Children of God: A Novel (The Sparrow Series)

This book is not just a sequel to the outstanding Sparrow, it completes it. Buy and read these as a set or not at all. Not since I read Brothers Karamazov, has a book challenged my faith so deeply. Thanatolgy, the problem of evil, has been addressed by everyone from Augustine to C.S. Lewis; yet Russell brings this issue into painfully sharp focus. She also examines at an incredibly deep level just what it means "to believe". Her exploration of a "relationship" with God forces one to ask, if not for the first time, at least again, some of the most profoundly troubling questions that can be asked of God. Amazingly, there still is Hope.

Children of God is one of the most fulfilling sequels to a book ever! Mary Doria Russell has an amazing ability to create back-story on all characters…and even make the reader feel sympathetic to characters who are supposed to be loathed. I feel smarter after having read Children of God. The mix of theology, anthropology, and philosophy is truly amazing…and every chapter makes you think. I am so glad a friend of mind suggested the Sparrow and Children of God.

I absolutely LOVED The Sparrow and so was hesitant to read the sequel for fear of being disappointed. I should have listened to my gut because, boy was I ever disappointed! One of the beautiful qualities of the first book were the characters - I really got to know them and it felt like they were my friends. I can't say that for the 2nd book. Never felt connected, or even very interested in any if them. The story was dark and way too long! I trudged through the whole thing to see if it would redeem itself and finally felt more connected in the last 5 chapters; however I'm not sure it was worth persevering. Hence 2 stars, although I did consider awarding only 1. So from my point of view - read The Sparrow, but stop there!

Children of God explains a lot that the Sparrow left unexplained. Overall, I think Children of God was a much better book than the Sparrow. For one thing, the reader gets a better/more complete look into the minds of all the characters this time.

I am most impressed with the imagination and wonder created by this author, bloodthirsty in places particularly in the first book. Somewhat kinder and a proper ending is all accomplished here. Amazing work, loved it. Excellent flowing story, world.

Mary Russell has blended the worlds of science and spirituality/religion into a captivating piece of literature. The climatic ending left me pondering about the implications of our own areas of control and manipulation. Here on our world they seem so normal and yet... I can't wait to open up Children of God! Thanks Mary, Lou

After accidentally finding the "Sparrow", the first book in this series, I could not wait to read the sequel. The sequel was even better than the first installment. I found these two books to bring up thought provoking questions as well as tell a fascinating story. I would highly recommend these books to any seroius reader, but you must read both to fully enjoy the story.

Absolutely enthralling. Mary Doria Russell had me hooked from the moment I began The Sparrow. Children of God felt like dessert that was not entirely necessary, but so damn good. The story continues with the twists and turns Russell put you through in The Sparrow, only this time you're entirely more invested in the characters she creates so beautifully.

Along with "The Sparrow," this book takes the reader into the future and to a distant world where the most outrageous of circumstances seems totally plausible. It really provokes thought and manages to be disturbing, thought-provoking and entertaining all at once.

After reading "The Sparrow" and marginally liking it, I wanted to pick this up as I heard it answered a lot of questions.
Just like the first book, the story is fascinating and unusual, but so difficult to follow and over-written that it is difficult to follow the plot, which is sad as it is worth following.
Important events are merely mentioned, things are alluded to that never materialize, and the same images keep showing up over and over that you get tired of them. Yet you can't help but continue as you develop a fondness for the main characters and want to find out what happens.
Had this been better written, it would have been an extraordinary read with images and characters that would stay with you for a long time. But the difficulty of getting through it negates the good points.

This is an excellent book. I read The Sparrow first, and was deeply moved by it. And the Children of God was every bit as good if not even better. I was flooded with every emotion throughout the book. The skill and use of words and prose is phenomenal! I loved it!

This is the second of two books, the other being "The Sparrow". Much is covered in the two books. I guess you have to call it science fiction, but the total story goes well beyond that genre. This is a story about the tests of faith, but beyond even the normal philosophical and belief systems. I highly recommend both books be read in order, as the story builds beyond the first book and brings many larger themes to a satisfying, if melancholy, conclusion. I will leave the description to others better equipped to handle exposition. I can say that I read both books and must say that it is just one of those stories that will stay in your memory for a long time.

Book in excellent condition, only had personalized label in front cover, every page in perfect shape. Rating was exactly as indicated. Shipment was fast and prompt, price was fantastic for a used book in such good condition.