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)

A surprisingly moving and fantastic story

Absolutely riveting story... It keeps you hooked until the very end! I definitely recommend this book. Arthur C. Clarke was brilliant!

beautiful just beautiful

amazing just amazing!
thank you for taking me to the starts and around the universe

A true lesson to humanity

What is the definition of fear? What is the outcome of our approaching future? This book guides the reader through this shadowy domain of speculation. The concerns of the 20th century are all here.

Great story, sometimes narration fell down

Sometimes it was difficult to tell the change of voices to follow conversations due to narrators difficulty in portraying different characters.

A perfect story and insight to humanity.

it's a moving and thought provoking story. despite it's age it's incredibly relevant to our circumstamces. It's so dense with remarkable ideas to our potential. I'm immediately listening to it again.

Interesting story; sad ending

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Only if they asked my opinion. It was just an okay read.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

It was okay, but it could have ended on a happier note.

Have you listened to any of Eric Michael Summerer and Robert J. Sawyer (Introduction) ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No.

Standard Clarke, and one of his best

Like every other ACC book, character development is thin, and the focus of the book is the sense of wonder and of the awesome (in the original meaning of the word). This book happens to have more of an original twist, one that doesn't crop up much in science fiction, and one that encompasses vast ideas along the vein of the Hyperion Cantos and Vinge's Zones of Thought. The idea that there is that which will always remain beyond the realm of our understanding.

Summerer's narration is good, but not exceptional. There are a few inconsistencies where he seems to forget what species or what character he is speaking for. It seems minor, but when listening it creates the same feeling of "that's not right" as listening to a musical performance where the band loses the beat.

Disappointing for Clark

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would, but with the warning it strays from science fiction into fantasy, christian at that.

Would you ever listen to anything by Arthur C. Clarke again?

Absolutely, but with reservations. Rendezvous with Rama was excellent. This one, not so much.

Which character – as performed by Eric Michael Summerer and Robert J. Sawyer - introduction – was your favorite?

They were all fine.

Did Childhood's End inspire you to do anything?

no.

Any additional comments?

Not really, but beware if you are looking to avoid fantasy genre.

Robert's Review

This is a great book, the story is superv. The narrative is superv. You might have to read or listen to this book twice, to truly appreciate this book. It's a keeper.

great

largely it was a wonderful story there were some parts that were a little too slow for me in particular the party