’s an epic that will leave you reflecting on the choices we make today and how they shape the world of tomorrow.
So, grab a cozy blanket, settle in, and prepare to be transported to a future where every step matters and every choice reverberates through the sands of time.
At the heart of The Ancients is an interesting story of three orphaned siblings: a young boy and his two older sisters, abandoned in an eerie, desolate fishing village. Their journey across a treacherous wilderness in search of what’s left of their people is filled with breathtaking landscapes and the ever-present danger of a world that has moved on from humanity. Think The Road, but with an extra dose of sibling camaraderie and a glimmer of hope.
Meanwhile, down the coast, the children's mother is embroiled in her own high-stakes adventure. Captured by raiders and delivered as human cargo to a decaying port city, the last gasp of a waning empire, she refuses to succumb to despair. With escape on her mind and the spark of revolt in the air, her narrative brings a gritty, action-packed contrast to the children’s quiet, harrowing trek. You’ll find yourself rooting for her fierce determination and cunning tactics as she plots her way back to her family.
In the crumbling heart of the empire, a young scholar finds himself at a crossroads. Inheriting not just his father’s business but also his debts and obligations, he’s thrust into a world of power plays and existential choices. As the elite prepare to flee to a utopian fantasy across the sea, our scholar must wrestle with where his loyalties lie and what legacy he wishes to leave in a world on the brink of collapse. His storyline serves as a thoughtful meditation on privilege, responsibility, and the moral cost of survival.
One of the most compelling aspects of The Ancients is how Larison brings the climate-changed world to life. It’s not just a backdrop; it’s an active, breathing entity that shapes every decision and every twist in the plot. From the eerie, reclaimed forests to the unforgiving coastlines, the landscape is a character in itself, unpredictable, beautiful, and deadly. Larison’s prose paints vivid pictures that make you feel the crunch of dry earth beneath your feet and the ominous weight of storm-laden skies above.
The Ancients is a story about resilience, of individuals, families, and the remnants of a civilisation. It’s a hopeful, albeit sobering, look at how humanity might adapt, evolve, and find ways to thrive even in the face of overwhelming odds. The book doesn’t shy away from tough questions: Who gets to decide what’s worth saving? How do we balance survival with morality? And, most importantly, what kind of future do we want to leave behind?
This is not the typical post-apocalyptic fare is its underlying optimism. Sure, the world is in shambles, and the challenges are immense, but there’s a persistent thread of hope that weaves through every chapter. Larison offers a vision of the future that acknowledges human fallibility while celebrating our capacity for growth, compassion, and stewardship.
If you’re a fan of expansive world-building, complex characters, and stories that make you ponder humanity’s place in the grand scheme, The Ancients is a must-read. John Larison delivers a narrative that’s both thrilling and thought-provoking, filled with heart-stopping moments and deeply resonant themes. It’s an epic that will leave you reflecting on the choices we make today and how they shape the world of tomorrow.
So, grab a cozy blanket, settle in, and prepare to be transported to a future where every step matters and every choice reverberates through the sands of time.
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