The Evolution of Science Fiction discussion

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Passage comes a riveting standalone novel about a group of survivors on a hidden island utopia--where the truth isn't what it seems.

Founded by a mysterious genius, the archipelago of Prospera lies hidden from the horrors of a deteriorating outside world. In this island paradise, Prospera's lucky citizens enjoy long, fulfilling lives until the monitors embedded in their forearms, meant to measure their physical health and psychological well-being, fall below 10 percent. Then they retire themselves, embarking on a ferry ride to the island known as the Nursery, where their failing bodies are renewed, their memories are wiped clean, and they are readied to restart life afresh.

Proctor Bennett, of the Department of Social Contracts, has a satisfying career as a ferryman, gently shepherding people through the retirement process--and, when necessary, enforcing it. But all is not well with Proctor. For one thing, he's been dreaming--which is supposed to be impossible in Prospera. For another, his monitor percentage has begun to drop alarmingly fast. And then comes the day he is summoned to retire his own father, who gives him a disturbing and cryptic message before being wrestled onto the ferry.

Meanwhile, something is stirring. The Support Staff, ordinary men and women who provide the labor to keep Prospera running, have begun to question their place in the social order. Unrest is building, and there are rumors spreading of a resistance group--known as "Arrivalists"--who may be fomenting revolution.

Soon Proctor finds himself questioning everything he once believed, entangled with a much bigger cause than he realized--and on a desperate mission to uncover the truth.

This was okay…I wish they got to the reveal earlier. I was more interested in the story post-reveal.

I’ll probably start it next week.

I hope to start around mid-month.

I just finished this one about a month ago! Its definitely a good one 😉

I recognize The Ferryman is a popular, well liked book. I finished it quickly because it is a very engaging read. But I think it works more as a work of fiction rather than Sci Fi.
The author devotes much more space to the characters rather than exploring Prospera, Oranios, or the new planet at the end. The writing focuses on the emotions of the characters and the descriptions of what the characters see around them. The author did this skillfully.
I felt the world building to be lacking and the technology used to be glossed over. There was a mysterious feel to it all, but I felt that arose from a lack of explanation rather than unknowable things.
I did like many of the characters. But I rated this lower because I felt it wasn't a strong Sci Fi story.

I'm only 15% in and recognise the lack of explanation of the world and technology. It is a strange world but with a lot of surroundings and tech similar with ours. Not bothered by it yet.

Leo noted: "the lack of explanation of the world and technology."
The technology in The Ferryman makes about as much sense as the big sphere in the old TV series The Prisoner: https://www.amysuto.com/desk-of-amy-s...

The sphere's name is "Rover".

And it has feelings too!

I've started the book, so far cannot 'place' where everything happens (just 3% thru)

I've finished the book. It was fine but not wow :) I suspected something like matrix, for that closed island, where they have from coffee to different models of cars cannot be self-sufficient, and it seems they have nothing to export.

Also the cinematic action parts don't work for me... I don't enjoy them in the movies and even less in the text

Natalie wrote: " But I think it works more as a work of fiction rather than Sci Fi. "

Completely agree!

My review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Aha! I read this about two years ago as an ARC, but I just followed from Oleksandr's like on my review, and see that it is now your BOTM. A quick summary of my 4/5 rating was that it was targeted to be a best seller, re-using science fictional tropes, without admitting to be SF. My review is at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I'm getting closer to the finish line. I find it an entertaining story. The further I get in the book though, the more I'm surprised by the way the people in the story seem to accept the strange events and way of living. Suddenly being hunted by a dozen Bernardo's, I would guess a person needs a few minutes to think that over.