Outstanding

This was my first Arthur C. Clarke book. I will be reading a lot more! What a fantastic story! Great story. Great writing. *This* is science fiction at its best.

How disgusting that Station 11 (utter drivel by a talentless hack) was awarded the Arthur C. Clarke award. It's like they took a dump on his legacy. 😭

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Clarke setting the focus for our future once again

As this was first published 32 years ago in 1979, we are treated again to the wonderful insight that Clarke brought to us in his fantasy of predictions that may look stunted in 2021 but nevertheless pays tribute once again to his genius.
A wonderful kaleidoscope of future wonders with so much realised as we look from beyond and a fair chunk to spur us with hope for the future.
A master of detail and construction Clarke fills the plot with reality of action, and plausibility in abundance - an interweaving of personal stories that pull us onward into a thrilling conclusion.
With recent automated landings on Mars in this decade we wonder just how long it will be before fiction once again becomes reality.
So thankful that Clarke’s classics are brought to life afresh with the narration of a consummate professional.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

true science-fiction

Morgan, as a character, was very enjoyable. His determination and talent in the story made him feel like someone that really would exist. The niggling idea that his only legacy would be the Gibraltar Bridge eventually led him to restart the space lift project. The engineering and physics side to the story were very enjoyable too, as was the conflict between religion & spiritual life and progress. Overall it is well worth a listen.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

6 people found this helpful

Arthur C Clarke at his best

Fantastic story fantastically read. One of the best audio books I have listened to. And I've listened to a lot!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

21 people found this helpful

I enjoyed it - not much of a story though

The narration was unobtrusive, and that is a good thing.

The story was not the best in the world, not all that much happened, but listening to it while planing and sanding lots of wood made the job speed by and kept my mind off my aching limbs.

It reminded me a little of another of his stories (Ghost of the Grand Banks?) about the Titanic, where a slightly flimsy story served as the skeleton for the ideas A.C. Clarke wanted to present.

I enjoyed it though will not find the need to listen to it again.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A truly accomplished novel, brilliant!

If you could sum up The Fountains of Paradise in three words, what would they be?

Big, bold and Brilliant!

Who was your favorite character and why?

There are a few likable characters in this book, however the protagonist, Morgan steals the show. Clarke managers to make me feel for this person and ultimately further invest my emotions into the story and where it may lead.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The building of the space elevator was among many scenes in this book that are truly brilliant in scope. The ending was also unexpected and equally excellent.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

One step to the stars.

Any additional comments?

Would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who loves science fiction as much as me.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

13 people found this helpful

masterfully written

loves it. what a master story teller. not sure why i waited this long to read it

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Context went walkies

I normally love Arthur Clarke books but really didn't understand this one. Is there a book before this I should have read?

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Brilliant

Highly imaginative and very interesting story, superbly narrated and an enjoyable experience. Highly recommended book.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Good

I am still looking for a good space ship based science fiction story. Sadly this was not it.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful