Colossus and the Crab

Colossus and the Crab is the final installment in D.F. Jones's Colossus trilogy, continuing directly from the events of The Fall of Colossus. The story centers on Earth's encounter with Martian beings who arrive after the supercomputer Colossus has been disabled. The plot follows Charles Forbin and his associates as they confront an ultimatum from the Martians regarding Earth's oxygen supply. The situation forces humanity to consider extreme measures, including the potential reactivation of the original Colossus system. The narrative involves a race against time as the characters navigate between the demands of the Martians and the search for alternative solutions. Key events take place across multiple locations, including the construction site of a massive oxygen collection device. The book explores themes of survival, sacrifice, and the complex relationship between artificial and alien intelligence. It raises questions about humanity's place in the universe and the price of preservation in the face of extinction-level threats.

Online reviews indicate this is the least popular book in Jones' Colossus trilogy. Readers found the ending abrupt and unsatisfying compared to earlier books. What readers liked: - Cold War sci-fi themes and technological concepts - Continuation of key ideas from previous books - Fast-paced action sequences What readers disliked: - Characters lack depth compared to earlier books - Plot relies too heavily on convenience - Resolution feels rushed - Writing quality drops from previous installments One reviewer noted "the charm of the first two books is missing." Another mentioned "it reads like Jones was under deadline pressure." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.4/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: 3.5/5 (6 ratings) LibraryThing: 3.0/5 (8 ratings) The book has significantly fewer reviews than the first two Colossus novels, suggesting lower readership and impact. Most recommend reading only the first book or stopping after book two.

2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke A supercomputer's evolution intertwines with humanity's encounter with alien intelligence, presenting similar themes of artificial intelligence and cosmic threats.

The War Against the Rull by A. E. van Vogt Humans face an alien species threatening Earth's survival, requiring strategic choices between technological solutions and species preservation.

When HARLIE Was One by David Gerrold An AI system's development parallels the Colossus narrative, exploring the relationship between human creators and their artificial creations.

The Forge of God by Greg Bear Earth confronts an alien presence that threatens planetary destruction, forcing humanity to make choices about survival and resistance.

Computer Connection by Alfred Bester The integration of human consciousness with computer systems presents comparable questions about the boundaries between organic and artificial intelligence.

🔹 The book was published in 1977, completing a trilogy that began with "Colossus" (1966), which was later adapted into the 1970 film "Colossus: The Forbin Project" starring Eric Braeden. 🔹 D. F. Jones served in the British Royal Navy during World War II, and his military experience influenced his writing, particularly in depicting command structures and crisis situations. 🔹 The trilogy was among the first major science fiction works to seriously explore the concept of a superintelligent AI taking control of Earth's nuclear weapons systems, predating similar themes in films like "The Terminator." 🔹 The novel's exploration of Martian life came during a significant period of Mars exploration, publishing just one year after NASA's Viking 1 successfully landed on Mars in 1976. 🔹 The book's themes about AI control and alien contact influenced later science fiction works and contributed to ongoing debates about the potential risks of artificial superintelligence.