A review by furicle
The Children Star by Joan Slonczewski

4.0

This is good sci-fi that makes you think, without being all spaceship and lasers.

I didn't realize this book is one of a loose series until after I read it. It stands alone wonderfully.

What struck me the most is the refreshing change of pace from my usual fare. There is a growing time pressure that ramps up through the book, but it never quite hits that ticking time bomb artificiality so often used to push a book forward.

In fact, even though there are some horrifying moments, and very front and centre debate of big picture ethics and alien life forms, the real alien is the reader. Everything that is everyday normal for the characters is written wonderfully to be exactly that - everyday.

There's a great variety of characters and concepts with someone/someplace for everybody to identify with.

It's a four star book for me, mainly because the ending was a little too realistic perhaps. I think I just like my fairy tale endings.

Well worth reading.