When human settlers landed on Hobbs Land the native species, the Owlbrit, was almost extinct. The last remaining survivors became gods to the incomers. The humans soon established a world of farming and peace. A sanctuary from their original homeworld of Voorstod. No one knew what influence the last remaining Owlbrit got had over the settlers but when it suddenly died the whole settlement experienced a mass grief. Farming production suffered. When outsiders came to find out what had happened they found that the children of the settlement had begun to rebuild the temple in preparation for something to come.

Maire Manone had fled the world of Voorstod with her children to escape the tyrannical oppressive lifestyle. However, a team from Voorstod was preparing to travel to Hobbs Land to "persuade" Maire to return with them – one way or another.

Raising the Stones is classic Sheri Tepper. Written ostensibly as a sequel to Grass it revolves around the contrasting worlds of Voorstod and Hobbs Land. Although this is officially a sequel it is not vital to have read Grass before trying Raising the Stones as it works well as a stand-alone novel.

As in many of her other books, Sheri Tepper does not try to conceal her own opinions. She doesn't shy from making a political statement. Characters will expound at length on the nature of right and wrong, prejudice and oppression.

If you are a die-hard Tepper fan then you are used to this. However, if you are new to her work then you may find this expression of opinion a little disconcerting. It can feel a little stilted and hard-going but I personally find it very rewarding. If you want a fun, entertaining read then I do suggest you look elsewhere. Sheri Tepper is an author for the politically aware fantasy/SF fan. She is an uncompromising author who writes what she believes and does not kow-tow to popular opinion.

Now, please don't think that I didn't enjoy Raising the Stones. I found it intriguing and addictive. No matter how weighty I found the style, the story kept me entranced. I desperately wanted to know how things would turn out. Why were the authorities on Voorstod so desperate to bring Maire back "home"? How did the Children gain the knowledge to rebuild the temples and recreate the "gods"? As with most of Ms. Tepper's other books, the answer is far from predictable.

If you decide this is a book for you them prepare to work hard for your pleasure. However, like other hard-earned "treats", this one seems all the better for it!