Final architecture: 01 :Shards of earth

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English
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The Arthur C. Clarke award-winning author of Children of Time brings us an extraordinary space opera about humanity on the brink of extinction, and how one man's discovery will save or destroy us all.

The war is over. Its heroes forgotten. Until one chance discovery . . .Idris has neither aged nor slept since they remade him in the war. And one of humanity's heroes now scrapes by on a freelance salvage vessel, to avoid the attention of greater powers.After earth was destroyed, mankind created a fighting elite to save their species, enhanced humans such as Idris. In the silence of space they could communicate, mind-to-mind, with the enemy. Then their alien aggressors, the Architects, simply disappeared—and Idris and his kind became obsolete.Now, fifty years later, Idris and his crew have discovered something strange abandoned in space. It's clearly the work of the Architects—but are they returning? And if so, why? Hunted by gangsters, cults and governments, Idris and his crew race across the galaxy hunting for answers. For they now possess something of incalculable value, that many would kill to obtain.

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ISBN
9780316705844
9781549106392
9780316705820
9780316705851
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Also in this Series

  • Final architecture: 01 :Shards of earth (Final Architecture trilogy Volume 1) Cover
  • Eyes of the void (Final Architecture trilogy Volume 2) Cover
  • Lords of uncreation (Final Architecture trilogy Volume 3) Cover

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Aliens, technology, and space conflict are spiced up by political intrigue in these intricately plotted and suspenseful space operas. Both have rich world-building and a large cast of characters, topped off by well-crafted dialogue (Final Architecture) and stylistically-complex writing (Teixcalaan). -- Andrienne Cruz
Readers looking for action-packed science fiction will appreciate these suspenseful series about characters who fight back against an alien invasion bent on destroying humanity. -- CJ Connor
In these action-packed science fiction trilogies, determined protagonists attempt to save human space colonies from ruthless moon-shaped entities (Final Architecture) and a malfunctioning extra-dimensional space conduit (Interdependency). Both feature large casts of characters, political intrigue, well-crafted dialogue, and riveting world-building. -- Andrienne Cruz
These intricately plotted and suspenseful space opera series feature humans in space colonies scrambling for survival against myriad threats. Both feature uneasy alliances and riveting interplays where humans also have to contend with alien artifacts, cultures, and civilizations. -- Andrienne Cruz
These series have the theme "alien invasions"; the genre "space opera"; and the subjects "far future," "aliens," and "space colonies."
These series have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the theme "alien invasions"; the genres "space opera" and "science fiction"; and the subjects "aliens," "space vehicles," and "imaginary wars and battles."
These series have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the theme "alien invasions"; the genres "space opera" and "science fiction"; and the subjects "aliens," "space colonies," and "space vehicles."
These series have the appeal factors world-building and intricately plotted, and they have the theme "space colonization"; the genres "space opera" and "science fiction"; the subjects "far future," "space colonies," and "space vehicles"; and characters that are "well-developed characters."
These series have the appeal factors action-packed and world-building, and they have the themes "space colonization" and "alien invasions"; the genres "space opera" and "science fiction"; and the subjects "far future," "aliens," and "space colonies."

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These books have the appeal factors world-building and intricately plotted, and they have the themes "space colonization" and "generation ships"; the genres "space opera" and "science fiction"; and the subjects "far future," "space colonies," and "space vehicles."
NoveList recommends "Interdependency novels" for fans of "Final Architecture trilogy". Check out the first book in the series.
Richly detailed series are set in motion in these novels using a classic space opera theme -- the suspenseful discovery of a BDO (Big Dumb Object). In both cases, it's an alien vehicle of unknown power. Uh-oh! -- Michael Shumate
In these opening volumes of world-building space opera series, far future humanity has been defeated and scattered by vastly superior alien species. The discovery of a mysterious alien artifact sets political (Shards) and corporate (Architects) intrigue in motion. -- Michael Shumate
Genetically modified humans explore space in compelling space operas featuring detailed world-building, hidden motives, and unstable alliances. In Shards, a space salvage operation's discovery has high-stakes implications. Meru revolves around a mission to a newly discovered habitable planet. -- Alicia Cavitt
NoveList recommends "Teixcalaan novels" for fans of "Final Architecture trilogy". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Shongairi series" for fans of "Final Architecture trilogy". Check out the first book in the series.
Space colony expedition crews come across mysterious alien artifacts that unnerve the crew (Fractal) or pit them against warring political factions (Shards) in these suspenseful and compelling space operas with intriguing world-building. -- Andrienne Cruz
NoveList recommends "Revelation space universe" for fans of "Final Architecture trilogy". Check out the first book in the series.
Advanced alien species wreak havoc on human civilizations, who must then fight for survival in the far reaches of space in these suspenseful, science fiction space operas with complex world-building. Both are first in series. -- Andrea Gough
These books have the appeal factors world-building and intricately plotted, and they have the genres "space opera" and "science fiction"; the subjects "space vehicles," "space flight," and "space warfare"; and characters that are "well-developed characters."
Although Empire of Silence has more touches of fantasy than the pure science fiction of Shards of Earth, both novels begin sweeping space opera series set in a far future where diasporic humanity has spread across the galaxy. -- Michael Shumate

Similar Authors From NoveList

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Both authors write epic, action-packed, and intricately plotted fantasy sagas featuring gripping adventures, evocative world building, well-developed characterization, and innovative depictions of magic incorporating mystical, biological, and technical aspects not found in traditional fantasy fiction. -- Derek Keyser
Though Adrian Tchaikovsky's work is more influenced by traditional fantasy than by horror and apocalyptic fiction, like Cherie Priest he writes imaginative, genre-bending, and action-packed stories of adventure and survival in bleak, vividly rendered alternate worlds featuring steampunk technology. -- Derek Keyser
These authors' works have the genre "space opera"; and the subjects "far future," "imaginary wars and battles," and "planets."
These authors' works have the genre "space opera"; and the subjects "far future," "imaginary wars and battles," and "aliens."
These authors' works have the genre "space opera"; and the subjects "imaginary wars and battles," "aliens," and "planets."
These authors' works have the genre "space opera"; and the subjects "aliens," "planets," and "space colonies."
These authors' works have the genres "epic fantasy" and "space opera"; and the subjects "far future," "imaginary wars and battles," and "aliens."
These authors' works have the genre "space opera"; and the subjects "far future," "aliens," and "planets."
These authors' works have the genres "space opera" and "dystopian fiction"; and the subjects "planets," "space colonies," and "imaginary empires."
These authors' works have the appeal factors cinematic and world-building, and they have the genre "space opera"; and the subjects "imaginary wars and battles," "planets," and "space colonies."
These authors' works have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the genres "epic fantasy" and "space opera"; and the subjects "far future," "imaginary wars and battles," and "aliens."
These authors' works have the genres "space opera" and "apocalyptic fiction"; and the subjects "far future," "end of the world," and "planets."

Published Reviews

Booklist Review

In this first installment of a new trilogy, award-winning sf author Tchaikovsky (Children of Ruin, 2019) introduces not just a new cast of characters, but an entirely new universe. Set in the far future, after the destruction of Earth, it tells the story of Idris, a surgically enhanced starship navigator, and Solace, a member of a genetically-modified caste of warrior women, who come together to unlock the secrets of a mysterious artifact--perhaps something left behind by the aliens who destroyed Earth--that others would kill to possess. Like Alastair Reynolds, Tchaikovsky writes space opera on a grand scale, creating a massive, complex, vividly realized future environment (the book comes with a timeline of future history, a glossary of key terms, and lists of key characters, planets, alien species, and vessels). The danger of making the story too complicated and the future setting too elaborate is quite real, but the author isn't exactly a rookie, here, and 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.

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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Publisher's Weekly Review

Tchaikovsky (Children of Time) launches his Final Architecture series with a dazzlingly suspenseful space opera. A colossal, sentient entity known as an Architect rips Earth apart into a flower shape. As the remnants of humanity flee to colonize other planets, Idris Telemmier is genetically manipulated into an Intermediary supersoldier, capable of reaching his mind out to the Architects. His encounter with the Architects causes them to realize humans are sentient, after which they abruptly vanish. Nearly a century later, Idris, who has not slept or aged since, joins the tight-knit crew of salvage ship Vulture God, craving anonymity among their ranks. After the crew comes across a derelict ship torn into a familiar flower shape, signaling the possibility that the Architects have returned, the discovery creates political opportunity for various factions: the alien Essiel, who protect the worlds under their control; Earth's Council of Human Interests; the alien-hating human Nativists; and the women warriors known as the Parthenon. Now Partheni Solace joins Idris's crew to search the colonized worlds for hints to the Architects' motives. But Solace's true mission is to convince Idris to share the Intermediary technology with the Parthenon. 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. Agent: Simon Kavanagh, Mic Cheetham Agency. (Aug.)

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Booklist Reviews

In this first installment of a new trilogy, award-winning sf author Tchaikovsky (Children of Ruin, 2019) introduces not just a new cast of characters, but an entirely new universe. Set in the far future, after the destruction of Earth, it tells the story of Idris, a surgically enhanced starship navigator, and Solace, a member of a genetically-modified caste of warrior women, who come together to unlock the secrets of a mysterious artifact—perhaps something left behind by the aliens who destroyed Earth—that others would kill to possess. Like Alastair Reynolds, Tchaikovsky writes space opera on a grand scale, creating a massive, complex, vividly realized future environment (the book comes with a timeline of future history, a glossary of key terms, and lists of key characters, planets, alien species, and vessels). The danger of making the story too complicated and the future setting too elaborate is quite real, but the author isn't exactly a rookie, here, and 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. Copyright 2021 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2021 Booklist Reviews.
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Publishers Weekly Reviews

Tchaikovsky (Children of Time) launches his Final Architecture series with a dazzlingly suspenseful space opera. A colossal, sentient entity known as an Architect rips Earth apart into a flower shape. As the remnants of humanity flee to colonize other planets, Idris Telemmier is genetically manipulated into an Intermediary supersoldier, capable of reaching his mind out to the Architects. His encounter with the Architects causes them to realize humans are sentient, after which they abruptly vanish. Nearly a century later, Idris, who has not slept or aged since, joins the tight-knit crew of salvage ship Vulture God, craving anonymity among their ranks. After the crew comes across a derelict ship torn into a familiar flower shape, signaling the possibility that the Architects have returned, the discovery creates political opportunity for various factions: the alien Essiel, who protect the worlds under their control; Earth's Council of Human Interests; the alien-hating human Nativists; and the women warriors known as the Parthenon. Now Partheni Solace joins Idris's crew to search the colonized worlds for hints to the Architects' motives. But Solace's true mission is to convince Idris to share the Intermediary technology with the Parthenon. 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. Agent: Simon Kavanagh, Mic Cheetham Agency. (Aug.)

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly.

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly.
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