In Earthborn we are brought back to Earth several hundred years later as generations of descendants had evolved and reformed civilization. The peoples of the land were divided along the lines of the original Nafari/Elemaki split. However, even within the Nafari, the cracks of rebellion were showing. Grabs for power, skirmishes for position, all sown within a tapestry of pride, bigotry, and selfishness. We also begin to learn a bit about what it was that brought the Oversoul back to Earth and what the plans are for humanity throughout the galaxy.
Card uses this culmination of his sprawling saga to develop a beautiful allegory that shows how even in our worst seasons of rebellion against God, He is still there loving us and patiently waiting for us to work out our salvation, mourning when we die separated from Him or jubilantly rejoicing when we see past ourselves and find Him. From a literary standpoint, the conclusion of this work leaves several important plot points not fully addressed and perhaps a bit at odds with what he had introduced back in the previous volumes. I almost got the sense that he didn't have a fully developed plan as he started this series and kind of let his muse take him where it would for each work. Even though this series wasn't crisply woven together from start to finish, at times kind of falling flat and losing its way, I still found it enjoyable and worthwile.
