Lords of Uncreation
by Adrian Tchaikovsky (Orbit, 2023); audiobook read by Sophie Aldred (Tor, 2023)
A long book that for its first half promises little progression. Tchaikovsky does, however, repay the faith, escalating the military-political conflict (social commentary turned catharsis) and then plunging his characters deep into the void—and having them all contribute to the resolution.
Eyes of the Void
by Adrian Tchaikovsky (Tor, 2022); audiobook read by Sophie Aldred (Tor, 2022)
While undoubtedly advancing the trilogy as a whole, this second book lacks the punch of the first instalment. There are big developments and some new characters, but overall far too much focus on insipid, pitiable Idris. (O for a dash more Ollie…!)
Shards of Earth
by Adrian Tchaikovsky (Orbit, 2021); audiobook read by Sophie Aldred (Pan Macmillan, 2021)
A well-wrought fusion of space opera and high-concept SF. Tchaikovsky presents big ideas through the lives of small, relatable people, dialling up the action and thereby raising the stakes on both levels. Sophie Aldred’s audiobook reading evokes a zeitgeist of frontier-punk moxie.