The Book of Koli by M.R. Carey – Review

Published: April 14, 2020

Publisher: Orbit Books

Series: Rampart Trilogy #1

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 416 (Paperback)

My Rating: 4.0/5.0

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:

Beyond the walls of the small village of Mythen Rood lies an unrecognizable world. A world where overgrown forests are filled with choker trees and deadly vines and seeds that will kill you where you stand. And if they don’t get you, one of the dangerous shunned men will.

Koli has lived in Mythen Rood his entire life. He knows the first rule of survival is that you don’t venture beyond the walls.

What he doesn’t know is – what happens when you aren’t given a choice?

The first in a gripping new trilogy, The Book of Koli charts the journey of one unforgettable young boy struggling to find his place in a chilling post-apocalyptic world. Perfect for readers of Station Eleven and Annihilation.

---

M.R. Carey has really impressed me with both The Girl with All the Gifts and Someone Like Me, so when I saw this new trilogy I obviously picked it up. The premise was fascinating – a post-apocalyptic world where the plant life is deadly? Sign me up, boys! 

The book is told by the titular character, Koli, who has lived his entire life in the village of Mythen Rood. His mother runs the lumber mill, which is a tough, dangerous job in a world where the trees can kill you. The book follows Koli for several years as he grows up and it quickly becomes apparent that life in the village isn’t quite as fair as it’s portrayed. The Ramparts, who run the village are sort of revered and are the only ones who can use old technology that defends the village and contains vital knowledge. It’s said that anyone can become a Rampart if the old technology awakes for them at a coming of age test, but (SPOILER) it’s actually a lie. I’ve said enough and going into this with no further knowledge will definitely be more exciting!

On to the characters (or mostly character)! Koli is fairly likable, though his grammar isn’t the best, which makes the book a little difficult to read at first. It took me probably 20-30 pages to get used to the vernacular and not have to re-read sentences. It does contribute to the immersion to a certain degree. The entire book is from Koli’s perspective and because of this I definitely had my fair share of secondhand embarrassment and cringe from this. He’s just so dumb sometimes. And then he kept make awful decisions and I could hardly bear to read on because I just knew it was going to be terrible. UGHHH. 

After the initial adjustment period, I ended up loving this book though I had to take periodic breaks when Koli’s bad decisions just became too much for me. Things really escalate in the latter half/third of the book and the ending made me all the more excited for the next installment. The worldbuilding wasn’t extensive in this installment, though I predict that will change as the series continues. The next book will be out in September 2020, so it’s not too long of a wait!