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Cover of A Clash of Cymbals

A Clash of Cymbals

James Blish (1959)

SubgenreSword & Sorcery
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingPG
Pages (Quick Read (<250))
Setting
CSM age13
Goodreads3.44

Content levels

ViolenceMild
Sexual contentNone
LanguageNone

Trigger warnings

Not yet tagged

Protagonist archetypes

Reluctant HeroLast Survivor

Synopsis

Earth is finished as a galactic power. From the heart of the Milky Way come the first tentative strands of the Web of Hercules -- the strange culture that is destined to be the next great civilisation in the galaxy. All this was of little concern to the contented citizens of New Earth, secure in their corner of the Great Magellanic Cloud. Only Amalfi dreams restlessly of the old, nomadic days. But then an old friend returns, bringing some unimaginably bad news...

Is A Clash of Cymbals appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 13 and up.

Classic 1950s science fiction with galactic-scale political themes and nostalgia for lost glory. Content is mild with minimal violence or objectionable content—appropriate for mature middle schoolers and up.

What to know going in

This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language.

Publisher age: Adult·Our content rating: 13+

Publisher ages reflect reading level; our rating reflects content maturity — they can differ.

Who'll love this

Teens interested in classic space opera and stories about fallen empires and galactic civilizations will enjoy this contemplative tale.

Tags

Space OperaClassic Sci-FiDying Earth