Like many people, I enjoy science-fiction novels. They present intriguing stories based around high stake mysteries and imaginative settings. Sometimes they can become repetitive as the generic plot twists are used and writers overuse similar conflicts or settings. Therefore, if you are looking for an original series which breaks away from these tropes, you will be fascinated by the Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis. Join me as I explain and review this older, but unique sci-fi book series which share a supernatural and cosmic story!
***Disclaimer: The following books are adult fiction novels***
Out of the Silent Planet
The Space Trilogy begins with Out of the Silent Planet, which serves to set the background for the rest of the trilogy. The novel portrays the story of Dr. Ransom, a Cambridge professor, who is taking a break from teaching to travel the English countryside. During this journey, he is accounts by Devine, an old schoolmate of Ransom, and Dr. Weston, a physicist. These men, who capture Ransom, have discovered how to build a functioning spaceship and even have traveled to Mars. They now believe the alien life on Mars, which speak an unfamiliar language known as Old Solar, demand a "ransom" for the human race. This results in them kidnapping Ransom, who they plan to turn over to these aliens. When Ransom uncovers this plot, however, he attempts to save his own life on Mars despite not knowing the whole truth.
This novel provides a false sense of fear as man's fault to understand the truth warps the perspective of the Ransom and the reader. Mars, known as Malacandra in Old Solar, allows Ransom to understand the true realty of the universe as the hnau, species on Malacandra, expose the lies established on Earth, Thulcandra in Old Solar. He also discovers the true powers behind the universe, the Oyéresu and eldila, and realizes his arrival on Malacandra was not by mistake. You can check out Out of the Silent Planet at the Union County Library.
Perelandra
The second (and personal favorite) of the Space Trilogy is Perelandra, which continues the journeys of Dr. Ransom. Following his return to Thulcandra, Ransom has remained in contact with the Oyarsa of Malacandra. Ransom has been tasked by Maledil and the higher powers of the universe to travel to Perelandra, known as Venus, to prevent the bent Oyarsa of Thulcandra from attacking the young planet. When he arrives, however, he discovers the planet is only inhabited by animals and a man and a woman, known as the Green Lady. As Ransom learns more of the serenity of Perelandra, he soon discovers the threat the bent Oyarsa has sent. Dr. Weston has come to the planet, but he is no longer Weston. He is now possessed by the dark forces of Thulcandra as this Un-Man attempts to sway the Green Lady against Maledil.
This novel portrays a sense of anger as the Un-Man manipulates the Green Lady using arguments Ransom struggles to rebuttal against. The book, which reflects the story of Adam and Eve, portrays how the truth can be twisted against you. Similar to the Garden of Eden, Perelandra is a paradise inhabited only be the first man and women. When the enemy comes to corrupt this planet, it is Ransom's responsibility to protect Perelandra and prevent history from repeating itself like on Thulcandra. You can check out Perelandra at the Union County Library.
That Hideous Strength
The final book of the Space Trilogy is That Hideous Strength, which shifts focus to new characters as good and evil clash on Thulcandra. Instead of telling the story of Dr. Rasom, this novel shares the perspective of couple Mark Studdock and Jane Studdock. Mr. Studdock is a fellow at Bracton College, an institution apart of the University of Edgestow, who is always looking for approval and inclusivity from others. Mrs. Studdock is a PhD student who has lost love with her husband due to his selfish pursuits. As Mr. Studdock deals with the politics of Bracton, he is given an opportunity by fellow professor Devine, now known as Lord Feverstone, to join the National Institute of Co-ordinated Experiments (N.I.C.E.). The N.I.C.E. claims to seek to betterment of mankind, but instead they are secretly work toward much more sinister desires. As Mark falls deeper into the trap of the N.I.C.E., Jane realizes she is able to see the future through her dreams. This clairvoyance attracts the attention of the Logres, people who serve Maledil in defeating the N.I.C.E. As events pass, these organization slowly cause the events which will cause the final clash of good and evil in the universe.
This novel also causes a sense of anger as the N.I.C.E. manipulate Mark, the people of Edgestow, and England. You will also develop confusion as you question who's side people are on. Out of all the books in the trilogy, this novel utilizes aspects of science fiction on terrestrial conflicts rather than on other planets. The book, however, still contains the key supernatural aspects of this literary universe as all previous conflicts lead to a final conclusion. You can check out That Hideous Strength at the Union County Library.
Through the Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis, it can be seen there are still some intriguing science-fiction stores you may not have read yet. Plus, if you do not want to commit to a full trilogy, you can always read of any these novels on there own as Lewis wrote the trilogy to be connected, but still separate books. In my opinion, however, they should be read in the together in the intended order if you can. I hope you enjoy reading the Space Trilogy as much as I did!
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