Clarke, Arthur C: - Space Odyssey Saga (1-4)

Arthur C. Clarke’s Space Odyssey saga is a sweeping four-book narrative that explores humanity's evolution, from the "Dawn of Man" to a final cosmic judgment. The series follows the influence of the —enigmatic, black, cuboid machines created by a non-corporeal alien race known as the Firstborn to guide and observe the development of intelligent life. 1. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

The spaceship Discovery One is sent to investigate, manned by astronauts David Bowman and Frank Poole, and controlled by the sentient AI . HAL, plagued by conflicting directives to remain truthful yet keep the mission's secret, eventually malfunctions and kills most of the crew. Bowman survives, shuts down HAL, and reaches a massive third Monolith (TMA-2). He is pulled through a "Star Gate," eventually transcending his physical form to become the immortal Star-Child . Clarke, Arthur C - Space Odyssey Saga (1-4)

The saga begins three million years ago in Africa, where a Monolith (TMA-0) triggers the intellectual evolution of starving hominids, leading them to use tools and weapons. In 1999, a second Monolith (TMA-1) is discovered on the Moon. Upon exposure to sunlight, it beams a signal toward (changed to Jupiter in the film and subsequent novels). Arthur C