In a climate-changed world, three siblings navigate a treacherous wilderness in search of their people, while their mother plots escape from captivity in a waning empire. As their paths converge, the novel explores themes of human resilience, hope, and the cyclical nature of history in a post-apocalyptic setting.

Reader Review Summary

"The Ancients" is a sweeping, ambitious novel that immerses the reader in a richly imagined post-apocalyptic world filled with both brutality and beauty. Weaving together multiple narratives, John Larison has crafted an epic tale that explores humanity's profound capacity for resilience, hope, and adaptation in the face of cataclysmic environmental upheaval.

At its core, "The Ancients" is a powerful testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit. Larison introduces us to a trio of orphaned siblings – Leerit, Maren, and Kushim – whose harrowing journey across a treacherous wilderness becomes the beating heart of the novel. As they brave the elements in search of their scattered clan, their love for one another and sheer determination to survive shine through even the darkest moments. Larison's portrayal of these young protagonists is both heartbreaking and inspiring, reminding us of the indomitable resilience of youth.

Masterfully intertwined with the siblings' narrative are the equally compelling stories of their captured mother Lilah and Cyrus, a young scholar navigating the complex politics of the last remnants of a crumbling civilization. Lilah's desperate quest to reunite with her children exposes the harsh realities of exploitation and enslavement, while Cyrus's struggles with morality and loyalty present a fascinating exploration of power dynamics and the erosion of societal structures.

What truly elevates "The Ancients," however, is Larison's exquisite worldbuilding and lyrical prose. The novel's post-apocalyptic landscape is vividly rendered, offering a haunting yet poetic vision of a world ravaged by environmental catastrophe. Larison's background as an outdoor guide shines through in his evocative descriptions of nature, imbuing even the most desolate settings with moments of breathtaking beauty.

Underpinning the narrative is a powerful cautionary message about climate change and humanity's impact on the natural world. Yet, Larison avoids heavy-handed sermonizing, allowing the altered landscape itself to speak volumes about the consequences of our current trajectory. The ever-shifting environment becomes a character in its own right, driving the plot and forcing the characters to confront harsh truths about survival and adaptation.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its exploration of storytelling and the preservation of knowledge across generations. As the characters cling to ancient tales and create new narratives, Larison underscores the importance of storytelling as a means of transmitting culture, wisdom, and hope – a metaphor for the power of literature itself.

While the pacing may seem slow at times, Larison's masterful storytelling and rich character development more than compensate. The interwoven storylines converge in a satisfying and thought-provoking climax that leaves the reader contemplating the cyclical nature of human civilization and the impact of our actions on future generations.

"The Ancients" is a triumph of speculative fiction – a haunting, yet ultimately hopeful, tale that resonates long after the final page. Larison's poetic prose, combined with his deep understanding of the natural world, creates a reading experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. This is a novel that deserves to be widely read and discussed, not only for its literary merits but also for the vital questions it raises about our relationship with the planet and our shared responsibility to protect it.