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What Members Thought
An order of nuns aboard a living spaceship minister to remote human colonies in the aftermath of a devastating interstellar war.
The amount of world-building and characterization crammed into this short novella is really impressive. The story itself is a good one as well, with the nuns at ground zero of what might be a whole new war while struggling with their own role in a rapidly changing universe.
Recommended, and should be a feature of next year's awards lists. ...more
The amount of world-building and characterization crammed into this short novella is really impressive. The story itself is a good one as well, with the nuns at ground zero of what might be a whole new war while struggling with their own role in a rapidly changing universe.
Recommended, and should be a feature of next year's awards lists. ...more
4.5 stars. An excellent story about
-Nuns in space, travelling from colony to colony, giving medical aid, marrying people, and doing other things deemed appropriate by their Earth-based church and male leadership.
-Live, biological ships wanting to procreate. -A terrifying central (Earth)-based authority.
-And war crimes.
A quiet story that builds tension nicely, and ends in a chilling place.
-Nuns in space, travelling from colony to colony, giving medical aid, marrying people, and doing other things deemed appropriate by their Earth-based church and male leadership.
-Live, biological ships wanting to procreate. -A terrifying central (Earth)-based authority.
-And war crimes.
A quiet story that builds tension nicely, and ends in a chilling place.
4.5*
What a brilliant novella! Don’t let the label ‘nuns in space’ prejudice you one way or the other. What you do get is a deeply moving story that sweeps you up. I’m always amazed how some authors can create so much in such a short space. Here, we get it all, word building, characters, and plot. Cannot wait for the sequel later this month.
“There would be blood spilled again, across worlds and worlds, there might be war, or plague. And the universe would need them to do what small good things th ...more
What a brilliant novella! Don’t let the label ‘nuns in space’ prejudice you one way or the other. What you do get is a deeply moving story that sweeps you up. I’m always amazed how some authors can create so much in such a short space. Here, we get it all, word building, characters, and plot. Cannot wait for the sequel later this month.
“There would be blood spilled again, across worlds and worlds, there might be war, or plague. And the universe would need them to do what small good things th ...more
Wow, was this novella good!
One of the best sci fi stories that I have read this year. I am amazed at how much character depth Rather packed into such a short book.
And the plot was SO compelling! I found myself wishing for a full length novel in this world, although novella length was perfect for this story.
I am eagerly awaiting to read whatever Rather writes next. What a talented writer!
One of the best sci fi stories that I have read this year. I am amazed at how much character depth Rather packed into such a short book.
And the plot was SO compelling! I found myself wishing for a full length novel in this world, although novella length was perfect for this story.
I am eagerly awaiting to read whatever Rather writes next. What a talented writer!
This was a bit slow paced the first two thirds of the book, but perhaps this was due to the contemplative nature of nuns who would think all ramifications of their actions towards religion, God and the greater good?
The characters were very interesting and multi-layered and you get to know and relate to each of them closely. I especially liked to read about the Mother Superior.
This Novella also had very important themes which made it to transcend the space opera conventions into a deeper contem ...more
The characters were very interesting and multi-layered and you get to know and relate to each of them closely. I especially liked to read about the Mother Superior.
This Novella also had very important themes which made it to transcend the space opera conventions into a deeper contem ...more
Wow! I was given this and after reading the blurb thought ‘Nuns? Why’d I want to read about nuns?’ But then I remembered the sisters of Sweet Mercy and thought I’d try it.
There’s not much I can say that won’t reveal too much and spoil it. All I can say is read it. It’s not long, only a couple of hours. Go on!
There’s not much I can say that won’t reveal too much and spoil it. All I can say is read it. It’s not long, only a couple of hours. Go on!
3.5*, review coming
Oct 11, 2020
Gali
marked it as to-read
Mar 04, 2022
Gleamhound
marked it as to-read
Mar 06, 2022
Sarah
marked it as to-read
May 31, 2022
DivaDiane SM
marked it as to-read
Jun 15, 2022
Victor Gutierrez
marked it as to-read
Feb 08, 2025
Anshika
marked it as to-read
