The Factory World

Joseph Edward Ryan

Average Rating 8/10 (1 Review)

Waking in a pipe in a silent forest, unable to remember how he got there or where he came from, Simon finds himself walking a rusting railway track with a mysterious stranger who cannot even remember his own name. Abandoned factories and eerie mannequins dot their path, falling stars lighting the night sky and searing holes through the earth to reveal a maze of pipes beneath.

Adream, and a thousand miles away is their only way home. But they are not alone on this factory world, and soon realise that they are fighting for their lives...

'Ryan has constructed an intricate puzzle box of a story, with a pair of characters that you will love. You’ll be biting your nails even as you explore their new dangerous and curious world along with them.'

'Weird and intriguing... strange and disturbing... a wonderful antidote to the ubiquitous fat fantasy trilogy.'

Review by Paul Lappen (310515) Rating (8/10)

Review by Paul Lappen
Rating 8/10
This post-apocalyptic novel is about two people who find themselves in a very strange place.

Simon is a young boy who wakes up in a drain pipe, with no memory of home. He is wearing a Cowardly Lion costume, because he is a fan of the Wizard of Oz. Simon is met by an older man, who also doesn't know where he came from, or even his own name. Simon calls him the Tin Man.

They start walking along abandoned railroad tracks through a desolate landscape. They pass huge, deserted factories. There are a number of what look like mannequins made out of black rubber (later in the book, a way is found to make them come alive). They meet a couple of other humans who, in various ways, are not very friendly. Occasional shooting stars plough holes in the earth which show a series of pipes underground, like the planet is a giant factory. Do they find a way back home?

This is a pretty ‘quiet’ novel, with only two main characters, so it will take some patience on the part of the reader. That patience will be rewarded, because this is a good story. My only criticism is that the ending felt a little too easy, or cop out-ish. It is still well worth reading.
Paul Lappen (31st May 2015)