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.

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.

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.

- Children of Time won the prestigious Arthur C. Clarke Award in 2016, an accolade given for the best science fiction novel published in the United Kingdom.
- Adrian Tchaikovsky, originally known for his fantasy series, ventured into science fiction with Children of Time, marking a genre shift that was met with critical acclaim.
- Some editions of Children of Time feature intricate cover art that depicts both a futuristic landscape and elements of the natural world, reflecting the book's themes of evolution and survival.

**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.

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

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

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

**Fabian**  
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.

**Isa Lain**  
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.

**Vrie Guyen**  
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.

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

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

Adrian Tchaikovsky

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Before You Read

Explore Children of Time reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Children of Time | SuperSummary

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Overview

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Children of Time Summary and Study Guide

Background

Children of Time Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Genesis” - Part 2: “Pilgrimage”

Parts 1-2

Children of Time Parts 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “War”

Part 3 Children of Time Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Enlightenment”

Part 4 Children of Time Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Schism”

Part 5 Children of Time Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Zenith/Nadir”

Part 6 Children of Time Part 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “Collision” - Part 8: “Diaspora”

Parts 7-8

Children of Time Parts 7-8 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Children of Time Character Analysis

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Themes

Children of Time Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Children of Time Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Children of Time Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Children of Time Essay Topics

Children of Time

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Who Should Read Children of Time?

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