The First Men in the Moon

by H.G. Wells, H. G. Wells, HG Wells
The First Men in the Moon cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 7159
  • Added: 2025-12-12
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • Publisher: Hyweb Technology Co. Ltd.
  • Published: 2011-01-25
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 4

The First Men In The Moon takes readers on an exhilarating journey to the lunar surface, where a group of explorers uncover the secrets of an alien world. Written in the early 20th century, this novel is a pioneering work of science fiction that combines scientific speculation with thrilling adventure. The story follows a group of adventurers who discover a way to travel to the moon and encounter a strange and mysterious world. Their journey is filled with danger and discovery, as they navigate the lunar landscape and uncover the secrets of its inhabitants. The novel is notable for its imaginative portrayal of space travel and its exploration of the scientific possibilities of the time. It is a classic of the genre that continues to inspire readers and writers alike. /n/n The First Men In The Moon is a groundbreaking work of early science fiction that explores the themes of exploration, discovery, and the unknown. The novel's imaginative portrayal of space travel and its scientific speculation make it a fascinating read for those interested in the history of science fiction. The story is filled with adventure and suspense, as the explorers face numerous challenges and dangers on their journey to the moon. The novel's portrayal of the lunar landscape and its inhabitants is both imaginative and thought-provoking, making it a classic of the genre that continues to captivate readers.

Reviews
Atticus Books · 2025-12-20
engaging 4.00

The first half of the novel is the most engaging, filled with intrigue and discovery. The surreal journey of Bedford and Cavor is thrilling and captivating.

The reviewer found the first half of the novel to be the most engaging, highlighting the thrill of intrigue and discovery as Bedford and Cavor make their way across a surreal landscape. They appreciated the adventure and the sense of wonder that Wells brings to the story. However, the second half of the novel may not hold the same level of excitement, but it still maintains a sense of adventure and discovery.

Quick quotes

    It's this first half of the novel that's the most engaging.

    You feel the thrill of intrigue and discovery as Bedford and Cavor make their way across the surreal ...

    The science is outdated and fantastical, but it has all the wonder and intrigue of science fiction.

Leaves and Pages · 2018-11-01
original 3.00

The novel is well-written and often humorous, but some parts may feel slow and less engaging. The reviewer appreciates the originality and dry humor.

The reviewer finds 'The First Men in the Moon' to be well-written and often drily humorous, which adds to the enjoyment of the story. They appreciate the originality of Wells' ideas and the unique perspective he brings to the narrative. However, they also note that some parts of the novel may feel slow and less engaging, which can make it a bit of a chore to get through at times. Despite this, the reviewer acknowledges the significance of the novel as one of the first works of science fiction and appreciates its historical and literary value.

Quick quotes

    It was well written and often drily humorous.

    I soon found myself slightly bored with it, and instead of poring over every word I found myself skimming.

    The novel is reflective of its status as one of the first sci-fi books.

Muse With Me Blog · 2018-05-04
engaging 3.50

The novel blends adventure and discovery, making it a precursor to science fiction. The story is engaging and imaginative, though some aspects may feel dated.

The reviewer highlights that 'The First Men in the Moon' is a classic example of a 'scientific romance', blending adventure and discovery in a way that feels both fantastical and grounded. They appreciate the imaginative storytelling and the way Wells crafts a sense of intrigue and wonder. However, they also note that some elements of the story may feel dated or slow-paced by modern standards, which might detract from the overall enjoyment for some readers. Despite this, the novel remains a significant and enjoyable read, especially for fans of early science fiction.

Quick quotes

    This novel is considered a 'scientific romance', being a more fantastical tale of adventure and discovery and a precursor to science fiction.

    The story is engaging and imaginative, though some aspects may feel dated.

    Wells' ideas about getting to the moon are very interesting and original.

Fiction Fan Blog · 2018-04-18
thrilling 4.00

The novel is a thrilling adventure with original characters and exciting danger. The reviewer appreciates the blend of adventure and social commentary.

The reviewer describes 'The First Men in the Moon' as a straightforward adventure novel with a great story and plenty of danger and excitement. They particularly enjoy the originality of the lunar inhabitants and the thrilling journey of the protagonists. Additionally, they appreciate the social commentary and the way Wells weaves deeper themes into the adventure. The reviewer finds the novel to be a compelling read that balances entertainment with thought-provoking ideas, making it a standout work in the science fiction genre.

Quick quotes

    To a large degree, this is a straightforward adventure novel with a great story and lots of danger and excitement.

    But, being Wells, there are deeper themes and social commentary woven into the adventure.

    The lunar inhabitants are really original characters and the journey is thrilling.

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