War of the Worlds

Author: H.G Wells

I first saw the original, 1953 film version of the War of the Worlds when I was about 12 years old, and it immediately kicked off a life-long love affair with H.G Wells. As soon as I realised a book inspired the movie, I picked up a copy for myself, which I still have 28 years later! You don’t even want to know how many times I have read this book now. I also have the gatefold vinyl record of Jeff Wayne’s musical version.

This classic book follows the survival of our narrator as he flees his home in the face of a violent alien invasion. Visitors from Mars no less, who have come to Earth in strange metal capsules. As soon as they land, the Martians construct terrifying machines, which the horrified humans call Tri-pods. These machines come equipped with a weapon of instant-death – the heat ray – which disintegrates everything in its path. Intent on taking over our planet, nothing humankind does seems to be able to drive the Martians back. However, in this fight for survival, we have an unlikely ally.

Super clever writing will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. It’s really no wonder H.G Wells is known as a master of Sci-Fi.

Read this if you like: Aliens, alien invasions, space, UFOs, Mars and apocalyptic adventures.

Rated: 4 scoops out of a possible 5 flavours.