Proctor Bennett is a ferryman, a person who guides people into "retirement" on the island of Prospera. The people of Prospera have monitors in their arms that measure the psychological and physical well-being and when the monitor reads at less than 10 percent, they voluntarily retire themselves. Then they are taken to the Nursery, where their bodies are renewed, their memories are wiped clean and they can start over in an entirely new life. But recently Proctor's monitor has been dropping without explanation and he's also been dreaming - something that's not supposed to happen to the people to Prospera. The support staff of Prospera, the people who keep things running smoothly, are starting to question the social way of things and are unhappy. There is a resistance group developing and challenging everything about the way of life in Prospera.

I am an unabashed fan of Cronin's The Passage series. The Passage series is one of those where I own multiple copies of these books in all the formats available. So I was so excited when I was approved for this ARC that I stared at my phone unbelieving for a full minute when the notification came in. I wanted to give myself time to read The Ferryman, because at 560 pages, it's not a short read. But I l could not put it down and loved every page. There's a lot of unpack and digest in this book and the story takes turns I never expected. It's different from The Passage series, but so so good.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available May 2, 2023.

The Ferryman is a brilliant novel and deserves more than five stars! The story is mind bending, intelligent, complex and challenging. It's a long book at 560 pages but it kept my attention while I read it at the beach. The writing reminds me of Blake Crouch in that's it's very smart sci-fi about a world just a little more advanced than ours.

The big twist was shocking and yet it made perfect sense. The main character Proctor was a great everyman hero for our story.

After this one, I can't wait to read whatever Justin Cronin comes up with next.

The Ferryman is the story of Proctor, a man who lives in a "perfect" society, where people are scientifically reborn over and over as they do their sweet nothings on a secluded island. If course, Proctor starts to find the dark truths behind his not so perfect life, and the story gets more twisty and complicated from there.

What this book reminded me most of, in tone and premise, was The Giver. We've got this protagonist that is listless and sad, and the more they discover about their not-so-perfect world, the more melancholy things get. Throw in some mystery-box and isolation feelings of Lost, and what you get is this book.

After a few chapters, none of the characters felt real to me. They all felt like satellites to Proctor, doing the jobs that the narrative needed of them. The wife is micromanaging, the mother in law is part of the evil conspiracy, the trainee is much too clingy and makes the job harder; but none of them seem to have any emotions or independent thoughts.

It's a fine book. Perhaps a little too long, a little too boring. I would recommend it to fans of snow dystopian tales.

A video review including this book will be on my Youtube channel in the coming weeks, at youtube.com/@ChloeFrizzle

Thanks to Ballentine Books and Netgalley for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.

Where to begin? There is a lot going on in this story that will make your head spin. In fact, I am still trying to put all the pieces together. It will mentally exhaust you, in a good way. Cronin knows how to create a story about an eerily pleasant utopian society that harbors secrets. It is impossible to explain the story without giving too much away ( Be sure to read the synopsis) . I did feel it lost some momentum about 60% into the story and I wasn’t a big fan of the shocking twist. But overall, a unique story that I recommend if you are a fan of Cronin’s The Passage, A Blake Crouch fan, and enjoy sci-fi and dystopian novels.

It’s very hard to review this book without spoilers and the less you know going in, the better. Just know that the plot is interesting, thought-provoking, and full of well-rounded characters. For readers who want to know a little more, I’ll add that the story is set in a dystopian future where some people lead awesome lives and others suffer a lot. This world is at once familiar and strange. People don’t die or catch diseases. They also have no children. When it’s time to go, they “retire” to the nursery to get recycled and come back as teenagers, who will then be assigned to a guardian. Proctor, the titular Ferryman who takes people to the ferry that will take them to the nursery when they retire, feels like there’s something wrong. The dispossessed are becoming unsettled, especially when a new religion spreads. There is a deeper message about dreams, reality and human nature. I realized what was going on almost from the beginning, because it’s similar to a movie I love and to other books I’ve read. Good job how the author raises the stakes in the end, when I thought that I had stopped being invested in these characters. That said, the author uses some tropes that felt like cheating. Again, I can’t say more or I’ll give away parts of the plot. I would recommend it, even if it was a little too long.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, #NetGalley/#Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine!

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Random House Publishing- Ballantine for an advance copy of this book of speculative fiction on growing old, being replaced and the horrors that the future holds.

Science fiction for something that always looks to the future, has a big obsession with youth. Quite a few books have dealt with societies dealing with their aging population in ways, that well sound like the stories about putting people on ice bergs and letting them float away. Star Trek had a few stories about people aging out of groups, and becoming outcasts. Maybe writers fear obsolescence, being replaced by those coming up from behind. Or maybe like all of us they don't like seeing what is in the mirror every morning. A wrinkle, a grey hair, more skin. Justin Cronin in The Ferrymen uses this fear of getting old, becoming a burden in a science fiction about what sounds like a magical, wonderful place to live, until youth fades, and secrets become revealed.

The archipelago of Prospera is a eden for its people, surrounded by a world they don't care about, but is breaking down. People live long lives, full of sports and companionship, and great foods. Until people start to notice that they are getting tired, and the monitors on their arms show that their vitality is fleeing. And they have to retire. Proctor Bennett, is a ferryman, one who helps people retire, helping them settle affairs and taking their last trip to an island known as the Nursery, where they can be reborn young, fresh, and unknowing of their past. Bennett's father is due to be retired, and Bennett's father does not take it well. There is a scene, words are said, as well as a lot of blather, that at first Proctor ignores, but slowly starts to make sense. Adding ot Proctor's problems is the fact tha Proctor dreams, something that should be impossible in Prospera. However there is much going on behind the scenes, and soon Proctor's dreams are becoming a reality.

The Ferrymen has a lot of ideas that will be familiar to readers of science fiction. Logan's Run, The Island, Soylent Green, even a bit of the Matrix and others. However unlike Ready Player One, Cronin knows how to take familiar ideas and makes them his own. The story is good, the setup takes a bit, but once things start to make sense the story really does move. I liked the characters, they didn't seem stupid like many writers would make them out to be, but more trapped in something that they know is odd, but just have no reference to even know how to get out of it. There are a few jumps in the story, but again Cronin makes everything make sense. And some horrible things happen to nice characters, just a warning. An engaging story that keep me entertained.

I should start by confessing to almost be a Cronin fangirl. Fell for his writing in his literary works, Mary & O’Neill and The Summer Guest, books totally in my wheelhouse. Then he wrote the Passage Trilogy. Most all my readers know that I am not a sci-fi fan… I want things based in real worlds and real emotion. I credit both Cronin’s skill and artistry for giving me a sci-fi apocalyptic trilogy that yes, I could love. Literary Sci-Fi is obviously a thing! I eagerly anticipated each volume and was never disappointed.
And now he brings us The Ferryman. Literary Sci-Fi? Yes. Maybe even post-apocalyptic. But what shines brightest in this gorgeous novel are the unforgettable, flawed but endearing characters and settings that change with a page turn to be first what we think they are, and then something else entirely. It’s frightening, and it’s magical.
Ultimately, this book is a tribute to dreams, and those who work to make dreams come true. It is a tribute to storytelling, and the value stories provide to make life understandable, bearable. It is also a tribute to art, and love, and family, and the sea, which frames the story. It makes the reader ask Big questions, about humanity, religion, history and the future. You will not soon forget the people you come to know and care about in this book. I can’t wait to read it again. And you know I never re-read books!
Best book so far this year. Thank you NetGalley and Random House- Ballantine for the ARC. The book will be released on May 2, 2023

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy of The Ferryman!!! This is a chunky book and I was hesitant to start it. Also the first few chapters are quite long and that can put me off from really sitting down and reading it. But let me tell you, every page is worth it!! Once you get into the book you don’t want to stop as you have to find out what happens next. I thought the world building was great and I was very intrigued by all the characters lives. What a world! It’s quite like real life when you think about it, the rich and elite and then everyone else who suffers at the hands of them. The nursery and ferry were things that I really wanted to learn about as we obviously don’t have anything like that in real life. I was so surprised at the twist of it all!! As a mother myself I really felt for Elise and Proctor. Once you learn what is really happening, the way in which the world is showing how Elise really feels was fantastically done. I have to say I hate Warren and Otto. They suck. But their characters were very necessary to the telling of the story. Can we talk about Thea’s ending?!?! WHAAA?! And she didn’t tell him?! With Proctor saying he wasn’t going to ever get that earlier in the book and now he won’t realize that he will! I am glad that Proctor did what he did in the end. That decision is definitely going to have readers taking and probably taking sides. He and Elise were able to live their ultimate dreams and hopefully die happy and fulfilled, I’m glad that Elise gets that ending and she doesn’t have to die miserable and depressed. This book was very well done and would be great to recommend to people reading any genre and not just sci-fi! Thank you again to NetGalley for the ARC of The Ferryman!

This one had a great concept that was exceptionally appealing. It was definitely almost a DNF, but it has the potential to be a high demand title.

I don't know how to even begin to describe this book; in fact, I'm not even going to try!! Cronin has written a fascinating, intricate, complex, mind-bending, genre-crossing epic. What a wild read! You will no doubt feel lost and confused at times while reading this book, but stick with it, it's worth it!

My thanks to Ballantine for allowing me to access an ARC of this book via NetGalley. Publication is set for 5/2/23. Opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

This was an unexpected treat! I am not usually that big on sci-fi, but The Ferryman really captured my attention. Very creative and engaging!

Many thanks to both Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Ferryman.

Expected publication May 2, 2023

This book is a standalone novel about a group of survivors on a hidden island utopia—where the truth isn't what it seems...

There was something so intriguing about the characters, Prospera, and the whole premise in which the ferryman's job is to escort the residents of Prospera who have reached the end of their current iteration to the Nursery. At the Nursery, their memories are wiped, and they are prepared to be reiterated back into society and start a new life. When I read the blurb for The Ferryman, I thought I would LOVE it, and I DID love the first half of it. However, I started struggling to follow the sequences of events when the focus of the book kept changing.

I have a feeling Justin Cronin fans will absolutely love The Ferryman! I have a feeling I just wasn't the target audience.

Science fiction and dystopian readers will enjoy Cronin’s mind-bending new novel, The Ferryman. The story is epic and complex. Each time I thought I had a handle on the plot, Cronin blew me away. I hope you enjoy the ride as much as I did!

In his latest apocalyptic novel, Justin Cronin builds a story around an island in the ocean called Prospera where a group of talented, wealthy, beautiful people live fulfilling lives...that is, until the reading on the embedded monitor in their forearm dips below 10 and they are taken away to be 'reiterated.' Director Proctor Bennett is the eponymous ferryman whose team collects and delivers these people to the ferry which takes them to another island called The Nursery where they will be made new again. There is one more island in the archipelago and that is where the support staff lives. Their jobs are to take care of the more mundane, grubby details of the Prosperians' lives, the cooking, cleaning and garbage disposal, and then are expected to quietly go back to their hovels. But they have had enough of that and are beginning to grumble and revolt.

Meanwhile things begin to fall apart for Proctor when he is expected to take his own father to the ferry. His father makes a break for it and, in the struggle, utters some strange words. The powers that be begin to panic: what if others heard what he said? They have to put out these little fires while dealing with the real threat of insurrection.

And with this, the reader begins to see there is more going on in this strange, crumbling utopia than was at first assumed. There are enough plot twists and turns to keep the most astute reader guessing. I myself found the ending quite satisfying and just.

Not a bad read but way too predictable and cliche for my tastes. I like a little more intrigue and mystery in a story but this was a pretty obvious plot from the start. The writing is fine but the character development was lacking a bit. The ending felt forced.

Thank you to Justin Cronin, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book!

First off, I am a huge fan of Justin Cronin. I have read all of his books and his writing gets better and better with each book. His writing is so strong and interesting plus I learned a few SAT words!! This time it was about sailing!!

The novel is REALLY hard to describe. It is science-fiction, but actually reality, possibly. Dystopian, but love stories. kind of. Yes, it is THAT hard to categorize. But, it is so, so much in one book and I do NOT want to ruin it for anyone with a spoiler. Just know that I stayed up until 1:00 am to finish it. Thankfully, it was worth the loss of sleep. I know that this amazing novel will stay with me for weeks as I contemplate what I read.

If you like/love/adore any of Justin Cronin's books, like good/great writing, or want an escape to somewhere else for a while, THIS is the book for you!!

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
5.0 stars

Wow! Really enjoyable! Lots of twists and turns and I couldnt wait to get to the end to see how it all played out! Cant wait to read more by this author!
thank you to net galley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This book gets lots of love from so many so my meager 2 star review will make barely a dent which is completely fine with me as I truly hate giving out low star ratings but this one just did not work for me at all. I'm not a huge sci-fi reader but I have read and love some books in this genre so I won't blame it on this. To me the book was confusing and once I got what was happening it changed again and became confusing again. Too much work trying to figure things out and then it feeling really sloggy and so long I was just so glad to get it done. I don't think this author is for me.

I am a huge fan of The Passage trilogy and was wondering when Justin Cronin's next book was coming and would it be as good. I'm happy to say that it is. I am enjoying The Ferryman. The book begins setting the scene for the idyllic Prospera, only to have it's perfect facade cracked open by a tragic death that reveals not all is perfect. The lives of citizens are monitored by the government through implants that track a person's health and age (and invariably an expiration date), and those whose time is running low are escorted by a Ferryman to ship that will take them away to finish their lives away from Prospera.

Themes of classism, elitism, and questioning authority are strong through the story. One of the things I enjoyed about The Passage trilogy was the way Justin Cronin developed characters, and this is the same for The Ferryman.

I am enjoying The Ferryman immensely, and I cannot wait to recommend it to our library patrons. It has elements of science fiction that will appeal to our sci-fi/fantasy readers, and it is also something that could appeal to our readers of general fiction because it's not hard-core sci-fi and has so many humanistic elements that could bring new fans to Cronin's work.

What a terrific writer Justin Cronin is and The Ferryman is evidence. This is a story that intrigued me from the get go. As I get older I find myself thinking about what would I do if I had a chance to start my life again after this one was over. That’s just one part of the story, which is rich in detail and plots, including grief and dreams. Unfortunately in the last part of the book, I was getting lost. Perhaps it was me, but I wasn’t able to fully understand it all and it kind of took away from the ending. Still, what led up to that point is great storytelling and vivid characters.

Publishes on May 2, 2023

Grade: B+