The Long Cosmos
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 ts 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...
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Terry Pratchett
Terry Pratchett’s work was nothing short of magical, blending satire, wit, and a deep love for the absurd with stories that could make you laugh, think, and occasionally question reality. Born in 1948 in Beaconsfield, England, Pratchett's sharp humor and keen observations of human nature started early. After a series of journalistic jobs and a stint in publishing, he found his true calling as a writer of fantasy—albeit with a twist.
Pratchett’s most famous creation, the Discworld series, is a sprawling, multi-layered universe filled with quirky characters, sharp satire, and an unrelenting exploration of the complexities of society. The series—spanning over 40 novels—introduces readers to a world supported by four giant elephants standing on the back of Great A’Tuin, the giant turtle swimming through space. It’s a place where witches, wizards, and talking cats wander through settings that are both fantastical and familiar, a perfect mirror to our own world, full of politics, absurdity, and endless curiosity.
The Long Earth
The Long Earth consists of five books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
