Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky

reddit.com · Unknown · 2025-10-15

brilliant 4.50

Children of Time is praised for its Clarkean sense of wonder and epic storytelling, exploring themes of humanity, evolution, and alien species. The novel's dual narratives and masterful manipulation of reader sympathies make it a standout in science fiction.

Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky has been lauded for its universal scale and sense of wonder, reminiscent of Arthur C Clarke's own work. The novel tells two parallel stories: one of the last survivors of Earth and the other of the inhabitants of a terraformed planet. This dual narrative plays with the reader's sympathies and phobias on an epic yet human scale. The judges of the Arthur C Clarke award highlighted the novel's exceptional science fictional extrapolation of a not-so-alien species and their evolving society. They also praised its exploration of big themes like gods, messiahs, artificial intelligence, and alienness with brio. The novel's ability to tackle these themes while maintaining a compelling story makes it a standout in the genre.

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has a universal scale and sense of wonder reminiscent of Clarke himself, combined with one of the best science fictional extrapolations of a not-so-alien species and their evolving society

It takes the reader’s sympathies and phobias, and plays with them masterfully on an epic and yet human scale.

superior stuff, tackling big themes — gods, messiahs, artificial intelligence, alienness — with brio

theguardian.com · Unknown · 2025-10-15

brilliant 4.50

Children of Time is a brilliant and ambitious novel that blends hard science fiction with evolutionary biology, offering a unique and thought-provoking exploration of humanity and its potential future. The book's intricate world-building and compelling narrative make it a standout in the genre.

Children of Time is a remarkable piece of science fiction that seamlessly weaves together complex scientific concepts with a gripping narrative. The story follows two parallel timelines, one involving a dying Earth and the other a colony ship sent to find a new home, each facing their own challenges and transformations. The novel's exploration of evolution, intelligence, and the nature of humanity is both fascinating and thought-provoking. The characters, particularly the spider-like creatures on the new planet, are beautifully developed, and the world-building is intricate and immersive. While the pacing can be slow at times, the payoff is well worth the wait, making it a must-read for fans of hard science fiction.

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The novel's exploration of evolution and intelligence is both fascinating and thought-provoking.

The characters, particularly the spider-like creatures on the new planet, are beautifully developed.

The world-building is intricate and immersive, making it a standout in the genre.

thefantasyreviews.com · Unknown · 2024-02-28

engaging 4.50

Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a captivating science fiction novel that explores the evolution of a spider civilization alongside the last surviving humans from Earth. The book offers a compelling critique of humanity's destructive tendencies and delivers a strong, conclusive arc that stands well on its own.

Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a standout science fiction novel that masterfully blends the evolution of a spider civilization with the struggles of the last surviving humans from Earth. The dual perspectives provide a unique and engaging narrative, with the spider chapters initially feeling awkward but quickly becoming compelling. The book's critique of humanity's destructive tendencies is well-integrated, adding depth without detracting from the story. The character work is strong, giving heart to what could have been a dry, plot-driven novel. While the book is part of a trilogy, it has a conclusive arc that makes it satisfying on its own. Those who enjoy thought-provoking science fiction with a touch of fantasy will find much to appreciate in this novel.

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Despite a premise that primarily drives the plot, there is a lot of heart in Children of Time.

Initially I was unsure of these chapters; they creeped me out and the writing style felt awkward; how do you write from the perspective of a spider?

Despite thoroughly enjoying Children of Time for now I have no interest in reading the rest of the trilogy, and would recommend that those not sure about starting a series still give this book a read.

iwouldratherbereadingblog.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2023-06-21

brilliant 5.00

Children of Time is praised for its monumental world-building and fascinating exploration of spider society, blending modern and traditional science fiction concepts effectively. The novel's depth and creativity make it a standout in the genre, with the spiders often appearing more human than the book's human characters.

Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky is celebrated for its epic grandness and exceptional world-building. The novel alternates between the stories of evolved spiders on a terraformed planet and the last remnants of humanity aboard the Gilgamesh. The spiders' development, from basic communication to advanced technology and culture, is both fascinating and breathtaking. Meanwhile, the human characters often come across as more monstrous, highlighting the spiders' enlightened society. Tchaikovsky's blending of modern and traditional science fiction concepts makes this a standout novel, worthy of the Arthur C. Clarke Award. The first in a trilogy, Children of Time is a breathtaking space opera that could turn even the most literary readers into science fiction fans.

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She would return to the tomb, and a simulacrum of herself would stand watch over a silent planet, in a violent universe, as the last outpost of the great spacefaring human civilization.

He was just a thing of the lost past trying to recapture an almost lost future.

This is such a fun novel, worthy of the Arthur C. Clarke Award.

Children of Time

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