Author : Adrian Tchaikovsky
Length : 16h31
Narrated by : Mel Hudson
Category : Science Fiction & Fantasy
Possibility of free reading : YES
Adrian Tchaikovsky's acclaimed stand-alone novel, Children of Time, presents an epic tale of humanity's struggle for survival on a terraformed planet.
In the wake of a dying Earth, the last remnants of humanity embark on a quest to find a new home among the stars. Following the footsteps of their ancestors, they stumble upon a remarkable treasure from the past—a world meticulously terraformed and ready for human habitation.
However, this new Eden is not as idyllic as it appears. Over the long years since its abandonment, the work of its creators has yielded unintended and catastrophic consequences. The once-deserted planet is now under the control of new masters, transforming it into humanity's worst nightmare.
Two civilizations, each grappling with the limits of their survival instincts, are now on a collision course. As the destiny of humanity hangs in the balance, the question arises: Who will prove to be the rightful inheritors of this newfound Earth?
@aptshadow I just finished Children of Time and I absolutely loved it! I honestly couldn’t put it down once it started reading it. Very impressive work, well done. 🙌🏻
— Chris Leddy (@leddy82) May 21, 2023
Embark on a grand journey with "Children of Time," a masterpiece of science fiction by Adrian Tchaikovsky. This 16-hour and 31-minute audiobook, skillfully narrated by Mel Hudson, presents a compelling narrative of humanity's struggle to survive on a terraformed planet teeming with unimaginable life forms. The story masterfully intertwines the fate of the last remnants of the human race with that of a new civilization emerging on this new Earth.
Delve into this epic saga with a free trial period, available to cancel at any time, giving you the flexibility to explore this richly crafted universe without commitment. Tchaikovsky's vision brings together the grandeur of space exploration with the intricate evolution of new species, making it a truly immersive listening experience.
The audiobook remains yours to keep even after the trial period ends or if you choose to cancel the subscription. For more details on managing or cancelling your subscription, please refer to the guide linked at the bottom of this page.
Adrian Tchaikovsky's "Children of Time," narrated by Mel Hudson, offers a compelling blend of evolutionary science fiction and complex world-building. This audiobook explores the fate of humanity as the remnants of the human race flee a dying Earth to find refuge on a terraformed planet, only to discover it has been taken over by an evolving species of intelligent spiders.
The novel alternates between the perspectives of the human survivors aboard the spaceship Gilgamesh and the sentient spiders on the new world. This dual narrative structure is a testament to Tchaikovsky’s skill in weaving together disparate threads into a cohesive and engaging story. Hudson’s narration is pivotal in bringing these perspectives to life, though some listeners have found the narration style to be a bit monotonous at times, which can make it challenging to distinguish between characters during dialogues.
The storyline delves into profound themes such as survival, adaptation, and the ethical implications of terraforming and artificial evolution. The human characters grapple with the harsh realities of their new existence, while the spiders’ society evolves through generations, presenting a unique take on societal development and gender roles within an insectoid context. The portrayal of these spiders is so detailed and empathetic that listeners may find themselves surprisingly invested in their fate, despite initial apprehensions about the arachnid protagonists.
Overall, "Children of Time" is praised for its originality, intricate plotting, and well-researched scientific concepts. The audiobook is a lengthy commitment, clocking in at over 16 hours, but its richly detailed narrative and thought-provoking themes make it a rewarding listen for fans of hard science fiction and space operas. Despite some criticisms of the narration, the audiobook remains a standout for its ambitious storytelling and imaginative scope.
For those seeking an engrossing science fiction saga that challenges conventional narratives and explores the interplay between humanity and artificial evolution, "Children of Time" is a highly recommended listen.