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Homecoming Saga #1-3
Homecoming: Harmony
They named the new world Harmony, expressing their greatest hope. As refugees from a devastated Earth, they knew humanity would never survive another global war.
Convinced that the only way to prevent such terror was to see that their descendants knew and used science, but never developed the transportation systems and high-tech weaponry that would let them destroy themselves, they built a master computer to be the guardian of the human race.
The people of Harmony thrived—genetically altered so they could mentally receive the computer’s transmissions, and potentially dangerous ideas could be blocked—and they worshiped the voice within them…what they called the Oversoul.
But for all its seeming omniscience, the Oversoul was a machine. It had been 40 million years since humans landed on Harmony, and it was breaking down. Systems were failing; it was losing the ability to communicate with and control people—and it understood the consequences of that deterioration. Repairs were essential, but in order to be repaired its core would have to be taken back to Earth to interface with the master computer there.
For that, it required human help.
Peace had long reigned in Basilica—wondrous ancient city, where honorable men received due honor, and where women controlled the government, owned all property, communed most directly with the Oversoul…and lived without fear.
But these were changing times. Of late, only a few holy women heard the words of the Oversoul, yet a man—Volemak, the husband of one of Basilica’s most esteemed citizens—had been granted a vision!
It was the beginning of the end for Basilica. For the first time in history there was violence in her streets as ambitious men vied for power—and Volemak, betrayed by a jealous kinsman, was forced to flee into the desert with his sons.
There, the Oversoul revealed its purpose: they and their wives and a chosen few others were to begin a monumental journey…ultimately, a voyage across space to Earth. But Volemak’s elder sons, who did not revere the Oversoul, were determined to sabotage the plan. And so it fell to the youngest to lead them all—14-year-old Nafai, who heard the voice of the Oversoul more clearly than anyone else on Harmony…
Convinced that the only way to prevent such terror was to see that their descendants knew and used science, but never developed the transportation systems and high-tech weaponry that would let them destroy themselves, they built a master computer to be the guardian of the human race.
The people of Harmony thrived—genetically altered so they could mentally receive the computer’s transmissions, and potentially dangerous ideas could be blocked—and they worshiped the voice within them…what they called the Oversoul.
But for all its seeming omniscience, the Oversoul was a machine. It had been 40 million years since humans landed on Harmony, and it was breaking down. Systems were failing; it was losing the ability to communicate with and control people—and it understood the consequences of that deterioration. Repairs were essential, but in order to be repaired its core would have to be taken back to Earth to interface with the master computer there.
For that, it required human help.
Peace had long reigned in Basilica—wondrous ancient city, where honorable men received due honor, and where women controlled the government, owned all property, communed most directly with the Oversoul…and lived without fear.
But these were changing times. Of late, only a few holy women heard the words of the Oversoul, yet a man—Volemak, the husband of one of Basilica’s most esteemed citizens—had been granted a vision!
It was the beginning of the end for Basilica. For the first time in history there was violence in her streets as ambitious men vied for power—and Volemak, betrayed by a jealous kinsman, was forced to flee into the desert with his sons.
There, the Oversoul revealed its purpose: they and their wives and a chosen few others were to begin a monumental journey…ultimately, a voyage across space to Earth. But Volemak’s elder sons, who did not revere the Oversoul, were determined to sabotage the plan. And so it fell to the youngest to lead them all—14-year-old Nafai, who heard the voice of the Oversoul more clearly than anyone else on Harmony…
819 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1992
7 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 25, 2015
I used to get hardback books in the mail from those subscription services (CDs, too) and we'd fight over who in the family got to order how many to get to whatever ordering quota we had for the month. this trilogy bound together was mammoth, bigger than any math or science textbook in my backpack. I "lost" the dust jacket after the first time a girl in health class thought I was reading some kind of book about going to a homecoming dance. as if I would read something like that.
anyway, I remember loving these first three books enough to skip sleeping for a few days to get through them and then order the next set (which was disappointing).
anyway, I remember loving these first three books enough to skip sleeping for a few days to get through them and then order the next set (which was disappointing).
February 17, 2018
IMO the book started slowly, and I was annoyed by the characters. Maybe the 'kids' were too realistic. lol However, the further into this trilogy, the more I liked it. It is a rather 'male' focused book (let's say in contrast to Tamora Pierce's more equal focus). However, the women in the book are central and strong (well, most). There is quite a bit of intrigue and some surprises. Interesting political thoughts and nature/nurture insights. It is very good science fiction, and I will finish the remaining two books.
August 30, 2010
this book is an amazing retelling of the story of lehi's family leaving jerusalem. i loved the book, even though i am not lds. definately a book to recommend.
February 23, 2018
I really liked these first 3 books! Loved the first book...Nafai
June 23, 2017
These first three books of the homecoming series are a parallel with the Book of Mormon story. The storyline is complex, as are the characters. The book starts 40 million years from now on the planet Harmony. Humans had to leave Earth behind because it wasn't fit for life after being ravaged by wars. Early colonists made the Oversoul, whose influence is meant to keep peace by suppressing evil. After time the Oversoul begins to break down and its influence begins to degrade. As humans start to feel new thoughts and awake from their protective sleep, this story follows a family that is forced to leave Harmony in search of Earth.
June 12, 2023
Uneven writing mars this overly long story more than anything else. There's a good start with interesting, well-developed characters even in a world-sense that strains the limits of believability. Then there are grand overviews of this hardly-believable world, focuses on moments intermixed with time compressed skips of several years.
The biblical overtones are almost palpable, with the main character seemingly a mix of Joseph and Moses, with a dash of Abraham thrown in too. Card's a Mormon, so I'm sure there's a Jesus in there too, but I don't it it as clearly.
I have, and will continue with the second collection in the series, but I'm not expecting anything great.
The biblical overtones are almost palpable, with the main character seemingly a mix of Joseph and Moses, with a dash of Abraham thrown in too. Card's a Mormon, so I'm sure there's a Jesus in there too, but I don't it it as clearly.
I have, and will continue with the second collection in the series, but I'm not expecting anything great.
November 15, 2022
Another great, earlier OSC series!
Apparently, the story is based on the Book of Mormon, which I know nothing about. Regardless, it's a great fantasy tale with an unlikely hero struggling to find his place. The book deals quite a bit with human interactions, individual feelings of inadequacy, drives for power, and many other issues that have been with humanity forever (and likely will be). The story really is a study in group dynamics that is fascinating because it's so relatable.
Apparently, the story is based on the Book of Mormon, which I know nothing about. Regardless, it's a great fantasy tale with an unlikely hero struggling to find his place. The book deals quite a bit with human interactions, individual feelings of inadequacy, drives for power, and many other issues that have been with humanity forever (and likely will be). The story really is a study in group dynamics that is fascinating because it's so relatable.
August 14, 2020
This story is so unique and twisted and amazing. I read it years ago but think about it at random times. I plan to do a re-read very soon because it was just that good. Highly recommend.
April 30, 2013
After a discussion of Heinlein and Hubbard (and the religion that evolved from that to make up for the lack of income that being a writer gives you) and also after reading in Wikipedia that this Card series was based on the Book of Mormon and also because it was available in the local library and also because I really enjoyed Enders Game -- I read it.
Reading this series built up my tolerance so that I would be able to later read Song of Fire and Ice.
Reading this series built up my tolerance so that I would be able to later read Song of Fire and Ice.
April 10, 2015
This is pretty much your average, standard, run of the mill scifi. It's full of people struggling with the concept of time, sentient computers whose humanity is in question, gadgets, and bizarre explanations of fantasy schemes based on pseudo-scientific principles applied in sparse enough portions to seem almost plausible.
January 10, 2025
I found myself absorbed into the characters and universe of this book series soon after starting it for the first time.
If you’re okay with a book that’s highly influenced by Mormonism then I’d give it a chance.
If you’re okay with a book that’s highly influenced by Mormonism then I’d give it a chance.
January 23, 2008
This Homecoming Series is based the story of Lehi and others in the Book of Mormon.
September 18, 2010
A Christmas gift from my mother - delightful and imaginative - years later I realized it was the same author as Enders game - two profoundly different books.
December 28, 2016
it was a pretty food series. there were aspects of enders game in the story.
June 2, 2015
GREAT BOOK
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews