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Summary: Probably the best science fiction novel ever written.
Review: I fell in love with movies when I first saw 2001: A Space Odyssey. I fell in love with books when I read this science-fiction masterpiece. Both deal with what one might transcendental evolution i.e. mankind taking the next or final step in ways way beyond science (or, at least, "explainable" science). No other novel I have ever read (s-f or otherwise) has ever filled me with such an epic feeling of loss and loneliness. This short tale -short by today's standards- tells of the sudden, but benign, invasion of Earth by a superior race from other space. The media dubs them "the Overlords". Clarke masterfully unveils their mysterious plans to midwife the human race as it unknowingly is about to give birth to the next generation. It will be a generation that bears very little resemblance to the ones before it. The three stories about 1) our first face to face meeting with the Overlords (a monumentally advanced race that sadly knows it will never get anymore advanced), 2) the Golden Age that follows their arrival to clear the way for the next generation and 3) the tradgedy of our species having to watch and comes to terms with its own extinction all fill you with awe and wonder. Clarke skillfully creates whole characters with economy and fluidity. His descriptions of other worlds would stop George Lucas and his wizards in their tracks. Those worlds are utterly alien and believable. However it the emotions of romance, yearning, loss and desolation that send you reeling. This book extends the reaches that 2001 sent you out on and it saddens you deeply. Few authors have ever used science better to thruster power their imagination. Clarke has done it many times in novels and stories. Childhood's End is his finest work.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome....
Review: This being my first Clarke novel, I wasn't expecting a lot, but what a shock! This book ranks with the best i've ever read, and contains the most startling scene i've yet read, as the "devil" walks off a spacecraft with a child in each arm.
Rating:
Summary: beautiful book
Review: can you guys tell who left intelligent remarks and who here is stupid? anyway... this book was beautiful. it evoked real emotion in me. i read it my first week of being away from home in college. if you enjoy a good piece of classic science fiction, read it. it has a sort of personal quality that will make you remember it.
Rating:
Summary: Great!!! A MUST READ!!!!
Review: This book is very well written, and the plot is excellent! I would have never suspected what happened! When I started reading I couldn't put the book down... I don't see how some people found it boreing, but it was GREAT. Especially for people who like books that get you thinking!!! Don't just sit there, buy it, check it out at your library, just READ IT!!!
Rating: 
Summary: I found this book to be rather dull.
Review: The beginning was somewhat unclear and vague. The plot seemed dull
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Summary: Most unpredictable doomsday scenario!!
Review: This book is a very good "Alien Invasion" book. The story is completely unpredictable and is best enjoyed when the reader knows little about what is going to happen at the end. The downfall is that parts of the book can really get boring. But if you have the patience to continue on, you won't be disappointed!!
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Summary: This book is not so great
Review: The book is readable thuough the story line is pretty dull. The characters and the world clarke created are too naive, I guess that have to do with the fact that the story was written in the 50'.
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Summary: A must for anyone who ponders humanity¿s future.
Review: This is the book that started me off on AC Clarke - I've read most of his books and find that Childhoods End is still the best. Even more remarkable was Clarke's vision of the future. Written in the early 50's Clarke foresaw mankind making moonshots in the early 70's, he accurately describes a fax machine - even calling it by it's proper name, DNA testing to determine fathers, and oral contraceptives. His accuracy makes you wonder what else he may have been right about.It is a compelling story that frequently shifts gears due to the fact that it takes place over a century and follows different characters at different times in the book. The ending of the book is surprising, sad, moving, hopeful and powerful. Some of the concepts are a bit deep, and may be one to read more than once (I've read it 5 times and never get tired of it.) It is a shame this fine work has never been made into a film - although Independence Day stole heavily from it in some ways.
Rating:
Summary: devastating
Review: Starts off a bit awkwardly & the story doesn't really get going until about 100 pages in. But then...watch out! oh my ghod! holy shiittt! cheeses k reist, but seriously.. it's one of the best science fiction stories ever, if only for the cosmic bummer of an ending
Rating:
Summary: Rather bland
Review: A rather boring look at a Earth doomsday scenario. It's kind of vague on why things are going on. The ending is just plain weird.
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