Alien Clay

By Adrian Tchaikovsky | Publisher: Orbit

About the book

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.

\"A staggering, alien vision of deepest solidarity.\" —Esquire, Best of the Year

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.

\"[A] mind-expanding planetary romp ... Tchaikovsky continues to impress.\" ―Publishers Weekly

\"A vision of extraterrestrial life that’s as fascinating as it is horrifying.\" ―BookPage

Also by Adrian Tchaikovsky:

The Children of Time series
Children of Time
Children of Ruin
Children of Memory
Children of Strife

The Final Architecture series
Shards of Earth
Eyes of the Void
Lords of Uncreation

Editions of Alien Clay

Paperback
ISBN 9780316578974
EBook
ISBN 9780316578981

Read an Excerpt

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.

\"A staggering, alien vision of deepest solidarity.\" —Esquire, Best of the Year

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.

\"[A] mind-expanding planetary romp ... Tchaikovsky continues to impress.\" ―Publishers Weekly

\"A vision of extraterrestrial life that’s as fascinating as it is horrifying.\" ―BookPage

Also by Adrian Tchaikovsky:

The Children of Time series
Children of Time
Children of Ruin
Children of Memory
Children of Strife

The Final Architecture series
Shards of Earth
Eyes of the Void
Lords of Uncreation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alien Clay about?

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.

\"A staggering, alien vision of deepest solidarity.\" —Esquire, Best of the Year

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.

\"[A] mind-expanding planetary romp ... Tchaikovsky continues to impress.\" ―Publishers Weekly

\"A vision of extraterrestrial life that’s as fascinating as it is horrifying.\" ―BookPage

Also by Adrian Tchaikovsky:

The Children of Time series
Children of Time
Children of Ruin
Children of Memory
Children of Strife

The Final Architecture series
Shards of Earth
Eyes of the Void
Lords of Uncreation

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Alien Clay?

Fiction > Science fiction > Science fiction: space opera

Where can I read a sample of Alien Clay?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780316578974

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Alien Clay?

Adrian Tchaikovsky

Who is the Publisher of the book Alien Clay?

Orbit

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Alien Clay is available as paperback(ISBN 9780316578974) and ebook(ISBN 9780316578981)

Where can I buy Alien Clay online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Alien Clay from below

Where can I buy Alien Clay?