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Book Review of That Hideous Strength (Space Trilogy, Bk 3)

That Hideous Strength (Space Trilogy, Bk 3)
reviewed on + 1453 more book reviews


With the reading of this book, I finished the C.S. Lewis Space Trilogy which had been on my reading list for years. This is a true fantasy where humans visit uninhabitable planets. They meet aliens with unbelievable powers who travel from one planet to another. The key character is a scientist named Ransom whose adventures and experiences span the three novels. In this finale he returns to earth to find a world gone mad and a corporation obsessed with âscienceâ. Governed by power hungry humans they seek power and control of all around them, experimenting on earthly life, humans and animals alike. .

Gathering a few humans who seeks to preserve their life, their city and earth itself, he refers often to the beings that are his masters. It soon becomes obvious that to save it all, Merlin must be raised from his grave. Obviously, Merlin didn't die. He was just in a deep sleep. When Merlin appears he has difficulty adjusting to the world he sees which is so different from what he knew. However, Ransom is patient and the master creatures infuse him with powers to cope with the evil corporation and its leaders. The obvious theme is that it is humans not science that is corrupting the earth. While their power and influence is widespread, just one man, Merlin, tackles the problem.

As I read the novel I wondered who the character, Merlin, represented. Was it God or was it really the alien beings that Ransom called his masters. Reference is made to evil aliens as well as good but this reader was never certain. One thing I do know. This space fantasy trilogy is so entertaining reads that I recommend them to others who may have overlooked them.