Joanna

I’ve been putting off writing this review. I’m honestly mad that I’ve been put in this position - given a book to read and review that’s used AI, with no disclosure up front. It’s the first time this has happened for me, and I’m really conflicted because I’m a staunch supporter of authors and artists. But I cannot stand hypocrisy and someone trying to mislead me.

I emailed the author after I finished the book to ask if he had used AI because I was 90% sure about the cover and suspicious about the text. He said: He made the cover with AI. He wrote the whole book himself and used AI for “editing, proofreading, formatting, etc.”

Once I know you’re comfortable ripping off artists to create a book cover, I’m immediately suspicious of the contents. And it doesn’t help that the writing has AI style tells - especially if this is your first book and you haven’t disclosed in the book how you’ve used AI. So my trust in the author is very low.

I understand the use of AI editing tools for manuscripts to an extent. It’s when the AI is starting to write and reshape the book for you that it becomes a problem.

The irony is that two of the book’s central themes are making sure AI doesn’t ruin humanity, and the problems of how humans use and pollute water. I’m a little disgusted that the author says he cares about these issues, yet uses AI (see all the ways it’s bad for art, humanity, the environment and water).

Without the confirmed AI cover or my suspicions of the writing, I would have given the book a 3/5 star rating. The writing isn’t great, but there were some cinematic moments and I enjoyed the righteous vindication against people destroying our planet.

But as it is, I think you’re better off finding a human made alternative to this one.

Authors, please: State in any new publication of your books how AI was or wasn’t used for the cover or writing. If you did use AI, it’s better to disclose rather than deceive.

Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for the advance digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

This is truly an “illustrated journey through Earth’s lost worlds”; an immersive documentary that takes you on a journey stepping back through time, from the Pleistocene 12,000 years ago to the Ediacaran period 635 million years ago. Every page is beautifully illustrated in clear storyteller style, rather than scientific depictions - though the pictures are scientifically accurate as far as I can tell. There are also some helpful, simple explainers at the start on topics such as taxonomy and tectonic plates. It’s also a truly global history, not a Eurocentric view, which is much appreciated.

Man, this would’ve been a definite favourite when I was a kid. The design of this book fires the imagination - something many biology, geology and history books missed the mark on when I was younger. The partnership between author Thomas Holliday and illustrator Gavin Scott was clearly a closely collaborative and successful one.

This would be a fantastic gift for new adults, young adults and older adults with an enthusiasm for immersing themselves in prehistory and an appreciation of visual learning.

On the one hand, this is a beautiful, calm study of taking a breath, stopping the whirring thoughts, being in the moment, and valuing what you have.

On the other hand, I can’t help but be painfully aware that this is written by an able-bodied, white, male, privileged person telling us that everything will be fine. Sure, fella.

The messages of hope, mindfulness and valuing life are okay I guess, though a bit trite and probably best consumed by those who like to manifest their destiny or whatever. Several times I did feel annoyed as a disabled and chronically ill woman unable to live a meaningful life. Like, really - this guy is telling me everything is going to be okay and to look at the sunset. Shit - thanks, Mr. Skelly!

I don’t find the male skeleton particularly inspiring, metaphorical or visually striking. However, it’s not terrible and does help illustrate the messages. The artwork itself is lovely and I would have been happy with a book just with that, no skeletons or inspirational text. Or perhaps as a postcard.

I do appreciate that the author’s primary aim is to provide a way to process grief and see death as a natural part of life rather than something to be afraid of or treat as other. I think we need more of this. I’ve always seen death this way and wish western society - my society - didn’t deal with death in a such a clinical, hidden way. We are terrible at spiritual rituals and recognition unconnected to religion.

This book is not aimed at anyone experiencing genuine distressing circumstances that can’t be helped by a bit of deep breathing and telling yourself tomorrow is a new day. It’s more aimed at those seeking some soft reassurance and inspiration in art form - which is totally okay, I enjoy that too. But it might be a bit much for some at 130 pages of “just smell some flowers!” inspo skeletons.

Thank you to the author, Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press publishers, and NetGalley for the digital advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

My toddler niece adored this one. The call and response is infectious and lends itself to silliness, which she loved. Especially telling the monkeys to give back those caps!

A classic oddball kids book that’s still going strong 80+ years after first publication.

🎧 Audiobook

If you love ancient history, this should be on your to read list. I felt echos of Jean M. Auel’s Earth Children series, along with Follett’s trademark sweeping generational epic with a strong sense of place.

As with most Follett books, it took a while to warm up through slow setting of the scene and characters, but gains its pace around 40% in. It is a quiet, slow-burn which reflects the period well (stress was not a word in Neolithic England). Not much actually happens though - even the building of Stonehenge isn’t really central to the story. It’s more a prehistoric slice of life, which can get a little dull. I think if I had read the book, rather than listened to the audiobook which was skilfully narrated by Richard Armitage, I may have gotten bored at times. But I’m also appreciative of a more meditative story these days, so it suited my mood.

I appreciate Follett’s refreshingly sexuality-inclusive take on prehistory, and the subject of gender equality that Follett delved into, particularly the way he tackled the issue of women as property throughout the story. This was well done and something I don’t think I’ve ever encountered by a male author in historical fiction.

This is fiction, so of course there were a few modern sensibilities thrown in (such as men knowing their biological role in making babies, or it being taboo for older men to want to have sex with young women (though it still doesn’t seem to register in mainstream 2026 that this is an issue)). But these were pretty minimal.

I did feel the story could have benefited from more detail to the spirituality, ruling nature of environmental forces, and relationships with nature and animals, since these would all have been primary forces in peoples’ lives at the time.

Overall, an enjoyable slow-burn read, but not Follett’s best.

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5/5 for narration by Richard Armitage. Armitage has such a lovely voice to listen to. His narration draws you in, he paces his speaking really well, and does an amazing job bringing the characters to life.