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Childhood's End

By: Arthur C. Clarke
Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer, Robert J. Sawyer - introduction
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Publisher's summary

The Overlords appeared suddenly over every city - intellectually, technologically, and militarily superior to humankind. Benevolent, they made few demands: unify earth, eliminate poverty, and end war. With little rebellion, humankind agreed, and a golden age began.

But at what cost? With the advent of peace, man ceases to strive for creative greatness, and a malaise settles over the human race. To those who resist, it becomes evident that the Overlords have an agenda of their own.

As civilization approaches the crossroads, will the Overlords spell the end for humankind...or the beginning?

BONUS AUDIO: Includes an exclusive introduction by Hugo Award-winning author Robert J. Sawyer, who explains why this novel, written in the 1950s, is still relevant today.

©2001 Arthur C. Clarke (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"In Eric Summerer's capable hands, the plot of Childhood's End is smoothly presented and fully credible. He highlights the patient nature of the Overlords, which has caused humans to become ever more complacent. Summerer excels at delivering the aliens' quiet and intensely engaging dialogue with people. His nuanced performance creates a growing feeling of uneasiness in the listener as the Overlords' insatiable curiosity and watchfulness begin to suggest something less than benign at work." ( AudioFile)

Featured Article: Our Editors Reveal—The Listens that Got Us Hooked


Our editors have quite the impressive libraries, but where did it all begin? They've thought back to their own very first listens or the audiobook that took them from audio amateur to totally Audicted, all the while recommending accessible favorites for new listeners to find a starting point for themselves. From time travel to true crime to tech exposés, these are the listens that got us hooked—and a few of the very best audiobooks for first time listeners.

What listeners say about Childhood's End

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Decent

I listen to the book because I remember reading it as a kid and enjoying it. However, I don't think the story holds up as well for me. The performances are good it was worth a listen.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Something any sci-fi and classics buff should get

Would you listen to Childhood's End again? Why?

I will listen to this book again in time and I'm sure I'll let my future children listen to it as well. It is well worth it.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There wasn't any particular moment in the book that moved me, because the whole book had me interested for the duration. It's a creative thinking process that I can only imagine writers to aspire towards.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

wonderful book will make you laugh and cry and be

inspiring and entrancing a phenomenal tale and a worthy evolution for humanity indeed wow wow

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

The ending is worth it

The book is pretty slow for quite awhile, but stick with it. The last few chapters make it all worthwhile. Very sad book all in all.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

very different then his later books..

the storyline in this book is very detailed and paints a vivid picture of Mankind's future..

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Enjoy Clarke's masterpiece in a new way

What did you love best about Childhood's End?

Clarke paints a believable scenario about contact with an Alien species. What did I like best? The relationship between between the Karellen and Stormgren.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I guess my favorite "character" was Rupert Boyce. His job description and the tools he has to execute his duties were fascinating . His house was something too.

Really, I thought that Stormgren was the most interesting character. Walking the tightrope between serving mankind and his friendship Karellen was interesting to watch unfold.

What about Eric Michael Summerer and Robert J. Sawyer (Introduction) ’s performance did you like?

The performance was exceptional.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Mankind's Next Step

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

listen 1000x

I love this story so much! it tricks you into loving the end of the world in such a peaceful way.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

wow

I watched a made for television production of this book years ago. The show was interesting but corny. Fortunately it did not discolor my opinion of the book. I highly recommend anyone that enjoys science fiction to read it. I am pretty sure this has giving me food for thought for years to come.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great!

I had no idea what to expect because I had never heard of this book, but I loved it. The performance was just enough to keep characters distinguishable, but not over the top. And the story, or stories, are incredible, the book made me feel many different emotions, and I love the way it portrayed time.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A timeless glance at our future

A great experience and well perform by Eric. What an interesting glance at the human race. A true classic piece.

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