In 'Children of Time,' humanity's attempt to uplift monkeys for a future on a distant planet goes awry, leading to the evolution of an intelligent spider civilization. As the remnants of humanity aboard a dying spaceship seek refuge, they discover a world where their creations have surpassed them in ways they never imagined. Tchaikovsky weaves a tale that examines the limits of human ambition, the nature of evolution, and the consequences of playing god. With breathtaking world-building and complex characters, the narrative prompts profound questions about survival and coexistence. Will humanity adapt, or will the children of their failed experiment inherit the earth?
By Adrian Tchaikovsky
Published: 2018
""A species gets its chance, and then it has to prove itself. Change or die. In the end, evolution's just a game of survival, and the rules are written by those who endure.""
Adrian Tchaikovksy's award-winning novel Children of Time, is the epic story of humanity's battle for survival on a terraformed planet. Who will inherit this new Earth? The last remnants of the human race left a dying Earth, desperate to find a new home among the stars. Following in the footsteps of their ancestors, they discover the greatest treasure of the past age - a world terraformed and prepared for human life. But all is not right in this new Eden. In the long years since the planet was abandoned, the work of its architects has borne disastrous fruit. The planet is not waiting for them, pristine and unoccupied. New masters have turned it from a refuge into mankind's worst nightmare. Now two civilizations are on a collision course, both testing the boundaries of what they will do to survive. As the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, who are the true heirs of this new Earth?span
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“"A species gets its chance, and then it has to prove itself. Change or die. In the end, evolution's just a game of survival, and the rules are written by those who endure."”
Children of Time
By Adrian Tchaikovsky
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Adrian Tchaikovsky is an award-winning British author known for his prolific writing in the science fiction and fantasy genres. He gained widespread acclaim for his novel "Children of Time," which won the 2016 Arthur C. Clarke Award, and its sequel "Children of Time: The Examined Life." Tchaikovsky's works often explore themes of evolution, consciousness, and the intricacies of societies—both human and alien. His writing is characterized by rich world-building, intricate plots, and a deep understanding of biological and ecological systems. He also enjoys blending traditional fantasy elements with innovative science fiction concepts, as seen in his popular series, "The Doors of Eden" and "The Final Architecture." Tchaikovsky's ability to craft compelling narratives that challenge readers' perceptions of humanity and the natural world has established him as a significant voice in contemporary speculative fiction.
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