A review by swegory_grindle
The Children of the Sky by Vernor Vinge

adventurous challenging dark hopeful reflective tense slow-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

3.75

The Children of the Sky took an unexpected narrative direction (at least for me): the cosmic scales of A Fire Upon the Deep and A Deepness in the Sky “narrowed” into the Slow-Zone politics of inter-species intrigue. Although well-written and thorough, the choice to focus on a single world—ostensibly because the planet was among the last refuges of humanity—left many broader questions unanswered.

Unfortunately Vernor Vinge cannot expand on his remarkable universe: may his passing be passageway to the Transcend. R.I.P. (March, 2024.)