All the Birds in the Sky

by Charlie Jane Anders
All the Birds in the Sky cover
Good Books rating 4.19
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 4608
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781785650567
  • Publisher: Titan Books
  • Published: 2016-01-26
  • Formats: 6
  • 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.

DeeDi Reads · 2025-06-29
creative 4.75

This novel is super creative with lovable characters and a unique blend of fantasy and sci-fi. The reviewer loved the whimsical nature of the story.

The reviewer finds this novel to be incredibly creative and whimsical, with characters that are easy to love. They appreciate the unique blend of fantasy and science fiction, which makes the story stand out. The narrative is engaging and the characters are well-developed, adding depth to the story. The reviewer enjoys the whimsical tone and the way the story unfolds, making it a delightful read.

Quick quotes

    All the Birds in the Sky is a whimsical, super creative novel with some really lovable characters.

    I loved how it blended fantasy and sci-fi.

    It is a touching story of two awkward friends who fall in love in spite of their very contrasting backgrounds.

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.

SF Bluestocking · 2016-02-08
original 4.50

This novel is wonderfully unique and fabulously original, standing out as a distinct and captivating story. The reviewer appreciates its originality and the way it blends different genres.

The reviewer finds this novel to be wonderfully unique and fabulously original, standing out as a distinct and captivating story. They appreciate the originality and the way it blends different genres, making it a standout read. The narrative is engaging and the characters are well-developed, adding depth to the story. The reviewer enjoys the unique perspective and the way the story unfolds, making it a memorable and captivating read.

Quick quotes

    All the Birds in the Sky is a wonderfully unique and fabulously original novel that isn't really quite like anything except itself.

    It is a touching story of two awkward friends who fall in love in spite of their very contrasting backgrounds.

    This book is just so weird but lovable at the same time.

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