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What it's about:
One day, without warning, enormous ships appear in the sky containing a group of alien Overlords. Promising to bring the human race into an era of peace and prosperity, these Overlords do not take "no" for an answer. They refuse to speak to anyone except for Rikki Stormgren, and will not reveal neither themselves, nor their purpose for becoming caretakers of Earth. The story follows these Overlords, and the people closely associated with them, from the beginning, through the Golden Age of Earth's prosperity, and concluding when their work is complete.
One day, without warning, enormous ships appear in the sky containing a group of alien Overlords. Promising to bring the human race into an era of peace and prosperity, these Overlords do not take "no" for an answer. They refuse to speak to anyone except for Rikki Stormgren, and will not reveal neither themselves, nor their purpose for becoming caretakers of Earth. The story follows these Overlords, and the people closely associated with them, from the beginning, through the Golden Age of Earth's prosperity, and concluding when their work is complete.
Why it's worth a read:
Honestly, just stop reading this review and pick up Childhood's End. This is one of those books that I knew absolutely nothing about walking into it, and loved that about it. I've never seen the mini-series that Syfy put out in 2015, so I can't comment on how it compares. I think that if I had seen the series before reading the book in all honesty, that it wouldn't have had the same level of impact. It was easily one of the best books I read not only this year, but for quite some time, and I can't rave about it enough. Whether you are a die-hard science fiction fan, or are just wanting one to start in the style, it is absolutely worth a read.
- It will seriously creep you out - in a good way! It isn't a horror, but you can honestly see how a lot of these changes could occur if this situation was real, and I think that is the most horrifying part - how believable it is.
- Even if you aren't into alien invasions, this book is a winner. Personally I am not into that kind of literature at all, but you really don't get that sort of feeling when reading it.
- It is very much a look at humanity, and independent thought, and what is best for the world as a whole. It does this absolutely brilliantly.
- Not all of the answers are given to you right away - you have to be patient and wait for them, but it is definitely worth it.
- There are two huge twists in the book. So many novels have only one and it usually occurs near the end, but this one gets to surprise you twice.
- The novel splits into three parts, with different sets of characters having the focus of the story during these times. Some are more interesting than others. The first character is probably the most interesting, and it would have been nice to continue the story along with him (although understandable why this could not be).
- During the first part of the novel, the wait to get some information borders on painful and you kind of want to skip ahead (try not to, it's worth the wait!)
- If there is absolutely nothing about science fiction or fantasy that you enjoy, I would just skip this one. There are a few things that you just have to accept (especially in the third part), and if that isn't really your thing, this book will likely just seem odd and frustrating.
Honestly, just stop reading this review and pick up Childhood's End. This is one of those books that I knew absolutely nothing about walking into it, and loved that about it. I've never seen the mini-series that Syfy put out in 2015, so I can't comment on how it compares. I think that if I had seen the series before reading the book in all honesty, that it wouldn't have had the same level of impact. It was easily one of the best books I read not only this year, but for quite some time, and I can't rave about it enough. Whether you are a die-hard science fiction fan, or are just wanting one to start in the style, it is absolutely worth a read.
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If you've read Childhood's End, let me know what you thought! What are some recommendations you have of read-alikes?
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