A very unique take on the post-apocalyptic genre,

"Terraforming Earth" delves deep into the profound changes that occur over an incredibly long span of many millions of years following an extinction-level event. It meticulously explores the process of how the earth is gradually rebuilt from the ashes of destruction.

The narrative of the book has its moments of slowness, which can make it a bit challenging at times to precisely follow who is engaged in what activities and at which specific points in time. However, despite these minor hiccups, the overall story remains highly interesting and captivating.

Moreover, the ending of the book is truly strange and unexpected, leaving readers with a sense of wonder and a desire to further contemplate the implications of the events that have unfolded. It offers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the post-apocalyptic theme, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

The end of the world seems to be the destiny for everything.

When it approaches, one person is somewhat prepared.

Periodically, clones of the original small group are awakened to terraform (a term coined by Williamson himself) the Earth.

This is a collection of stories, or rather, short ideas, about these attempts.

A wide variety of concepts are involved - from alien plants and aliens, sentient forests, different civilizations, star travel, to microbots, etc.

Although these elements aren't pulled together into a novel as neatly as one might hope, it's still a fun read anyhow.

The vivid imagination and diverse range of ideas presented make it an interesting exploration of a post-apocalyptic world and the efforts to reshape it.

Readers will find themselves intrigued by the different scenarios and concepts, even if the overall narrative structure may not be as tightly woven as in a more traditional novel.

Nevertheless, it offers a unique and engaging reading experience that is sure to spark the imagination.

This is a truly peculiar book.

After having completed it, I still find myself in a state of uncertainty regarding my feelings towards it. There is a rather astonishing twist in the penultimate chapter, which, paradoxically, is also entirely foreseeable. Nevertheless, it does offer a somewhat satisfying conclusion. Overall, I don't harbor any regrets for having read this book.

It's a sort of compilation or fix-up. The book is divided into five parts, two of which were previously published as novellas before being incorporated into this volume. Part 4, "The Ultimate Earth," first appeared in the December 2000 issue of Analog and went on to win both the Hugo and Nebula awards for best novella. Part 3, "Agents of the Moon," was initially published in the March 2000 issue of Science Fiction Age. The other three parts are exclusive to this novel and were clearly written to expand upon the framestory that was hinted at in the first two published novellas. Each of the parts functions as a separate, self-contained novella.

The story revolves around the concept of re-terraforming Earth after a massive rock obliterates all life in the opening pages. Fortunately, there was a moon-base established with the intention of re-seeding Earth in the event of such a catastrophe. The base is almost entirely automated, with only five people present. Terraforming a planet is no easy feat and doesn't occur overnight or even within a human lifespan. For the majority of the time that passes in the book, everyone is deceased. They are periodically cloned in incubators and dispatched to Earth to monitor the progress. Hundreds, thousands, or even millions of years can elapse between each batch of clones. The story is rather vague regarding the precise amount of time that passes. Moreover, each batch of clones is the same character. Jack, for instance, clearly leans towards the nature side of the nature/nurture debate. However, the idea that this constant stream of new clone characters is not any different from their previous iterations didn't strike me as entirely believable. It also made it difficult to empathize with any of them.

Furthermore, I remain unconvinced by the longevity of the automated moonbase. It seems to possess limitless supplies of everything and nothing breaks down irreparably after millions of years. Yet, considering that the moonbase is constructed with today's technology, and we're fortunate to build something that lasts 100 years, this aspect seems rather far-fetched.

But these are relatively minor complaints. They are, in essence, convenient plot devices that allow the story to unfold.

This is a book that is more about ideas than anything else. The characters are rather shallow and exaggerated, but they do cover a full range of stereotypes, ensuring that there is the appropriate character type for every situation. It is the ideas presented in this book that prevent it from being a total failure. Each of the five parts explores a central idea related to the re-building of Earth. Some of these ideas are ecological, while others are sociological. I can't divulge too much about the ideas without spoiling their impact.

So, despite all the niggling story flaws, the lackluster characters, the inconsistencies between the novellas, and the overall story cadence, which all make it a somewhat frustrating read, the general quality of the language, the thought experiments, and the ideas managed to keep me engaged until the very end. I find myself in a highly ambivalent state about this book.

There are only a few pages left to read. At first, it started off slowly, but as I delved deeper, the plot began to unfold in truly interesting ways.

It weaves through a series of captivating lines and loops that keep pulling me in. The story takes unexpected turns, making it impossible to put down.

Each new development adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, making me eager to see what will happen next.

Despite the slow start, the book has now become a thrilling adventure that I am thoroughly enjoying. I can't wait to reach the end and discover how it all concludes.

This is a truly great book.

It has a remarkable quality that instantly reminds me of the early science fiction works that I held so dear.

Those initial forays into the world of sci-fi were what set me firmly on the path to not only reading but also deeply loving this genre.

The book in question seems to capture the essence and spirit of that bygone era of science fiction, with its engaging plot, imaginative concepts, and well-developed characters.

It has the power to transport readers back to a time when the possibilities of science and technology were just beginning to be explored and imagined in the most exciting and innovative ways.

Whether you are a long-time fan of science fiction or someone who is just starting to dip their toes into this fascinating genre, this book is definitely one that you should not miss.

It is a wonderful addition to any bookshelf and is sure to provide hours of entertainment and thought-provoking reading.

I have to bear in mind that whenever any of the reviews utilize the term "storyteller" to depict the author, it implies that the writing lacks strength. It is the type of story that might seem decent when narrated around a campfire, yet it truly doesn't function well as a novel. If I desire that kind of thing, I would peruse Anasazi the Spider stories. I anticipate more from a novel. A novel should offer more than just a simple tale. It should engage the reader on multiple levels, with well-developed characters, a captivating plot, and beautiful prose. The use of the word "storyteller" often suggests that the author is relying too much on the act of telling rather than on the art of writing. A good novelist knows how to create a vivid world that draws the reader in and makes them reluctant to leave. I hope to find such novels in my reading, ones that will truly satisfy my literary cravings.

This is the very first book penned by Jack Williamson that I have had the pleasure of delving into, and I must say that I am truly astounded by the remarkable breadth and depth it encompasses.

I had initially anticipated a typical sci-fi offering, perhaps laced with a touch of thriller elements and a sprinkling of alien encounters. However, Williamson has managed to deliver something far more profound and thought-provoking.

The central concept in this book is the fascinating idea that over the course of millennia, life could populate and repopulate the galaxy in a myriad of diverse ways.

There are some incredibly captivating explorations of the human psyche, presented from the perspective of clones of a team dispatched to restore the Earth's ecosystem following cataclysmic events. These clones are repeatedly recalled when needed, and the depth of their characters truly enriches the more engaging thought experiments that Williamson presents to the reader. It makes these ideas not only easily digestible but also humanized, giving us a genuine reason to become invested in the world Williamson has so skillfully crafted.

This book was developed by expanding upon a short story Williamson had previously written, titled Ultimate Earth, which was integrated as a section within Terraforming Earth. Admittedly, this can feel a bit disjointed when the reader comes across it. Nevertheless, the sheer brilliance of the ideas and their presentation far overshadows this minor flaw and ultimately carries the day.

A good beginning indeed. The story started off in a way that immediately piqued my interest. However, as it progressed towards the end, I found myself not entirely satisfied. While the overall journey or "ride" was great, filled with interesting twists and turns, the conclusion felt a bit too inevitable. It seemed as if the events were leading up to that particular ending all along, leaving little room for surprise or a more unexpected outcome.

Upon reflection, I can see that the conclusion was perhaps a natural result of the events and character developments that preceded it. But still, I couldn't help but wish for something a little more different or unique. Maybe a plot twist that would have turned everything on its head and given the story a whole new dimension. Nevertheless, despite my reservations about the end, the experience of reading the story was enjoyable, and I look forward to seeing what other works the author has in store.

A great design, strong voice and imagination are all the remarkable qualities that this work possesses.

However, there is a lot of "but" that follows.

Perhaps the execution didn't quite live up to the initial promise.

Maybe there were some flaws in the details that detracted from the overall impact.

It could be that the concept was a bit too ambitious and not fully realized.

Despite these drawbacks, it still managed to earn three stars.

This indicates that there is potential and merit within the work, but also room for improvement.

It makes one wonder what could have been achieved if those "buts" had been addressed and overcome.

Nevertheless, it's important to recognize the good aspects while also being aware of the areas that need attention.

Overall, it's a work that shows promise but still has some way to go before it can truly shine.

Behold the power of cheese!

This seemed like it would be a great read when I picked it up from the library. After all, it has a good premise. When Earth is on the verge of being struck by an asteroid, a team of scientists constructs a base on the Moon, complete with clones of everything, including themselves. Once the dust settles, the base will begin the cloning process, and the clones will repopulate the Earth.

Regrettably, the initial few chapters read like "Groundhog Day". First, it's "Hello clones." Then, the clones head to Earth. Next, the clones meet a messy demise. And finally, it's back to "Hello clones."

Thankfully, it improves towards the end. However, since I couldn't help but giggle during the first few chapters, I found it difficult to take the remainder of the story seriously.

Overall, I would rate this book two stars.

Well enough written, but doesn't catch my attention.

The text seems to be decently composed, with proper grammar and sentence structure. However, it lacks that certain something that would make it truly engaging.

Perhaps it lacks vivid descriptions or a unique perspective. It reads more like a平淡叙述 rather than a captivating story or argument.

To make it more attention-grabbing, the author could consider adding more details, using more colorful language, or presenting a novel idea.

By doing so, the reader would be more likely to be drawn in and want to continue reading.

As it stands now, while it is well-written, it fails to leave a lasting impression and fails to truly capture the reader's interest.

When a colossal meteor slams into the Earth, obliterating all life forms, a small band of human survivors somehow manages to escape the desolate planet and establish a new abode on the moon. From Tycho Base, these men and women are able to gaze upon the devastated Earth and patiently await the day when a return becomes feasible.

Generations come and go. Cloned children grow up and have children of their own, their eyes forever fixed on the giant planet in the sky that was once the cradle of humanity. Finally, after countless millennia of waiting, the descendants of the original refugees embark on a journey back to a planet they have never known, with the hope of rebuilding a civilization they have never been a part of.

The fate of the Earth hinges on the success of their return. But after such a long time, the question is not merely whether they can reconstruct their old, destroyed home, but rather whether they can learn to inhabit this alien new world – Earth.

Blurb from the 2003 Tor paperback edition.

Williamson would have been ninety-three when he published this book, which is an astonishing feat for a man who began his publishing career in 1928. As one of the official Grand Masters of Science Fiction, it's no surprise that this work was nominated for the main SF awards. In the past, it has been a common practice for established figures to have their 'late' novels nominated, presumably as a mark of respect, with seemingly little consideration given to the actual merits of the book. Asimov's later Foundation novels and Heinlein's 'Friday' immediately come to mind, but there are undoubtedly others.

However, with 'Terraforming Earth', one truly senses that it possesses a certain quality. For once, there are no qualms about its inclusion on the nomination list.

Some time in our near future, Duncan Yare, consumed by the idea of a global extinction event caused by a meteor impact, sets up a station on the moon in case such a catastrophe occurs. And of course, the catastrophe takes place almost unnoticed because the meteor approaches from the direction of the sun.

Yare and his team manage to launch a ship, but it carries two uninvited guests who force their way on board.

The station, located on the rim of the Tycho crater, is staffed by 'robots' and operated by a master computer.

Yare's plan is to periodically clone a small number of the team to monitor the status of the Earth, which appears to have been sterilized by the impact. Their mission is to reseed and terraform the Earth, and eventually repopulate it with cloned humans from a storehouse of tissue samples.

So, several characters are re-cloned again and again, gradually revealing that certain traits are inherent in the characters of the clones and their subsequent lives.

There is an odd, perhaps deliberate retro feel to this book, as if Williamson were harking back to some of the clichés of his career. The use of the word 'robot' is something a contemporary SF writer would surely avoid unless using it in a post-modern or satirical context. Also, the phrase'master computer' evokes older styles. No doubt today it would be at least an AI. 'Microbots', the infinitesimal machines that infest the future human race, making individuals immortal, are what we modern readers recognize as products of nanotechnology.

And yet, it all works. There is a strong sense of the past running through the story, but it is presented in a clean, modern, and sometimes beautiful piece of writing. There are echoes of Pohl, Vernor Vinge, and Clifford Simak (particularly in the singing alien trees, a poignant creation that Simak would have been proud of), and a final transcendent denouement.