Reviews - The War of the Worlds (illustrated version): with biography and text analysis

4.64k reviews for:

The War of the Worlds (illustrated version): with biography and text analysis

H.G. Wells

3.6 AVERAGE

stephanelli's review against another edition

4.0

challenging reflective tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

ladyafternoon's review against another edition

3.5

challenging tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

iledan's review against another edition

4.5

dark hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

annaka's review against another edition

3.0

adventurous dark hopeful tense slow-paced

Tennant’s narration is wonderful yet I found the narrative a bit slow paced. One can appreciate it as a story that helped kick off the genre of sci-fi and it had some interesting moments. However, the genre has progressed to where their are much more interesting an enjoyable reads.

lionessramping's review against another edition

3.0

There is no arguing that this is a classic. Published in 1898, it still remains realistic and pertinent (except for the scenes where crowds of people flee via pony cart--and this happens an awful lot). The Martian invasion aspects are creepy, but of course this book is about more than extraterrestrial invasion. The greater issues running through War of the Worlds relate to humanity and how first world countries see themselves, and these continue to apply to life today. This book deserves the attention it has been given, and I can't see a time at which it will become "outdated."

That said, I hated the main character. He kept me away from the plot aspects of the novel and kept me from ever getting sucked into the action. The book may be scary, but I was never scared. This did help me notice the underlying themes of this book more, as I spent time trying to not pay as much attention to the main character. Additionally the ending of this book is a somewhat cheap cop-out, but I'll blame that on the times.