Many space operas revolve around space exploration and warfare within a galactic empire; and many individuals are drawn to them due to the spaceships and the space battles. Some of those stories are about threats to humanity, or, at times, a threat to the entire universe. Shards of Earth, the first book in The Final Architects Trilogy by Adrian Tchaikovsky, presents a different threat to the universe.
There are a few protagonists readers get to know in this book. First is Idris Telemmier, an Intermediary—a genetically modified soldier who was used as a weapon to fight the Architects (who are entities who have the power to “reshape” planets, spaceships and living organisms). Forty years ago, he defeated the Architects and saved the planet, Berlenhof and the rest of the galaxy. However, the events of the battle forced Idris into hiding, and he suffers from PTSD—he hasn’t slept or aged in forty years.
At the beginning of the book, Idris is the navigator of the Vulture God, a salvage vessel, captained by Rollo Rostand. After the crew’s last job, someone approaches Rollo with a request to join them. This individual is the second protagonist—Myrmidon Executor Solace, a Partheni soldier and agent—who shares a past with Idris, particularly the events he cannot forget. She’s been searching for Idris in order to present a “proposition” to him.
Many of the other crew members of the Vulture God—including Keristina “Kris” Soolin Almier, a lawyer and the third protagonist—don’t trust Solace or her reasons for joining the crew. The last protagonist is Havear Mundy—an Intervention Board agent—who has been tasked with “monitoring” the Vulture God, its crew, and their activities. Three of the protagonists have ties to the lone one; but why, after so many years, is everyone interested in Idris?
This story stands out from recent sci-fi books in that it takes place decades after an intergalactic war with hostile forces. However, there was NOT a winner. The hostile entity—the Architects—vanished after the last battle and haven’t been heard of since. The survivors didn’t track them down, but they also haven’t taken any measures into boosting security or preparing themselves, and posterity, for the possibility the Architects could return. It does sound paranoid, but it is better to be safe than sorry. And, when rumors of traces of the Architects being found become ubiquitous, those in charge believe delving into the past is the answer, instead of preparing for the future simultaneously. This won’t end well.
The style Tchaikovsky uses ties into the analysis of the story. The aftermath of chaos in any society is supposed to lead down a rough road before a semblance of “stability” is achieved. And yet, previous history and stories have taught us better than to expect such an outcome. The experiences of space exploration is valid, but it is the roles of the government and religion that are the focus in this novel. In the years since the last Architect attack, the governing factors have focused on strengthening their power, especially over the numerous religious factions and coalitions that sprang up due to fear and fanaticism. In fact, the defeat of the Architects led to an intergalactic struggle to place refugees in habitable planets, which the governments rushed the process. During that same time, many survivors joined either political groups whose goals matched theirs, or religious groups who worship either the Architects or other species due to their strength.
Instead of rebuilding the armies—including the faction that created Intermediaries, like Idris—the government concerns themselves with gaining power and control over all the factions. Simultaneously, each religious faction schemes up ways to gain more followers for their cause. Meanwhile, the real threat fades into a false sense of security. The presentation of the story contains several accuracies that should serve as foreshadowing to the characters and the readers.
Shards of Earth is the first book in a new space opera trilogy that contains everything fans want: a spaceship with a motley crew, various alien species, political conflict, a hostile force, and a twist you won’t see coming. The worldbuilding consists of several planets and a history of events that lead readers to the present day. This science fiction novel is one all fans will enjoy and will leave them eager for book two. In a year where there have been many notable sci-fi books, fans shouldn’t forget to read this one!
Jennie Ivins