When the Tripods Came

Tripods Series Prequel (Book 4)

By: John Christopher

Narrated by: William Gaminara

The story of The Tripods was the basis of a popular BBC television series in the 1980s, in which humanity has been conquered and enslaved by "the tripods", unseen alien entities that travel about in gigantic three-legged walking machines. Humans are controlled from the age of 14 by implants called "caps", which suppress curiosity and creativity and leave recipients placid and docile, incapable of dissent.

In this first instalment of the classic book that inspired the series, 14-year-old Laurie and his family attempt to flee England when the Tripods descend from outer space.

©1988 Samuel Youd (P)2011 Audible Ltd

Added nothing to the story

Well written and narrated, but adds nothing to the original trilogy.

(More needless words to meet review minimum length requirements.}

Loved the original. This one added a lot

I enjoyed the backstory this added. And how it linked to the main story.

Many of the weaknesses of the Tripods identified by readers were used as plot points. To me it was fresh and fun and more and more chilling.

The Trippy (Tri) Show was an interesting idea.

Excellent prequel

I wasn’t expecting it, but it’s the story of the rise of the “Free Men.” The books are much better than the TV show. They are the COMPLETE story. Whereas the TV show was simply canceled.

Okay, but doesn’t live up to the main trilogy

The book is okay, but it is much shorter and less well developed than the main trilogy books.

Chapters out of order

The chapters were labeled out of order. I had to search manually to find the next

An old favorite.

I have enjoyed the Tripod series for years. Getting to hear them read was an interesting experience. The story is interesting, with some enjoyable characters. Essentially, it's all about if humanity failed to stop the alien invasion.
The reader does a wonderful job of adding extra character to the characters. He added a whole new level to the story.
I would highly recommend checking the whole series out. Especially with this reader.

A Good Prequel to a Great Trilogy!

I read When the Tripods Came right after listening to the Tripod Trilogy. The prequel was good, but I expected more after reading the epic adventures in the trilogy. I still enjoyed this book, especially how the "Trippie" cult came about and how the Masters gained control over the planet. This one definitely does not have the character development of the trilogy, and I found myself not really caring about the characters at all. William Gaminara does as good of a job as on the other three books. Have a listen to this one to complete your Tripod readings if you're a fan!

Loved this narration!

Excellent in every way. Highly recommend a listen, and already anticipating the other books sounding just as great.

Great prologue to a great trilogy

At first I thought this kind of sounds like war of the worlds. But it is entirely different, and well worth the listen. The trilogy that follows is one of my favorites from my teen years.

classic story, worth the money. entire series rock

narration is great and the story is an old time classic in my eyes. read this as a kid and listened to it as an adult. if you like tripod style aliens, youll love this book