Scan barcode
brendaclay's review against another edition
4.0
I just re-read The Sparrow, so of course I had to re-read the sequel too. I hadn't read them in sequence before, and I think it made me enjoy Children of God more. So much happens in this book that it feels rushed at times, slightly detracting from the oomph of some crucial events. But considering it encompasses a few generations of humans and Rakhati, I don't see any other way MDR could have done it. These books are amazing!
By the way... does anyone else find themselves thinking in Runa sentence structure after reading these? :)
By the way... does anyone else find themselves thinking in Runa sentence structure after reading these? :)
danashton's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
imperfectcj's review against another edition
I'm crying "uncle" on this one. The world-building is phenomenal, but like with Star Wars episodes 1-3, I really can't get interested in the politics and economic details.
maggie73's review against another edition
4.0
Sequel to The Sparrow. Not as good but still a wonderful read.
benjobuks's review against another edition
4.0
An incredible follow up to one of the most interesting sci-fi worlds I've read. Doria Russel is unmatched in the science fiction world in the richness of her characters. Where The Sparrow explored the fall out of first contact with the inhabitants of Rakhat, Children of God explores the aftermath on Earth and Rakhat. The story only lacked richer Janaata and Runa characters.
The human characters were flawed and beautiful, and the extraterrestrial characters were a bit one-dimensional by comparison. I think to Octavia Butler's Lilith's Brood series first and the more popular The Word for World is Forest (Ursula LeGuin) second as models of representing extraterrestrial characters. She also does end up falling prey to casting humans as heroes, particularly in the end of the book in frustratingly predictable character arcs (don't worry, you still may not expect the ending!) Regardless, a Children of God is a beautiful continuation of The Sparrow, telling tails of trauma, colonization, expansive kinship, restorative justice and art.
The human characters were flawed and beautiful, and the extraterrestrial characters were a bit one-dimensional by comparison. I think to Octavia Butler's Lilith's Brood series first and the more popular The Word for World is Forest (Ursula LeGuin) second as models of representing extraterrestrial characters. She also does end up falling prey to casting humans as heroes, particularly in the end of the book in frustratingly predictable character arcs (don't worry, you still may not expect the ending!) Regardless, a Children of God is a beautiful continuation of The Sparrow, telling tails of trauma, colonization, expansive kinship, restorative justice and art.
mbhernandez's review against another edition
4.0
Antoher good book by Mary Doria Russell, although not as great as The Sparrow.
matthewrob's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
el_entrenador_loco's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
ericaburns1's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
Worth reading to finish the full story of Emilio and everyone. The Sparrow is so incredible and one of my all time favorites so I was a little let down by the sequel. A few too many POVs and time jumps in my opinion and too quick a wrap up. Emilio and crew return and they suggest a reservation and then everything is okay? no negative unforeseen consequences as before? and Emilio is fine with returning to Earth so soon? it takes essentially the entire book to get Emilio back to Rakhat and then it’s over? Hardly a satisfying reunion with Sophia. And the entire point of the Rakhat missions being whatever music Isaac makes? I just finished the book so i’m feeling a lot of emotions about it but overall im disappointed.
sfletcher26's review against another edition
5.0
It's taken me a while to getting round to reading Doria Russell's follow-up to The Sparrow but I'm glad I finally have as it's every bit as good as it's predecessor. Beautifully written and cleverly plotted.