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The Tripods #0.5
When the Tripods Came
When it comes to alien invasions, bad things come in threes.
Three landings: one in England one in Russia, and one in the United States.
Three long legs, crushing everything in their paths, with three metallic arms, snaking out to embrace -- and then discard -- their helpless victims.
Three evil beings, called Tripods, which will change life on this planet forever.
151 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1988
96 people are currently reading
2453 people want to read
About the author
John Christopher
196 books541 followersSamuel Youd was born in Huyton, Lancashire in April 1922, during an unseasonable snowstorm.
As a boy, he was devoted to the newly emergent genre of science-fiction: ‘In the early thirties,’ he later wrote, ‘we knew just enough about the solar system for its possibilities to be a magnet to the imagination.’
Over the following decades, his imagination flowed from science-fiction into general novels, cricket novels, medical novels, gothic romances, detective thrillers, light comedies … In all he published fifty-six novels and a myriad of short stories, under his own name as well as eight different pen-names.
He is perhaps best known as John Christopher, author of the seminal work of speculative fiction, The Death of Grass (today available as a Penguin Classic), and a stream of novels in the genre he pioneered, young adult dystopian fiction, beginning with The Tripods Trilogy.
‘I read somewhere,’ Sam once said, ‘that I have been cited as the greatest serial killer in fictional history, having destroyed civilisation in so many different ways – through famine, freezing, earthquakes, feral youth combined with religious fanaticism, and progeria.’
In an interview towards the end of his life, conversation turned to a recent spate of novels set on Mars and a possible setting for a John Christopher story: strand a group of people in a remote Martian enclave and see what happens.
The Mars aspect, he felt, was irrelevant. ‘What happens between the people,’ he said, ‘that’s the thing I’m interested in.’
As a boy, he was devoted to the newly emergent genre of science-fiction: ‘In the early thirties,’ he later wrote, ‘we knew just enough about the solar system for its possibilities to be a magnet to the imagination.’
Over the following decades, his imagination flowed from science-fiction into general novels, cricket novels, medical novels, gothic romances, detective thrillers, light comedies … In all he published fifty-six novels and a myriad of short stories, under his own name as well as eight different pen-names.
He is perhaps best known as John Christopher, author of the seminal work of speculative fiction, The Death of Grass (today available as a Penguin Classic), and a stream of novels in the genre he pioneered, young adult dystopian fiction, beginning with The Tripods Trilogy.
‘I read somewhere,’ Sam once said, ‘that I have been cited as the greatest serial killer in fictional history, having destroyed civilisation in so many different ways – through famine, freezing, earthquakes, feral youth combined with religious fanaticism, and progeria.’
In an interview towards the end of his life, conversation turned to a recent spate of novels set on Mars and a possible setting for a John Christopher story: strand a group of people in a remote Martian enclave and see what happens.
The Mars aspect, he felt, was irrelevant. ‘What happens between the people,’ he said, ‘that’s the thing I’m interested in.’
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 289 reviews
October 14, 2024
Our narrative MC is Laurence, aka “Laurie,” an English boy in his teens.
After an odd experience camping with his best mate Andy, a bizarre new television show entrances Laurie’s sister, Angela…and many, many others.
Putting the pieces together, they eventually realize…yup. Aliens.
The Trippy Show. The Trippies. How the aliens actually take over. The Caps.
Brainwashed uncle.
Escape to Guernsey, then flight to Switzerland.
Step-mother Elsa’s family in Switzerland.
Excellent tie-in to The White Mountains, book one of the trilogy proper.
Though this is a prequel to the main series / trilogy, and is itself branded as book 1, I actually think it works better to read the main trilogy first and then come back to this. Ultimately up to personal preference, but I’d put it at book #4.
Stands up very well on reread.
Strong pace and flow. Written in a manner that is suitable for a YA audience, but does not “talk down” to the adults in the room, either.
After an odd experience camping with his best mate Andy, a bizarre new television show entrances Laurie’s sister, Angela…and many, many others.
Putting the pieces together, they eventually realize…yup. Aliens.
The Trippy Show. The Trippies. How the aliens actually take over. The Caps.
Brainwashed uncle.
Escape to Guernsey, then flight to Switzerland.
Step-mother Elsa’s family in Switzerland.
Excellent tie-in to The White Mountains, book one of the trilogy proper.
Though this is a prequel to the main series / trilogy, and is itself branded as book 1, I actually think it works better to read the main trilogy first and then come back to this. Ultimately up to personal preference, but I’d put it at book #4.
Stands up very well on reread.
Strong pace and flow. Written in a manner that is suitable for a YA audience, but does not “talk down” to the adults in the room, either.
October 11, 2021
Now, I have made little secret how The Tripods trilogy is my favourite reading material from when I was but a child. I still love it. This is the prequel, written a while after the original trilogy.
I am always dubious when encountering something, added to something great, at a much later date. However, true to form the author doesn't disappoint. The story of how the Tripods came to Earth is told through the eyes of a young teen, Laurie and his friend, Andy. Once again the characters are well written and believable rather than being heroes. Laurie is reminiscent of Will in some ways and Andy has some similarities to Henry but that is where the links end really. There is no tedious links to teh original trilogy which would make the story unbelievable. The story of how The Tripods conquer Earth is well told and logical. I was originally feared that this book could spoil the experience of the story. It doesn't, it enhances it.
It leaves you at just the right point. You know where they are and what will come but it's not all tied up in a patronising fashion.
Whenever I re-read the books I always read the prequel last. It feels much better that way. I suppose I should try reading it first and see what that does to the reading experience...
I am always dubious when encountering something, added to something great, at a much later date. However, true to form the author doesn't disappoint. The story of how the Tripods came to Earth is told through the eyes of a young teen, Laurie and his friend, Andy. Once again the characters are well written and believable rather than being heroes. Laurie is reminiscent of Will in some ways and Andy has some similarities to Henry but that is where the links end really. There is no tedious links to teh original trilogy which would make the story unbelievable. The story of how The Tripods conquer Earth is well told and logical. I was originally feared that this book could spoil the experience of the story. It doesn't, it enhances it.
It leaves you at just the right point. You know where they are and what will come but it's not all tied up in a patronising fashion.
Whenever I re-read the books I always read the prequel last. It feels much better that way. I suppose I should try reading it first and see what that does to the reading experience...
February 27, 2023
Could humans be mass brainwashed using mind control technology by aliens?
The invasion, and the subsequent melting of society was written very well. I couldn’t help but feel the parallel to modern mass brainwashing aka social media, it was a bit frightening to look at it from that point. I mean, they started with the children too.
Not that giant alien machines taking over the world isn’t terrifying enough.
The invasion, and the subsequent melting of society was written very well. I couldn’t help but feel the parallel to modern mass brainwashing aka social media, it was a bit frightening to look at it from that point. I mean, they started with the children too.
Not that giant alien machines taking over the world isn’t terrifying enough.
April 9, 2021
این در واقع قسمت اول مجموعهی رمانهای «کوههای سفید»، «شهر طلا و سرب» و «برکهی آتش» به شمار میاد، ولی زمان بچگی من به نظرم ترجمه نشده بود و سالها بعد از اون سهتای دیگه خوندمش. به نظرم همچنان بهتره بعد از اون سه تا خونده بشه
October 25, 2021
در میان علمیتخیلی نویسان بریتانیایی کسی را سراغ ندارم که به اندازه جان کریستوفر داستانهای خوبی برای کودکان و نوجوانان بنویسد. نمونههایی از نثر جاندار و سادهاش و طنز موجود در داستانهای رعشهآورش را تنها میتوان در نوشتارهای رولینگ پیدا کرد. که مشخص میکند کریستوفر اساسا نویسندهای بالفطره و آشنا به سلایق و ظرفیتهای مخاطبانش است. داستانهایش با وجود پیچیدگیهای ذاتی، بینهایت ساده روایت میشوند و مفاهیم مورد نظر نویسنده به سادهترین شکل ممکن در طول داستان و به طبیعیترین صورت عرضه میگردد.
مثلا در اینجا به چه زیبایی و چقدر مقدس، ارزش آزادی تفکر و استقلال اراده کاویده میشود و در برابر بردگی فکری قرار میگیرد. در هیچ جای کتاب آرمانهای قهرمانان داستان درگیر کلیشه و شعارزده نمیشود. گاهی نمیتوان باور کرد که این کتاب برای کودکان و حتی نوجوانان نوشته شده است.
اما نویسندگان علمی تخیلی همیشه با پیشبینیهایشان از آینده، قضاوت میشوند. جالب است بدانید که در ایده داستانی جان کریستوفر که در میانههای دهه ۶۰ میلادی نگاشته شده، بیگانگان مهاجم که بر سهپایهها سوارند، نه از طریق شلیک حتی یک گلوله و یا اشعههای لیزری بلکه از طریق تهاجم به ذهنها و در اختیار گرفتن عنان فکری انسانها بر آنان مسلط میشوند. هیچ سلاح انفجاری توسط بیگانگان استفاده نمیشود بلکه کنترل انسانها از طریق ایمپلنتهای مغزی صورت میگیرد که اکنون بعد از گذشت نیم قرن، نمونههای آن را به لطف شرکت نورالینک ایلان ماسک میبینیم. این شرکت که اکثر برنامههایش بدون هیچ پوشش خبری و به دور از نگاههای کنجکاو خبرنگاران پیش میرود آرمان این را در سر دارد که از طریق ایمپلنتهای مغزی بتوان اطلاعات را به داخل و یا بیرون از مغز هدایت کرد. و این دقیقا همان ایدهایست که جان کریستوفر در داستان معرکهاش پیشبینی کرده است.
مثلا در اینجا به چه زیبایی و چقدر مقدس، ارزش آزادی تفکر و استقلال اراده کاویده میشود و در برابر بردگی فکری قرار میگیرد. در هیچ جای کتاب آرمانهای قهرمانان داستان درگیر کلیشه و شعارزده نمیشود. گاهی نمیتوان باور کرد که این کتاب برای کودکان و حتی نوجوانان نوشته شده است.
اما نویسندگان علمی تخیلی همیشه با پیشبینیهایشان از آینده، قضاوت میشوند. جالب است بدانید که در ایده داستانی جان کریستوفر که در میانههای دهه ۶۰ میلادی نگاشته شده، بیگانگان مهاجم که بر سهپایهها سوارند، نه از طریق شلیک حتی یک گلوله و یا اشعههای لیزری بلکه از طریق تهاجم به ذهنها و در اختیار گرفتن عنان فکری انسانها بر آنان مسلط میشوند. هیچ سلاح انفجاری توسط بیگانگان استفاده نمیشود بلکه کنترل انسانها از طریق ایمپلنتهای مغزی صورت میگیرد که اکنون بعد از گذشت نیم قرن، نمونههای آن را به لطف شرکت نورالینک ایلان ماسک میبینیم. این شرکت که اکثر برنامههایش بدون هیچ پوشش خبری و به دور از نگاههای کنجکاو خبرنگاران پیش میرود آرمان این را در سر دارد که از طریق ایمپلنتهای مغزی بتوان اطلاعات را به داخل و یا بیرون از مغز هدایت کرد. و این دقیقا همان ایدهایست که جان کریستوفر در داستان معرکهاش پیشبینی کرده است.
April 7, 2017
Fits nicely into what I remember of the Tripods trilogy.
But that is as-expected; it should, and does, dovetail -- the author wrote it to inform his readership, and answer the nay-sayers, that the human race could fall to the mind control technology of an alien race -- and yes, it could happen like this, witha deceptive feint into our military strengths and the hidden knife slipping into the chinks in our technology and to our selfish desire for entertainment.
But that is as-expected; it should, and does, dovetail -- the author wrote it to inform his readership, and answer the nay-sayers, that the human race could fall to the mind control technology of an alien race -- and yes, it could happen like this, witha deceptive feint into our military strengths and the hidden knife slipping into the chinks in our technology and to our selfish desire for entertainment.
April 19, 2021
An interesting prequel to the author's trilogy of YA novels depicting the response of the human race to the taking over of their planet by aliens from another galaxy. Somewhat anti-climatic as a read since, having read the trilogy, I was aware of how the story is eventually going to unfold, but nonetheless engaging in its description of the ever-expanding and seemingly irresistible powers of the aliens to influence the behaviour of those who were to become their slaves (that is, prior to their being completely exterminated in the final stage of the plan for Earth of the aliens).
It is this sense of impending doom that the author worked quite well to minimize throughout the unfolding plot, as the narrator's family moves from Britain to Guernsey to Switzerland and then into a mountain hideaway, where they finally find at least a temporary sense of security from the 'Capped': those who have had their mental processes taken over in a chilling psycho-physical manner by the invaders. There are enough suspenseful incidents and narrow escapes to allow for the rather rapid page-turnings requisite in any YA novel.
Thus, the bleakness of the primary vision of the novel is somewhat allayed. Still it is a chilling vision: not that dissimilar to stories of the incarceration and/or outright extermination by the Nazis of any 'retrograde' or 'wrong-thinking' elements through the 1930s and 1940s and the Stalinist KGB's stifling of all dissent in the USSR: the aliens have an ability to turn humans against humans by promising a pleasurable, relaxed future free of the strains and stresses contingent upon and concomitant with individual liberty. The metal-mesh of the skull-worn 'Cap' is a fitting emblem of this frightening imposition of uniformity, and the narrator observed that the Capped 'found the thought of being without the Cap intolerable, even temporarily'. (At this point, I seriously wondered if our current generation's fixation on cell phone devices - of which I still am proud to say I do not own one - represents a harbinger of some mysterious alien force imposing its will on the blind masses!)
The final chapter gives an intimation of the major thrust of the trilogy's plot: the harnessing of the indomitable human yearning for freedom and individuality and the molding of such into a viable form of action. This helped to relieve the ultimate bleakness of the vision of an entire species devolving into the relatively blind mindlessness symbolized by the chanted phrase 'Hail the Tripod!'.
A valuable, cautionary tale, and one for which I can make a firm recommendation for young readers.
It is this sense of impending doom that the author worked quite well to minimize throughout the unfolding plot, as the narrator's family moves from Britain to Guernsey to Switzerland and then into a mountain hideaway, where they finally find at least a temporary sense of security from the 'Capped': those who have had their mental processes taken over in a chilling psycho-physical manner by the invaders. There are enough suspenseful incidents and narrow escapes to allow for the rather rapid page-turnings requisite in any YA novel.
Thus, the bleakness of the primary vision of the novel is somewhat allayed. Still it is a chilling vision: not that dissimilar to stories of the incarceration and/or outright extermination by the Nazis of any 'retrograde' or 'wrong-thinking' elements through the 1930s and 1940s and the Stalinist KGB's stifling of all dissent in the USSR: the aliens have an ability to turn humans against humans by promising a pleasurable, relaxed future free of the strains and stresses contingent upon and concomitant with individual liberty. The metal-mesh of the skull-worn 'Cap' is a fitting emblem of this frightening imposition of uniformity, and the narrator observed that the Capped 'found the thought of being without the Cap intolerable, even temporarily'. (At this point, I seriously wondered if our current generation's fixation on cell phone devices - of which I still am proud to say I do not own one - represents a harbinger of some mysterious alien force imposing its will on the blind masses!)
The final chapter gives an intimation of the major thrust of the trilogy's plot: the harnessing of the indomitable human yearning for freedom and individuality and the molding of such into a viable form of action. This helped to relieve the ultimate bleakness of the vision of an entire species devolving into the relatively blind mindlessness symbolized by the chanted phrase 'Hail the Tripod!'.
A valuable, cautionary tale, and one for which I can make a firm recommendation for young readers.
December 30, 2010
The original tripods trilogy was one of my favorite reads as a young adult. This book is a prequel to that trilogy; I have owned it forever and have never read it. So when I found the trilogy (along with this prequel) sitting on my bookshelf I decided to give it another read.
This is a short book but I found it was not as engaging as I remember the trilogy to be. It is a book that basically tells how the tripods came to our world. Overall I agree with the other reviewers that say read the trilogy first and then come back to this prequel for filler if you want to.
It was well written but seemed to be more a quick telling of events leading to the invasion than a really gripping story. It is a quick read at 150 pages or so. It was interesting to find out the before but this book doesn't really fit in that well with the other books of the trilogy.
I am on to read the trilogy now to see if those books are as excellent as I remember them being. I hope they are!
This is a short book but I found it was not as engaging as I remember the trilogy to be. It is a book that basically tells how the tripods came to our world. Overall I agree with the other reviewers that say read the trilogy first and then come back to this prequel for filler if you want to.
It was well written but seemed to be more a quick telling of events leading to the invasion than a really gripping story. It is a quick read at 150 pages or so. It was interesting to find out the before but this book doesn't really fit in that well with the other books of the trilogy.
I am on to read the trilogy now to see if those books are as excellent as I remember them being. I hope they are!
April 18, 2021
Prequel to the Scifi series that introduced me to Scifi, when I was like 8 or 9 (40 years ago). It's a very short read, well written and kind of terrifying. The invasion of humanity happens very matter of factually. As you're reading it, it all makes so much sense -- and in retrospect you can see its likelihood (assuming any alien race were ever to try to invade us).
That said, read the trilogy first, then read this one.... the order as written, and please remember it's aimed at kids who are too old for kids' books but maybe don't have the reading skills yet for adult fiction. But, that said, if you have young readers at home (of about 8 or 9 years old) who like SciFi movies, it's a good series to introduce them to.
That said, read the trilogy first, then read this one.... the order as written, and please remember it's aimed at kids who are too old for kids' books but maybe don't have the reading skills yet for adult fiction. But, that said, if you have young readers at home (of about 8 or 9 years old) who like SciFi movies, it's a good series to introduce them to.
June 7, 2016
هیپنوتیزم نوعی حالت خواب یا خلسه مصنوعی ایجاد میکنه تا ذهن فرد موردنظر بتونه نظریات مخالف عادات و افکار خودشو بپذیره. برای اینکار روشهای متفاوتی وجود داره. البته استفاده از تلویزیون هم غیرممکن نیست...ناگهان چشمم به نکته عمیقی باز شد: متوجه شدم که اصلا مهم نیست اطرافیانم چگونه باشند، مهم نیست که از خود راضی باشند و با آدم موهن و تحقیر آمیز رفتار کنند، یا افرادی متزلزل که در برابرمان سر خم کنند. مهم ترین نکته آن است که آنها با آزاد اندیشی و به اراده خود عمل میکردند که در واقع، اصلی ترین خصلت بشریت است. آن صلح و همزیستی که عمویان و بقیه میخواست��د به ما تحمیل کنند، در حقیقت چیزی جز خود مرگ نبود. آخر کسی را که از شخصیت و ذهنیت خودش محروم شده باشد، دیگر نمیتوان جزو زنده ها به شمار آورد...حرف شنوی مطلق، کار گوسفندیه که داره میره به مسلخ...
January 7, 2015
This book is very important to the Tripod series. It explains what happened during the war with the Tripods. It also told me how the foundations of the free men were formed. If the Tripods invaded Earth we would most likely not be hypnotized by the TV. This was a very good book.
October 13, 2011
I read this book first because it is the prequel to the other three in the series. As I read this I had to remember that it's a children's book. I think as adults we want every children's book to be as captivating as Harry Potter or Narnia, but that's an unrealistic expectation.
That being said, as an adult I liked this book, but as a 8-10 year old kid I would have loved it. Interesting characters, great twists, believable plot. I bet Ethan would really like it.
That being said, as an adult I liked this book, but as a 8-10 year old kid I would have loved it. Interesting characters, great twists, believable plot. I bet Ethan would really like it.
April 10, 2015
There's only one thing I can say about John Christopher's works, they are awesome! And if he decided not to share his imagination with us the world would have missed so much
February 21, 2025
I had read the Tripod trilogy, a YA / Sci Fi series a couple of years ago when I discovered the three books in a used book store I frequent. After I had completed the trilogy I decided to check out other books by British author John Christopher and discovered that he had written a prequel to the series in 1988, entitled When the Tripods Came, a prequel to the trilogy.
In the first 3 books, the premise is that the Tripods have taken over the Earth many years ago and mankind has reverted to a more primitive time, no tv, no radio, no cars, etc. Each year any children reaching the age of 13 lose their free will when they receive the helmet that will link them forever with the Tripods. Of course there is an underground movement to grab these children and turn them into rebels instead. This guerrilla movement is the crux of the 1st three books, the battle to return the Earth to mankind.
In the prequel, we find out how the Tripods take over Earth and it's fascinating. 3 Tripods land on Earth, one in England, one in the US and one in Russia. They are ultimately destroyed. The books focus is on the one that lands in England and is seen by two young boys out on an orienteering adventure, Laurie and Andy.
After this first encounter, life goes on as normal but gradually things begin to change. Firstly there is a television program, called the Trippy Show to which people begin to get quite addicted, including Andy's step-sister, Angela. She must watch it and throws a terrible tantrum once when she misses an episode. Laurie's dad finally agrees to have the local doctor look at her. Oddly he tries hypnotism on Angela to remove this addiction to the show and it works. (Oh, Angela's mom Ilse, who of course is also Laurie's stepmom, has had to go to Switzerland to look after her sick father).
But this addiction to the Trippy show grows and becomes quite threatening. When more Tripods land, masses of people head to their locations as a sort of cult. This includes Laurie's friend, Andy's mom. Andy moves in with Laurie and his family. The situation continues to worsen. Laurie's uncle and cousin show up one day and try to put a 'cap' on Laurie (this will link him to the Tripods). They have enough caps for the whole family. But Laurie's great aunt, Martha, intercedes and saves Laurie. The family now decides they need to leave England because it has now become to dangerous. And thus begins a journey to Switzerland for the whole gang.
For a very short story, 150ish pages long, there is a lot packed into it. It's a fascinating Sci Fi novel and a great adventure. I like how it explains the beginnings of the Tripod invasion and also provides an inkling to the future underground revolution. Scary and tense and with excellent characters. It's a series that both adults and kids could enjoy equally. (4.0 stars)
In the first 3 books, the premise is that the Tripods have taken over the Earth many years ago and mankind has reverted to a more primitive time, no tv, no radio, no cars, etc. Each year any children reaching the age of 13 lose their free will when they receive the helmet that will link them forever with the Tripods. Of course there is an underground movement to grab these children and turn them into rebels instead. This guerrilla movement is the crux of the 1st three books, the battle to return the Earth to mankind.
In the prequel, we find out how the Tripods take over Earth and it's fascinating. 3 Tripods land on Earth, one in England, one in the US and one in Russia. They are ultimately destroyed. The books focus is on the one that lands in England and is seen by two young boys out on an orienteering adventure, Laurie and Andy.
After this first encounter, life goes on as normal but gradually things begin to change. Firstly there is a television program, called the Trippy Show to which people begin to get quite addicted, including Andy's step-sister, Angela. She must watch it and throws a terrible tantrum once when she misses an episode. Laurie's dad finally agrees to have the local doctor look at her. Oddly he tries hypnotism on Angela to remove this addiction to the show and it works. (Oh, Angela's mom Ilse, who of course is also Laurie's stepmom, has had to go to Switzerland to look after her sick father).
But this addiction to the Trippy show grows and becomes quite threatening. When more Tripods land, masses of people head to their locations as a sort of cult. This includes Laurie's friend, Andy's mom. Andy moves in with Laurie and his family. The situation continues to worsen. Laurie's uncle and cousin show up one day and try to put a 'cap' on Laurie (this will link him to the Tripods). They have enough caps for the whole family. But Laurie's great aunt, Martha, intercedes and saves Laurie. The family now decides they need to leave England because it has now become to dangerous. And thus begins a journey to Switzerland for the whole gang.
For a very short story, 150ish pages long, there is a lot packed into it. It's a fascinating Sci Fi novel and a great adventure. I like how it explains the beginnings of the Tripod invasion and also provides an inkling to the future underground revolution. Scary and tense and with excellent characters. It's a series that both adults and kids could enjoy equally. (4.0 stars)
March 2, 2012
A nice stand-alone novel that is a prequel to the more-famous "Tripod trilogy." Reading this doesn't really enhance the reading of the Tripod trilogy, but it is a good story in its own right. It's a bit like reading Bujold's Barrayar prequels, Dickson's Dorsai prequels, Moran's Emerald Eyes, or even Asimov's Foundation prequels: they are in no way necessary to the plot of the main series, but they're still fun to read. Christopher is clearly making a statement with this book about how people conquer themselves with passive entertainment, and seeing the passion of fans of TV shows on sites like Fanpop, it's even more current than when Christopher wrote it in the 1980s. Sure, he wasn't able to incorporate "shipping" or similar modern trends in his novel, but you can see the related concerns in this story.
Because of this mechanism - the aliens use TV programming to effect mind control - it also bears comparison to The Mysterious Benedict Society. That poor book - I seem to be comparing it unfavorably to everything else I read lately. Since they cover the same mechanism for world domination, I have to say that I found When the Tripods Came much more engaging, even though I found the protagonist pretty tiresome. He spends most of the book in denial about his seething resentment to his father and his step-mom (yes, it's a YA book, so he has to have at least one parent dead or departed), but it consistently informs his actions. Though I didn't find him likable, I did find that character work believable. I had some problems with the naivete of the characters in places, though: much the same frustration I had with "I am Legend" in that the characters have a very hard time grasping the nature of their situation. I bothered me with the protagonists, though I found it more believable with the Swiss and their xenophobia. I guess I want my protagonists to be just a bit smarter than their opposition, and am disappointed when they're not, even if that is more realistic.
Because of this mechanism - the aliens use TV programming to effect mind control - it also bears comparison to The Mysterious Benedict Society. That poor book - I seem to be comparing it unfavorably to everything else I read lately. Since they cover the same mechanism for world domination, I have to say that I found When the Tripods Came much more engaging, even though I found the protagonist pretty tiresome. He spends most of the book in denial about his seething resentment to his father and his step-mom (yes, it's a YA book, so he has to have at least one parent dead or departed), but it consistently informs his actions. Though I didn't find him likable, I did find that character work believable. I had some problems with the naivete of the characters in places, though: much the same frustration I had with "I am Legend" in that the characters have a very hard time grasping the nature of their situation. I bothered me with the protagonists, though I found it more believable with the Swiss and their xenophobia. I guess I want my protagonists to be just a bit smarter than their opposition, and am disappointed when they're not, even if that is more realistic.
January 4, 2008
This is an excellent prequel to the Tripods trilogy.
BUT: If you have not read the series, PLEASE HEED THIS ADVICE:
Don't read this until after you finish the original trilogy. I know that it says #1 on the spine, and these events happened before the first three books. Ignore that!
It's more fun to be guessing and wondering with the protagonists in the books than to already have all the answers given to you at first. After you finish all three books, it's fun to see all the little questions you might have pondered during the season answered.
Sometimes reading the prequel first can be like reading spoilers! This book doesn't have too many spoilers, but most of the kids I know who read ?The White Mountains" first liked the series better than the ones who read "When the Tripods Came"
This could also be because "The White Mountains" was a better book and "When the Tripods Came" is good, but not the greatest. But once you are hooked and finished all three books, this title will feel like a nice little dessert to finish the meal.
BUT: If you have not read the series, PLEASE HEED THIS ADVICE:
Don't read this until after you finish the original trilogy. I know that it says #1 on the spine, and these events happened before the first three books. Ignore that!
It's more fun to be guessing and wondering with the protagonists in the books than to already have all the answers given to you at first. After you finish all three books, it's fun to see all the little questions you might have pondered during the season answered.
Sometimes reading the prequel first can be like reading spoilers! This book doesn't have too many spoilers, but most of the kids I know who read ?The White Mountains" first liked the series better than the ones who read "When the Tripods Came"
This could also be because "The White Mountains" was a better book and "When the Tripods Came" is good, but not the greatest. But once you are hooked and finished all three books, this title will feel like a nice little dessert to finish the meal.
May 27, 2021
For a prequel, this one is very well done. It's amazingly creepy and simple how the tripods are able take over most of the world. I also love how a little group of humans fight to keep their freedom, and it lays a perfect foundation for the original tripod series. What is so genuinely scary about the tripod series is how viable the method the tripods used to take control are. These books are just as fun to read as they were the first time I read them in college.
I read these again- it’s so fun! Just as exciting, engrossing, and thought provoking. The characters fighting for freedom are so earnest and imperfect in their efforts and it’s so relatable. Anyway, this is sci fi at its best and it holds up so well! I love it
I read these again- it’s so fun! Just as exciting, engrossing, and thought provoking. The characters fighting for freedom are so earnest and imperfect in their efforts and it’s so relatable. Anyway, this is sci fi at its best and it holds up so well! I love it
January 10, 2013
A very satisfying conclusion (beginning) to the Tripods tales. The hindsight with which this is written is a good suggestion to all writers of series of books that it doesn't hurt to start in the middle and fix the beginning later! All so tonally consistent and quite terrifyingly plausible, this has such detail and humanity at its centre, I'm just sorry to have finished these books, for it'll be a long time until I've forgotten them as well as I had again! Excellent, excellent.
December 6, 2025
this one had some actual legs to it (three, to be exact) (ba dum tss)
July 6, 2022
Read this before the Tripods series; it gives some context that makes the series easier to get into. A thrilling story of escape and survival.
January 18, 2015
Despite this being published around the same time I was old enough to read the original trilogy from the 60s, I hadn't come across this prequel until a month or two ago and immediately set about tracking down a copy. The White Mountains, The City of Gold and Lead and The Pool of Fire were some of the first books I read in my pre-teens that hooked me into reading as a hobby and so it was great to come back to this as an adult. Still a good read.
April 21, 2024
Written well after the original series, it's a non-essential expansion of the brief explanation of the Tripods' conquest as provided in City of Gold and Lead, plus an explanation of how the White Mountains were founded. Short and engaging, with a Body Snatchers type of horror as civilization crumbles to dust in a matter of months.
August 13, 2016
A good one to learn how the Tripods came. Was close to what I was expecting, a little different. Overall good, not great, series. Nice quick reads.
October 16, 2019
Awesome! 😍
June 9, 2025
This was written 20 years after his famous trilogy and I’m read it 45ish years after reading and loving the trilogy. I didn’t read this when it came out as I was well past the target age group at that point. In fact, I didn’t even know the book existed until I stumbled across it at a charity book sale a couple of years ago. I had to buy it, but I’ve been putting off reading it for fear it would tarnish my memories of the trilogy. I needn’t have worried.
Obviously this is a prequel to the trilogy, so one of the first things that springs to mind is reading order. If you haven’t read the trilogy should you start with this book? No, not in my opinion. I think publication order is the way to go. A thorough grounding in the Tripod universe I think will make this book more nuanced. There is a lot hinted at that has been revealed if you’ve read the trilogy, and you might miss it’s significance if you haven’t read the trilogy.
The next question: This is a kids book, will an adult like it? Depends on the adult. I read the trilogy as a kid and loved it. I also loved this book at age 53. Part of that is clearly nostalgia, but John is one of those rare authors able to write for kids without dumbing down. The prose is designed for the lower end of YA readership, by which I mean 10 years old and upwards, the principle characters are 14. The sentence structure is uncomplicated and he eschews words like eschew. But the prose still maintains an elegant cadence.
Is it dated? Yes and no. It’s contemporary to its writing. The trilogy was written in the late 60s, but portrayed pre-industrial society as a result of Tripod interference, but with decaying modern tech in the background showing what had been lost. This book from the late 80s uses that as the contemporary setting rather than saying the Tripods arrived in the 60s when the Trilogy was written. There are computers and VCRs mentioned. The Falklands war had been fought and a Harrier takes out a Tripod (not a spoiler, this happens in chapter 1). It’s not trying to be set in the near-future and missing the target, it’s unashamedly the 80s being the 80s.
The story. It starts off reminding me very much of Wells’ ‘War of the Worlds’, and I feel that’s deliberate. It’s not really possible to have 3 legged invading alien machines without acknowledging Wells. But the initial sortie by the aliens is destroyed and life goes back to normal. Not a spoiler this all happens chapter one. But the Tripods aren’t done. This is where the book becomes it’s own. Having paid it’s tribute to Wells it charts it’s own course. And it’s a much darker path than I was expecting given the age group this targeting, or it’s my parental instincts kicking in to protect youngsters. Life is going to be nasty, let kids have a childhood as long as they can. I can’t divulge more without spoilers, but the Tripods game plan is insidious.
As the Tripods conquest of Earth progresses (also not a spoiler as they are fully entrenched as the rulers of Earth in the trilogy and this is leading to that) there are obvious parallels to WWII which started when John was 29 and would have left a significant impression on his life. The book also parallels the plot of the trilogy in some regards with a journey across Europe ahead of the Tripods.
All in all, this is a brilliant addition to the trilogy. If you read and loved the tripods you need to read this.
Obviously this is a prequel to the trilogy, so one of the first things that springs to mind is reading order. If you haven’t read the trilogy should you start with this book? No, not in my opinion. I think publication order is the way to go. A thorough grounding in the Tripod universe I think will make this book more nuanced. There is a lot hinted at that has been revealed if you’ve read the trilogy, and you might miss it’s significance if you haven’t read the trilogy.
The next question: This is a kids book, will an adult like it? Depends on the adult. I read the trilogy as a kid and loved it. I also loved this book at age 53. Part of that is clearly nostalgia, but John is one of those rare authors able to write for kids without dumbing down. The prose is designed for the lower end of YA readership, by which I mean 10 years old and upwards, the principle characters are 14. The sentence structure is uncomplicated and he eschews words like eschew. But the prose still maintains an elegant cadence.
Is it dated? Yes and no. It’s contemporary to its writing. The trilogy was written in the late 60s, but portrayed pre-industrial society as a result of Tripod interference, but with decaying modern tech in the background showing what had been lost. This book from the late 80s uses that as the contemporary setting rather than saying the Tripods arrived in the 60s when the Trilogy was written. There are computers and VCRs mentioned. The Falklands war had been fought and a Harrier takes out a Tripod (not a spoiler, this happens in chapter 1). It’s not trying to be set in the near-future and missing the target, it’s unashamedly the 80s being the 80s.
The story. It starts off reminding me very much of Wells’ ‘War of the Worlds’, and I feel that’s deliberate. It’s not really possible to have 3 legged invading alien machines without acknowledging Wells. But the initial sortie by the aliens is destroyed and life goes back to normal. Not a spoiler this all happens chapter one. But the Tripods aren’t done. This is where the book becomes it’s own. Having paid it’s tribute to Wells it charts it’s own course. And it’s a much darker path than I was expecting given the age group this targeting, or it’s my parental instincts kicking in to protect youngsters. Life is going to be nasty, let kids have a childhood as long as they can. I can’t divulge more without spoilers, but the Tripods game plan is insidious.
As the Tripods conquest of Earth progresses (also not a spoiler as they are fully entrenched as the rulers of Earth in the trilogy and this is leading to that) there are obvious parallels to WWII which started when John was 29 and would have left a significant impression on his life. The book also parallels the plot of the trilogy in some regards with a journey across Europe ahead of the Tripods.
All in all, this is a brilliant addition to the trilogy. If you read and loved the tripods you need to read this.
December 29, 2021
I came to this book with curiosity, having read the original trilogy when I was at school and having recently had my interest in the series rekindled by featuring the BBC adaptation in my podcast Very British Futures and subsequently listening to Tripodcast.
Overall I have to say it is a missed opportunity, considering the possibilities of a story about Earth being conquered by enigmatic aliens. A lot of the action takes place off the page, and often isn't even conveyed by news reports. So the horrific battles between people and humans who have been converted into willing slaves of the Tripods are often reported in a sentence or two. There's little sense of cataclysm or impending threat. Apart from the first Tripod encounter, which is described in a reasonable amount of detail, the other appearances of the Tripods are quite dryly written and any action recorded in the briefest manner.
The early "Invasion of the Bodysnatchers" element, with the Tripods programming people via a television program called The Trippy Show, should build into claustrophobia but instead feels more like a mild inconvenience. Only one member of the hero's family is affected and since she's had barely any personality prior to being taken over, it doesn't have much impact. Even the programmed humans are still pretty polite and reasonable, giving our heroes plenty of margin to escape from them several times.
As with the later trilogy, the story is told from the point of view of a young teenage boy, in this case called Lawrence. Although never stated specifically, Lawrence seems to be on the low end of the autism spectrum. He himself says he has difficulty forming attachments and envies how his Pa can talk easily with Lawrence's best friend, Alan, but not with him. In the early part of the book Lawrence mostly lists all the things he doesn't like about other people, which makes him dreary company. He made me think of Adrian Mole without the unintentional humour. He does go on a small arc towards being a more positive, richer person but his deadpan narration goes a long way to dampening the excitement.
There are good moments, such as the capped airplane pilot who announces he is going to become a farmer shortly because "people are happier staying where they are". A surprising moment of grisliness when the a farmer abducted by the first Tripod is reported to have been discovered partly dissected inside the wrecked machine. Some of the conjecturing about the aliens within the Tripods is interesting.
Overall, though "When the Tripods Came" is definitely best read at the end of trilogy, rather than as a prequel, since it doesn't do the fun adventure qualities of series justice. Whilst I am reading this book as an adult, I fear that many child readers will find the prose too flat and sombre.
In his preface, John Christopher complains about the BBC adaptation and in particular a review on the BBC show "Did You See...?" where author Brian Aldiss' criticised a particular aspect of the Tripods' design. It's hard to shake the feeling that the drive behind this book was more to address that note than because he had a burning desire to revisit his old creations.
Overall I have to say it is a missed opportunity, considering the possibilities of a story about Earth being conquered by enigmatic aliens. A lot of the action takes place off the page, and often isn't even conveyed by news reports. So the horrific battles between people and humans who have been converted into willing slaves of the Tripods are often reported in a sentence or two. There's little sense of cataclysm or impending threat. Apart from the first Tripod encounter, which is described in a reasonable amount of detail, the other appearances of the Tripods are quite dryly written and any action recorded in the briefest manner.
The early "Invasion of the Bodysnatchers" element, with the Tripods programming people via a television program called The Trippy Show, should build into claustrophobia but instead feels more like a mild inconvenience. Only one member of the hero's family is affected and since she's had barely any personality prior to being taken over, it doesn't have much impact. Even the programmed humans are still pretty polite and reasonable, giving our heroes plenty of margin to escape from them several times.
As with the later trilogy, the story is told from the point of view of a young teenage boy, in this case called Lawrence. Although never stated specifically, Lawrence seems to be on the low end of the autism spectrum. He himself says he has difficulty forming attachments and envies how his Pa can talk easily with Lawrence's best friend, Alan, but not with him. In the early part of the book Lawrence mostly lists all the things he doesn't like about other people, which makes him dreary company. He made me think of Adrian Mole without the unintentional humour. He does go on a small arc towards being a more positive, richer person but his deadpan narration goes a long way to dampening the excitement.
There are good moments, such as the capped airplane pilot who announces he is going to become a farmer shortly because "people are happier staying where they are". A surprising moment of grisliness when the a farmer abducted by the first Tripod is reported to have been discovered partly dissected inside the wrecked machine. Some of the conjecturing about the aliens within the Tripods is interesting.
Overall, though "When the Tripods Came" is definitely best read at the end of trilogy, rather than as a prequel, since it doesn't do the fun adventure qualities of series justice. Whilst I am reading this book as an adult, I fear that many child readers will find the prose too flat and sombre.
In his preface, John Christopher complains about the BBC adaptation and in particular a review on the BBC show "Did You See...?" where author Brian Aldiss' criticised a particular aspect of the Tripods' design. It's hard to shake the feeling that the drive behind this book was more to address that note than because he had a burning desire to revisit his old creations.
March 1, 2025
The writing is clunky as flat and uninteresting characters lurch abruptly from place to place and through events.
Characters are so thinly written that it wasn’t until I was 25% into the book before discovering the main character was not a girl (who is referred to as “Laurie,” which is short for “Laurence”). This was revealed in a throwaway bit of dialogue from the dad when he says, “Laurie did, when HE was that age.” Relationships between characters are also not made clear.
Conflicts are either insufficiently explained (Why did the mother leave the main character and his father, and where is she now? Why is there resentment between the main character and seemingly everyone in the story?) or swiftly resolved before any real tension builds (the outrunning of a Coast Guard patrol boat, the hijacking of a plane, etc.).
Where conflict does culminate in the death of a character, they are discarded from the page as easily as an adoring “Trippie” from the leg of a Tripod, with as little as a couple of sentences in memoriam and hardly a backward glance at their existence.
All of this was made worse by the fact that the original trilogy was a favorite of mine as a kid and I was eager to read this prequel I had discovered was written 20 years after the original trilogy.
I’m now going to embark on the journey through the trilogy I once loved, but this prequel leaves me feeling I’d be better off putting the cap on, slipping into blissful ignorance and forgetting this ever happened.
Hail the Tripod!
Characters are so thinly written that it wasn’t until I was 25% into the book before discovering the main character was not a girl (who is referred to as “Laurie,” which is short for “Laurence”). This was revealed in a throwaway bit of dialogue from the dad when he says, “Laurie did, when HE was that age.” Relationships between characters are also not made clear.
Conflicts are either insufficiently explained (Why did the mother leave the main character and his father, and where is she now? Why is there resentment between the main character and seemingly everyone in the story?) or swiftly resolved before any real tension builds (the outrunning of a Coast Guard patrol boat, the hijacking of a plane, etc.).
Where conflict does culminate in the death of a character, they are discarded from the page as easily as an adoring “Trippie” from the leg of a Tripod, with as little as a couple of sentences in memoriam and hardly a backward glance at their existence.
All of this was made worse by the fact that the original trilogy was a favorite of mine as a kid and I was eager to read this prequel I had discovered was written 20 years after the original trilogy.
I’m now going to embark on the journey through the trilogy I once loved, but this prequel leaves me feeling I’d be better off putting the cap on, slipping into blissful ignorance and forgetting this ever happened.
Hail the Tripod!
January 26, 2024
Note: I remember watching the TV adaptation of The Tripods in the 80s and loving it. A couple of years ago, I managed to get the DVD box sets. Watching those renewed my interest in this series and led me to get hold of the books. They're not easy to obtain and I had to settle for used copies from libraries, but at least I have them.
Also, please note that the edition I have isn't the one displayed here. I have the 2014 revised edition.
-------------------
This book is a prequel to the main trilogy. The author wrote it a couple of decades after writing the original trilogy. According to his notes in this edition, he wrote it in response to some criticisms and observations arising from the TV show. He also expresses his own opinion on the TV adaptation. It's quite interesting to have an author's point of view on this rather vexed topic.
The story itself is compelling. Although it's YA, the dark dystopian theme still holds plenty of interest for adult readers. In fact, I would say it's even more relevant today than when the TV adaptation aired.
It shows how easily people can be manipulated by what they see on TV and how a supposed children's show can be used to control the minds of the majority of the population. It's chilling and disturbing but the ending leaves room for a little bit of hope amidst all the dystopian grimdarkness.
Also, please note that the edition I have isn't the one displayed here. I have the 2014 revised edition.
-------------------
This book is a prequel to the main trilogy. The author wrote it a couple of decades after writing the original trilogy. According to his notes in this edition, he wrote it in response to some criticisms and observations arising from the TV show. He also expresses his own opinion on the TV adaptation. It's quite interesting to have an author's point of view on this rather vexed topic.
The story itself is compelling. Although it's YA, the dark dystopian theme still holds plenty of interest for adult readers. In fact, I would say it's even more relevant today than when the TV adaptation aired.
It shows how easily people can be manipulated by what they see on TV and how a supposed children's show can be used to control the minds of the majority of the population. It's chilling and disturbing but the ending leaves room for a little bit of hope amidst all the dystopian grimdarkness.
September 15, 2018
Although the centring of television in this tale of alien invasion does date it a little, it takes no effort of imagination to translate the technologies used to our modern world of social media. Indeed, the recent weaponisation of media to sway democratic elections and pursue policies that benefit a tiny fraction of the world's elite at the expense of the rest of humanity is almost more sinister than anything the Tripods do.
Having just read The Massacre of Mankind (Stephen Baxter's sequel to The War of the Worlds), this does come across as a pale imitation of Wells's Martian tripods, but that aside it's a worthy addition to the Tripods series and I certainly enjoyed reading it.
Having just read The Massacre of Mankind (Stephen Baxter's sequel to The War of the Worlds), this does come across as a pale imitation of Wells's Martian tripods, but that aside it's a worthy addition to the Tripods series and I certainly enjoyed reading it.
December 31, 2025
2.75
last book of the year!! read 35/29 books which i think is the most i’ve ever read in a year lets go!! i am going to aim to read more longer books next year.
the tripods series was chill, very underwhelming. i received the box set as a gift like 8 years ago. i can tell it’s meant for a way younger audience, but it is still written kind of poorly and discordant. that being said i loved the sci fi elements.
i was disappointed by this book in particular because where i thought context was going to be given, it instead maintains the ambiguity of the tripods and answers no questions. if no questions will be answered, what is the point of a prequel?
last book of the year!! read 35/29 books which i think is the most i’ve ever read in a year lets go!! i am going to aim to read more longer books next year.
the tripods series was chill, very underwhelming. i received the box set as a gift like 8 years ago. i can tell it’s meant for a way younger audience, but it is still written kind of poorly and discordant. that being said i loved the sci fi elements.
i was disappointed by this book in particular because where i thought context was going to be given, it instead maintains the ambiguity of the tripods and answers no questions. if no questions will be answered, what is the point of a prequel?
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