Book Review: The Children of the Sky, by Vernor Vinge

The long, long, long-awaited sequel to A Fire Upon the Deep.

Tor, 2011, approx. 219,000 words

After nearly twenty years, Vernor Vinge has produced an enthralling sequel to his memorable bestselling novel A Fire Upon the Deep.

Ten years have passed on Tines World, where Ravna Bergnsdot and a number of human children ended up after a disaster that nearly obliterated humankind throughout the galaxy. Ravna and the pack animals for which the planet is named have survived a war, and Ravna has saved more than one hundred children who were in cold-sleep aboard the vessel that brought them.

While there is peace among the Tines, there are those among them—and among the humans—who seek power… and no matter the cost, these malcontents are determined to overturn the fledgling civilization that has taken root since the humans landed.

On a world of fascinating wonders and terrifying dangers, Vernor Vinge has created a powerful novel of adventure and discovery that will entrance the many readers of A Fire Upon the Deep. Filled with the inventiveness, excitement, and human drama that have become hallmarks of his work, this new novel is sure to become another great milestone in Vinge’s already stellar career

Warning: Spoilers for A Fire Upon the Deep, though none for this book.

( One of those books that suffers only by having such a hard act to follow. )

Verdict: The Children of the Sky is not quite as brilliant as its predecessors, but it is still a fine story from one of my favorite SF authors. If you aren't already a Vinge fan, you should start with the first two Zones of Thought books, and you will become one. This book is a must-read for anyone who's read the first two.


Also by Vernor Vinge: My reviews of A Fire Upon the Deep and A Deepness in the Sky.

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My complete list of book reviews.

Book Review: The Children of the Sky, by Vernor Vinge

The long, long, long-awaited sequel to A Fire Upon the Deep.

Tor, 2011, approx. 219,000 words

After nearly twenty years, Vernor Vinge has produced an enthralling sequel to his memorable bestselling novel A Fire Upon the Deep.

Ten years have passed on Tines World, where Ravna Bergnsdot and a number of human children ended up after a disaster that nearly obliterated humankind throughout the galaxy. Ravna and the pack animals for which the planet is named have survived a war, and Ravna has saved more than one hundred children who were in cold-sleep aboard the vessel that brought them.

While there is peace among the Tines, there are those among them—and among the humans—who seek power… and no matter the cost, these malcontents are determined to overturn the fledgling civilization that has taken root since the humans landed.

On a world of fascinating wonders and terrifying dangers, Vernor Vinge has created a powerful novel of adventure and discovery that will entrance the many readers of A Fire Upon the Deep. Filled with the inventiveness, excitement, and human drama that have become hallmarks of his work, this new novel is sure to become another great milestone in Vinge’s already stellar career

Warning: Spoilers for A Fire Upon the Deep, though none for this book.

( One of those books that suffers only by having such a hard act to follow. )

Verdict: The Children of the Sky is not quite as brilliant as its predecessors, but it is still a fine story from one of my favorite SF authors. If you aren't already a Vinge fan, you should start with the first two Zones of Thought books, and you will become one. This book is a must-read for anyone who's read the first two.


Also by Vernor Vinge: My reviews of A Fire Upon the Deep and A Deepness in the Sky.

---

My complete list of book reviews.