Reviews

2061: Odyssey Three by Arthur C. Clarke

shlokbum's review against another edition

5.0

I am speechless, but I have to say that Arthur C Clarke was a genius!

gwimo's review against another edition

3.0

Much things have changed in the last 50 years since the new sun was created, one that leaves you wondering if evolution can take place that quickly.

Unlike with the previous parts, Arthur C. Clarke seemed to have lost his edge. Before I was glued to my seat, turning page after page of the novel. It was only through the sheer fact that I promised myself that I'd read all parts to the Space Odyssey series that I continued onward (I have 3001 sitting on my desk as we speak, looking straight up at me as if mocking me profusely).

The writing also seems like something poured over the weekend with a large amount of coffee - though I'd imagine that would be greatly disorganized and this at least followed some structure. Nevertheless, my faith in Arthur C. Clarke will not die with a bad sequel. The fact that he has proven to write two pieces that I instantly fell in love with is proof enough for me that the man has some talent. Let's just hope for my sake that his final chapter of the Space Odyssey series goes over well.

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ianbanks's review against another edition

3.0

I enjoyed this book a lot but only as a continuation of a great story rather than for itself. It relies on sidetracks, infodumps and a lot of goodwill from the reader to succeed. There's a lot to love in it, but there's also a lot that feels like retreads of overly familiar themes that Sir Arthur had already written for books that he didn't finish.

It lacks the grandeur that both its predecessors had. It feels a slightly more literary novel, with a lot of interesting characters but there aren't many who contribute a lot to the plot: you could take out nearly half of the characters and still have roughly the same novel.

But it reads well and feels great so you barely notice the lack of soul.

caninesapien's review against another edition

2.0

Of the three books I've read in this series, this was the weakest. Hard to argue that Clarke's style isn't unreadable - it's very easy and often enjoyable to sail through this text. But it's peppered with slightly unsavoury descriptions of certain races, plus some of the political themes of the book seem to be glossed over quite quickly. Worth a read only if you want to experience the whole Odyssey saga.

katie_king's review

3.0

Suprisingly good for a sequel-to-a-sequel.

mickbordet's review against another edition

3.0

Enjoyable enough, but feels like it was more of a set up for 3001 (which I have not read) than a story in its own right - including large chunks lifted from the pages of 2010.

chaaaaaarlie's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

sue3's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious reflective medium-paced

3.0

kavtom's review against another edition

2.0

This was quite a disappointment after first two novels. Floyd was always the least interesting character for me. Previous book gave him an engaging crew at least. I wish Clarke had at least worked on characters more. If it had focused on Universe more. The ship stranded on Europa should have made more interesting story than this. Could have explored the forbidden planet and it's developing civilisation more. Or showed the Chinese crew retrieving Tsien. It ment so much for them. Thus felt very underdeveloped. (And African terrorists? Really? Ugh!)

sagui30's review

4.0

I was not as hooked as when I read the first two. I was so excited to know what Mount Venus was made of, but was disappointed to learn it was just diamond after all. I hoped it would be some sort of alien substance, something with extraordinary properties...