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bitterpearl's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I like how the author highlighted how the end of the plot can actually be a good thing despite it being so macabre in the eyes of humans.
Graphic: Torture, Violence, Pregnancy, and Adult/minor relationship
giio's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
lonelyasfranz's review
4.0
Interesting enough, and with decent pacing, which is more than I can say for some books.
ailishgray's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
vruben62's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
mark_b's review against another edition
4.5
Clarke writes about big things in Childhood’s End. It’s 1950s sci-fi from start to finish. I found the first half of the book less challenging than the second half: or maybe my interest grew as the Overlords’ motives were gradually revealed. Some of the minor details were amusing: Flying cars! Cocktails! The end of poverty! Other 1950s features were more problematic: casual racism, and Clarke’s handling of the role of women. These take away from an otherwise good read. Recommended.
goobearmilltato's review
4.0
I was a bit disappointed that a major plot point that drew me in during the first third of the book was only paid off with a sentence or two at the very end, but by that point I was just happy it had a payoff at all. Overall I enjoyed the book quite a bit, but the three major sections of the story sort of broke up the flow for me.
Each one would build to a point where I became very absorbed and interested in the what would happen next, and then it'd move to the next section and thus a different set of major characters and plot points. In the end, all of these things came together and had a purpose, but the payoff didn't blow me away, merely satisfied me.
So, in the end everything came together alright, but getting to that point was a little bit frustrating. Still completely worth reading. I also think it'd make a pretty awesome movie if someone did it right.
Each one would build to a point where I became very absorbed and interested in the what would happen next, and then it'd move to the next section and thus a different set of major characters and plot points. In the end, all of these things came together and had a purpose, but the payoff didn't blow me away, merely satisfied me.
So, in the end everything came together alright, but getting to that point was a little bit frustrating. Still completely worth reading. I also think it'd make a pretty awesome movie if someone did it right.
tanya_the_spack's review
4.0
Very enjoyable. I remember reading and liking it in high school, but couldn't remember anything about it. I am happy it is just as good now. Considering how old the book is, the story holds up remarkably well. Interesting and melancholic.
curiouserrr's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
tylerlth's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0