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The Long Earth

Book 1 in the series:The Long Earth

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'The Long Earth' by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter explores the concept of infinite alternate Earths and universes that are reachable by stepping through either natural ability or mechanically assisted means. The story follows the journey of the protagonist, Joshua, and an artificial intelligence named Lobsang as they explore the multitude of parallel worlds, encountering various societal and existential challenges along the way. The book is described as a methodical examination of the impact of discovering a series of inhabitable Earths and the societal upheavals that would occur if humanity could walk into a million other Earths.

The narrative of 'The Long Earth' is a blend of science fiction and speculative fiction, incorporating elements of humor, colorful characters, and inventive world-building. The story is set in a universe where people can side-step into alternate Earths, leading to a thorough exploration of resource allocation management and social commentary on humanity's use of the world they have. The book has a somewhat episodic structure, reflecting the collaboration between the two authors and offering a balance between hard science and humanist levity.

Characters:

The characters include a mix of personalities, with Joshua as a leading explorer and Lobsang providing a unique AI perspective, although some critics found them underdeveloped.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines serious commentary and whimsical elements, showcasing a collaborative blend of both authors' strengths.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot explores the implications of discovering infinite parallel Earths through the introduction of a stepping device, following the adventures of Joshua and Lobsang.

Setting:

The setting features an infinite array of Earths, each unique in ecological composition but lacking human civilization, which allows for creative exploration.

Pacing:

The pacing fluctuates, initially slow with episodic elements, leading to a rushed ending that feels incomplete.
Although he was slightly worried, in a concussed kind of way, why he was lying in damp though fragrant grass and not on his bedroll. Ah yes, fragrant grass, there hadn’t been much fragrance where he’d...

Notes:

The Long Earth explores the concept of parallel Earths and the implications for humanity.
The device used to step between worlds can be made using a potato, emphasizing a comedic element to the premise.
Joshua Valiente, the main character, can 'step' between Earths without the aid of a device, which sets him apart from others.
Lobsang, a significant character, is an AI claiming to be the reincarnation of a Tibetan mechanic.
The book addresses the societal and political ramifications of discovering infinite Earths, challenging concepts of resource scarcity.
The narrative structure includes multiple perspectives, which some readers found disjointed or poorly developed.
While Pratchett is known for humor, this collaboration leans more towards serious sci-fi, often lacking his trademark wit.
The characters are described as flat or unengaging, leading to mixed reviews from readers.
The series has a large scope, discussing themes of colonization and evolution without resolving many plot threads, suggesting a lengthy sequel's setup.
Despite its flaws, many readers appreciate the expansive world-building and imaginative premise of the Long Earth.

From The Publisher:

An unmissable milestone for fans of Sir Terry Pratchett: the first SF novel in over three decades in which the visionary inventor of Discworld has created a new universe of tantalizing possibilities-a series of parallel "Earths" with doorways leading to adventure, intrigue, excitement, and an escape into the furthest reaches of the imagination.

The Long Earth, written with award-winning novelist Stephen Baxter, author of Stone Spring, Ark, and Floodwill, captivate science fiction fans of all stripes, readers of Kurt Vonnegut, Douglas Adams, and Carl Hiaasen, and anyone who enjoyed the Terry Pratchett/Neil Gaiman collaboration Good Omens.

The Long Earth is an adventure of the highest order-and an unforgettable read.

Ratings (32)

Incredible (6)
Loved It (9)
Liked It (11)
It Was OK (4)
Did Not Like (2)

Reader Stats (66):

Read It (34)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (24)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (6)

1 comment(s)

It Was OK
4 months

Worst ending to any book ever. Lost two stars just on the last page.

 

About the Author:

Terry Pratchett was the acclaimed creator of the global bestselling Discworld series, the first of which, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983. In all, he was the author of over fifty bestselling books. His novels have been widely adapted for stage and screen, and he was the winner of multiple prizes, including the Carnegie Medal, as well as being awarded a knighthood for services to literature. He died in March 2015. terrypratchettbooks.com Stephen Baxter is one of the UK's most acclaimed writers of science fiction and a multi-award winner. His many books include the classic Xeelee sequence, the Time's Odyssey novels (written with Arthur C. Clarke) and Time Ships, a sequel to H. G. Wells's The Time Machine, a Doctor Who novel, The Wheel of Ice, and most recently the epic, far-future novels Proxima and Ultima. He lives in Northumberland.

 
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