2010: Odyssey Two

Book Description

"A daring romp through the solar system and a worthy successor to 2001."

*Carl Sagan

Nine years after the disastrous Discovery mission to Jupiter in 2001, a joint U.S.-Soviet expedition sets out to rendezvous with the derelict spacecraft *to search the memory banks of the mutinous computer HAL 9000 for clues to what went wrong . . . and what became of Commander Dave Bowman.

Without warning, a Chinese expedition targets the same objective, turning the recovery mission into a frenzied race for the precious information Discovery may hold about the enigmatic monolith that orbits Jupiter.

Meanwhile, the being that was once Dave Bowman *the only human to unlock the mystery of the monolith *streaks toward Earth on a vital mission of its own . . .

"Clarke deftly blends discovery, philosophy, and a newly acquired sense of play."

*Time

"2010 is easily Clarkes' best book in over a decade."

*The San Diego Tribune

Customer Reviews:

Clarke paints himself into a logical corner. .......2007-05-21

In every way, this book is worthy to succeed the masterwork 2001: A Space Odyssey. That is quite a rare thing, considering the hype and standard that its predecessor set.

Like the predecessor, this book is prophetic. In 1980's, only had the single-shot Apollo-Soyuz mission to build on. Now joint Russo-American spaceflight are standard operating procedures. But that is the job of science fiction--to blaze the trail.

I was surprised how well this book read. Either Clarke's style has improved immensely since penning or he is free to tell his own tale without the obsessive-compulsive perfectionist Stanly Kubrick constantly nit-picking, as described in The Lost Worlds of 2001. Maybe it is a little of both. Either way, this book was a breeze to read. Really, this book wanted to be read.

There are several discontinuities, however, that let me down. Not just the flip-flop of Saturn to Jupiter. Nor Clarke tweaking the story to bring it scientifically up-to-date--in fact, I appreciate him doing this.

The greatest strength of the "2001" books is that they take current science and take it a few steps into the future. So unquestionably you are getting science fiction, but it is realistic enough that you feel that NASA could announce any one of these programs in the next few months. As the blurbs on the flyleaf of the original run of 2001 said, , "You are commander of the USS Discovery . . ." It felt exactly like that!

The plot was squishy at times, and if Clake had done one or two more reivison, I imagine he would have gotten closer to the film version 2010: The Year We Make Contact, which had the better plot and plot twists.

But what bothered me are the changes that are really retroactive continuity changes. For example, Bowman is no longer the godling Starchild, but something less. The analogy of "pet dog" and an ever-present "leash" (Ch. 38) are a far cry from benevolent Clindar of the early drafts found in "The Lost Worlds of 2001." Remember that Bowman is a mirror character to Moon-Watcher. After getting the brain boost from the Monolith, each says the same thing "he was mater of the world, but he was not quite sure what to do next. But he would think of something." Now Bowman is a lapdog.

Also, Clarke paints himself into a logical corner. If Dave Bowman is "beyond love and hate, desire and fear"(Ch. 36)--the things that make us quintessentially human--, and if the Firstborn are in danger of evolving into "the stupefying boredom of absolute omniscience" (Ch. 52), they why bother with cultivating intelligence? The point of the monoliths is--admittedly in an indirect way--to stupefy intelligent species? Why bother to climb the top of the evolutionary ladder, if there is nothing at the top?

And then there is the assumption that omniscience is stupefying. Why does Clarke believe this? Where is his hard data?

I mention these three caveats solely because they are the cracks in the franchise's foundation. 2001: A Space Odyssey is euphoric, 2010: Odyssey Two is idealistic, 2061: Odyssey Three is optimistic, but 3001 The Final Odyssey ends up sarcastic. This book marks the beginning of the under-the-breath dread that rapidly crescendos into a scream. I would like to look the other way in this subtle matter, but I cannot. I respect the stores to well not to say something.

Mediocre.......2007-03-14

I just finished reading 2001, and was entirely smitten by its majesty and the sheer scale of the imagination, so I thought I'd write a few words about the sequel, which I have read earlier. Now, it's been my experience that sequels are rarely up to the standard of the original, and this one is no exception. Clark attempts to create more believable, more complex characters, but alas, his skills in characterization are not great. The characters are cheesy and one-dimentional, and entirely disposable, compared with Dave Bowman, who is merely a prop, yet acquires a mythic dimention in 2001. The plot is not much better, and the ending is utterly ridiculous, and beneath the intellect of someone like Clarke. Someone compared it to a high-school sci-fi story project, and I agree. Science-fiction should be mind-stretching, but not to the extent of losing credibility. The grandeur of 2001 had an element of incomprehension, and this is what made it so believable. This one feels more like a comic strip.

Did anyone notice the reference to a tsuanami in 05??.......2006-05-16

Ok this book was good and moved along nicely compared to 2001, but failed to deliver a stunning or even remotely good ending.

The word play was much better than his previos novel, and grabbed my attention from the first.

But the main thing I saw was his almost prophetic one line reference to a Tsunamui in 2005. I read this book shortly after the real Tsunami in Sri Lanka, and was totally taken aback and thought to myself,"Holy cow! What are the odds of Clarke saying a Tsunami in the year 2005, when he wrote the book in 1982?" He even wrote this book in Sri Lanka, were the blunt of the wave hit.

So anyway if you want to read a gripping science fiction novel, this is the one for you. Also this book is for anyone wanting to be completely freaked by the similarities between the novel and real life.

As good story, better characters.......2006-03-13

In the sequel to 2001: A space odyssey, we once again meet Heywood Floyd. However, all the other astronauts are new characters, and one quickly notices how original and colourful they are /while still remaining fully realistic).
There's the commander, Tanya Orlova. Dr Chandra, who constructed HAL 9000 and has stronger feelings for it than for people, Walter Curnow, an anthropomorphic personification of the word "jolly", and many others.
And it is their task to go and investigate Discovery in their fine vessel called LEONOV. But strange things will happen...

This is an incredibly good book. It is well-written, and it is obvious that Mr Clarke has used the book medium in a way impossible with other works.

Mediocre ending.......2006-01-25

After reading Childhood's End, I'm not so sure I'm as big a fan of Clarke I thought I was. Odyssey Two was interesting to say the least. I loved the description of the monolith on one of Jupiter's moons and the mind-bending dimensions of it, etc. However, I couldn't help but feel that the ending was childish. I didn't like the idea of Jupiter becoming another sun, making it constant daylight on Earth. To me, it just sounded like something a 3rd-grader would think of. All in all, I don't find the Clarke books I've read to be anything near that of Bradbury. Sorry Clarke.

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2010 Odyssey Two Adventure
Bruce Nesmith , and Carl Smith
Manufacturer: TSR Hobbies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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2010 ODYSSEY TWO

Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000H1Y7JC

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2010 Odyssey Two
Arthur C Clarke
Manufacturer: DEL REY BOOKS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UC3C1C

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2010 Odyssey Two
Arthur Charles Clarke
Manufacturer: Del Rey Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: 0345315235

Average customer rating:

Very good, very forgettable

2010 Odyssey Two
Arthur Charles Clarke
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0345006615

Customer Reviews:

Very good, very forgettable.......2005-07-12

When I read this book right after it came out, I remember thinking that it was well-written, coherent, followed a rational progression from its predecessor, and created vivid mental imagery. At that time, I would probably have given it four, or possibly even five, stars.

So, how come I can barely remember any of it? I certainly remember 2001, but that might be because of the movie. However, I read, enjoyed, and clearly remember the entire "Rama" series. The only thing that I can think of is that this book is technically very good, but just has nothing wonderful or spectacular about it. The "Rama" series left me with indelible memories. Neither 2010 nor 2061 did so.

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2010 Odyssey Two -
Arthur C. Clarke -
Manufacturer: Del Rey Publishing -
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000PRUP9E

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2010: Odyssey Two
Clarke Arthur C
Manufacturer: Del Rey Ballantine Bks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LC98W8

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2010: Odyssey Two
Arthur C Clarke
Manufacturer: Granada
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000IZ40G2

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2010: Odyssey Two
Arthur C. Clarke
Manufacturer: New York: Ballantine Books, 1984
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NXFT5U

Book Description

Affaire Royale
She'd escaped -- but she'd lost her memory and her kidnappers were still on the loose. Now Princess Gabriella needed a protector fast, and brash American Reeve MacGee was the perfect man for the job. The handsome ex-policeman could handle absolutely anything -- except falling in love with the stunning, vulnerable woman in his care.

Command Performance
Years ago she'd had a momentary schoolgirl crush on Prince Alexander, who was powerful, reserved, compelling, but he'd clearly disapproved of her. Now Eve Hamilton was every inch a woman, and Alex discovered he wanted to show her that he was all she could ever want in a man . . .

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful...........2007-06-26

my first Nora Roberts novels..

Affaire Royale and Command Performance has changed my viewpoint of Romance Novels. I really appreciated Roberts' way of choosing the right words for every little thing, taking the time for readers to appreciate th most important moments in the stories. Personally, the frequent use of words in French shook my heart...

I had checked out these books from the public library at first, and I've placed my order on Affaire Royale, Command Performance, Playboy Prince, and Cordina's Crown Jewel.

Although I found Playboy Prince to be a little bit less attractive to me, I was satisfied with the thrills as well as the love between the playboy prince and mysterious spy, Lady Hannah.

I recommend reading all three. ENJOY!

Despite all of the excitement.......2006-06-13

Despite all of the excitement of kidnappings, royalty, and terroizes it didn't hide the fact the charactors were dull. There was nothing exciting or special or even memerable about any of the charactors.

Eeex-leecitly deelightful. Reminds me o Ireland.......2006-06-10

Well, ma wife lurves Nora Robersta nd beign the inteligent man I am, I thought to my self that I would read some high class mystery. By the end of the book I was proud of maself because it sure ta'int easy, readin' all them hard words like: "heavin" and "tumblin passionately".

wHen i done looked them up in ter dictionar-ee i was appaled. them words were too blasphemous ter be read by me little wifey. and by me too. but i berlieve in freedom o speech so i reads on.

princesss gabie was a mighty fine little duckie. them big tawnie eyes.no wonder reeve -- a farmer likes me self-- could not resist them tiara. armand was a good daddy protecting his daughter, but i guess reeve wanted them hands on his woman. alexander i had no respect for.fightin with the lady eve in fencin'. that tain't princly at all.

Thats why eye lurve reeve. he is a farm boy likes myself and it did me heart proud to see them strong babies he and princess Gina will make ter gether.

buy this book, but remember to whiteout them swear words.

Surprisingly disappointed.......2006-05-17

Ususally I love Nora Roberts involving and realistic literary style. She has a way of making situaiton seem plausible and characters relatable and real. I am particularly fond of her incredibly sense of realistic and witty dialogue. And yet this book left me feeling flat and a little disappointed.

While this was a reprint and combination of two earlier works I felt that a little re-editing to make up for lacking skill wouldn't have been amiss. the second story of Alexander and Eve was the one I though posed the most promise and yet the characters were flat, lack luster and the situation completely unbeleivable. The smoking and the misunderstanding that continue on and on I could handle. It was the poor writing, the plot that wasn't really thought out and the lack of any truely interesting secondary characters. Add to that references to previous works in the series that due more to clutter the work than anything else.

I was just surprisingly disappointed with this work. The lack of imagination and skill shown in Roberts later books left me feeling cheated.

Disappointed........2006-03-22

I've always been a big fan of Nora Roberts, but these two books are really lame. The other reviewers synopsized the plots, so I won't reiterate, but there were several things about these books that really bothered me...first, the time line. Just when in history do these books take place? Eve pecks around on a computer and listens to CD's, so the seven year lapse from the first book to the second must put it sometime more current. However, the next installment which chronicles the affaires d'amour of Prince Bennett must obviously take place far into the future. If one reads the family tree at the beginning of the book, then one knows that Brie and Reeve's children marry and have children of their own...most confusing. The second thing that really bugged me was the fact that the men in this book were ALL smokers and a lot of descriptive narrative revolved around their disgusting smoking habits. Ms. Roberts even went as far as to describe an ashtray full of butts. Was this necessary? Every love scene in the book was ruined for me, as I couldn't forget that both Reeve's and Alex's breath must have been absolutely repulsive. I realize that these books are reprints of older stories, but I really wish Ms. Roberts had edited nicotine addiction out of the personalities of the heroes...the stories would not have suffered.

Set of 2 Cordina's Royal Family Series: Gabriella & Alexander Bennett & Camilla (contains four classic novels: Affaire Royale, Command Performance, The Playboy Prince, Cordina's Crown Jewel)

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Set of 2 Cordina's Royal Family Series: Gabriella & Alexander Bennett & Camilla (contains four classic novels: Affaire Royale, Command Performance, The Playboy Prince, Cordina's Crown Jewel)
Nora Roberts
Manufacturer: Silhouette
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

Product Description

Set 2 Cordina's Royal Family : Gabriella & Alexander Bennett & Camilla (contains four classic novels : Affaire Royale Command Performance The Playboy Prince Cordina's Crown Jewel)Two (2) mass market paperbacks with four complete stories.

$Cordina's Royal Family: Gabriella & Alexander: Affaire Royale\Command Performance$
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Cordina's Royal Family: Gabriella & Alexander: Affaire Royale\Command Performance
Nora Roberts
Manufacturer: Silhouette
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OXH0HY

Customer Reviews:

Good Characters..........2007-01-19

This book has intrigue, romance, and suspense, and while I liked the characters, I found the plot to be a little mundane. I didn't really like the advice Kim's mother gave her, I just didn't buy it, and I didn't like WHEN the mother gave it to her. Couldn't she have talked 'sense' into Kim long before she was seconds away from the altar?

A great read!.......2006-04-10

This was my first time reading Stephanie Rowe and I will read more. I enjoyed this book. It was fast-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. Excellent book for a rainy day at the beach!

A terrific read.......2006-02-12

Stephanie Rowe keeps you guessing until the end. Nothing is cut and dried, especially not the complex relationships between the characters.

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The Sharpest Edge
S. M. Stirling , and Shirley Meier
Manufacturer: Roc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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Shadow's Daughter
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ASIN: 0451141717

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The Sharpest Edge

Manufacturer: New Amer Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GRVTVQ

The Sharpest Edge (Harlequin Intrigue #896)

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The Sharpest Edge (Harlequin Intrigue #896)
Stephanie Rowe
Manufacturer: Harlequin
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The sharpest edge in the world: The story of the rise of a great industry

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The sharpest edge in the world: The story of the rise of a great industry
Ian Coster
Manufacturer: Gillette Industries
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007J3XFS

Book Description

Written by a medical science journalist and parent, this book provides straightforward answers to hundreds of questions teens have about sex and relationships.

Customer Reviews:

True Love Waits.......2004-05-11

I give "True Love Waits" presentations around the country and SexSmart, by Susan Browning Pogany is the sole book I recommend to all teenagers and parents. It is the most accurate and readable abstinence resource I have ever encountered. IF I WERE MADE OF MONEY, THIS BOOK WOULD BE IN THE HANDS OF EVERY TEENAGER IN AMERICA!! Please get it for those you love.

Thank you, Susan!

The book I thought I'd have to write myself.......2003-09-25

Susan Browning Pogany has written a book I really thought about writing myself. As the mother of a 13 year old daughter, I've stayed up late into the night thinking of all the things I will need to tell my daughter, and should probably write out. How boys think of sex differently than girls. How teens are being manipulated by the media through a bombardment of sexual images via magazines, movies, television, the internet and music - for no other reason than to draw them in as consumers. How teens can fall prey to peer pressure when they loose track of what is important to them. These are only a few of the points Susan Browning Pogany offers for teens to consider in "SexSmart".

Too many parents I've spoken to about teen sex have the "Hey, they're going to have sex anyway. What are you gonna do?" attitude, then proceed to rent motel rooms for their kids' proms and stock their medicine cabinets with condoms. They seem to feel it is the easier route to take. I believe in giving my child ALL of the facts, as are in "SexSmart".

I only wish I could have read this book when I was a teenager. I wouldn't have been nearly as confused, nor bought into all of the mixed messages. I would love to see this book in high school sex-ed courses. Too often the kids are given the physiological facts, without the emotional information and downfalls of sex too soon, which are addressed in this book.

Sex Smart.......2001-05-31

The book I read was interseting. Sex Smart by Susan Browning Pogany wrote one of the most informing books for teens Ihave ever read. The book specifies about the relation of sex and how to exclude it until a mature age. You can read about teen pregnancy,sexually transmitted diseases,date rape,condom use,etc. I highly recommend this book for teens who are curious about sex.

Sex Smart.......2001-05-31

Texas teen: I LOVED THIS BOOK!.......2000-01-10

I LOVED THIS BOOK! I am a 17 yr. old girl. Even though I am not a virgin anymore this book made me realize that I am taking some pretty big risks when having sex and therefore I have made my New Year's resolution to abstain until I am older and have a stable life. I made a mistake and I rushed into sex thinking I was missing out or it was gonna be something beautiful when in fact it wasn't. I really appreciated this book. I don't think I could have found anything to have made me change my mind about the way I was doing sleeping around, but this book inspired me to see that there is nothing wrong with abstaining and with having self-respect and waiting on sex. That's how I see it now. At first I was like it's all BS but then as I kept reading more, I saw that the book was right and I realized that the only reason I had sex was because I felt pressured. Now I know that it doesn't matter what they think or what a guy wants. It's about what hurts me and what doesn't. Hey, if all the other ones are doing it, then let them go for it but I will just stick to my education from now on.

At first I was afraid of people at my school seeing me read this book so I would hide it. Then I decided I would show it to my friends so that they would think about the way they are living their lives and having sex at such a young age. It is funny, too, because I checked this book out at my school library and my friends thought I had probably gotten it somewhere else. When they saw the school stamp, they were surprised. I really appreciate that the author wrote this book. It has made a difference in my life.

Sex Smart - 501 Reasons To Hold Off On Sex
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Sex Smart - 501 Reasons To Hold Off On Sex
Susan Browning Pogany -
Manufacturer: Fairview Press -
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000P0WOVI

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