68. The Call of Earth by Orson Scott Card (Science fiction) 332 p.

This is the second volume of Card’s Homecoming, and it takes up right where The Memory of Earth leaves off. Wetchik and his sons are still in the desert, but another dream sent from the Oversoul sends them back to the city for something else they need: women. Specifically, wives for each of them. Meanwhile, the general of a great empire is eyeing Basilica, and it may not be possible to stop his plans for the city.

I liked this book better than its prequel, mostly because the main protagonist, Nafai, started to grow up and develop as a character, and so became far more likable. Luet and her sister also became more prominent, and they, along with Nafai and Isseb, are my favourite characters.

I’m always impressed at how Card, even when he’s telling a story that carries a message, never reduces it to a mere vehicle for that message. His characters may be prophets, maybe be moral failures or moral heroes, but they’re always human beings first. My absolute favourite scene in the book is the wedding night, because whatever else Nafai is, he’s still a fourteen-year-old virgin. One with a good sense of humour.

I’m glad I bought the first three volumes of the series at once, and now I only wish I had all five!

Pages read: 19,635

Tags: 50 Book Challenge 2008, A ~ Z Reading Challenge, Cardathon Challenge Redux, Homecoming, Orson Scott Card