I checked this book out of the library to read "Childhood's End". The review (and rating) therefore is for that novel only.

I've found myself reading a lot of "real world" fiction over the recent years, and every time I pick up a science fiction book I find myself disappointed by the comparatively poor characterization and adolescent power trips. This story however assures me that not all of my fond memories of science fiction is teen nostalgia; great stories really are out there.

Although none of the characters in Childhood's End were very memorable, the story concept more than made up for it. And the story did not feel dated at all to me, despite being over half a century old.

Childhood's End filled me, a jaded adult, with a sense of wonder I haven't felt in a long long time. Highest recommendation. ( )

an omnibus containing the complete novels of Childhood's end and Earthlight and eighteen short