A review by zivan
Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky

challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 I love it when Tchaikovsky gets to play with an alien ecology. 

Rebel scientists study an alien ecosystem with mysterious ruins at its center under the boot of a authoritarian regime that does not tolerate deviation from orthodox dogma. 

Lots' of anti-fascism, symbiosis vs. hierarchy. 

Lots of weird aliens, lots of body horror. 

The ending was a bit too perfect, no system has only upsides.