Firstborn

A Time Odyssey, Book 3

By: Stephen Baxter, Arthur C. Clarke

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

The Firstborn, the mysterious race of aliens best known as the builders of the iconic black monolith in 2001: A Space Odyssey, have inhabited the writing of science fiction master Arthur C. Clarke for decades. In the first two books of his acclaimed Time Odyssey series, Clarke and co-author Stephen Baxter imagined a near-future in which the Firstborn seek to stop the advance of human civilization by employing a technology indistinguishable from magic. That fate was narrowly averted, at an inconceivable price. But now, 27 years later, the Firstborn are back. This time, they have sent a "quantum bomb" speeding toward Earth, a device that human scientists can barely comprehend, let alone stop or destroy. But when shocking new insights emerge about the nature of the Firstborn and their plans, an unexpected ally appears from light-years away.

©2007 Arthur C. Clarke and Stephen Baxter (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Firstborn

Agreat final chapter in the trilogy by Arthur C Clark and Stephen Baxter! Ir leaves you wondering what may have been written if there were another book in the series.

John Lee's narration is first class.

The story is in keeping with Clark's reputation for prediction and imagination. some parts, such as Chicago in 1890 iin a parallel universe is contrived and silly.

Intriguing

An excellent finale for the trilogy.

Let's be honest: If you followed the story so far, you might as well finish it.

Fantastic Science Fiction

For fans of the genre this is great Science Fiction. Book one is the best entry in the trilogy, but the overall quality is consistent throughout. Sadly, Arthur C Clarke passed away shortly after this book was published and it leaves you on a bit of a ledge and definitely wanting more. Still I would strongly urge fans of Clarke's and Science Fiction in general to give this a shot. You wont be disappointed.

Great story - wish there was more

Interesting ending to an interesting series. How am I just now getting around to reading these. Well done.

Disappointing conclusion to the series.

I had high hopes after the excellent second installment, but the final book in the series disappoints. At some point the number of logical contradictions becomes too much. And the dabling in sociological and political issues is both boorish and naive. The ending fizzles badly. It feels like the author boxed himself into a corner and simply threw his hands up at the end. It's too bad, as there were some truly innovative elements to the overall story.

Amazing story

This amazing story was well thought out using certain historical facts and was an amusing blend of fact and fiction.

Enjoyable

it's a shame there is no sequel. the story just doesn't feel finished, such a shame

Awesome

It would be great to see where the story goes from here. Has been quite a fun adventure so far.

The end to the Trilogy!

What did you love best about Firstborn?

The way the story all tied together. The three books are very different but the main message seemed to be the indomitable strength of the human spirit to never give up.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Give it a happier ending? Then it wouldn't be the same book though, right?

What about John Lee’s performance did you like?

He is always wonderful, his nuances on different words and characters he portrays are certainly his greatest strengths.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The ending. Three women coming together, all I can say without being a spoiler.

Any additional comments?

Arthur C Clarke was able to take all of his works and tie them into this trilogy. The firstborn from 2001 and the space elevators from Fountains of Paradise and even a bit of Rama thrown in.
I am very happy I took the time to listen to this trilogy, it helps me to remember that maybe humans aren't the greatest things in the universe, but we may be the most tenacious!