It’s been a while since I’ve shared a book review on the blog, so I’m super excited to share my thoughts about Ferryman by Claire McFall . ♥ It’s a Greek mythology retelling of Charon, Hades’ Ferryman, and I’m incredibly happy that Walker Books US sent us a copy!!
But first, here’s a bit about the book:
Ferryman by Claire McFall
Series: Ferryman #1
Published by Walker Books US on October 12, 2021
Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, YA
Pages: 320
Format: Hardcover
Goodreads
Buy on Amazon|Book Depository
Source: Walker Books US
I received this book for free from Walker Books US in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
After a deadly train crash, the afterlife is waiting for Dylan. But that's only if she and her intriguing Ferryman can make it across the demon-infested wasteland--and if she can bear to let him go.
When Dylan wakes up after her train has crashed, she thinks she has survived unscathed. But she couldn't be more mistaken: the bleak landscape around her isn't Scotland, it's a wasteland--a terrain somehow shaped by her own feelings and fears, a border to whatever awaits her in the afterlife. And the stranger sitting by the train track isn't an ordinary teenage boy. Tristan is a Ferryman, tasked with guiding Dylan's soul safely across the treacherous landscape, a journey he has made a thousand times before. Only this time, something's different. The crossing, as ever, is perilous, with ravenous wraiths hounding the two at each day's end, hungry for Dylan's soul. But as Dylan focuses her strength on survival, with Tristan as protector, challenger, and confidant, she begins to wonder where she is truly meant to be--and what she must risk to get there. An international bestseller with a phenomenal following, the award-winning Ferryman (with its sequels Trespassers and Outcasts) is in development to be a major motion picture.
The Chef’s Review
I don’t know what it was about this book that I enjoyed reading so much. And despite it handling themes such as the afterlife and loss, I didn’t think it came as heavy or extremely sad. Ferryman is a Greek mythology retelling based on Hades’ ferryman who carries souls to the newly deceased into the world of the dead. So when Dylan miraculously survives a train crash, she is confused by this random strange boy that she cannot help but follow. And when she learns the truth behind the tragic accident and this young man called Tristan, she resigns to the idea that she is on a journey that cannot be stopped.
I really liked Dylan, she is a person that has been through a lot, suffered bullying, loved her mother but felt abandoned by her father. So when she managed to contact him and he immediately wanted her to visit, she jumped to the opportunity. Little did she know that that trip would be her last one. This story is full of what ifs and regrets, but also hope and about finding the right person in the most unlikely place and unfortunate time. Dylan’s and Tristan’s relationship was definitely unique and one that I seldom read about. I thought it was sweet and even though I didn’t know how it was going to work between them, I loved their interactions and the time they spent together.
We also get to read about Tristan’s POV which I always enjoy when stories include more than one. We learn a bit about him and how upon the arrival of Dylan he starts to question his existence. One of the things that stood out for me about him the most was how much knowledge he had gathered throughout the years. I loved reading about his experience as a ferryman and it was interesting whenever he started sharing stories about the humans he helped cross to the afterlife.
I’m so invested in this series, I didn’t know what could possibly come next as I was reaching the end of book one, but omg I was wrong! I’m hoping to get the sequel soon and continue reading it. So to any fans of fantasy mythology retellings, you might want to check this one out!!♥️
