Firstborn

Arthur C. Clarke; Stephen Baxter

Language: English

Publisher: Del Rey

Published: Jan 2, 2008

Description:

From Publishers Weekly

Though supposedly the last volume of Clarke and Baxter's Time Odyssey series (after 2005's Sunstorm), this intriguing and frustrating installment of the high-octane space opera ends with an astounding cliffhanger just as humans have begun to confront the ancient and super-powerful Firstborn, who attack any species that might become a rival. Having barely survived a Firstborn-created solar flare, Earth now must cope with a meteor bomb approaching from deep space. Tensions rise between secretive, paranoid forces on Earth and equally suspicious groups among the Spacers, whose identification with humanity's home is waning. Meanwhile, in a pocket universe created by the Firstborn for some inscrutable purpose, slices from different Terran eons nervously adjust to each other. The narrative leaps about too much to develop characters, but Clarke has never been as interested in individuals as in humanity's ability to accept change as a species. It's too early to tell whether that theme will be enough to carry the story to a coherent conclusion. (Dec.)
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Review

Praise for Arthur C. Clarke and Stephen Baxter

Sunstorm

“Clarke and Baxter have mastered the art of saving the world in blockbuster style.”
–Entertainment Weekly

“An absolute must for science fiction fans.”
–All Things Considered

“Sure to blow your mind.”
–BookMarks

Time’s Eye

“Wonderfully entertaining . . . a story that engrosses you with its dramatized ideas about the nature of existence.”
–Chicago Tribune_
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“A rousing adventure.”
–The New York Times Book Review

“A fast and engaging read.”
Rocky Mountain News_
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From the Hardcover edition.