The White Mountains

Tripods Series, Book 1

By: John Christopher

Narrated by: William Gaminara

In the first book of John Christopher's classic series, it is the year 2100, and the world is controlled by the machines called Tripods. Life goes on largely as it had in the pre-industrial era, as all of humanity is subject to mental controls that prevent anyone from challenging the established order.

Will, a 13-year-old living in the small English village of Wherton, is looking forward to the transition to adulthood, which will take place on the next "Capping Day" - until a chance meeting with a mysterious Vagrant named Ozymandias sends him on a quest to discover a world beyond the Tripods' control.

©1967 Samuel Youd (P)2011 Audible Ltd

Great listen

I vaguely remember reading this book in middle school as a kid. I didn't realize it was part of a series, so I'm glad I found them all here so I could listen.

Reminds me of Heinlein's Juvenile work but less

Any additional comments?

I would have been disappointed in the book, if I had skipped the intro. But, the author takes pains to explain that this series was intended for young readers, and he set the time frame when they were written as the 1960’s. That being understood, I got exactly what the author promised from the book. Good, simple, 1960’s ish, sci-fi ish, youth fiction. As I read, I could not help comparing these works with Heinlein’s juvenile work and often found myself thinking how pale it was in comparison. However, having recently re-read some of Heinlein’s works from near the same period, for the same audience, I realize my reverence for Heinlein might be influencing my judgement. By modern standards these works are painfully dated. They need better “science,” and better character development for a “modern” audience. As I read, I also could not help thinking how much the author “stole” from “War of the Worlds.” Interestingly enough in the second book of the series, the author talks about these similarities and claims not to have realized he was influenced by Well’s work during the writing, but only afterwards became aware that the tripods had been done before. I’m not sure I believe him, but he does get points for the admission.
Everything being said, I managed to finish book one and started book two. There was nothing in the book that was so bad that I could not finish it. It was entertaining to the end. Unfortunately, book two in the series seems to have lost its momentum, and it remains to be seen if I can finish it. In book two the characters are no better developed, and the plot falls apart totally into plans and actions and plot that is totally unbelievable and incomprehensible. In the first book the characters often did things that did not make sense, were stupid and unbelievable. That trend builds momentum fast in book two, and I am on the verge of giving it up. Unfortunately based on book one, I already have book three in my library. I don't expect to make it to book three at this point.

Great

Very good book I liked it a lot and though every part of it was awesome.

Truly a masterpiece

Though written almost six decades ago, it remains a testament to youthful courage and the unyielding struggle to live free.

Gets intense as it goes on.

The story is slow for the first few chapters, but as it goes on it gets better. great read and would recommend to most people. The emotion and accents are well portrayed too.