In the late 20th century, giant spaceships station themselves over Earth's great cities, and an alien spokesperson named Karellen begins to deal with the UN Secretary General about dismantling the various countries' aggressive weaponry. Peace comes uneasily to the planet and a century passes before the visiting Overlords' role becomes clear. A human being stows away on an Overlord supply vessel to find out where they come from, while a new generation of ostensibly human children begins to display wholly new mental capabilities and the human race as it has known itself learns that it is on the way out. Clarke's classic 1953 novel of "punctuated evolution" midwived by more powerful forces that are still subservient to a greater power is a bit dated, but still rings very true. | ||
Plot & Themes Tone of book - sensitive (sigh....) FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - science fiction story Explore/1st contact/ enviro story Yes Explore: Cultural problems, alien culture Yes Culture clash- - one culture tries to impose its culture on another group Descript. of chases or violence - 0 % planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 50 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 20 % Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 30 % Main Character Identity: - Male Alien Profession/status: Age: - long lived adults If magical mental powers: - can see into the future - can fly - is very quick Setting Terrain Earth setting: - medium future 22-24th century Spaceship setting: - alien spaceship Takes place on Earth? Yes Takes place in spaceship? Yes Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment scientific jargon? (SF only) - a moderate amount of scientific explanation Sex in book? Yes What kind of sex: - vague references only How much dialogue? - significantly more descript than dialog |