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A review by edent_
Notes from the Burning Age by Claire North
5.0
Yet another barnstormer from Claire North. This is a first-rate post-apocalyptic novel. It’s obviously Margaret-Atwood-inspired, and wears that proudly on its sleeve.
In part, it is a long and involved spy thriller. But it expertly weaves in a mixture of spiritual fantasy and eco-shock-horror. If you could reboot society – what knowledge would be too dangerous to let into the wild? Can man have mastery over nature without dramatic consequences?
Thankfully, it is less idiosyncratically written than some of her previous books. It occasionally lapses into first-person-present tense which helps keep things interesting.
I found it a little grim and bloody occasionally, but that’s my squeamishness. There’s a slightly unweildly cast of characters – some with multiple names. It isn’t quite Lord of the Rings territory – but you might need to flip back a few pages occasionally to remember who is who.
Overall, it’s a great novel. An expert blend of sci-fi and spycraft.
In part, it is a long and involved spy thriller. But it expertly weaves in a mixture of spiritual fantasy and eco-shock-horror. If you could reboot society – what knowledge would be too dangerous to let into the wild? Can man have mastery over nature without dramatic consequences?
Thankfully, it is less idiosyncratically written than some of her previous books. It occasionally lapses into first-person-present tense which helps keep things interesting.
I found it a little grim and bloody occasionally, but that’s my squeamishness. There’s a slightly unweildly cast of characters – some with multiple names. It isn’t quite Lord of the Rings territory – but you might need to flip back a few pages occasionally to remember who is who.
Overall, it’s a great novel. An expert blend of sci-fi and spycraft.