Complex and meaty sci-fi novel. Utopian society--or is it dystopian? Hmm. Good story but I found the constant episodes of: dreams--or are they flashbacks? good guys--or are they bad guys? to be a bit tiring. However, all was resolved in the end!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.

This book started off slow and I could never really get into it. The world-building was intriguing, and I got the sense early that something was going on in the world that wasn't really talked about. The opening scene was shocking though, and even though I didn't finish the book, that one will stick with me for a while.

Immediately from the synopsis I knew I needed to read this. Admittedly, I really didn't know what to expect from Cronin because while I have his other books- I haven't read them. That is changing IMMEDIATELY after finishing The Ferryman.

Holy freaking Christmas cookies- this was a whirlwind! This was one of the most inventive books I've ever read and I really didn't want it to end (all 500 pages or so of it!) It was beautiful, confusing, infuriating, shocking, poignant, timely and terrifying- this review will not do it justice but I also am afraid of divulging too much and will keep this short.

I was blown away by the richness of the characters and how creative the plot was. At one point, I was just staring numbly at the pages wondering what the heck I was even reading- what was happening? I was totally immersed and invested and it all came together in a way I would NEVER have imagined. I still really don't have words for the giant, gaping hole in my heart that The Ferryman has left now that I finished...I'm going to HOPE that while the synopsis says 'standalone'- that may not be the case. I need MORE!

I lapped up every single page like a dog that's been starved for attention...this book came with me EVERYWHERE (I literally mean everywhere....do with that what you will) I couldn't put it down.

I became a fan of Justin Cronin after reading "The Passage" trilogy. His world building and character development keep you immersed in the story to the very end, and "The Ferryman" lived up to those expectations as well, with a few unexpected twists here and there.
This is a sci fi novel that starts off "normal" enough and slowly makes you start to question everything. It might remind of you of other sci fi novels you've read, but the ending is pretty different. For me, it reminded me a lot of the TV series "Lost". A dystopian tale at heart, "The Ferryman" highlights the human will to survive, dream and hope above all else.
Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my opinion.

I absolutely loved Justin Cronin's The Passage Trilogy. The trilogy took the reader on such a well thought out journey that took unexpected but well executed turns. The Ferryman is just as beautifully written as Cronin's previous books. He has such an amazing capacity for world building, I don't want to give too much away, so I will just say if you're a fan of Cronin's previous work, you will be really happy that you picked up this book.

The Ferryman is a person who helps people transition to retirement from a utopian group of people. When questions arise about the process people begin to revolt. A high octane completed original sci-fi novel that I found to be unlike anything I have ever read. Absorbing.

I have a love hate relationship with this book. The author leads you on a long journey in the fictional world of Prospera. When you finally think you know what is happening, everything changes.
The book is very long and can be monotonous. I was frustrated with the meaningless details but forged through to the end. The last quarter of the book is shocking and makes the journey worthwhile.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Ferryman by Justin Cronin surprised me. It was suggested to me based on other books I had reviewed, but reading the description left me with more questions about what the book was about than really made me read it. Still my churlish was piqued and so I gave it a shot. I am glad that I did.
The main character is Proctor Bennett, his is an escort for those who are soon to leave their life for the Nursery to prepare to be born anew. You receive a biography of him as an info dump in the beginning of the book, through this you know quickly that Proctor is unusual in that he dreams unlike most in the intentionally isolated land of Prospera. (I immediately got whiffs of The Island and 6th Day)
If this small snippet of a description isn't enough to tell you already, this is a science fiction novel. At first though, the differences between this world and ours seems surprisingly small given the amount of exposition description you are given concerning the society of Prospera. There is, of course, a secret to Prospera. One that Proctor (naturally) is stumbling towards. Without giving any spoilers, by the time of the reveal, the main surprise in the mechanism of that secret.

Overall, this story moved well and was a fun read. The characters start off fairly thin (except Proctor), but by the end are well fleshed out. This increasing complexity in not just the writing and characters, but also in the story leads to the last 1/3 moving along faster than the previous 2/3. This meant, for me, that I enjoyed the last bit much more than the first (except the last two chapters). While this book wasn't an earth-shattering read, it was fun and it was nice to read a full story contained in a single volume instead of stretching it out over a trilogy or more. It is also well enough written that I felt no hesitation in recommending it to a friend even before I finished.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. #TheFerryman

I read this after seeing the cover and the summary. It's a slow build but it's interesting. It's hard to describe the book because it would give away some of it's mystery. It explores grief, humans flaws, hope and redemption and greed. But there are no 'deaths', so to speak. But there is a god or is there? Also love.

I really enjoyed this book. I felt that Justin Cronin's writing was simple yet engaging, pulling the reader into the story and into the lives of the characters. While I felt the "twist" reveal was a little predictable, the journey to get to the reveal was fun and kept me interested

I was given an advanced reading copy through NetGalley.

This is the first book by Justin Cronin that I have read. Some people may find it a long book but it's a fast read.

At first the world that the Ferryman takes place in seems to be a paradise, albeit a post-dystopic one. As the story progresses, the holes in paradise become apparent. There is a ruling class who manipulate people to stay in power and a subjugated serving class but not everything is as it seems.

There are a number of twists in this story which keep it interesting. In essence, it's a story of love and loss in a dystopia.

The island paradise of Prospera is divided into the halves and their servants. The halves are subjected to monitoring, and when their levels fall below 10% their bodies are recycled and they are reborn at the age of 16. They are then adopted by the halves, to repeat the cycle of life. Their servants live in poverty, barely making ends meet. They are forced to provide menial service to the halves, while they scramble to survive. Bennett, one of the halves, is a ferryman. His job is to take those who have fallen below 10% to the Nursery to be recycled. When he leads his father to the ferry, his father tells him that not all is at it seems. Determine to uncover the truth, Bennett begins to spiral out of control.

I do not want to give anything away about the story. All I can say is that the mystery was not well explained, I wanted to know more details about the process and how everything came to be. I think a prequel and sequel would both be interesting to read. It felt like something was missing about the characters, perhaps a prequel would help round them out and make them feel more realistic. Overall, an interesting world, one I want to know more about.

The story takes place on three islands: Prospera is home to the wealthy, people who live comfortable fulfilling lives until an imbedded monitor notes they are deteriorating and at that time a Ferryman comes to take them to a ferry that sends them back to the island with the Nursery, where their minds are wiped and the bodies are renewed, ready to return to Prospera and restart their lives. The third island is the Annex, where the support staff live in poverty. They take a daily ferry to Prospera where they provide the labor, their lives are never refreshed.

Prospera is a paradise for the wealthy, the weather is always perfect, they enjoy the arts and social functions, and long, healthy lives. But things are starting to change, little things that start to add up, and soon this world seems to be heading in a different direction.

I’ll admit I got lost in the story, not sure what was happening at times, wondering what was real in this world and what was happening in a dreamlike state. The ending completely took me by surprise.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/ Ballantine allowing me to read an advance ready copy; these are my honest opinions.

Cronin is justly famous, wielding a very fine pen, with a narrative voice that confidently embraces a slow pace. And this book begins slowly, with a fascinatingly weird premise. Unfortunately, it slows even more in the second half, resulting in a trope that I really dislike [It was all a dream!] and cannot get past. But my piddly-ass reaction will be the minority. Most will love it, I am sure.

WOW. this was usch a good book. Cronin writes dystopia but I'd rather he go back to lit. Having said that this was another great book, with twits' and turns galore. Clever. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher.

The Ferryman is a brilliant new novel by Justin Cronin. He has created a utopia with more than one dark secret. The worldbuilding is excellent, with enough science to make it interesting without overwhelming the reader with data. There are plenty of twists and turns as the mystery of this utopia is revealed. The characters are likable, and the story is well-paced and well-plotted.

I definitely enjoyed this book.

Not family friendly due to violence and suggestive language.

I loved Justin Cronin’s The Passage trilogy, so I was very excited to get an early copy of his newest, The Ferryman. What seemingly starts as a dystopian story turns into so much more. Cronin’s writing fully immerses you into the characters’ lives. Also typical of his style are the many twists and turns. Through the narrative he reveals just enough to make you sense something might be coming, but the surprise is still impactful and most importantly, believable. Along the way he also manages to drop in some philosophical nuggets that we should be advised to heed. A thrilling read that keeps you guessing what might happen next!
#TheFerryman #NetGalley

I recently received an email from Penguin Random House that made my day! Justin Cronin has a new book entitled, "The Ferryman". I was pre-approved an ARC! I am not a wild fan of Dystopian fiction but I AM a wild fan of Justin Cronin. "The Passage" trilogy is my favorite dystopian read.

I will admit I took a gulp when I saw the book was 560 pages but once I began reading it was impossible to put down. Well, I am an old lady so I did have to put it down, but reluctantly and not for long.

"The Ferryman" places you on Prospera; a hidden island utopia - where truth isn't what it seems. The lucky residents live the perfect life far away from the deteriorating outside world. In a way it reminded me of the easy-going lifestyle in the movie, "The Truman Show". But, as you would expect, life on Prospera is complicated. Everyone has an embedded chip in their forearm monitoring their health and wellbeing. The score is continuously monitored by the authorities. When your chip score falls below 10%, you are sent back to the Nursery for a refurbished new life. Proctor Bennett of the Department of Social Contracts, the ferryman, transports you to the Nursery.

Oh I would love to tell you more but I can't ruin it for you! Let me say, if you liked Andy Weirs's "Project Hail Mary" or Emily St. John Mandel's "Station Eleven" you will probably really like this book.

It has its moments that could have been trimmed but it won't keep me from giving it a 5 star rating!

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin. Was wondering if Justin Cronin would be writing another book after The Passage series and here it is! The Ferryman is a fascinating tale. A dystopian world that is creative and compelling. Well written with vivid descriptions and a unique and unforgettable character in Proctor Bennett.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

The Ferryman was Cronin’s best work to date, and dare I say better than The Passage. Thanks to the author for this ARC, it was like The Passage meets the movie The Lighthouse. Lots of intriguing characters, mystery, and a huuuuuuuuuuge twist in the third act.