Rating: 
Summary: This Is Really a Five Star Book
Review: So why did I give it only four stars? Two reasons. It's the first book in a trilogy, and I always reserve some opinion (in this case, one star's worth) for the final work all together. Secondly, it's not really a trilogy, but a single novel broken up into three printings. This can be somewhat frusterating when you're ten pages from the end and asking yourself, "How is this going to wrap up?"... Answer: it doesn't.That said, this is a terrific book. The descriptions of exotic locales and strange creatures are not only imaginative, but eloquently written, beckoning to be spoken aloud at times. While reading, I often drifted into a lush animated world of McAuley's creation. I wanted to pop "ghost berries" into my mouth and feel the tangy juice on my tongue as I burst open the skin. The Child of the River is that delicious. It doesn't even really need a plot. But it has a great one, or at least the beginnings of a great one. Yama, the child of the river, is completely and totally unique among his fellows of Confluence. He doesn't know where he came from, how he was born, or what he is to be. But as he developes and begins to learn the standard lessons of adulthood, he stumbles upon some abilities that might come in handy for others. How these powers will play in the war between the Heretics and the Preserver's Theocrates is one of the many decisions Yama must make on the long road to discovering himself. A wonderous start for a trilogy... now on to the second book, Ancients of Days.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best SF books that I have ever read!
Review: The reader might initially believe that she is reading SF Fantacy.(which I do not normally read or enjoy) However, as the tale unfolds the author weaves a wonderful story (though one with perhaps a rather standard general plot) with lots of world building detail. What initially might be identified as fantacy turns out to be explained by loads of advanced technology (which appeals to me immensely). Just when the reader thinks that she has figured out the range and physiology of the story's characters, the author throws in a totally alien life form. I found the technology believable and the characters intriqueing. There could have been more detail given for the biology of the flora and fauna on the world of Confluence. I enjoyed this book immensely. I can't wait for the next book in the trilogy!
Rating:
Summary: Good start to an imaginative epic
Review: This book is really 4-1/2 stars. It shows a lot of creativity, with a far-future setting that has touches of fantasy. The fast-paced plot, the action, and the slowly unfolding mysteries make this a book a winner. Don't, however, expect any kind of closure at the end of the book, as you have to keep reading to continue the story. The lose ends really pile up.
Rating:
Summary: Good start to an imaginative epic
Review: This book is really 4-1/2 stars. It shows a lot of creativity, with a far-future setting that has touches of fantasy. The fast-paced plot, the action, and the slowly unfolding mysteries make this a book a winner. Don't, however, expect any kind of closure at the end of the book, as you have to keep reading to continue the story. The lose ends really pile up.
Rating:
Summary: Good beginning to series, will make you want to know more.
Review: This is a pretty good book. Yes, the overall story/plot will be familiar to readers of science fiction and fantasy, no real surprises there. Having said that, I think you will be intrigued by the world and by Yamas fate. Character development, dialouge and style are all decent. I can't wait to read the next in the series, Ancients of Days.
Rating:
Summary: It was a good read...
Review: This is the first novel I have read by McAuley. I really enjoyed it. It's been a few months since I read it and it's difficult to remember exactly what I liked about it. I plan on reading the rest of the series as they come out. It will be interesting to find out who Yama really is...
Rating: 
Summary: not a book
Review: While I certainly understand Mr. McAuley's wish to pay a tribute to Wolfe's masterpiece "The Book of the New Sun," "Child of the River" lacks the clarity of vision, quality of writing, and strong story line of that masterpiece. Mr. McAuley's awkward writing style and bad grammar is terribly distracting. Although at times he manages to conjure interesting images and (very rarely) injects philosophical ideas into the story, the characters and plot devices are hopelessly cliched. Mr. McAuley is not without talent, but he needs to pare down the excessive verbiage and work harder on developing his characters. For better "Wolfesque" writing, try Paul Park's "Starbridge Chronicles" and Patrick O'Leary's "The Gift."
Rating: 
Summary: A Poor Imitation of Gene Wolfe
Review: While I certainly understand Mr. McAuley's wish to pay a tribute to Wolfe's masterpiece "The Book of the New Sun," "Child of the River" lacks the clarity of vision, quality of writing, and strong story line of that masterpiece. Mr. McAuley's awkward writing style and bad grammar is terribly distracting. Although at times he manages to conjure interesting images and (very rarely) injects philosophical ideas into the story, the characters and plot devices are hopelessly cliched. Mr. McAuley is not without talent, but he needs to pare down the excessive verbiage and work harder on developing his characters. For better "Wolfesque" writing, try Paul Park's "Starbridge Chronicles" and Patrick O'Leary's "The Gift."
Rating: 
Summary: Child of the River is astonishing!
Review: Yama is on the journey of his young life from the city of the dead to a metropolis of living wonders on a world that stands apart. Thru this savage, secret & war torn land, Yama must survive to discover the truth about who he is & his purpose in life. This is a saga of Mixed Life. Way up the time-line from Here & Now on Earth. Where humans have become gods, have gone away & been long forgotten. There is no one left behind who remembers what they were like. What a toe-curler! .........
Rating:
Summary: Child of the River is astonishing!
Review: Yama is on the journey of his young life from the city of the dead to a metropolis of living wonders on a world that stands apart. Thru this savage, secret & war torn land, Yama must survive to discover the truth about who he is & his purpose in life. This is a saga of Mixed Life. Way up the time-line from Here & Now on Earth. Where humans have become gods, have gone away & been long forgotten. There is no one left behind who remembers what they were like. What a toe-curler! .........
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