The Children of the Sky

By: Vernor Vinge

Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Length: 27 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

After nearly twenty years, Vernor Vinge has produced an enthralling sequel to his memorable best-selling 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.

©2011 Vernor Vinge (P)2011 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"Vinge is undeniably one of the greatest hard science fiction writers to put pen to paper, and he can easily be compared to such greats as Arthur C. Clarke, Poul Anderson, or Stanislaw Lem." ( Wired)
"[T]he near-perfect balance of science fiction's twin traditions of wild speculation and high-intensity storytelling.... Vinge's explosive imagination and deft storytelling make epics zip past like hummingbirds - you'll steal daytime moments to read more, and lie awake at night contemplating what you've read." (BoingBoing.net)

Vernor Vinge doesn't disappoint

I loved this, for all the reasons I've loved the rest of the series. Vinge does what speculative fiction should do, which is to make you think. He anticipates much of what is happening today, but doesn't lecture on the theories or math or brain organization behind what he's saying. The Tines ability to form essentially one brain from several creatures is a very interesting twist, and makes you think a lot about how human brains are put together. Don't we often feel like we are a collection of sometimes warring pieces?

The characters are fun, and not overly complex. In other words, good entertainment. Some of my favorite other speculative authors are amazing, but it takes a lot of concentration (and taking notes) to keep the entire plot straight. Vinge is a good listen while, say, doing dishes or some boring task, without requiring my entire attention.

Great story telling

I loved this story as much or more than the others in spite of a slow start. I didn’t like the change of narrator although he grew on me. I wish he had kept the pronunciation of names consistent because it took me out of the story every time and I found myself distracted by correcting what I was hearing to match what was familiar.

Sequel Now Please!!!!

As much as I enjoyed this book (and I did a lot) it left me a little dissatisfied as almost any book that is the middle of a trilogy does - I assume it is the middle anyway. I would recommend it and hope I dont have to wait long for the sequel where everything will be sorted out. The Tines are a wonderfully original alien race, I love the idea of them.

Also, Audible can we please have more V. Vinge to listen to,such as a sequel to a Darkness in the Sky. Thanks.

minor playback problems

I very much enjoyed this series, but this book was slightly marred by some odd audio skips. In two places I was able to tell that more than one word had been dropped. In one, the character speaking changed. It was not my device, two attempts at relating the section speed in the exact same manner, the time line indicating that it had been digitized with those errors present (no skipped seconds).

amazing

some of the best science fiction out there. totally worth the read. try it!

Lotsa Tines, Little About Space

Fun sociology of tines and time with familiar characters. Some may feel it's a bait-and-switch.

Enjoyable Story, Intellectual Sub-themes

This story's sub-themes are perhaps the most interesting elements of the book. They are not so much openly discussed as they are illuminated through story. Questions of good and evil, belief systems, self-determination, market forces, bioengineering, loyalty, friendship ,and romance are all swirling about behind-the-scenes. I found it very thought-provoking despite no overt discussion of the topics. This tells me it is the work of a master storyteller. Another satisfying read from this talented author.

Lord of the flies in space

loved his first two books but this one was a bit of a dud. just weird politics stuff that doesn't make much sense to me. I like this narrator but his dramatic style didn't suit this book that week and he changed pronunciations from previous books

Entertaining and exciting

I consumed all three stories back to back on audible and while the narrator changes he does a good job with the voices and accents.

Definitely feels like room for more in this series

Great story

Just finished this the day after Vinge died (3/22/24)

What a great book, not nearly as operatic as previous two but a great read nonetheless. Beautiful story, rest in peace VV