In a post-climate disaster world, survivors in submerged towers face class divisions and ancient powers seeking vengeance, as three characters from different levels must unite for a chance at a better future. The novella expertly weaves together themes of classism, climate change, mythology, and societal hierarchy in a vividly imagined setting, offering a character-driven narrative with rich world-building and thought-provoking commentary.

Reader Review Summary

Lost Ark Dreaming by Suyi Davies Okungbowa is a remarkable and thought-provoking novella that skillfully blends science fiction, fantasy, and social commentary into a captivating and immersive narrative. Set in a post-climate disaster future, where humanity's survivors reside in towering structures called "Fingers" off the coast of West Africa, Okungbowa weaves a tale that explores themes of class division, environmental degradation, and the resilience of indigenous cultures.

One of the most striking aspects of Lost Ark Dreaming is its masterful worldbuilding. Okungbowa paints a vivid and detailed picture of the Pinnacle, the last remaining habitable Finger, where society is stratified into distinct classes based on their level within the tower. The wealthy and powerful reside at the top, while the poor and working class are relegated to the submerged lower levels. This vertical hierarchy serves as a powerful metaphor for the stark economic and social inequalities that plague our world, and Okungbowa uses it to explore the consequences of such divisions with nuance and depth.

The story unfolds through the perspectives of three compelling characters: Yekini, an earnest mid-level analyst; Tuoyo, an undersea mechanic mourning a tragic loss; and Ngozi, an ambitious bureaucrat from the upper echelons of the Pinnacle's hierarchy. Their distinct backgrounds and motivations create a rich tapestry of perspectives, allowing readers to experience the complexities of this post-apocalyptic society from multiple angles. Okungbowa deftly navigates their individual arcs, imbuing each character with depth and emotional resonance, while also using their interactions to explore broader themes of privilege, sacrifice, and the human capacity for both compassion and cruelty.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Lost Ark Dreaming is Okungbowa's seamless integration of Yoruba mythology into the narrative. The presence of mysterious, amphibious beings known as "Yemoja's Children" adds an intriguing layer of fantasy and mythology to the story, while also serving as a powerful metaphor for the resurgence of indigenous cultures in the face of environmental catastrophe and cultural homogenization. Okungbowa's lyrical prose and poetic interludes imbue these mythological elements with a sense of wonder and reverence, elevating the story to a level of profound symbolic resonance.

Beyond its rich worldbuilding and compelling characters, Lost Ark Dreaming is a powerful commentary on the interconnected issues of climate change, class division, and the erasure of indigenous cultures. Okungbowa's narrative serves as a stark warning about the consequences of unchecked environmental destruction and the perpetuation of systemic inequalities, while also celebrating the resilience and wisdom of marginalized communities.

Ultimately, Lost Ark Dreaming is a triumph of speculative fiction, a novella that manages to pack a narrative punch while also grappling with complex social and environmental issues. Okungbowa's prose is both lyrical and gripping, his characters are multifaceted and engaging, and his worldbuilding is both imaginative and thought-provoking. This novella is a must-read for fans of science fiction, fantasy, and socially conscious literature, and it cements Okungbowa's reputation as a rising star in the world of speculative fiction.