James describes a United Kingdom that is steadily depopulating and focuses on a small group of resisters who do not share the disillusionment of the masses.

The book received very positive reviews from many critics such as Caryn James of The New York Times, who called it "wonderfully rich" and "a trenchant analysis of politics and power that speaks urgently".

[1] The academic Alan Jacobs said, "Of all James' novels, The Children of Men is probably the most pointed in its social criticism, certainly the deepest in its theological reflection.

In 1994, the sperm count of human males plummeted to zero and, with no significant scientific breakthroughs, mankind now faces imminent extinction.

In 2006, Xan Lyppiatt, Theo's rich and charismatic cousin, appoints himself Warden of England in the last general election.

Rolf, their leader and Julian's husband, is hostile, but the others—Miriam (a former midwife), Gascoigne (a man from a military family), Luke (a former priest), and Julian—are more personable.

Soon after Theo's return, Miriam tells him that Gascoigne was arrested as he was trying to rig a Quietus landing stage to explode.

During the group's flight, Luke is killed while trying to protect Julian during a confrontation with a wild gang of Omegas.

Rolf, who believes he should rule the UK in Xan's place, is angered at the discovery; he abandons the group to notify the Warden.

In 2006, a film adaptation by Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón and starring Julianne Moore and Clive Owen was released.