Ahoy there me mateys! I received this sci-fi eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. So here be me honest musings . . .
the book of koli (M. R. Carey)
Title: the book of koli
Author: M. R. Carey
Publisher: Orbit Books
Publication Date: TODAY!! (paperback/e-book)
ISBN: 978-0316477536
Source: NetGalley
She forgot about how bad things was for us for a while, and I guess I did too. It never stops amazing me how a story can deliver you out of your own self, even in the worst of times. – the book of koli
Aye, this story did indeed deliver me out of me own self. I am surviving and really can’t complain about me personal life right now. But I am filled with worry about me family, friends, and fellow humans that be struggling because of the pandemic. I have been failing to focus on reading all year but dang March was rough. So it was with both surprise and delight that a sci-fi dystopian would be the book that I could a) finish; b) really enjoy; and c) thoroughly take me away from worry for a small while.
Now I chose to read this knowing nothing about the plot other than it is written by an author that I love and that it dealt with killer plants. Well I have to admit that I was slightly taken aback because I thought I would get more of a thriller about killer plants and instead it be a coming of age story with a slight YA feel. There is also a writing style of degraded language that took an adjustment until I was able to go with the flow.
However, the story, world building, and characters quickly won me over and the current era’s woes faded away while experiencing the future centuries from now. I ended up loving the language, world, and especially the side characters. Now no offense to Koli but favorites were Ursula and Monono. I particularly loved the framing of the plot and how Koli was able to tell the story while reflecting from within. I even loved the switches in time frames. I was never confused but always eager to find out how everything was going to work out.
The only minor complaints are the cult section which wasn’t all that original and the momentum slowing down in parts but I was extremely satisfied with this read and how it ended. I cannot wait for the next installment in the fall.
So lastly . . .
Thank ye Orbit Books!
Goodreads has this to say about the novel:
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?
To visit the author’s website go to:
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Previous Log Entries for this Author
the girl with all the gifts – book 1 (Captain’s Log – Sci Fi)
the boy on the bridge – book 2 (On the Horizon – Sci-Fi eArc)
I enjoyed The Girl With all the Gifts so I’m interested in this one. I’m glad you could find something that held your attention!
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This was fun even if it had an unexpected feel. I get that authors can have a style that they use but it can be interesting to read a new style once ye get used to it.
x The Captain
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Totally know how you feel worrying about family and friends. I’m trying to remain optimistic about things.
It’s good that you read a book that took you away from all that worrying for a while. I’ll move it up on my TBR then.
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Hope ye love it when it comes to the top of the stack.
x The Captain
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Glad you loved this one. I definitely want to read more books by Carey – I loved The Girl with All the Gifts. Thanks for your thoughts!
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I think Carey is now a must-read author for me because have enjoyed all the books I have read so far and best of all, the stories stick in me noggin long after reading.
x The Captain
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You’re right! This was the perfect book to forget present reality and escape elsewhere for a while…
And I’m Team Ursala myself. 😉
Thanks for sharing!
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Ursula is soooo cool. I can’t wait to get the next book and read more about the adventures.
x The Captain
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Fantastic review Captain! I agree- March was rough. I only finished four books and didn’t really enjoy any of them. And I’m not entirely sure it was the fault of the books I was reading.
Anyway- hopefully we can both keep up the momentum!
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I read 4 books in April. So sad. I really enjoyed two, liked one, and one sucks. Given me life, one a week is hopeful these days. Luckily the First Mate is supplying me with content so there is stuff to post. Hope yer April was excellent and that May will be even better.
x The Captain
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Sounds like an interesting story! I hope you find more books that you like which are able to take you away from the worry for a while. Stay safe.
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I have some time to read a story story today. I be excited.
x The Captain
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Woot woot! Reading time is good. 🙂
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Glad you loved it, Captain! Ursala and Monono were my favorites too. And I want a drudge so badly!
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The drudge kinda creeps me out but I don’t know why!
x The Captain
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Hang in there blogging buddy. Stay safe.
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You too blogging buddy. I miss yer posts.
x The Captain
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