Mel’s Reviews > Children of Time > Status Update

I’m still trying. I understand why this book is beloved. I was super excited about it when I started. But this reads more like an anthropological/evolutionary journal than a novel. It’s interesting, but I don’t feel like Ive had enough time with any one character to be emotionally invested. And there isn’t really any rising action/relief of tension. Cus there isn’t really tension. Idk. I’m trying.

I’m enjoying watching the evolution of both groups of characters as we jump forward through the years. This feels more like being an anthropologist observing different cultures and less like being a reader participating in an active story. I’m still waiting for the moment when an active plot starts? So far it is all incredibly passive.

Okay, the bug storyline is more interesting now they have had a brief interaction with the humans. And I am grudgingly enjoying the process of sped up evolution of the spider culture through the nano virus. But ultimately I and not invested in them. (I’m aware that failing to empathize with the non humans characters is a bad thing but there it is)

A very persistent coworker of mine has been lobbying me for months to give this a go. After five minutes of listening, I fear he was/is correct. This is gonna absolutely slap.