The call from beyond: Journey into the Mysteries of Existence and Beyond

by Clifford D. Simak

In Clifford D. Simak's 'The Call from Beyond', readers are taken on a sci-fi journey beyond the realms of human comprehension. Simak's writing style is a unique blend of scientific exploration and philosophical inquiry, as he delves into the mysteries of existence and the limits of human knowledge. The book's setting in a futuristic world filled with advanced technology adds to its captivating storyline, creating a thought-provoking narrative that challenges readers to reconsider their place in the universe. Simak's ability to seamlessly weave together complex ideas with compelling storytelling makes 'The Call from Beyond' a must-read for fans of science fiction and philosophical literature alike. Clifford D. Simak, known for his inventive and visionary works, draws upon his background in science and technology to craft a narrative that pushes the boundaries of human imagination. His passion for exploring the unknown and questioning the nature of reality shines through in 'The Call from Beyond', making it a standout addition to his literary repertoire. I highly recommend 'The Call from Beyond' to readers who enjoy thought-provoking science fiction that challenges traditional narratives and explores the depths of human existence. Simak's masterful storytelling and innovative ideas make this book a truly enriching and immersive reading experience.

Genres: Science Fiction, Short Stories

53 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2023

About the author

"He was honored by fans with three Hugo awards and by colleagues with one Nebula award and was named the third Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) in 1977." (Wikipedia)

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clifford...

Reviews

[Manuel Alfonseca · Rating 2 out of 5]

ENGLISH: This novelette touches on many themes, but superficially, and perhaps Simak should have expanded it into a longer novel. These are the themes:

a) Contact with alternate universes and the arrival of beings coming from them, who are identified with the medieval Longaevi. This is the most developed theme, as several of these beings are described, although I wish Simak had made more use of Annabelle.

b) The use of hormones to increase brain efficiency.

c) Genetic manipulation of human beings to introduce "enhancements."

ESPAÑOL: Esta novela corta toca muchos temas a la vez, pero lo hace de forma superficial, y quizá Simak debería haberla convertido en una novela más larga. Estos son los temas:

a) Contacto con universos alternativos, y llegada de seres procedentes de ellos, que se identifican con los longaevi medievales. Este es el tema más aprovechado, pues se describen varios de esos seres, aunque a mí me gustaría que Simak hubiera aprovechado más a Annabelle.

b) Utilización de hormonas para aumentar la eficiencia cerebral.

c) Manipulación genética de los seres humanos para introducir "mejoras".

[WafflingCozmonaught · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very blunt, expository prose style that is so dry and uninteresting. I got to give it props for the ending though. That was real clever.

4/10

[Phil Giunta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shunned as a mutant, Frederick West leaves Earth and journeys to Pluto, a planet banned ever since a threatening message was sent to Earth by a group of scientists stationed there. Along the way, West pays a visit to one of Pluto’s moons and encounters renown biologist Walter Darling living in exile and drinking himself to death. When West reveals his ultimate destination, Darling gives him a small animal named Annabelle and asks him to take her to Pluto. With his dying words, Darling tells West to ask one of the scientists, Louis Nevin, about his “painting.”

Upon reaching Pluto, West encounters not only the scientists but a female alien nicknamed Rosie who has a sister on Earth known only as “the white singer.” She is one of the most celebrated talents on the planet. However, unlike her sister, Rosie’s face has not been altered to appear human. West soon learns that Rosie and her altered twin are pawns in a game orchestrated by the scientists to remake human civilization… but how does Nevin’s painting play into it?

[Forked Radish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff except for the mutation fallacy. Humans haven’t evolved from savagery at all. In fact, the ancients who were much wiser than ourselves (they were all autodidacts) believed that man had degenerated vis-à-vis a previous “Golden Age”.

[Anna Welch · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh

[Tony Ciak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scifi, short story by a master,well done!!

[Geve_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5
Fine concept, mid execution. Dated, but that's what i expected. I do think if this was fleshed out it could have been a more fun story, because there were some pretty interesting potential. Fun ending.