The War of the Worlds

by H.G. Wells, H. G. Wells, H G Wells, HG Wells
The War of the Worlds cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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Paperback • £3.99–£9.99 Hardback • £8.99–£18.99
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  • ID: 7157
  • Added: 2025-12-12
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9781467776219
  • Publisher: First Avenue Editions ™
  • Published: 2017-01-01
  • Formats: 13
  • Reviews: 4

When a meteorite lands in Surrey, the peaceful English countryside is thrown into chaos as Martians emerge, armed and deadly. The locals and armed forces must fight for their lives as more invaders arrive, marking the beginning of a war that will change life on Earth forever. /n/n H. G. Wells's military science fiction novel, first published in book form in 1898, is considered a classic of English literature. This unabridged version offers a chilling glimpse into the potential consequences of extraterrestrial contact, making it a seminal work in the science fiction genre.

Reviews
Fictitiously · 2024-08-09
enjoyable 4.00

The book is enjoyed more than expected, with a quality of succinct craftsmanship. The narrative is engaging and well-paced.

The reviewer found The War of the Worlds to be more enjoyable than anticipated, praising its succinct craftsmanship and engaging narrative. They appreciated the way the story unfolds, highlighting the quality of the writing and the pacing. The reviewer also noted that the book's themes and descriptions are powerful, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Over all, I enjoyed this way more than I expected to, though I have read other books by Wells.

    It has a quality of succinct craftsmanship that makes it stand out.

    The narrative is engaging and well-paced, making it a compelling read.

At Boundary's Edge · 2023-01-06
fantastic 4.50

The story is lean and clean, aging like a strong cheese. It holds up well on every level, from characters to theme.

This review from At Boundary's Edge describes 'The War of the Worlds' as a lean and clean story that has aged well. The reviewer appreciates the book's timeless qualities, noting that it holds up well in terms of characters, themes, and narrative structure. They find the story engaging and well-crafted, making it a worthwhile read for both classic and modern audiences. The reviewer's positive assessment highlights the book's enduring appeal and quality.

Quick quotes

    The War of the Worlds is a leaner, cleaner story.

    It has not so much dated as aged like a strong cheese.

    On every level it holds up, be it characters, theme, or narrative structure.

Reddit - r/scifi · 2022-01-01
brilliant 4.50

The book is beloved by many, with readers appreciating its classic status and engaging narrative. It is seen as a timeless piece of literature that continues to captivate audiences.

The reviewer highlights the enduring appeal of The War of the Worlds, noting that it is a classic for a reason. The book's engaging narrative and thought-provoking themes have made it a beloved piece of literature. Readers appreciate its timeless quality and the way it continues to captivate audiences over a century after its publication. The reviewer emphasizes the book's ability to inspire and entertain, making it a must-read for science fiction enthusiasts.

Quick quotes

    It's good. There is a reason the classics are classic.

    Absolutely love it. I read it aloud to my boys when they were 8 and 10. They hung on to every word.

    The War of the Worlds is a leaner, cleaner story. It has not so much dated as aged like a strong cheese.

Efsunland · 2021-03-11
entertaining 3.50

The War of the Worlds is bleak but entertaining, with enough cinematic moments to keep readers engaged. The tension is well-maintained throughout the story.

Despite knowing the outcome, The War of the Worlds manages to create a good amount of tension. The novel's bleak tone is balanced by its entertainment value, making it a compelling read. The story is filled with cinematic moments that add to its overall appeal. The narrative's ability to maintain suspense, even when the ending is known, is a testament to Wells' skill as a storyteller. The book's themes and ideas continue to be relevant, making it a worthwhile read for both new and returning readers.

Quick quotes

    Though I knew what would happen, Wells creates a good amount of tension.

    It's bleak, but entertaining, and there are enough cinematic moments to keep readers engaged.

    The War of the Worlds is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers.

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