In 2001, a black monolith brings about the dawn of human consciousness and begins the evolutionary process that transforms ape into man. At the dawn of the 21st century, an identical monolith is uncovered on the moon that points the way to Jupiter. Dave Bowman and Frank Poole, astronauts aboard Discovery, and the computer HAL begin that long voyage. Only Bowman survives to encounter a third monolith on Jupiter's moon Europa. This encounter transformed him into something more and less than human. 3001 begins with the startling discovery of Poole, who is revived after his 1000-year sleep. Awakened into a world he never made, Poole struggles with the inhabitants of the Earth society into which he is reborn. Humans now reside not only on Earth but in awe-inspiring towers that reach beyond the atmosphere. They also have intellectual capabilities never dreamed of in Poole's time. But they live in dread of the three monoliths that dominate the solar system. Poole becomes their last hope for answers to the questions that the enigmatic monoliths pose. He knows he can't proceed without Dave Bowman. But first he must fathom the terrifying truth of what Bowman--and HAL--have become inside the monolith . . .3001: THE FINAL ODYSSEY