Childhood's End Audiobook By Arthur C. Clarke cover art

Childhood's End

Preview
Get this deal Try for $0.00
Offer ends December 16, 2025 11:59pm PT.
Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible? Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Just $0.99/mo for your first 3 months of Audible.
1 audiobook per month of your choice from our unparalleled catalog.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, podcasts, and Originals.
Auto-renews at $14.95/mo after 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Childhood's End

By: Arthur C. Clarke
Narrated by: Greg Wagland
Get this deal Try for $0.00

$14.95/mo after 3 months. Cancel anytime. Offers ends December 16, 2025 11:59pm PT.

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $16.68

Buy for $16.68

Get 3 months for $0.99 a month

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
First Contact Hard Science Fiction Science Fiction Space Opera Fiction 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 really enjoyed this masterpiece! The deep reflections following a curious enough storytelling were mind blowing.

I will not reveal the story itself, but for me it was all about life purpose, and how small we are.

I will now read all Clarke’s books until the last word!

Best Sci Fi Ever

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Much like my 9-year old stated post-conclusion, this story leaves one a little spent and wordless...not due to an absence of feelings, but rather overwhelmed by the the mix of feelings one is left with to distangle. One of Clark's best efforts.

At lost for words

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.