This was not the novel I was expecting. Following up the children of time series with this standalone book was really useful cause it put into perspective that Adrian Tchaikovsky is a solid sci-fi biologist, choosing to explore world's and evolution among so many creatures beyond mammals.

Some of the highlights of this book include communist Neanderthals and solid queer representation, to the point that this book felt like a subtle nod to his take on the culture wars and progressive inclusion. While not revolutionary, I feel like this novel produced a solid soft spot in my heart for the author, whom previously I could infer had some systemic critiques of power, but this book felt less like I needed to read into that understanding.

As for the content and story overall, it was a bit of a slow burn in many ways, with a lot of world building and some classic sci-fi motifs. Sometimes books give you just enough info about the world that your yearning for more, but this novel I found gave me so much that I wish the balance of world building and plot narrative had skewed just a bit away from world building Into the story arch.