Nightfall

Isaac Asimov's 1941 short story "Nightfall" is rightly considered one of science fiction's masterpieces — the idea of a civilization that has never seen darkness suddenly plunged into it is as powerful as concepts get. This 1990 novel, co-written with Robert Silverberg, expands that premise to full length, following the scientists and Apostles of Flame racing toward an eclipse that will shatter their world. The ambition is real, and the tension between scientific rationalism and religious prophecy is handled with genuine thought. But many readers find the novel dilutes what made the original story devastating. Add in references to sexual violence and a sustained portrayal of mass societal collapse, and this one carries content concerns that make it adult reading only. A worthwhile expansion for dedicated SF readers — just not the place to start.