Alien Clay

De: Adrian Tchaikovsky

Narrado por: Ben Allen

From Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author Adrian Tchaikovsky comes a far-future epic that confirms his place as a modern master of science fiction, in which a political prisoner must unlock the secrets of a strange and dangerous planet.

The planet of Kiln is where the tyrannical Mandate keeps its prison colony, and for inmates, the journey there is always a one-way trip. One such prisoner is Professor Arton Daghdev, xeno-ecologist and political dissident. Soon after arrival, he discovers that Kiln has a secret. Humanity is not the first intelligent life to set foot there.

In the midst of a ravenous, chaotic ecosystem are the ruins of a civilization, but who were the vanished builders and where did they go? If he can survive both the harsh rule of the camp commandant and the alien horrors of the world around him, then Arton has a chance at making a discovery that might just transform not only Kiln, but distant Earth as well.

This audiobook edition includes an exclusive interview between Ben Allen and Adrian Tchaikovsky.

Reseñas de la Crítica

Praise for The Final Architecture:

“Enthralling, epic, immersive, and hugely intelligent.” —Stephen Baxter

“Adrian Tchaikovsky: king of the spiders, master worldbuilder, and asker of intriguing questions. His books are packed with thought-provoking ideas (as well as lots of spiders; did I mention the spiders?). One of the most interesting and accomplished writers in speculative fiction.” —Christopher Paolini

“Adrian Tchaikovsky’s Shards of Earth is one of the most stunning space operas I’ve read this year....Tchaikovsky’s world building is on glorious display as he throws all manner of spaceships, creepy aliens and strange technology into a delicious sci-fi soup. It’s dense, it’s funny, it’s exciting, it’s touching and it’s perfect for someone looking for a space opera built on a grand scale.” —BookPage (starred review)

“Dazzlingly suspenseful...Tchaikovsky’s intricately constructed world is vast yet sturdy enough to cradle inventive science, unique aliens, and complex political machinations. With a mix of lively fight scenes, friendly banter, and high-stakes intrigue, this is space opera at its best.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Tchaikovsky writes space opera on a grand scale, creating a massive, complex, vividly realized future environment...He guides the reader through this endlessly intriguing universe with a rock-steady sure hand. Fans of space opera should leave the book in breathless anticipation of the second installment in the trilogy.” —Booklist

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Ben Allen performs a thought-provoking science fiction story about a political dissident who is trying to survive on an alien planet that serves as a tyrannical empire's prison. Anton arrives on the planet nicknamed Kiln to discover humanity was not the first sentient lifeform to visit. Kiln's ecosystem is chaotic, hungry, and hiding several enticing secrets. Anton not only must survive the prison camp but also the bizarre alien world. Allen's clipped intonation complements the third-person prose wonderfully. The artful use of an intense tone to heighten drama results in a captivating performance. Allen maintains an understated but noticeable difference between dialogue and narrative while highlighting the moments of dark humor. He makes the immersive and imaginative story one to get lost in. J.M.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2024]—AudioFile Earphones Award Winner

Classic Sci-Fi

Very much classic sci-fi in the vein of Lem or LeGuin but IMO a more engaging writing style. The first person view from the perspective of an arrogant professor is interesting and colorful and the pacing and structure are well-considered. I do think it got tedious and repetitive towards the end when describing how Kiln changed people, but otherwise entertaining sci-fi. If a sequel comes out I’ll spend a credit on it.

“Familiar unique”

I say that in my title because the author takes a familiar trope and bends, spins, accentuates it to become as much about people-their strengths, weaknesses, fears of the unknown - as the alien world itself. Don’t get me wrong, his world building here is unique to any sci fi I’ve read…can’t say more or will give away too much but I suspect readers will be fascinated by what he imagined-so unique.

Crosses so many genres, being a credit to each!

A masterwork: blending philosophy, horror, sci-fi, and so much more. I don't know how someone can be so talented writing in so many areas, and making it seamless. One of those stories I'll be revisiting for many years to come.

Another New Classic

God, I just love this author and his mind. This book is just classic Adrian Tchaikovsky, bringing a breadth of knowledge and a new universe of thought.

The ideas!

Such a new and creative explication of evolution, maximizing life, using sentience as the path to wholeness (not sovereignty).

one of the best Bob's I've read this year

such a novel and wonderful concept. great world with unending novel ideas. and excellent narration.

Excellent reader

Had trouble getting into this book from kindle but the reader really opened it up and brought it alive.

I felt like this was a very original thought for a Sci-Fi book

I loved every part of this book. I loved the way it was written. I love the way it was described. I love the character Dynamics and the inner Dynamics between the two different sides which ends up being three different sides. I love how it explains it and the oppression and the viewpoint of people. I just loved everything about the book.

Bummer oppressive first quarter. But it gets real good.

It's great setting for the pondering alternative types of life. In the end, I was loving it.

Nice concept of alien evolution

This author continues to entertain me without “epic battles “ or silly “hero’s journey” retellings. Truly thought provoking tales with “real” aliens to learn from.