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Childhood's End

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Childhood's End

By: Arthur C. Clarke
Narrated by: Greg Wagland
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About this listen

When the silent spacecraft arrived and took the light from the world, no one knew what to expect. When the Overlords finally showed themselves it was a shock but one that humankind could now cope with, and an era of peace, prosperity and endless leisure began. But the children of this utopia dream strange dreams of distant suns and alien planets, and soon they will be ready to join the Overmind...and, in a grand and thrilling metaphysical climax, leave Earth behind.

©1954, 1990 Arthur C. Clarke (P)2016 W F Howes Ltd Fiction First Contact Hard Science Fiction Science Fiction Space Opera Dream

Critic Reviews

"There has been nothing like it for years." (C. S. Lewis)
"The Colossus of Science Fiction." ( New York Times)
All stars
Most relevant  
I liked the idea of this book. And for the most part I found it "enjoyable".
But it wasn't exciting. It didn't make me want to listen to it again.
And it felt like a few different books - you get invested in one set of characters and then it's a new time frame and new characters, with just bland endings for each of them.
overall, good storyline, but very boring execution

Good idea, but wishy washy

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Man, Arthur C Clarke has a mind beyond most storytellers. I think this is my fav sci fi book. So clever and vivid. Big ideas that are both really human but, beyond human equally.
Wonderful storytelling.

Fantastic

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I "couldn't put this down" if it werent for my children I would of binged the whole book in one go! i have never really heard a story like this before it was refreshing and interesting hopeful and sad i really loved it.

Wow

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To all who care about science fiction and world's beyond our dreams, I promise that this book is worth every second of your time.

the story will blow you away and stay with you long after the Audible man hopes that you've enjoyed this programme. And Greg Wagland (who also did a HG Wells title or two, look it up) is just perfect at describing the contemplative nature of the aliens, and at capturing the emotion in each scene.

Absolutely loved this book

one hell of a good listen

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I absolutely loved this novel by Arthur C Clarke. even though it had been written quite some time ago it was pretty easy to relate in this modern day. I don't know why, but I'm drawn to books that emphasise the sad demise of the human race, and this one doesn't disappoint.
The narrator does an amazing job with all the characters, human and alien alike. Although there is a final ending that closes it nicely, there are questions that I have. and might I say there is the potential for a sequel, I feel.

Addictive...

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Occasionally , not very often, a book comes along which just floors you completely. This is without a doubt one of the very best of that flavour of story.

Absolutely breathtaking

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Absolutely bonkers what was going on in Clarke's mind back in the 50s.
Some fiction writers today don't have the depth of knowledge when it comes to the plausible science.

Visionary

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A really terrific story and great choice for the narrator. I am so glad I purchased this audiobook.

Terrific

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For me, expecting a typical Asimov SF book based on possible new discoveries or extensions of current knowledge, this book is pure fantasy where anything is possible and mankind has nothing to do with the outcome.

Least liked Asimov SF book

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