Childhood's End

By: Arthur C. Clarke

Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer, Robert J. Sawyer - introduction

Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

The Overlords appeared suddenly over every city - intellectually, technologically, and militarily superior to humankind. Benevolent, they made few demands: unify earth, eliminate poverty, and end war. With little rebellion, humankind agreed, and a golden age began.

But at what cost? With the advent of peace, man ceases to strive for creative greatness, and a malaise settles over the human race. To those who resist, it becomes evident that the Overlords have an agenda of their own.

As civilization approaches the crossroads, will the Overlords spell the end for humankind...or the beginning?

BONUS AUDIO: Includes an exclusive introduction by Hugo Award-winning author Robert J. Sawyer, who explains why this novel, written in the 1950s, is still relevant today.

©2001 Arthur C. Clarke (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"In Eric Summerer's capable hands, the plot of Childhood's End is smoothly presented and fully credible. He highlights the patient nature of the Overlords, which has caused humans to become ever more complacent. Summerer excels at delivering the aliens' quiet and intensely engaging dialogue with people. His nuanced performance creates a growing feeling of uneasiness in the listener as the Overlords' insatiable curiosity and watchfulness begin to suggest something less than benign at work." ( AudioFile)

Not really in Sci Fi but this was decent

Any additional comments?

I thought the ending was a little dark. Overall it was enjoyable though. My husband loved it though

Who Inherits the Earth?

Very imaginative story, a bit slow at the beginning but it earned its 4th star as it went on. I would recommend the read, just be ready to slide back a bit when you stop to clarify. The last 1/3 of the book is my favorite, I couldn't catch my breath. Don't want to add any spoilers. The Narrator has a bit of a hard time with the spread of character voices..

Intriguing blend of scifi and mysticism

Clarke keeps the reader in suspense with the many mysteries raised by the presence of a mysterious race of alien Overlords who rule Earth with seemingly benign intentions. Each new answer naturally leads to new questions that kept me always interested in what was going to be revealed next. Right when I thought I had all the answers and was curious how the book could possibly continue, Clarke picked up a lose thread I'd forgotten about and showed just how much I'd missed.

I was first drawn to the book when I heard of C.S. Lewis' high regard for it, and like him, I'm a big fan of the world-building even as I recognize that the characters are not as well-developed as they might be. This is a novel of ideas more than of plot and characters, but it never indulges in boring, dry philosophizing. Instead, it takes its premise seriously and tries to reason out both how humanity would react to such a power and what the likely motives of such a power would be. Rather than having individual characters as the focus, the interest is more from the fates of the two species and how they relate to one another.

As in some of his other sci-fi there is a certain quasi-mystical element that may be off-putting for some, but it worked for me. The story isn't exactly as hard-scifi as something like 2001 A Space Odyssey, but it's certainly compelling and well-structured.

fast moving yet in depth

great book although I don't quite understand a few of the details it is a sad ending for humanity a d the last man

amazeballs

this story is so amazeballs and i love how it has advanced technology but the story is still easily understood

amazing

written in 1953, and feels as relevant as ever. today, when AI entered our lives as never before, the questions we should ask ourselves have to do with metamorphosis.

Classics are timeless!

I thoroughly enjoyed this performance! As poignant today as on the day it was written!

Spectacular

Not much I can add that hasn’t already been said. Just a work of art by one of the greatest of all time. Any sci fi fan this is A must read.

still awesome

This book is a classic. It still connects after decades. Can't wait to read another book.

peak sci-fi

must read classic sci-fi. excellent performance by the reader. this title is definitely worth the credit