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A review by joe_thomas25
The Doors of Eden by Adrian Tchaikovsky
4.0
The Doors of Eden is a smart, slick sci-fi thriller exploring parallel worlds, evolution and human history in an unusual new way. The books start from the perspective of Lee and Amal, two Cryptid hunters who are dedicated to chronicling some of the world’s more unusual goings on. When they go to explore reports of ‘birdmen’ near a local spot stone circle called the Six Brothers, the pair are thrust into a tale beyond even their wild imaginations. What follows is an intricate, epic exploration of what the Earth could look like if the evolutionary scales had been tipped ever so slightly in another direction, and the varying ways that humanity would react to the knowledge that we’re not alone.
To many degrees, what I loved the most about this book was the exciting sense of exploration and discovery. The parallel worlds are all incredibly well formed and there’s just enough science involved for these to feel very authentic. My absolute highlights of the book were the entries, dotted throughout, describing other worlds, how they diverge from ours and the end result of each. I’d love a spin-off which just explores tons more of these parallel worlds.
Overall, this is a very thorough, well-paced read that fluctuates between clever world building and action-packed sequences to good effect. The characters are strong and largely well formed, though maybe a slight streamlining of the cast might have made it easier to invest in them more powerfully. Nonetheless, it’s very well crafted sci-fi combining great plot and adventure with a perfect veneer or science to make it all seem authentic. Highly recommended.
To many degrees, what I loved the most about this book was the exciting sense of exploration and discovery. The parallel worlds are all incredibly well formed and there’s just enough science involved for these to feel very authentic. My absolute highlights of the book were the entries, dotted throughout, describing other worlds, how they diverge from ours and the end result of each. I’d love a spin-off which just explores tons more of these parallel worlds.
Overall, this is a very thorough, well-paced read that fluctuates between clever world building and action-packed sequences to good effect. The characters are strong and largely well formed, though maybe a slight streamlining of the cast might have made it easier to invest in them more powerfully. Nonetheless, it’s very well crafted sci-fi combining great plot and adventure with a perfect veneer or science to make it all seem authentic. Highly recommended.