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Content snapshot
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Violence
Some
Some conflict violence; the alien parasite creates disturbing sequences
Language
Barely any
Minimal language
Sexual Content
None
No human sexual content; octopus biology treated scientifically
Substance Use
None
No substance use
Emotional Intensity
A lot
The horror of a mind-controlling parasite; body horror elements throughout; the philosophical weight of an entity that experiences existence as connection rather than individuality
What this book is about
The sequel to Children of Time follows the spider civilization as they join the humans in exploring the stars—and discover a planet where an octopus civilization has evolved, alongside something far more disturbing: an ancient alien entity that infects and controls minds. Tchaikovsky's body horror elements are more prominent here than in the first novel, and the alien parasite raises the psychological stakes considerably. Another remarkable exercise in depicting radically non-human perspectives.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
Body horror elements involving an alien parasite
Psychologically disturbing sequences involving loss of mental autonomy
Reader Verification
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