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Cover of Children of God

Children of God

Mary Doria Russell (1998)

SubgenreHigh Fantasy
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingR
Pages (Standard (250-400))
SeriesSparrow #2
Setting
CSM age18+
Goodreads4.09

Content levels

ViolenceModerate
Sexual contentMild
LanguageModerate

Synopsis

The only member of the original mission to the planet Rakhat to return to Earth, Father Emilio Sandoz has barely begun to recover from his ordeal when the Society of Jesus calls upon him for help in preparing for another mission to Alpha Centauri. Despite his objections and fear, he cannot escape his past or the future. Old friends, new discoveries and difficult questions await Emilio as he struggles for inner peace and understanding in a moral universe whose boundaries now extend beyond the solar system and whose future lies with children born in a faraway place.

Children of God: content & age rating

Intended for adult readers (18+).

This sequel explores complex themes of trauma, faith, and moral culpability through the lens of a Jesuit priest returning to an alien world. Contains mature content including references to past sexual violence, religious crisis, and ethical dilemmas.

What to know going in

This book has moderate violence, mild sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include sexual assault, trauma, and ptsd (see the full list above).

Who'll love this

Adult readers interested in philosophical science fiction and questions about faith, suffering, and humanity's place in the universe will find this deeply engaging.

Tags

Science FictionLiterary FictionPhilosophical SFSpace OperaReligious Fiction