BOOK BRIEF

The Ragged Astronauts

Bob Shaw
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The Ragged Astronauts

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1991

Book Brief

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Bob Shaw

The Ragged Astronauts

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1991
Book Details
Pages

310

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Land • Fantasy World

Theme
Publication Year

1991

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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Super Short Summary

The Ragged Astronauts by Bob Shaw follows a group of people who must flee their dying world, Land, as it is threatened by ecological collapse and overpopulation. They endeavor to migrate to the sky world Overland using hot air balloons, facing numerous challenges along their journey to find a new place to call home.

Adventurous

Fantastical

Mysterious

Challenging

Suspenseful

Reviews & Readership

3.9

510 ratings

62%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Ragged Astronauts by Bob Shaw impresses with its innovative premise and rich world-building, transporting readers to a unique twin-planet system. The engaging narrative and thoughtful exploration of cultural themes are praised, yet some critics note a slow pace and occasional lack of character depth. Overall, it’s a compelling read for fans of imaginative science fiction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Ragged Astronauts?

Fans of The Ragged Astronauts by Bob Shaw will likely enjoy intricate world-building and inventive sci-fi concepts. This reader appreciates parallel universe narratives and social dynamics, similar to readers of David Brin’s Startide Rising or Larry Niven’s Ringworld. They enjoy compelling, imaginative adventure with a thoughtful twist.

3.9

510 ratings

62%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

310

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Land • Fantasy World

Theme
Publication Year

1991

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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