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laurareads87's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was my first book by Claire North + it won’t be my last. Notes from the Burning Age is set after human-caused environmental catastrophe and grapples with the question of whether humans are destined to repeat themselves. The story follows a single POV, that of Ven, a member of the Temple dedicated to kakuy (a kind of land/place/animal spirit who are believed to have been awakened from sleep by humans’ destructive actions). His job is first to sift through remnants of writings from the ‘burning age,’ sorting them as safe or heretical, ensuring anything deemed to dangerous is not made available. He ultimately ends up entangled in the political manoeuvrings of various groups with different attitudes towards the kakuy, the ‘heretical’ knowledge, and how human societies should live. A compelling blend of spy thriller, environmentalist dystopia, and character-driven story about ethical commitment and faith which includes a diverse cast of characters, and very well written.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, and Gore
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Gun violence, Blood, and Torture
Minor: Sexism and Misogyny
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