Summary
Keanu Reeves, renowned actor and comic book creator, has ventured into the realm of novels with The Book of Elsewhere. Co-authored with acclaimed British writer China Miéville, this 2024 release expands on the universe of Reeves's BRZRKR comic series. Set in an alternate timeline, the novel follows an immortal warrior's millennia-spanning quest to understand his own immortality.
The collaboration between Reeves and Miéville sparked intrigue in both literary and entertainment circles. Miéville's reputation for intricate worldbuilding and genre-bending narratives, combined with Reeves's vision for the BRZRKR universe, promised a unique literary experience. The project was shrouded in secrecy until its official announcement on Good Morning America in January 2024, building anticipation among fans of both creators.
The Book of Elsewhere has garnered praise for its blend of action-packed thrills and philosophical depth. Critics have noted Miéville's distinctive prose style and Reeves's contributions to the narrative, creating a work that appeals to both comic book enthusiasts and literary fiction readers.
Plot
The Book of Elsewhere follows an immortal warrior known simply as “B,” who has lived through countless civilizations and now seeks to end his eternal existence. In the present day, a U.S. black-ops group offers to help B find a way to die, but their collaboration takes an unexpected turn when an ordinary soldier inexplicably comes back to life after dying.
This mysterious resurrection points to the existence of a force as powerful as B himself, with its own enigmatic agenda. As B investigates this phenomenon, he finds himself embroiled in a complex web of ancient powers and modern warfare. The narrative alternates between B's present-day mission and flashbacks to his experiences throughout history, providing insight into his long and often painful existence.
Throughout the novel, B grapples with philosophical questions about the nature of immortality, identity, and purpose. His journey takes him across various locations and time periods, encountering both allies and adversaries who challenge his understanding of his own nature and the world around him. The story delves into the psychological toll of living forever and the desire for mortality that drives B's actions.
As the plot unfolds, B discovers that the force behind the soldier's resurrection may hold the key to his own mortality. However, this revelation comes with its own set of complications and moral dilemmas. The novel builds towards a climactic confrontation that forces B to confront not only external threats but also his own long-held beliefs about life, death, and the nature of existence itself.
Themes
Immortality and the desire for death
Ancient powers in modern warfare
The search for identity and purpose
Conflict between duty and personal desires
Exploration of the human condition through an inhuman lens
The weight of history and accumulated experiences
Mysterious forces beyond human comprehension
Setting
The Book of Elsewhere is set across vast spans of time, from ancient civilizations to the present day. The story's immortal protagonist, known as “B,” has witnessed the rise and fall of countless societies over millennia. This sweeping temporal scope allows the authors to explore different historical eras and their impact on B's journey.
While specific locations are not detailed in the available descriptions, the novel appears to have a global setting. B's immortal nature suggests he has likely traveled extensively, experiencing diverse cultures and landscapes throughout human history. In the present-day portions of the narrative, there are references to a U.S. black-ops group, indicating at least part of the contemporary action takes place in America.
Characters
B: The immortal warrior protagonist. B has lived for thousands of years, witnessing the rise and fall of countless civilizations. Known by many names throughout history, he now seeks a way to end his immortality. B works with a U.S. black-ops group in the present day, hoping they can help him achieve mortality.
Unidentified U.S. black-ops group: A covert organization that promises to help B end his immortality. They enlist B's assistance in return, though their true motives remain unclear. The group likely plays a significant role in the story's modern-day events.
Resurrected soldier: An unnamed soldier who inexplicably comes back to life. This impossible event hints at the existence of a force as powerful and mysterious as B himself. The soldier's resurrection likely serves as a catalyst for major plot developments.
Mysterious force: An enigmatic power hinted at by the soldier's resurrection. This force appears to be at least as strong as B and has its own agenda. It likely serves as a major antagonist or plot driver in the story.
Quick facts
It is set in an alternate universe to the main BRZRKR comic book series
The book was officially announced on Good Morning America in January 2024
Reeves approached Miéville as his “dream” author for the project
Miéville kept the collaboration secret during development, only discussing it with his partner
The story follows an immortal warrior known as “B” on a quest to understand his immortality
It was published on July 23, 2024 by Boom! Studios and Del Rey Books
The novel explores themes of immortality as “torture” according to Miéville
It features an immortal babirusa as one of B's adversaries
Critics praised the blend of Reeves' storytelling and Miéville's prose style
About the Author
Keanu Reeves is a Canadian actor who has become one of Hollywood's most beloved and enduring stars over a career spanning four decades. Born in Beirut in 1964 and raised in Toronto, Reeves first gained attention for his role in the 1989 science fiction comedy Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. He went on to establish himself as a versatile actor, earning praise for his performances in indie films like My Own Private Idaho as well as blockbusters like Speed and The Matrix trilogy.
While Reeves has had his share of box office disappointments, he experienced a major career resurgence with the John Wick action franchise starting in 2014. Known for doing many of his own stunts, Reeves has become respected as an action star while maintaining his reputation as one of the nicest, most down-to-earth celebrities in Hollywood. His humble persona and random acts of kindness have made him an internet darling, with fans dubbing him the “Internet's boyfriend."
Beyond acting, Reeves has pursued other creative and business ventures. He co-founded the ARCH Motorcycle Company, played bass guitar in the band Dogstar, and published books of his own poetry. Reeves has also been involved in philanthropy, supporting cancer research in honor of his sister's battle with leukemia. Despite his fame and success, he is known for living a relatively modest lifestyle and often taking pay cuts to get films made.
In recent years, Reeves has continued to take on diverse roles, from voicing characters in animated films to starring in romantic comedies. He reprised his iconic role as Neo in 2021's The Matrix Resurrections and returned for a fourth John Wick film in 2023. With several new projects in development, including his Broadway debut, Reeves remains a major presence in entertainment as he enters his seventh decade, beloved by fans for both his on-screen performances and his kind-hearted off-screen persona.
