The Long Cosmos
📘 About This Book
THE EXTRAORDINARY FINAL INSTALMENT OF THE BESTSELLING LONG EARTH SERIES 'Intricately described . . . gently immersive' Guardian 'Enthralling and thought-provoking in equal measure' Daily Mail 'A love letter to science-fiction itself' SFX 2070-71. Nearly six decades after Step Day and in the Long Earth, the new Next post-human society continues to evolve. For Joshua Valienté, now in his late sixties, it is time to take one last solo journey into the High Meggers: an adventure that turns into a disaster. Alone and facing death, his only hope of salvation lies with a group of trolls. But as Joshua confronts his mortality, the Long Earth receives a signal from the stars. A signal that is picked up by radio astronomers but also in more abstract ways – by the trolls and by the Great Traversers. Its message is simple but its implications are enormous: JOIN US. The super-smart Next realise that the Message contains instructions on how to develop an immense artificial intelligence but to build it they have to seek help from throughout the industrious worlds of mankind. Bit by bit, byte by byte, they assemble a computer the size of a continent – a device that will alter the Long Earth’s place within the cosmos and reveal the ultimate, life-affirming goal of those who sent the Message. Its impact will be felt by and resonate with all – mankind and other species, young and old, communities and individuals – who inhabit the Long Earths... ___________________ The Long Cosmos is the fifth and final novel in the Long Earth series. 'The Long Earth series deserves a place on the bookshelves of hardcore SF fans and general readers alike' Independent on Sunday
📖 Summary
The Long Cosmos is the extraordinary final instalment of the bestselling Long Earth series, published in 2016 across 411 pages of rich speculative fiction. Set nearly six decades after the watershed moment of Step Day, the narrative explores a fundamentally changed world where the vast, branching expanses of the Long Earth continue to be explored, inhabited, and transformed. At the heart of this evolving landscape is the new Next post-human society, which represents the ongoing evolution of humanity as it adapts to an almost infinite series of parallel worlds. For one of the series central figures, Joshua Valienté, the passage of time has brought him into his late sixties. Deciding that it is time to take one last solo journey into the distant and perilous High Meggers, Joshua embarks on an adventure that ultimately turns into a disaster. Left alone and facing mortality, his only immediate hope of salvation lies not with advanced human technology or fellow travelers, but with a group of trolls, the quiet and enigmatic native inhabitants of the parallel earths. While Joshua confronts the limits of his own life in the wild reaches of the High Meggers, the broader Long Earth experiences a profound and universe-shifting event. A mysterious signal is received from the stars. This cosmic broadcast is detected not only through traditional human methods by radio astronomers, but also sensed in more abstract, intuitive ways by the indigenous trolls and by the colossal, world-striding Great Traversers. This momentous contact bridges the local expansion of parallel worlds with the grander, overarching cosmos, setting the stage for a sweeping meditation on humanity's place in the universe, the nature of intelligence, and the passage of time. Throughout this 411-page journey, Terry Pratchett's imaginative vision provides a fitting conclusion to a monumental series, blending philosophical inquiry with intimate character moments against an infinite backdrop.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Serves as an enthralling and thought-provoking conclusion to a beloved science-fiction series
Features intricately described and gently immersive world-building
Deepens the philosophical exploration of post-human society and cosmic existence
Brings beloved characters like Joshua Valienté to meaningful personal crossroads
⚠️ Cons
May feel bittersweet as the final instalment of a celebrated collaborative universe
The vast scope of parallel worlds and cosmic signals can feel abstract for readers preferring localized plots
✍️ About the Author
Terry Pratchett (1948-2015) was an English author celebrated for the 'Discworld' series, a satirical fantasy saga spanning over 40 novels known for its wit, social commentary, and inventive world-building.
View all books →❓ FAQ
When is The Long Cosmos set? +
The book is set in the years 2070-71, nearly six decades after Step Day.
How old is Joshua Valienté in this novel? +
Joshua Valienté is in his late sixties during the events of this book.
Who comes to Joshua's rescue when his solo journey turns disastrous? +
His only hope of salvation lies with a group of trolls.
What major event disrupts the Long Earth while Joshua is facing peril? +
The Long Earth receives a mysterious signal from the stars.
Who or what picks up the cosmic signal besides radio astronomers? +
The signal is also picked up in more abstract ways by the trolls and the Great Traversers.
