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Children of the Origin Project By Asa Rubin
As long as there has been humanity, we have thought about the stars. We have questioned whether there is a reason for our existence and whether we are actually the only beings in the universe. With his exploration of these topics in Children of the Origin Project, author Asa Rubin continues the tradition of great science fiction writers who came before him. And he does it with enthusiasm and fervour.
Jake is the leader of three foster children at the book’s beginning (the oldest). They are all three adrift in a world that has essentially abandoned them and experience some kind of helplessness. They are then abruptly placed into the centre of a world that requires them with the entrance of a massive extraterrestrial spaceship. Furthermore, it soon becomes clear that the aliens’ situation and their own experiences as foster children are analogous. A motley crew of castaways are pondering their ultimate goal while facing the highest possible stakes.
Children of the Origin Project, in my opinion, is ultimately lacking in confidence. There are a few instances where the author informs us the emotions of the characters rather than just observing their actions and allowing us infer what they are thinking. That’s a difficult balancing act, but I believe Rubin can lean into his writing and have more faith in his readership. When the author depicts the root reasons of these feelings, such as the devastation caused by war or the peaceful dreams of the River, such images are vivid and compelling enough to stay with us.
Young Alex’s speaking problem was also distracting. The child, who isn’t even a teenager, has speaking issues and unidentified congenital problems. I can understand why author Asa Rubin chose to write his dialogue with the speech impairment present. However, the line between a sympathetic, human portrayal and a caricature is yet another exceedingly delicate knife-edge on which to balance. Rubin succeeds in the end, but I believe certain readers might struggle with the conversation.
I couldn’t put Children of the Origin Project down. It possesses all the elements of excellent science fiction that I enjoy. The technology is excellent, and there is just enough explanation to keep things engaging and not dry. The design of the aliens and their society is excellent. The characters have likeable traits. There is a lot of feeling. Two words would best describe how I feel about this book: READ IT.
About The Book
Lifelong foster kids Jake Pham, Alex Garcia, and Sarah Powell have never had much control over their lives. But after they find a crashed spaceship in the forest with a dying giant inside, they are faced with a choice that will decide their destinies forever.
In his last moments, the giant transfers his knowledge and secrets to them. A war is being fought among the stars, and they have been tasked with completing his final mission to save his people. But it’s not an easy decision whether to stay or go.
Joining the war means going up against a murderous regime and its demon-like supersoldiers. But if they do nothing, not only will they be condemning a civilization of trillions, they will be risking an invasion of Earth itself.
The Review
Children of the Origin Project
9 Score
From ancient astronaut theory, to religion, to coming of age, this book has it all. Three orphaned or abandoned children go on an adventure that takes them beyond imagination and causes them to recognize and build their own identities. One act of rebellion and acting out leads to one act of bravery that changes everything. Whether the change is for good or ill the whole book tries to figure out. In the end, you have to make your own decision as everybody does. I did not find the epilogue necessary.
PROS
- From ancient astronaut theory, to religion, to coming of age, this book has it all.
- Main character and many supporting characters are nuanced and complicated.
CONS
- The plot, characters and writing are totally strange and unconvincing.
- The main character is a caricature of the bad/smart teenage boy.
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