The Book of Koli
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Books |
The Book of Koli is a post-apocalyptic novel released in 2020 by British writer M. R. Carey. It serves as the initial volume in the Rampart Trilogy, succeeded by The Trials of Koli (2020) and The Fall of Koli (2021). This 416-page paperback, published by Orbit Books, garnered predominantly favorable critiques and earned a nomination for the 2021 Philip K. Dick Award.
Setting
The narrative takes place in a post-apocalyptic Britain, centering on the village of Mythen Rood. Here, the main character, Koli, earns his living as a wood gatherer, harvesting materials from hazardous forests. Authority in the village rests with the Ramparts, an elite group who utilize leftover advanced technology to enforce control and safeguard inhabitants from hostile plants and creatures.
Plot
Koli reflects on his upbringing in Mythen Rood and the village’s coming-of-age ritual—a challenge designed to identify those capable of wielding ancient technological weaponry and joining the Ramparts. Despite failing this trial, he uncovers from a healer named Ursala that the competition is manipulated to benefit a particular family that maintains hereditary dominance.
Rejecting this injustice, Koli appropriates a piece of technology—a Sony DreamSleeve audio device managed by a Japanese AI named Monono Aware. When he exposes this at a wedding celebration, he is exiled and given the name "Koli Faceless," branding him as an outsider. After defending himself against an attacking Rampart, whom he kills, Koli is taken captive by scavengers belonging to a cult led by Senlas.
Taken in as an "altar boy," Koli discovers that he is intended for sacrifice but manages to flee with assistance from Ursala and intervention by Monono, which results in Senlas' death. When one of his captors pursues them, Koli chooses to spare him despite demands for execution. Subsequently, Monono reveals evidence of life in London, motivating Koli, Ursala, Cup (the former captor), and Monono to embark on a journey there in search of ancient technology and possible remedies for humanity’s genetic deterioration.