War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells
1897 /287 pgs.  Classic Sci-Fi

The Martians have arrived, departing Mars for a planet to colonize because the resources of their home are diminishing.  They attack the U.K., taking out a small village and working towards London for occupation. 

War of the Worlds is a good read, it’s very descriptive, and H. G. Wells builds a great plot with foreshadowing the instant conclusion of the war.  Even the description of the Martians and why they evolved into their current form is a form of foreshadowing if you catch it.  Wells Martians are not tall skinny, oval heads with big eyes like we envision Aliens today.  They are more like large oval heads with a large orifice for an ear, big eyes, and tentacles that they use to move around and eat.

The Martians destroy mankind’s defenses and take over London and many parts of the world in the book. Civilization fights back; however, our weapons compared to the heat ray are minimal.  The invasion was going bad for the human race when word arrived that the Martians were building a flying device. Once that was complete, the destruction of the human race would only be a matter of time.

The sudden ending, the disease that infects and kills the Martians, something that we have built an immune over time for some people in our current time, would seem a quick way out.  However, in our history, disease from Europe almost wiped out many native tribes in the Americas.  His use of the Red Weeds’ eventual demise builds for the conclusion that doesn’t killjoy the ending.

It’s a fun read; however, not a grip-you-by-the-throat-page turner.  I would absolutely recommend it. 

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and an excellent book!

Lopaka