Children of God

Rating:
Summary: OK sequel.
Review: A decent ending to a good first novel. I had a bit of trouble with Sandoz finding redemption. I found that I didn't care much for the characters either. I also found some of the plot unbelieveable. Not a bad book, but not great either.

Rating:
Summary: Good, but THE SPARROW was a bit better
Review: I enjoyed this, but have to say that the philosophy/theology in THE SPARROW was more involving. The best novel I've read lately with such elements is THE LAST DAY, by Glenn Kleier. It is perhaps the most intriguing, mysterious and profound novel I've ever read and I highly recommend it to you if you enjoyed SPARROW. LAST DAY is even more rewarding.

Rating:
Summary: Must-read sequel
Review: I wouldn't have survived the summer if I hadn't been able to follow up THE SPARROW with this book. Not quite as epic as THE SPARROW, or quite as great a stand-alone novel, but incredibly satisfying as a sequel.

Rating:
Summary: Goodness, not God, but this was great anyway!
Review: At first, I was hesitant with the title. However, as I have been finding more and more, the usage of "God" should be flexible for readers of all types so that essential messages are not missed. I am one type of reader that constues "God" as goodness, goodness alone, for goodness, without constraints, pardigms, or any other complex defining constructs. Just goodness. This book worked for me and I was marvelled, even though I don't necessarily believe that we are "children of God".

Rating:
Summary: Hearfelt, moving sequel to The Sparrow
Review: "The Sparrow" was an amazing novel, detailing a first contact mission to the planet Rakhat, that goes disastrously wrong. The wonderful sequel "Children of God" picks up where the first book left off, and lets us know how the character's lives were affected by the events of the first book. Russell is an amazing writer, who makes you deeply feel what her characters are going through. Her writing is emotional, deeply felt, and touching. If you loved the first book, read this one. If you haven't read the first book, read both!

Rating:
Summary: an interesting sequel to The Sparrow
Review: I loved The Sparrow and was looking forward to more about Emilio Sandoz and Sophia Mendez. I liked how we saw how the events of the first book played out in the two characters lives and how they both react to the addition of children to the equation. The sequel is mostly action and is lacking in the spiritual insight of the first novel, but it certainly is entertaining and was overall a wonderful novel.

Rating:
Summary: compelling
Review: Having read the first of these books, The Sparrow, I was prepared for the author's style. I was more able to delve into the story and the journey. This book would have been an enthusiastic five stars if the end hadn't been as abrupt. I felt a bit cheated by the pat ending.

The characters were more developed and three-dimensional in this book. The premise was easier to believe in this go around, too. Some of the dialogue was stilted and unnatural. These picky flaws did not detract from the journey and the depth and texture.

Rating:
Summary: Bring Emilio back again, PLEASE!
Review: I ordered this book when I was 3/4 of the way through The Sparrow. I knew then that I had to have more of the story. After finishing this sequel, I feel like Emilio Sanchez is still with me, and I want the story to continue. It can, right? Please give me more. As an English major, a voracious reader, and a rather harsh critic, I can honestly say the stories in this series have me hooked. I am thoroughly depressed that the third book in this series does not exist as yet!

Rating:
Summary: Delightful, Dazzling, Daring, Darn Right Great
Review: I found Childern of God to be even more perplexing, then The Sparrow. The issues within the stories, compare with modern day concerns. I found this book most riveting, and think it would be a wonderful book to use in a classroom, as a learning tool. Read it Read it! It's book I'll not soon forget!

Rating:
Summary: Good, but not great conclusion to The Sparrow
Review: Children of God isn't nearly as intriguing and inspiring as The Sparrow. Still, I enjoyed the closure it brought to the original story. I found the chronology of the story very confusing and difficult to follow. No question though that Mary Doria Russell is an author worth reading, even when she's not at her best.