All the Birds in the Sky

by Charlie Jane Anders
All the Birds in the Sky cover
Good Books rating 3.9
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 4608
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9781785650567
  • Publisher: Titan Books
  • Published: 2016-01-26
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

All the Birds in the Sky is a captivating blend of fantasy and science fiction that explores the collision of magic and technology. The story follows Patricia Delfine, a witch, and Laurence Armstead, a brilliant engineer, who reunite as adults in a near-future San Francisco. Patricia works with a secretive group of magicians to heal the world's growing problems, while Laurence's technological innovations push the boundaries of human capability. Their reunion sparks a series of events that could either save the world or bring about its end. The novel won the 2016 Nebula Award for Best Novel and was a finalist for the 2017 Hugo Award for Best Novel, highlighting its impact and popularity in the speculative fiction genre. The book delves into themes of friendship, environmentalism, and the ethical implications of technological and magical advancements. It's a thought-provoking exploration of how different belief systems and ideologies can both clash and complement each other. With its unique premise and compelling characters, All the Birds in the Sky offers a fresh take on the classic battle between science and magic.

Reviews
Shoreline of Infinity · 2025-10-22
thoughtful 3.50

The book is thought-provoking and open-ended, inviting readers to discuss and interpret its themes. It's a blend of dystopian fiction, fantasy, and horror that appeals to a wide range of readers.

This book doesn't provide easy answers, which makes it a great choice for book clubs and discussions. It's a blend of dystopian fiction, fantasy, and horror, and it's not just for young adults. The themes are complex and thought-provoking, and the characters are well-developed, making it a compelling read. It's a book that stays with you long after you've finished it, and it's one that you'll want to talk about with others.

Quick quotes

    Should it be? The book doesn't provide easy answers, and Young Adult readers may find a lot here to discuss.

    I needed some persuasion to read All the Birds in the Sky, but I'm glad I did.

    It's a blend of dystopian fiction, fantasy, and horror, and it's not just for young adults.

Madeleine Reads · Madeleine · 2025-05-06
unique 4.00

The book is a love letter to San Francisco, nature, and technology, offering a unique blend of genres. The characters are compelling and the themes are deeply explored.

Madeleine's review highlights the book's unique setting and its exploration of love in a non-traditional sense. The story is set against the backdrop of San Francisco, which adds a rich layer of atmosphere. The characters, Patricia and Laurence, are deeply explored, making their journey both relatable and captivating. The themes of nature versus technology are woven seamlessly into the narrative, making it a thought-provoking read. The book's blend of genres makes it a standout in contemporary literature.

Quick quotes

    A love story, but not in the traditional romantic sense.

    A love letter to San Francisco, to nature, and even to technology.

    The characters are compelling and the themes are deeply explored.

Goodreads · 2016-01-26
engaging 3.60

The book blends fantasy and science fiction seamlessly, creating a unique and engaging narrative. The characters are well-developed and the world-building is impressive.

This novel stands out for its ability to merge different genres without feeling disjointed. The story follows Patricia and Laurence, childhood friends who grow apart due to their differing paths in magic and technology. The exploration of their relationship and the broader themes of nature versus technology is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. The pacing is excellent, keeping the reader engaged throughout. It's a book that will appeal to fans of both fantasy and science fiction, offering a fresh take on familiar tropes.

Quick quotes

    The characters are well-developed and the world-building is impressive.

    The story follows Patricia and Laurence, childhood friends who grow apart due to their differing paths in magic and technology.

    The exploration of their relationship and the broader themes of nature versus technology is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

NPR · 2016-01-26
delightful 4.50

The book is full of quirkiness and playful detail, making it a delightful read. The characters face immediate, emotional, life-threatening danger throughout.

NPR's review emphasizes the book's quirky and playful details, which make it a delightful read. The characters are not only well-developed but also face immediate and life-threatening dangers, adding a layer of suspense and emotional depth to the story. The blend of fantasy and science fiction is handled deftly, making it a unique and engaging read. The book's ability to balance different genres and themes is one of its strongest points, making it a standout in contemporary literature.

Quick quotes

    The book is full of quirkiness and playful detail — it's not hard to imagine Wes Anderson adapting it, if he ever turned toward science fiction.

    For all my character focus, this is not a slow or meandering book.

    The characters face immediate, emotional, life-threatening danger throughout.

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