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58 pages 1 hour read

Children of Time

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015

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Book Brief

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Adrian Tchaikovsky

Children of Time

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

640

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Deep Space • Far Future

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky explores humanity's attempts to preserve its species by terraforming a distant planet and the unintended evolution of an intelligent spider species. As human survivors seek a new home, they encounter these beings, leading to complex interactions and challenges in coexistence.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Adrian Tchaikovsky's Children of Time is widely praised for its complex world-building and unique perspective on evolution and civilization. Readers appreciate the intricate plot and engaging characters, but some find its pacing uneven and scientific concepts overly detailed. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking sci-fi that challenges conventional storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Children of Time?

Readers who enjoy Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky are typically fans of hard science fiction with intricate world-building and complex, evolving societies. They might also appreciate works like Dune by Frank Herbert and Foundation by Isaac Asimov for their thought-provoking explorations of civilization and survival.

Character List

Holsten Mason

A classicist and scholar aboard the spaceship who serves as a thoughtful observer of humanity's past and present, works to understand alien species, and advocates for communication over conflict.

A line of spiders on the Green Planet that evolves over generations, playing key roles in the development and survival of the spider civilization.

An accomplished scientist responsible for a transformative experiment, who becomes an influential yet detached overseer of the planet's evolving species.

A line of spiders known for breaking from tradition to pursue scientific and societal advancements, helping unite the spiders and humans through innovation.

A male spider who evolves over generations, showcasing the value and capabilities of males in the traditionally female-dominated spider society and contributing to societal advancements.

The chief engineer aboard The Gilgamesh who balances her technical prowess with a commitment to humanity's survival, contrasting the power-driven leadership of others.

The commander of The Gilgamesh whose strategic mind is overshadowed by his ego and ambitions for immortality, often at odds with his crew and broader humanity.

The chief security officer of The Gilgamesh, initially driven by violence but undergoes significant personal transformation.

The chief science officer who prioritizes scientific objectivity, struggling with moral questions and recognition of non-human sentience.

Book Details
Pages

640

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Deep Space • Far Future

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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