Advantages: An intriguing story, food for thought
Disadvantages: Lacking a human element

...human life spans and die permanently but they share something so much more special in that they are all telepathic. From the moment he meets the Lys Alvin’s adventures really take off and lead him to make some shocking and mind blowing discoveries. At first glance ’The City and the Stars’ would appear to be another standard ‘comparison of two very different civilisations’ Science Fiction story but under the surface this novel has so much more. Arthur C Clarke has always been good at painting imaginary worlds and his depiction of the haven like city of Diaspar is a fine example of his craft. This book was written in 1956 and even today the ideas and landscapes that Clarke evokes are completely alien. This is a book almost untouched by time and this is no coincidence considering Clarke’s ability to conjure up such weird and abstract... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: You gain a lot more from it than the film
Disadvantages: none

...One of the greatest science fictions films ever?, ‘The proverbial good’ science fiction film as envisioned by the creators. Wether the film is as good as its reputed to be isn’t quite the case here, as what we’re really looking for is, ‘Is the book any good?’. Having watched the film of 2001: A Space Odyssey two or three times I came to read the book, it was recommended, though perhaps not my usual choice, it certainly seemed an interesting thing to do, but first...... ~~The Details~~ 2001: A Space Odyssey is mostly based on the short story by Arthur C Clarke, called ‘The Sentinel’, and is the book of the film of the same name. The book came out in 1968 a little after the release of the film. My copy of the book is a 2000 reprint, and contains: a foreword, a ‘back to 2001’, the novel, and two Arthur C Clarke short stories, which... Read review

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Advantages: Full of mystery and suspense
Disadvantages: A bit slow at times

...the solar system. A team is immediately scrambled to rendezvous with the vessel and discover its secrets. Commander Norton, the Captain aboard the spaceship Endeavour is rerouted to Rama and his team are given the task of exploring the ship and discovering all they can in the time that is available. This book has been a particular favourite of mine for many years now and it is the first in a series of four books. Even after many, many readings this book is still hugely enjoyable, I have just read it for the fifth time and it has lost none of its wonder and suspense. For anyone who has read a lot of Arthur C Clarke you will know what I mean. ACC’s style is very much plot driven and his story telling skills in the genre of Science Fiction are in my opinion matched by no other. The story unfolds at a steady rate as the crew... Read review

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Advantages: Good interesting read
Disadvantages: A rather bleak unneeded end to the seires

...Many people have regarded Arthur C Clarke's last attempt to explain the ancient black monoliths as a failure. I'm a big fan of Clarke's, but have to say I was disappointed with this book, hoping it to be more than it was. 3001 is more of a prediction of future events than anything else. In 3001, Frank Poole, thrown into the wastes of space by the mad computer HAL, is found floating around in space. Medical technology is so advanced in fact and Frank's body is lucky enough just to have suffocated that, the doctors of 3001 are able to revive him from the dead. Now Clarke manages to get some more of his predictions across as Frank Poole traverses the year 3001. Such ideas as the space elevator are reintroduced, and several new concepts such as the braincap, a device which is in fact a computerized brain. Everyone has one which enables... Read review

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Advantages: Well written, good concepts and detail
Disadvantages: Slight flaws in the structure and lack of theme development

...Many people believe that the film 2001: A Space Odyssey is an adaptation of Arthur C Clarke’s book but in fact almost uniquely for such a highly regarded novel the truth is the other way around. Stanley Kubrick the director of the film had read a short story by Clarke ‘The Sentinel’ and from the idea within that he decides to make an epic Sci-fi m