I usually begin my book reviews by sharing how I discovered the novel. I believed The Ancients by John Larison appeared on a list of top post-apocalyptic novels; however, I couldn’t find it on any such lists. Regardless, The Ancients stands out as one of the finest post-apocalyptic reads I’ve read.
The story introduces a solitary family living in the remnants of a tribal fishing village in a future world. While the exact setting isn’t specified, it may be the U.S. West Coast, set hundreds of years in the future. The narrative follows three siblings—Leerit, Maren, and Kushim—who are left alone after their parents disappear. Their journey across a treacherous wilderness in search of their community forms the emotional core of the novel.
The world itself emerges as a central character. Devastated by climate change, expanding deserts encroach upon the few habitable areas, and the oceans are depleted of fish, at least in the regions depicted. Subtle references to ancient, enigmatic structures suggest this dystopian landscape overlays our own collapsed society. I really liked the mentions of plastic harvesting and the elite’s reverence for plastic artifacts within the city.
A theme is the significance of storytelling and myth. In the absence of readily available paper, books, or digital media, knowledge is transmitted orally across generations—not merely for history or entertainment, but as essential survival guides, teaching skills like knot-tying or fishing protocols vital for enduring in this desolate world.
These elements collectively craft a realm steeped in myth and legend, complete with emperors, creation myths, and feudal systems. This mirrors common motifs in post-apocalyptic narratives, a topic I intend to explore in a future post.
Larison’s writing is exceptional, offering just the right amount of vivid description, authentic dialogue, and characters who evoke genuine empathy. Notably, he balances immersive world-building with enough exposition to keep readers grounded—a skill I deeply admire, especially as someone who grapples with this balance in my own short stories. This equilibrium between showing and telling is a hallmark of quality storytelling.
I highly recommend The Ancients. My only frustration was occasionally struggling to identify certain relics; for instance, large structures are described without clear identification, though the proximity of mountains to the coast led me to speculate about California. Perhaps a second reading would unveil these nuances more clearly. If so, challenge accepted.
