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Children of Time

640 pages, 2018

Takeaways
Description

The survivors of the human race leave a dying Earth to find a new home among the stars. They discover an abandoned planet terraformed and prepared for human life. But all is not right in this new Eden. 

In the centuries since the planet was abandoned, new masters have turned it from a refuge into mankind's worst nightmare. Now two civilizations are on a collision course and the fate of humankind hangs in the balance.

Evolution and Survival

In Children of Time, Adrian Tchaikovsky explores the concept of evolution and survival in a unique way. He presents a world where spiders evolve into intelligent beings, showing us that survival isn't just about strength, but also about adaptability and intelligence. It's a great reminder that we need to adapt and evolve to survive in our own lives.

The Power of Communication

Tchaikovsky shows us the importance of communication in this book. The spiders and humans struggle to understand each other due to their different languages and ways of thinking. This highlights how crucial effective communication is in our lives, and how misunderstandings can lead to conflict.

The Consequences of Playing God

The book also delves into the consequences of playing God. The humans in the story try to control the evolution of the spiders, leading to unforeseen consequences. It's a reminder to respect the natural order of things and not to interfere with processes we don't fully understand.

The Value of Empathy

Children of Time emphasizes the value of empathy. The humans and spiders eventually learn to empathize with each other, leading to a peaceful resolution. This shows us that empathy can bridge even the widest gaps and resolve conflicts.

The Potential of Non-Human Intelligence

Tchaikovsky challenges our perception of intelligence by presenting spiders as intelligent beings. This encourages us to consider the potential of non-human intelligence in our own world, and to respect all forms of life.

Quotes 5

Children of Time has a grandness and an evolutionary vision that is rarely seen.

Peter F. HamiltonPeter F. Hamilton - British Science Fiction

Tchaikovsky's Children of Time is a brilliantly executed novel, top-drawer science fiction.

James LovegroveJames Lovegrove - British Science Fiction

Children of Time is a joy from start to finish. It's classic science fiction, written with skill and verve.

Alastair ReynoldsAlastair Reynolds - Science Fiction Author

Children of Time is a magnificently imaginative space opera.

Stephen BaxterStephen Baxter - Hard Science Fiction

Children of Time is a brilliantly imaginative epic of future evolution.

Ken MacLeodKen MacLeod - Scottish Science Fiction
Peter F. HamiltonJames LovegroveAlastair ReynoldsStephen BaxterKen MacLeod

Recommendations

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Children of Time found in libraries

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173 books

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