 |
CHILDREN
OF GOD (1999) |
Sub-category: Near Future
The plot: Father Emilio Sandoz,
the sole survivor of the Jesuit mission to the planet, Rakhat,
is just starting to recover from his horrific ordeal. However,
the image of the Society of Jesus was severely tarnished by
the ordeal Sandoz underwent, and they wish to return to Rakhat
and want Sandoz on the ship. Sandoz tries to escape both his
future and his past in an attempt to defy the Jesuits.
Comment: Although lacking
the nail-biting suspense characteristic of the
The
Sparrow, Russell delivers a worthy sequel. The reader
is now aware of the bitter life Sandoz has led, and Russell
seizes this opportunity to now create rich new characters
and add emotional depth to the ones we know from
The Sparrow.
She weaves a powerful tale full of crusty Jesuit's and scheming
Italian mafia to produce a deep and profound novel that draws
the reader in until you are also experiencing the emotions
of the characters.
Return to top
|
THE
SPARROW (1998) |
Sub-category: Near Future
The plot: At the Arecibo
Radio Telescope in Puerto Rico, young physicist, Jimmy Quinn
stumbles across a radio signal that once deciphered, reveals
an alien song. In his excitement, he tells his friends before
alerting his superiors. Captivated, Sandoz begins to hatch
a crazy plan to go to visit the aliens. With Jesuit support,
a mixed group comprising the first listeners and some other
Jesuit scientists set off for Rakhat, while the UN is still
fighting over funds and viability. Once at Rakhat, things
are more different than they first appear to our heroes.
Comment: This is a very solid
first novel. Although the critics raved about this book, it
wasn't actually until the last chapter when the last piece
of the puzzle falls into place that you realise this was truly
a haunting, and good novel. However, from the start, Russell's
well written prose, interesting visions and story-telling
keeps you turning the pages with fascination, wondering what
the next development is going to be. This is a strong novel
and not a veiled attempt to preach about the Jesuits and religion,
so don't be put off by the religious characters in here.
Return to top
