Notes From The Burning Age by Claire North

 

Ven has lived through the Burning.  He lived in the monastery, not as a priest but as an archivist who preserved the knowledge of previous ages.  He had the ability to translate these texts that had been largely lost in the populace.  The monastery was very protective of this knowledge, holding it secret so that those who brought about the Burning can't do so again.

But knowledge has a charisma and serves as a lure to those who want power.  In Ven's case, that is The Brotherhood who is determined that Ven will translate every document and give them the tools that will allow them to rule over all.  Ven gives them snippets and becomes a spy against them.  Over the years, he will be held in respect, imprisoned and threatened with torture and degraded daily as the personal slave of a cruel ruler.  With help from his network he manages to escape and raise resistance to The Brotherhood.  Which side will win?

This novel feels like it is set in medieval times.  It is an intricate retelling of how the world almost ended and how it may yet if those who are power hungry gain the secrets of the world before. I listened to this novel and the narrator has the perfect voice to bring Ven to life.   Ven is a fascinating character as are those he encounters both those who are horrific and those who provide care and love.  The author has written many novels and uses several pen names.  Readers will remember her 2014 novel, The First Fifteen Lives Of Harry August, which made the Washington Post Books Of The Year list.  This book is recommended for science fiction fans who enjoy dystopian novels.