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When the Tripods Came

Book 0.5 in the series:The Tripods

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Who Would Like This Book:

Fans of classic sci-fi and adventure will find a lot to enjoy here. The book offers a chilling "what if" scenario with an alien invasion that feels both urgent and relatable. If you read or loved the original Tripods trilogy, this is a must-read that finally reveals how the whole invasion started - plus, it addresses some earlier criticisms by including more female characters and action-packed scenes. Teens who like suspense, dystopian themes, or stories about resistance movements will be hooked.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers found it less engaging or layered than the original trilogy, describing it as more of a fast-paced summary of events than a deep, immersive story. Others were disappointed by the quick takeover by the Tripods and felt the method of mind control via TV was hard to believe. If you’re looking for a story with a balanced cast or prefer not to have answers before reading the main series, you might find it lacking.

A suspenseful and accessible prequel that expands the Tripods universe - best enjoyed after the original trilogy for maximum intrigue and impact.

About:

'When the Tripods Came' is a prequel to the Tripods Trilogy by John Christopher. The book delves into the invasion of Earth by the Tripods, portraying the beginnings of resistance against these alien conquerors. It follows the story of Laurie and his family as they navigate a world rapidly falling under Tripod control, utilizing themes of suspense, adventure, and the impact of mind control on humanity. The writing style is described as fast-paced, gripping, and engaging, providing a detailed account of the events leading up to the invasion.

Characters:

The characters are more relatable, with a focus on Laurie’s emotional journey, enhanced representation of female characters, and diverse roles in the resistance.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and improved, utilizing scenes for storytelling, showcasing character growth, and addressing earlier criticisms regarding representation.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around the initial invasion of the Tripods, highlighting the fear and uncertainty generated by their arrival and the transformation of society in response to the invasion.

Setting:

The setting in a near-future England provides a relatable backdrop for the Tripods' invasion, incorporating various familiar locales.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and engaging, with a sense of urgency that maintains reader interest and builds suspense effectively.
An explosion of noise woke me. It sounded as if a dozen express trains were about to hit the shed. I rolled over in my blanket, trying to get out of the way, and was aware of a blaze of orange, lighti...

Notes:

When the Tripods Came is a prequel to The Tripods Trilogy and was published 20 years after the original series.
The original trilogy lacked strong female characters, but this prequel introduces several.
The story is set in contemporary England, featuring characters like Laurie and his friend Andy on a camping trip.
The narrative includes the arrival of alien tripods that quickly conquer Earth using TV propaganda.
Laurie's little sister becomes obsessed with a TV show called Trippies, which leads to her brainwashing by the tripods.
The book emphasizes the transformation of Laurie’s father during the crisis, showcasing family dynamics under stress.
The protagonist, Laurie, is given a love interest, which highlights the scarcity of female characters participating in the resistance.
Despite some flaws, the prequel is generally considered a more engaging read than the original trilogy.
Readers suggest finishing the original trilogy before reading this prequel to maintain suspense.
The book highlights the theme of media influence on society, portraying TV as an exploitable weakness.

From The Publisher:

Experience the beginning of the Tripods' reign in this prequel to the classic alien trilogy ideal for fans of Rick Yancey's The 5th Wave and Margaret Peterson Haddix's Shadow Children series.

When it comes to alien invasions, bad things come in threes.

Three landings: one in England, one in Russia, and one in the United States.

Three long legs, crushing everything in their paths, with three metallic arms, snacking out to embrace-and then discard-their helpless victims.

Three evil beings, called Tripods, which will change life on Earth forever.

1967
185 pages

Ratings (3)

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Reader Stats (7):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (4)
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About the Author:

John Christopher was the pseudonym of Samuel Youd, who was born in Lancashire, England, in 1922. He was the author of more than fifty novels and novellas, as well as numerous short stories. His most famous books include The Death of Grass, the Tripods trilogy, The Lotus Caves, and The Guardians.

 
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