Rating: 
Summary: Much ado about not much--but superb nontheless
Review: In some ways, "2061" is the best book of the "Space Odyssey" series. It has the most complex plot of the four, moving back and forth between events happening in widely separated parts of the Solar System. The cast of characters is gigantic, and every one of them is excellently delineated. One is tempted to wonder if the celebrities with Dr. Floyd on the "cruise ship" are based on real people, but more likely they are just exaples of Clarke's wonderful imaginativeness in creating characters. One must say, though, that the gay couple who are Dr. Floyd's friends make no real contribution to the plot and serve only to express Clarke's support for gay rights--unlike the lesbian love affair between a psychiatric nurse and her patient in "The Ghost from the Grand Banks," which plays an important role in the resolution of that book's plot. Dr. Floyd's concern for his grandson's survival, and thus the perpetuation of his family name, packs a real emotional punch, and the big plot twist near the end possesses the awe-inspiring quality associated with Clarke's best work. "2061'"s one problem is that ultimately not much that happens has lasting significance to the "Space Odyssey" universe, or to the overall storyline of the four books. The few developments which might have such significance, such as Dr. Floyd (or a simulacrum of Dr. Floyd) joining Dave and HAL in the monolith, the aforementioned plot twist, or the eventual burnout of Lucifer, are primarily confined to the novel's last few pages and are generally ignored by Clarke in "3001." Indeed, it is actually unnecessary to read "2061" first to understand "3001." Perhaps Clarke did this so a movie could be made of "3001" without one being made of "2061" first. Still, "2061" is a fascinating, exhilarating book, and I highly recommend it.
Rating: 
Summary: Slow at first, sort of picks up toward the end
Review: "2061" is sort of the beginning of the decline of the series. "2001" sort of defeated the purpose of the story, but it was interesting to read (for someone who saw the movie, that is). "2010" was a fascinating, albeit unneeded story. Though "2061" is a relatively interesting book, it's kind of stupid. What motivation ($?) did Clarke have for the story. If Clarke had been a no-name trying to get something like this published, it never would have happened. It goes around in circles for about 200 pages, with only the last fifty-some to give it some salvation. For die hards ONLY.
Rating:
Summary: Nice sequel and nice action story
Review: Unfortunately there nearly no new ideas for the story. It's only a repeat of 2001 and 2010. There are too much parts taken of the first two book. But when you are a fan of Clarke then it's a must read and better than much other SF books i've read.
Rating:
Summary: No Ending
Review: I did enjoy this book. I loved how A.C.C decribed the surroundings.But there was one problem with the book, it did't have an ending. It just stopped at the juicest part and sort of bugs me. So I would say not to read this book, it's too disapointing.;
Rating:
Summary: Very good transition
Review: Ok, for all of you reading all of the other reviews that says this book isn't worth reading don't follow their advice. This book may not be his best work, but to completly understand the universe the author is trying to create, this is a must read. Also, if you want to read 3001, you had better pick this one up first.
Rating:
Summary: Dissaponting
Review: This was not as good as the other 2... I hope 3001 will be better
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic voyage, can't wait for sequel
Review: Great book, it leaves you on the edge of your seat, but it doesn't really finish. The book obviously will carry over in 3001, can't wait to read it!
Rating:
Summary: Fairly good
Review: i felt this to be a good book in a sense that it provides more information on the futuristic world Clarke has created. Yet it didn't have much of a story to contribute to the overall work.
Rating: 
Summary: bloody good
Review: i think this should be a really giood book eventhough that i have not yet have time to read it.but, i like you to send me some information about "odyssey three" as soon as possible cause of the school project . thank you.
Rating:
Summary: A decent sequel, though not as good as 2001 and 2010
Review: Admittedly, I may have been influenced by 2001 and 2010 in grading this book with an 8 (maybe it doesn't really deserve it). However, it is quite a pleasant book to read. It doesn't add much to the story; the book it is more of a tour around Lucifer and its moons. ACC has amply sprinkled most of the book (and especially the begining) with chapters apparently irrelevant to the main story, but I found them quite pleasing and sometimes interesting to read. These digressions concern the economical, political and scientific development of the world (or should I say solar system?) in 2061. Though I wouldn't recommend it as strongly as the previous two books, if you've read 2001 and 2010, what the heck, get this one too...
|
