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Cover of SLOW GODS
4.41

Based on 29 Goodreads ratings

SLOW GODS

by a star\u002Dspanning regime that purports to reward hard work with increased socioeconomic status, called Shine. In fact, those who cheat and lie get ahead—so long as they don’t get caught. When a godlike machine known as the Slow sends messengers to multiple star systems warning that they have approximately 100 years to prepare for a supernova event that will obliterate everything in its path, the corrupt leaders of Maw’s planet attempt to cover up the Slow’s warning, essentially sentencing their subjects to death. Amid the ensuing chaos, Maw is wrongfully arrested and sent off\u002Dworld to a labor camp. He volunteers to pilot a space\u002Djumping arcship, generally a short\u002Dlived job as most die shortly after interfacing with the ship’s navcomm systems. A jump goes wrong, and everyone on the ship is killed except Maw. Though completely unharmed, something is irrevocably changed deep within him\u003B he’s a copy of himself, “a monster made in the dark.” As the end of the world looms for billions of people, Maw sets out on a jaw\u002Ddropping journey of enlightenment by charging into the darkness of space and his altered mind. The character development isn’t particularly noteworthy, but adept worldbuilding, grand\u002Dscale storytelling, and philosophical speculation more than make up for it. Maw’s conversations with various characters and his thoughtful introspection about the seeming meaninglessness of it all will leave readers—somewhat surprisingly—invigorated: “We are the seeds of the forest, are we not? Where we fall, others may grow. So live…Before all is dust: live, and blaze bright.”"

Book Details

Publisher:Of
Published:2024-01-01
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9780316586

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This gripping YA fantasy introduces readers to a world where ancient deities move at a glacial pace, their consciousness unfolding over centuries while human civilizations rise and fall around them. ...

Our Review

This gripping YA fantasy introduces readers to a world where ancient deities move at a glacial pace, their consciousness unfolding over centuries while human civilizations rise and fall around them. The narrative follows a teenage protagonist who discovers she can perceive these slow-moving gods, becoming the crucial bridge between celestial beings and humanity during a pivotal moment of cosmic alignment. The author masterfully blends mythological worldbuilding with contemporary coming-of-age struggles, creating a fresh take on divine intervention that feels both epic and intimately personal.

What sets this young adult novel apart is its profound exploration of time's relativity and the weight of cosmic responsibility on young shoulders. Teen readers will connect with the protagonist's journey of self-discovery while being captivated by the imaginative premise of deities whose thoughts unfold like geological processes. The pacing balances thoughtful philosophical questions with moments of breathtaking action, making it particularly compelling for readers who enjoy fantasy that challenges perceptions of reality and divinity. This thought-provoking adventure leaves a lasting impression about our place in the universe and the patience required for true understanding.

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