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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.