"One of the greatest works of science fiction ever written." - Richard Dawkins



"Without a question the most intelligently written science fiction story I have ever read . . . A terrific yarn." - Charlotte Observer



"An eerie story which demands the readers attention from start to finish." - Denver Post



"[A] rattling good story . . . a really thrilling book. There is a largeness, generosity, and jollity about the whole spirit of the book that reminds one of the early Wells at his best." - G. S. Fraser, New Statesman



Astronomers in England...

A planetary system, consisting of a star and five planets, is travelling through our galaxy and will pass close to Earth. The four largest planets are gaseous, but the fifth, named Achilles, appears capable of supporting life. Two rival expeditions - one Anglo-American and one Russian - set out to land on Achilles and explore its mysteries. But almost from the moment of their arrival things begin to go terribly wrong ... and when they return to Earth, something not human will be coming back with them.
One of the most exciting novels by world-renowned scientist Sir Fred Hoyle (1915-2001)...