Review of To Climates Unknown by Arturo Serrano
To Climates Unknown by Arturo Serrano (2021) is a masterful and epic novel spanning centuries and continents. Envisioning an alternate world in which the Mayflower did not reach North America, and the events that both led to that effect and the myriad changes that rippled out from that cause, Serrano has created a stunning portrayal of how things that seem infinitesimal can shake the entire world.
The book is divided into sections that focus on a specific time period and set of characters, and while some characters receive brief mention in other sections, each section can also stand alone as a complete story. But by putting together all of the pieces, the conclusion to the book becomes all the more impactful and important. The world envisioned contains military conflicts and powerful leaders, of course, but it also focuses on individuals without claims to power but who have big ideas and the drive to change the world they live in. There are also strong environmental and anti-colonial messages within this book, all fit perfectly into the world Serrano has created.
Unsurprisingly, I devoured this book, reading the entirety in a single afternoon and evening. Even when the history portrayed wasn’t something I knew intimately, I could still see the ways in which the small changes led to larger changes and cascaded into a logical chain of events. Whether you’re a historian or a fan of alternate history in which sometimes small changes and normal people have a big impact, To Climates Unknown is sure to be an enjoyable read. To Climates Unknown will be released November 25, 2021, but can be pre-ordered now!
The author provided me with a review copy of this book for review consideration.
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