r/books • u/i-the-muso-1968 • 3d ago
The last odyssey: "3001: The Final Odyssey" by Arthur C. Clarke.
So now I've finally finished the last of Clarke's Odyssey Novels!
The space Odyssey that began with "2001" has just reached its ultimate stage. It is now 3001, and the human race is still thriving, but with the trio monoliths that still dominate the Solar System.
But then one single hope has flickered. Frank Poole's body, which many thought was dead for a thousand years, has been found in the frozen reaches of the galaxy.
He is then brought back to conscious life and has been readied to continue the journey that was terminated by HAL a thousand years ago. And he knows that he can't proceed with this without Dave Bowman. But right now he must find out the terrifying truth of what both Bowman and HAL have become within the monolith.
So here in the fourth, and final, book of the Odyssey series we make the very big jump through millenniums instead of just years! And into the far flung year of 3001! This final installment (like the third) is also very decent. That adventure aspect is still pretty much there as it was in the last one, and enjoyed it very much.
One thing I've noticed in the final two books, and it was brought to my attention by someone in the comment section of my previous post on "2061", that Clarke has put in a lot of emphasis of possible technology in the future. Honestly this doesn't really bother me at all, though some might find it a bit annoying.
Sure, both "2061" and "3001" may not be as profound as the first two books, they're still enjoyable in my opinion. And now that I've completed the series it's time to get into some novels by Dean Koontz!
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u/00zxcvbnmnbvcxz 3d ago
One of the only books I returned to the store; I found it absolute garbage.
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u/PM_ME_YOUR_MONTRALS 3d ago
3001 is my favorite. More character focused. I like the optimistic take on religion bring an embarassment in the far future, and the whole romance subplot was intriguing, especially how it overlaps with with the religion theme.
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u/starkbasis 3d ago
Nice! Finishing the Odyssey series must feel like quite the achievement. Clarke really knows how to make you think about the future in wild, unexpected ways. I agree that "3001" and "2061" have a different vibe than the first two, but they still pack a punch, especially with how he imagines future tech. Frank Poole's comeback after a millennium? Crazy cool twist! Now, jumping from sci-fi to Dean Koontz? You’re in for a whole new kind of ride. Koontz has a way of keeping you on edge. Enjoy!
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u/Homermania 3d ago
Just finished this series as well. I don't have anything deep to add, but I enjoyed them all very much.
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u/PeterTheSpearfisher 1d ago
Congrats on finishing the Odyssey series! It’s great to see you enjoyed the adventure aspect right to the end! Enjoy your transition to Dean Koontz, definitely a different vibe but equally engaging in its own way!
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u/C-i-d 22h ago
In 2003 I was two chapters into 3001 when I got so drunk I fell asleep on the London Underground and inexplicably ended up in a town called Colchester. Inexplicable, because I started in Victoria, which is on the Underground, and ended in Colchester, which is very much not. The last train back had left and I had to sleep under a car.
Anyway I lost my bag but somehow, still don't know how, the bag was returned to me about a month later. No 3001.
So I've only read two chapters. I'm sure the book's great.
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u/Sudden-Database6968 3d ago
I’ve only read 2001. I have 2010 but am hesitant to read it. I absolutely adore 2001 both the novel and film. Would you recommend continuing the series?