This was my first time reading something by this author, so I didn't have any expectations going into it. At first I took everything at face value and thought it was just an interesting dystopian world, but then it started taking darker turns I wasn't expecting. A little bit like Matrix, Lost, or The Pines- lots of twists and turns right when you get settled, but definitely pays off at the end.

4 stars
The Ferryman is a science fiction/ thriller, with multiple perspectives. I found the writing good. The first third of the book was a bit slow while getting all the information and backstory, but after that it took right off, full of action and suspense. This story reminded me a lot of Andy Weir's style, the futuristic, science filled and mysterious elements to it, which I loved even if they go over my head a lot. There were some very confusing points, which were all clarified as I moved throughout the story, which was good because at first, I had no idea what was going on, but it really added a complex component to the story. It was also very emotional, there were several plot points that really struck at your heart in different ways. I liked how this story impacted me in varies ways, it was good in the sense it really made me feel a range of emotions throughout book and towards different characters. It was a great story I would recommend.
Trigger warnings: blood, assault, guns
I received this advanced ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.

This was a DNF for me at about 54%. The beginning of the book absolutely sucked me in--the pacing was good, the characters were interesting, and I so wanted to find out the secret of Prospera and The Nursery! But as it continued, it just... dragged... on. I didn't feel all these extra pages and details added any suspense to the story and only made me incredibly bored. It was just far too long of a book for the story it was telling.
If it were 300 pages instead of the 500-something it is, I would have devoured it. I give it 3 stars because the plot genuinely was intriguing and it showed a lot of promise, but it just moved far too slowly for me.

This story seemed a little drawn out for my taste. However I really did like the sci fi feel from the middle towards the end. The concept in it were a little scary at times thinking how this kind of thing is very possible. I did not like the elements of dreaming. It has always been a trope and way of ending books i have disliked. The parental and relationship elements in this story did intrigue me.

The Ferryman. Yes, that title and all that it implies is what intrigued me into checking out this story. Well, that and it is by the same author as The Passage series.

The Ferryman is a sci-fi lovers delight. It is packed full with everything an epic sci-fi story (or even movie) needs. It has the history, the plot, the brilliant layers that are tediously peeled away, the characters, the ideas and the twists and turns.

I love this author’s ability to write stories that reveal themselves slowly and with depth and details. The slow methodical way this story unfolds had me addicted to turning the pages. The story is only enhanced by the characters and their thoughts and motivations.

I didn’t quite know where the story was going and I am still hung over from the ending (there is so much going on), so I will just leave this review with a quick thought… if you like great world building, plots that make you think, and story lines that will have you wanting more than this is a story you need to check out.

I received an ARC via NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books and I am leaving an honest review.

I loved this unique and creative book. Justin Cronin’a premise is believable and his world is convincing. I hope there is a sequel in the future!

Wow this book was fantastic! It had elements that reminded me of some many other books and tv shows, but at the same time it was unique. I won't share the shows it reminded me of because I don't want to give away any spoilers. I had such an enjoyable time reading this book! I looked forward to picking it up at night and then I would think about it all day long.

The Ferryman takes place in prospera, an Island that's isolated in its own world. Its inhabitants are able to live an extraordinarily long life and when they are ready to "retire" they go to the nursery to be born again and live a whole new life. But things are starting to become confusing for the main catcher Procter. He's asking questions about too many things, which is getting him in trouble.

This book is science fiction and also a thriller. It was really fun. This is one I'll be thinking about for awhile and recommending people check out!

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book!

Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for the advance reading copy.
Proctor Bennet resides in Prospera, as grouping of islands hidden from the rest of Earth. He is a Ferryman, he helps usher retirees into reintegration. On Prospera all vitals are tracked and when your monitor is 10% you retire and reintegrate at the Nursery. All your memories are wiped and you begin again.
When I started reading this book and realized it was 560 pages I thought it may drag on. It did not, I was captivated through out. I was intrigued with the concept of Prospera. Without giving anything away the twists and turns and revelations keep you engrossed. Wonderful and imaginative books

What can be said about Justin Cronin that hasn't been said by somebody better than myself already? After his Passage trilogy, he returns with this masterpiece.
This novel is dystopian, strange, speculative, and deeply engrossing. Once you pick this one up, you are helpless but to finish it. Just like his previous novels, he grabs you and doesn't let go. I highly recommend this one. It's the first great read of 2023.

I really loved this book- what a great way to kick of 2023! In this futuristic/ sci-fi novel, Proctor Bennett helps people "retire." The whole book is a well-crafted mystery where you are trying to understand what this new future holds and what the social dynamics mean. About 2/3 of the way through the book, all is revealed (no spoilers) and you continue to still try to figure it out. It is suspenseful and a truly interesting envisioning of our future. I loved the mystery. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. #TheFerryman #NetGalley

Juston Cronin has hooked me in again with his latest book, The Ferryman. A master storyteller, Cronin takes you on a journey into an underworld you'll never forget.

I was a big fan of Justin Cronin's The Passage trilogy, so I was eager to read The Ferryman. The book did not disappoint. The world-building was intense and wild, but clever and masterfully architected. I cared about the characters with all of their flaws. There was a lot of story to tell, but I stayed engaged and anxious to keep reading throughout. The book was a blend of bittersweet and urgent, mystery and adventure, all mapped in a sci fi future world. Hightly recommend!

I finished my first book of 2023! I am hopeful that Justin Cronin's "The Ferryman" sets the tone for the rest of the year, because I absolutely loved it.
Let me start by saying I was given this thanks to @netgalley and I went blindly into reading it without any idea of what the story was about. This is probably not something that would have been on my radar, but I am so glad that it was put in front of me.
Cronin built a complete world in writing about an island called Prospero that is hidden from the rest of the world, a world that is deteriorating. The inhabitants are embedded with health monitors that check levels of physical and psychological health. If the meters fall below a certain percentage, they are retired and sent by ferry to an island called the Nursery where their memories are wiped clean, their bodies are renewed and they start a new life cycle.
Enter our lead character, Proctor Bennett, a ferryman who's job is to transport the retirees to the ferry. One catch, Proctor's own health meter is dropping rapidly. He is also given the difficult task of escorting his own father to the ferry. His dad delivers a cryptic message to him before being wrestled onto the ferry.
This coupled with stirrings of discontent from inhabitants that are known as The Support Staff, the laborers that keep Prospero running, take us on a wild ride. An urgent mission to uncover the truth of the island.
Just when you think you may have the story figured out, there are twists that totally send you in another direction. This isn't just a great edge of your seat read, its also wonderfully written. Cronin has a talent for beautifully descriptive writing that helped make this a very visual read.

I received a free ARC ebook of The Ferryman from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

Cronin's latest take on a world done in by humankind is wonderful. Prospera, an island of privilege and beauty, is a Utopian dream where a few live long and happy lives. Of course, the nitty gritty side of this privilege is the Annex, where workers live in squalor to order to service the well-off. When the Prosperans' health diminishes, they are whisked off to the Nursery to be renewed. Here their memories are wiped clean and they are ready to begin a new life.

Proctor Bennett is a ferryman; he escorts the aged to the ferry for their trip to the Nursery. Mostly, he is happy and content and he views his work as an important part of the social contract. His marriage to Elise is somewhat superficial but otherwise a happy arrangement. The only problem is that he dreams - something that is viewed with suspicion and alarm among the Prosperans. When Proctor must escort his own estranged father to the ferry, his world begins to disintegrate. No longer certain of his role and purpose, Proctor is cast adrift by his wife, fellow employees, and Prosperan society at large.

Cronin cleverly does not reveal the true purpose of Prospera until the final quarter of the book. Thus readers will share Proctor's growing unease amidst the heightening tensions on Prospera. A resistance group, the Arrivalists, amplifies the unfairness of Prospera without a clear alternative. Proctor, really for the first time, must confront the inequities and uncertainties that surround him.

The Ferryman is a great read.

In the not too distant future, elderly or sick humans are asked to be "reprogrammed". This story is about
memories, thier worth, and what does it mean to live a life. Interesting premise

I'm not a sci-fi fan usually, but this is Justin Cronin so I gave it a chance and I'm glad I did. A really good story with great characters. Highly recommend. You'll love this.

Justin Cronin has produced an exceptional sci-fi thriller with his latest novel, The Ferryman.

As someone who prides themselves on being able to figure out what is going on in a story, Cronin has managed to keep me guessing with his many twists and turns until the very end. The characters of Proctor and Thea are enigmatic and extremely well written and the world in which they live in, where humans are reiterated into bodies over multiple lifespans is a fascinating concept and what may be considered a utopia for some, is far more frightening for others.

Without giving too much away, The Ferryman is highly recommended for fans of 1899 and Altered Carbon.

Huge thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine, and Justin Cronin for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved Justin Cronin's The Passage series, so I was camping at the bit to start The Ferryman. I can't recommend it enough. Scary sci-fi with deeply human and humane turns, it's another book I couldn't put down

WOW. Now I would say this reminded me of my favorite era of science fiction novels, like--Hunger Games, Maze Runner, Divergent, etc. At first, I was not a fan of them switching POVs because it caused a bit of confusion and wasn't sure where it was leading but as I got further into this giant book I was like oh wow. Seriously I felt like Procter being assigned to this family was no coincidence. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and now I have to go start more Justin Cronin books because it reminded me of my childhood and I couldn't put this book down.

There is so much going on with this… and I'm pretty sure i liked it? I don't even know where to begin!

Proctor is a Ferryman who takes people to die on an island when they have about reached the end of their life. This book is sad, creepy and full of twists and turns It kept me flipping the pages! Thanks NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this ARC!