Notes From the Burning Age

 Tell me a story... about repeating mankind’s past mistakes

Notes from the Burning Age by Claire North

Publishing date: July 20, 2021

Date read: October 6, 2021

Set sometime after the present day, humans have done so much damage to the Earth that kakuy (basically powerful nature spirits) have sent fires to destroy everything. Those who are left after the Burning rebuild the world using what technology remains, although anything destructive or war-related is deemed heretical and hidden away by the Temple. Eventually, a group called The Brotherhood becomes determined to bring that technology back, by any means necessary. But there are spies on both sides; some trying to leak the technology to The Brotherhood, and others trying to prevent war and destruction at all costs. Because just because the kakuy have been silent, doesn’t mean they won’t step in again. 

This is one of the hardest books to classify that I have ever read. It’s set in a post-apocalyptic time period, but not really science fiction. There are vengeful nature gods, but it’s not a fantasy either. The best classification I can give it is spy novel, in the vein of John le Carre. Slow-paced, with a lot of secrets and wondering who can be trusted. Perfectly enjoyable if that’s what you’re looking for. (Based on the NetGalley description, I was expecting something a little more sci-fi, so was thrown off a bit.)

The main characters in this book are very well done. I liked Ven (our protagonist) and Georg (the leader of The Brotherhood) quite a lot, and found their scenes together memorable. A lot of the other characters, though, especially the government figures, I had a really hard time keeping track of and falling apart. But Ven, who we spend the most time with, I found to be an enjoyable character. 

My biggest complaint is just about pacing. The writing is beautiful - North really has a way with words that is evocative without being pretentious. But the pacing was just much to slow for my tastes. The book seemed very long and drawn out; a slow burn to a big climactic event would happen and I’d look down and notice that I was only 35% of the way into the book. I don’t even know that the book was too long - it’s only a little over 400 pages - but the pacing made it feel longer, at least to me. Note: I actually switched to the audiobook at about the 60% mark, and found that a better format for keeping my interest.

Overall, this book was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I think the author really has a way with words, and found the book beautifully written. I just had a hard time with the pacing and keeping the minor characters straight in my head. If you’re big into spy novels, I think this one might be for you. Otherwise, probably give it a pass. Or try it on audiobook. 

Rating: 2.5/5 stars 

Trigger warning: murder, torture (mostly off page)