Truly Alien

I’ve only discovered Adrian Tchaikovsky recently, but I’ve been greedily devouring his ample backlog. Fortunately for me, there’s loads to discover, and he seems to be a prolific author who is regularly publishing new books.

Many of his books are part of a series—I recently finished the brilliant Dogs of War Trilogy (Link here) and was eager for more! “Alien Clay” is different; it’s a standalone story, perfect for jumping into his world.

From what I’ve read so far, Tchaikovsky’s style is intelligent but accessible science fiction, with a good dose of mystery, suspense, and plenty of action. This novel fits that pattern perfectly. We follow a protagonist who arrives in a spectacular fashion on a newly discovered world, at a time when humanity is still in the very early stages of living anywhere other than Earth.

The story is written from the perspective of a political prisoner, which gives it a grim and gritty feel. However, a hefty dose of cynicism in the narration lifts the story and makes it an incredibly enjoyable read. This isn’t just a simple adventure; it’s a story with depth.

Like a lot of great sci-fi, “Alien Clay” draws parallels with our current climate. A central theme is the conflict between a dogmatic, autocratic government and a more socialist, free-thinking scientific community. This conflict plays out beautifully against the discovery of something else alive in the universe—something that is truly alien and in no way complies with the government’s rigid worldview.

This political commentary could be grating, but it isn’t. The themes of oppression, paranoia, and suspicion are all woven seamlessly into the plot, making the world feel richer and more fully formed. All of this is nicely underpinned by a compelling mystery about the new planet, a mystery that unfolds beautifully throughout the book.

I absolutely loved it. “Alien Clay” is an engrossing, page-turning novel. It’s a true probe into a possible future and how it might challenge our very ideas of what it means to be alive, all wrapped up in a compelling and finely constructed tale. Brilliant stuff.

Ready to explore this alien world for yourself? You can buy “Alien Clay” here: https://amzn.to/4nbJafG