Publishers Weekly
05/22/2023
Alien races and warring political factions scramble to defeat the planet-destroying entities called Architects in the epic but somewhat murky finale to Tchaikovsky’s Final Architecture trilogy (after Eyes of the Void). When ancient and irascible Idris Telemmier, a genetically manipulated Intermediary who can mentally enter the interstellar byways of unspace, communicates with the Architects, he learns that they’re just the puppets of a powerful Presence residing at the very center of the universe, one that threatens the extinction of all sentient life. Despite this looming catastrophe, however, the Architects’ common enemies—the Parthenon, a society of women warriors; the gang lead by the unhinged Aklu the Unspeakable; and the dictatorial Uskaro noble family—can’t put aside their petty power plays to form a unified front. This chaos creates the risk that the Eye, a newly discovered piece of alien tech that could destroy a breeding ground of Architects in the unspace, may fall into the wrong hands. An abundance of characters muddies the cataclysmic plot, distracting from the slow reveal of the Architects’ motivations and next target. The story hits its stride, however, in the revelatory final confrontation between Idris and the Presence. Tchaikovsky sticks the landing, even if he wobbles a bit on the way there. Agent: Simon Kavanagh, Mic Cheetham Agency. (May)
From the Publisher
Praise for The Final Architecture: "Tchaikovsky’s artistry is focusing on a few key, well-wrought characters facing impossible odds in keeping Idris safe while allied races turn against each other. This is space opera on the grand scale of Alastair Reynolds and Stephen R. Donaldson, leavened by humor and remarkable world building." —Booklist (starred review) on Eyes of the Void "Tchaikovsky again shines with his suspenseful second Final Architecture space opera (after Shards of Earth)....Tchaikovsky’s intelligent worldbuilding captures the essence of classic space opera, with an intricate plot that whisks readers along on a humorous, sometimes convoluted, but always memorable adventure. Series fans will be eager for more." —Publishers Weekly on Eyes of the Void “Enthralling, epic, immersive, and hugely intelligent.” —Stephen Baxter on Shards of Earth “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 on Shards of Earth “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) on Shards of Earth “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 on Shards of Earth
