The Trials of Koli (The Rampart Trilogy Book 2) by M.R Carey

Synopsis
Koli has been cast from his village and into the strange and deadly forest beyond. But he heard a story, once. A story about lost London, and the mysterious tech of the old times that was there. And if Koli can find it, there may be a way for him to redeem himself – by saving what’s left of humanity.

Review
The Trials of Koli is the second book in M.R Carey’s Rampart Trilogy set in a dystopian England where humans have nearly been wiped out by nature. Following on from the first book, The Book of Koli, Koli is travelling to London following a signal that is still transmitting from the area, intone hope of trying to find something to stop the human race from dying out. But it is not an easy journey for Koli and his companions, Ursula the healer, Cup who they rescued, Ursula’s Dudge her diagnostic technology that also protects them and Monono, the Dream Sleeve that Koli stole and is now a friend. Dangers from trees, Half-Ax Men and a Sea Bear add to the thrills of this adventure in a strange and deadly England. If you missed book one you can see my review here The Book of Koli (The Rampart Trilogy Book One) by M.R Carey

The plot is narrated by by Koli on his travels and by Spinner in Mythan Rood. Spinner was the girl Koli was in love with in the first book, but she married his friend Haijon, one of the ruling Ramparts. Spinner’s story keeps the reader up to date with what is happening in Koli’s home village that he was banned from. I loved Spinner’s strength, intelligence and loyalty to her family and the village, going so far as to put herself in danger for the benefit of others. It is not a quite life in Mythan Rood with the red death back, killing residents with no apparent link, there are also secrets, that if revealed, would cause mutiny and anger. Like Spinner, Koli shows strength of character on his journey to London. He has to face many dangers along the way but is able to use his intelligence to his advantage, and maintainns a determination to reach London, even when that is the harder option he is given. He is only fifteen but very mature, but I did like to see his fun, child like side like when he and Cup go sliding on the frozen river, something he had never done before. Cup is a character that grew on me as the book progressed. Koli and Usula feel they saved her, but Cup feels that she is being held captive. There is no trust on either side, but I loved watching her grow, her personality develop and her relationship grow with both Koli and Ursula. We also see her struggle with puberty as she is ‘crossed’, transgender and how the characters rally around her to try and find out about the hormones she needs.

M.R Carey builds a terrifying dystopian world that is of humanities making. Humans have genetically modified trees, plants and crops that have in turn evolved and destroyed humanity, taking over the country, leaving towns and cities in ruins after the ‘Unfinished War’. Trees, like the Chocker Tree kill, and there are new animals like needles and mole-snakes that are a threat. Interestilgly the human race seems to have regressed to the something like the Dark Ages, there are no books, not many can read or write, the language is phonetic, and names are taken from the jobs that people have; Koli was Koli Woodsmith. I’m not sure when this was book was written, but when the red death comes the Mythan Rood, the residents are told to work from home and keep your distance from others; it sounds familiar.

The Trials of Koli is a brilliant sequel to The Book of Koli, taking the reader on a thrilling if poignat journey with Koli and his friends. M.R Carey’s post apocalyptic world is both frightening and intriguing and I think there is a message in there for us all to think about. Beautifully written, with memorable characters that are continually developing. This is an absorbing and captivting read, and I can’t wait for the third book in the trilogy to see where the characters go next.

I would like to thank Orbit Books and Tracy Fenton for giving me the opportunity to be part of this fabulous blog tour.