The Mystery of The Architects & The Horror of Un-Space | Shards of Earth
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- The Final Architecture is a space opera by British author Adrian Tchaikovsky , made up of three books. Tchaikovsky in my opinion is one of the stand out sci-fi authors of modern times. His book Children of Time is one of the best books I have ever read, sci-fi or otherwise, and I think that says a lot. I find his work to be incredibly creative as he is able to craft unique and interesting worlds alongside witty and well throughout characters. And also his works tend to be page turners, Children of Time, and Cage of Souls certainly both were. Now the reason I wanted to talk about this series in particular is because it’s the first Space Opera that I’ve read from Tchaikovsky, and the series ends up being somewhat reminiscent of the work of Alestair Reynolds in his revelation space series specifically, though it of course has its own flavor. There are also a couple of elements of this series that remind me of Dune as well, and we will get into those.
An unusual thing about this video is that I’m beginning my coverage of this series before finishing the entire series. I’ve done this before, but it’s significant here given how connected the narratives of three books seem to be. There seems to be no question that they are meant to be read as a trilogy and the fundamental mysteries of the series are not solved by the end of book one. Because of this as I go through this video I’ll be giving some of my own ideas and speculation as to what could be going on in the series, and once I finish the entire series, we will see how much I got right.
Like the other books I’ve read from Tchaikovsky, the first book in the Trilogy, Shards of Earth, is immediately gripping, in the opening it sets up a fundamental mystery, who/what are the Architects and where did they come from? Humanity had been prosperous before they came, suddenly, though if anyone had been listening to the warning of a mysterious being known as Ash maybe more human life could have been preserved, but we will talk about Ash later. Humanity named their attackers the Architects because in reality they did not destroy, they remade, reconstructed. They came to earth first, remade the world, twisting its form and taking no mind of the life on its surface. The architects were massive leviathans, and nothing could stand against an architect once it approached.
The destruction of Earth led to a great human diaspora, mankind fled to many worlds, Like Berlenhof. But the architects would keep coming, reshaping the worlds of humanity. Until one day something unimaginable happened, something, something which seemed to make the architect cease what they were doing and vanish completely. And that thing was, that for the first time in the near century that they had been subjugating the worlds of humanity, they had noticed us. Keep in mind this video will have some significant spoilers for the Final Architecture series, specifically the first book, Shards of Earth.
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I'm pretty certain I'm an Architect.
Every once in a while I cut grass in my garden, move stones to another spot, empty out or fill pots of soil, remove the vegetation cover on large plots of land and create other vegetation instead...
All the spiders and millipedes, the earthworms, the isopods, the snails and the centipedes, the caterpillars, beetles and ants... For them I am an unstoppable leviathan who will reshape their homeworlds without rhyme or reason.
But should they ever manage to communicate with me and ask me to stop... I might be so shocked that I'd never garden again.
wonderful comment
Man I wish I could be an Architect, but I live in an apartment
@@ViperBlade42 So do I. I have a partition in a community garden.
This is a really good way to put it, and tbh, helped me understand and grasp the architect's easier. Thank you
@@yessirde I usually take care to put the worms and insects I find to safe places and hope they can make it there. I'm a benevolent god.
Speaking of the fear of death, Lovecraft himself wrote, "Why should I fear death? When I die, I will return to whatever state I was in before I was born."
Or you move on to another state. Not prior or next.. just another of many!!.?
@@dgladiuz8990 Well, we'll all find out eventually. :)
@@dgladiuz8990to Vermont
@@ravendelacour1917the problem is the death of our consciousness. The thing that u call yourself. All the memories and knowledge of your own existence.
@@BYOH4Z4RD That is such an inevitably that one might has well be concerned about the nature of gravity. All consciousness in time vanishes into silence and only in the memories of others will we still exist. Just ensure they are good memories.
Don’t sleep on Tchaikovsky.
The Rachmaninoff of modern sci fi.
Big book energy.
I experienced this book through and audiobook and the reader did a terrible job of depicting how horrifying it was lmao
BBE!!
They got a mass effect book
@@gokiburi-chan4255 it really sucks when that happens. I still hate Stanley Tucci after listening to him sleepwalk through Vonnegut's Breakfast of Champions
He is one of my favorite modern sci fi authors as well. Who are some of your other favorites? Some of mine are Richard K. Morgan, Gene Wolfe and Jeff Vandermeer
Quinn: Tries to explain "unspace."
Me: "Basically, the Warp. Got it."
I see...welp... PURGIN' TIME
@@HasturBetaOh great an ork player, here we go BOYZ!
Not really. In Unspace, literally everything physical ceases to exist. All matter vanishes, until it returns to realspace. All that exists is Mind.
Kinda but it has a more defined structure and only 1 demon
@@citizen_grub4171 semantics. still a horrible nightmare reality with terrifying creatures where the laws of the physical world don't apply.
Unspace and the throughways reminds me of the warp and the webway in Warhammer 40k
It's no surprise as A.T. has written for the Black Library recently. Seems he's a fan.
Yeah my exact thoughts too. So many similarities between this and Warhammer 40k
@@BriarLeaf00 That's cool!
Blood to the Blood God 🫡
Navigators also
i love that final architecture is the only series where asking the bbg to "please stop that" is effective
Well, it was effective for the Architects. Not so much for the real big bad. It's such a good series though!
Brandon sanderson has a scifi series with a twist that reminds me of that a lot.
I can think of a few
@@christopherdavis5589 There's a marvel story that involves galactus where he is convinced by squirrel girl to not eat earth because she befriends him instead of attacking him like everyone usually does. I forget the details. squirrel girl kinda sucks but it's a decent premise.
Finalllllly ❤ Quinn always brings the best. Who else has been waiting??? So excellent.
I just finished the Final Architecture trilogy yesterday! This is beautiful, thank you Quinn!
Why should I wait for a new video? When its there, its good. I have enough other stuff to do instead of waiting
Me!!
The problem with your videos, Quinn, is that after 5mm of viewing, I stop to add a book to my already very long "to read" list... I hope the almighty youtube algorithm doesn't punish you too much for that.
You can play the video on the background with no audio
Randomly stumbled on a video of his, bought two ray bradbury books After watching!
@aperture0 was it?or did you not hear him say spoilers 🤔 😳
Its a wonder why people like you watch videos like this to begin with if youre going to be displeased with the topics a video of this nature is obviously about.
What did you think this video entry was going to be about? Seems to me, you should've looked at the title and read the series of books before you watched it. 24:57 @aperture0
@@timothybeaulieu5103 that probably went over his smooth brain 🧠 head
For the longest time, I had only a vague, passing interest in sci-fi, and little knowledge of its stories and lore. Quinn changed that for me single-handedly. Quinn, my dude, you have such a huge wealth of knowledge on, and interesting sources for sci-fi goodness, and your presentation and production, I can only think to describe as, perfect. Hearing you present bits and pieces of these books alongside stunning visuals and intense cinematic music, really helps me immerse myself and better imagine the world and events within a story, and it is captivating. Love what you do, I hope you keep doing it for years to come. Entirely possible you won't see this comment, but I hope you don't miss it.
I couldn't agree more. I'm a fellow newcomer to this channel and its already broadened my Sci-Fi horizons. Feeling very excited about getting into this Trilogy now too. Thank you Quinn, keep going!
One of my favorite modern sci-fi authors. This was an interesting story where the "hero" reaaaally doesn't want to be one
Definitely seems like Tchaikovsky has a fondness for that approach.
He is one of my favorite modern sci fi authors as well. Who are some of your other favorites? Some of mine are Richard K. Morgan, Gene Wolfe and Jeff Vandermeer
@@ajyhimst2782 he's one the few who's books I'll look for. Otherwise it's specific books like Seveneves, the sun eater series or modern fantasy writers like Sanderson, butcher etc
30 minute Quinn video? Time to lock in boyos
got my snacks ready
that’s a very Sevro thing to say…
❤
You know it 👏🏾
We eatin good today friends 😋
This reminds me of Destiny 2's "Final Shape" concept. An entity that wants to bring order to the Universe by halting life and turning everything into a static museum for conservation. Also, Mass Effect.
Pretty much mass effect
The opening few minutes were so compelling that I paused the video, went and read the first book and came back. Thanks for such an excellent suggestion and intro to this series!
I am a non English speaking person can i read and enjoy the series in english.....is it good?
Its a good book but if your going to read it id recommend it being in a language your familiar with because it kinda plays with language in odd ways here and there with the mixing and twisting of cultures. Notnsure if it has a translation to your primary language. And if i misunderstood your question then my mistake friend. Definitely a great series
I coincidentally read Blindsight (another great book) right before this series and thought it was a prequel to the series u til the third book when I got confused enough at missing plot hooks that I looked it up. The Architects and the thing encountered in that book just have so much in common!
Blindsight is one of my favourite books for all time
There's a third book in the Blindsight series? is there one after Echopraxia I missed
Unspace navigation just reminded me of Warhammer 40k navigators & warp travel
Yeah, I thought that too. 👍
That's exactly what I thought too.
Psykers and the warp.
and star wars
Also "The Expanse"...
@@agbottan hell yeah
I'm someone who can't really bring myself to read all the books I want to, so your videos are a super valuable resource for me! Thanks for all your hard work!
My favourite space opera series of all time to date. This is way better than 3 body problem and dune and deserves so much more attention.
Can't wait for the last Sun Eater book so he will do a video. My personal new favorite modern series. The Final Architecture series is still fantastic though. These books have some really awesome similarities with pacing and jargon. Which is odd because I just couldn't get into Cage of Souls for some reason.
I finished the third book about a month ago and I can’t figure out how Tchaikovsky churns out SO MUCH and it’s all so good! This series is excellent.
Each day I’m becoming a bigger fan on this channel. Quinn is a national treasure.
This is my favorite channel on UA-cam. You have introduced me to so many amazing series.❤
I'm very much of the same opinion! Keep it up Quinn!
Same.❤
He is the reason I found and listened to 3body problem audio book (65 hours I think) in just over 6 days
@@Sileonex123 Same! I listened to Redemption of Time because of his recommendation. He has incredible taste in SF.
My job involves a lot of tragedy and anger, some of my favorite experiences are listening and discovering the books you cover. The engagement really captures me, thank you for these small moments of rest and curiosity.
Ah and this is what a perfect friday truly consists of, an upload from Quinn
I just love your voice... sometimes I just listen to your video's without knowing what they are about. Thanks for introducing me to 3 body problem..... The Chinese version is Excellent...
I was just thinking that I appreciate him reminding me to hit the like button. As soon as he starts talking I get so drawn in and focused on his voice and his choice of words, I'd forget otherwise. I enjoy hearing him introduce and dissect these books for us, very very much.
Children of time and cage of souls. Two more books I just bought on audible because you casually mentioned them.
I’m 9:30 in to this video and I have to pause and read this series!!!!! I have goosebumps and can’t wait to read it!!! Thank you so much Quinn!
Quinn, you are a true connoisseur of sci Fi wether literature or multi-media.
Tchaikovsky just keep on turning out fantastic stories- agree with the Alastair Reynolds and Dune series
I’m so glad you are covering this book. It’s one of my favorites, the whole trilogy is fantastic
I second that user's remark about Aniara. Beautiful film and equally as frightening. Thanks for another fantastic video, Quinn!
One of my favourite series ever, and the ending is phenomenal. You're in for a treat, Quinn
OMG!! Salems lot!! I read that as a kid and have not thought about it in decades!! It was a terrifying book!! Thanks for the memories
Thank you so much for your uploads, Quinn.
You have introduced me to so many great works of sci-fi since I found your channel.
I pray you succeed in all your do.
Be well my friend.
I completely agree about children of time. Just an amazing work of art
Quinn got a top voice through time and space,Beyond the void know you have got a storytelling voice it’s really cool
Thank you for putting Tchaikovsky's work on my radar. Children of Time was one of the best pieces of Sci-Fi I've read...in years if not ever. Probably ever. One of the most thought provoking books.
Miss your uploads Quinn hope everything’s okay. Your the only UA-camr I financially donate too because I love your content
Tchikovski wrties amazing stories and he seems to write books faster then we can read them.
Hey Quinn, I am noticing this a lot comments and I’m just gonna add it. You got me back into reading. I’ve watched a lot of literary UA-cam and because of you I now have several different series and you changed what I consider my favourite book series and my favourite book of all time. And that is the children of time. I’ve been watching you for a while and I just wanted to say thank you. I ended up giving that book to a friend at their wedding because I believe that book doesn’t incredible job at making us look at the world differently and how different perspectives can truly be. through that you discover true empathy. You’re an incredible person and I will press like on every single one of your videos as I have done for however long it’s been now. Thanks buddy
It's even trippier to watch one of your videos after I've read the book. I usually see your videos before reading the book.
Usually silent on pages I love and follow but I've got to say, I really loved the intro.
Please talk about Eyes of the Void & Lords of Uncreation soon!! I just finished the trilogy and need a video from you on it 😭
I like these short 30 min videos, I can watch them on my lunch break and really relax to his voice
I'm so glad you recommended Vesper - I loved and own that movie!
I've been reading this trilogy and looking forward to this video. I had the impression this author was some dense hardcore SF writer but was delighted this was some insane fun space opera. Definitely going to investigate his other books.
I just wanted to say, thank you Quinn! Your videos got me back into reading and scifi in general. Love this channel.
Bought Shards of Earth as a hardback because it was on sale. I then ended up buying Eyes of the Void, and Lords of Uncreation in hardback to match, because... I don't make the rules.
Really impressive high concept space opera that has pretty solid science ideas. Loved it so much I bought another couple of his books. I agree that Tchaikovsky is kicking it out of the park.
Children of time was incredible. Thanks for the recommendation Quinn
I LOVE that one of the used clips, while talking about the presence in Unspace, was the entity from Star Trek.
This is a good book series to bring up to anyone who says we're being too harsh on GRRM.
13 years to write Winds meanwhile Tchaikovsky crafted these creative and deeply philosophical books in just 3.
Tchaikovsky is a lot like Stephen King, able to knock out several, quality, books a year.
I think the trouble with GRRM is he's got too many characters and too many story threads going on it's almost impossible to tie it all up. Tchaikovsky seems to keep it a bit more focused (I've only read the COT books so far), he crafts a big world and hints at lots more going on but concentrates on a small group of central people's experiences.
GRRM will write a whole 300 year history of characters and family trees for a ruling dynasty that's overthrown before the book even starts, Tchaikovsky would just say "They ruled for 300 years and used to have dragons, maybe we'll see dragons again some day..."
Sorry for the long reply!
I honestly believe George RR Martin is massively overrated.
@@jgfylkjy I've heard that one before. Problem is you're assuming it's complex because you expect a complex ending. But that ending doesn't exist yet and without everything getting tied into a final package, we just have a mess of tendrils drifting wildly.
@@jgfylkjy
Another GOT fanboy.
You never would have paid attention if it wasn't boobs and dragons.
GRRM spending decades on a story he has no idea where to take is not good authorship or vision.
@@jgfylkjy Strawmanning only applies when someone actually makes an argument. You didn't make any argument.
Also complexity is quantifiable but not in relation to a fictional story. How do you even compare the complexity of Dune with the complexity of A song of Ice and Fire.
Once again you're being vague and using vagueness to shield your arguments.
Agreed, Tchaikovsky is one of the best current writers, sci-fi or otherwise. I’ve read the Architect series, the Children Of Time series and currently reading Cage Of Souls, all of them fantastic and so different from each other.
Comment consisting 7 words, because the algorithm loves it.
Love your stuff, man. If it wasn't for your channel, I would've never known about Children of Time
I picked up The Doors of Eden after reading Children of Time, and ive got say Doors of Eden stuck with me. The amount of universe and story crammed in between those book covers was amazing. Tchaikovsky is an amazing author.
Quinn you are my favorite youtube channel by far and away. Please keep up the amazing work. We love you brother.
Would love to see this guide talk about Koseman's All Tomorrow book
Tchaikovsky is one of the best writers currently working imo. Cage of Souls and Children of Time are all-time favourites for me and I'm currently making my way through the Final Architecture series. I really loved his latest release Alien Clay too: highly recommend you give that one a try too!
Dear Quinn,
I am so happy to see your channel thriving. What you do is not only fantastic, but i think also important in that you guide many to worlds and places that encourage growth, curiosity, sometimes dread, but almost always awesome.
You are a Navigator of the works of Sci-Fi, and I salute you and will ride with you, even if it's just as a passenger in the back seat..
Slow down, my guy. Netflix can't keep up. They still have to do Hyperion.
I do feel like Quinn got way more eyes on 3BP, aided in its mass appeal
I've started reading Adrian Tchaikovsky's work thanks to your "Cage of Souls" video, and immediately became a fan. Since watching that video, i've read around 12 of his books, and every single one of them i've loved to the last page. Truly one of the best writers i've come across, thank you very much for recommending my lastest obsession.
Currently on the half of the first book of "Echoes of the Fall" and i'm loving it. It's fascinating how effortlessly A. Tchaikovsky writes in different genres and keeps every book and every character super entertaining and feeling unique, despite many similarities in some books.
The Final Architecture trilogy is one of my favourites, I'll surely read it again, I really miss the crew. Cage of Souls and City of Last Chances are two standalones (although City... has a sequel I think) that have similar vibes, and both are amazing as fuck also. Children of Time, also top tier, and Guns of the Dawn, another standalone that blew my mind.
Thanks for recommending more of his work!
I just saw you have 850K subscribers now, and I can remember when that was a much smaller number. You deserve this success, great work man.
I’ve been waiting to hear your voice. Best way to unwind especially after a long week
Sorry, Quinn. I just saw the title of the book. I have the audio book playing now.
If I see you bothering to review a book or series don't want spoilers. I am in a private book club, you reviewing is enough for me to read it before you talk about it.
Cheers mate looking forward to this. I will download this video but I won't watch it right now cause spoilers 💯🇬🇧❤️
I have read this book and “Children of Time”. I am now reading “Children of Ruin”.
Thanks Quinn this author is casual sci-fi but it does really make you think about Human nature 💯🇬🇧🫶
Been a while since one of your videos had dropped into my UA-cam feed.. I'm going to savour thos one.. thanks
You can’t see me but when I come to your channel I’m basically walking into the library and sitting legs crossed on the floor for story time 👌✨
Found this author earlier this year with the Children of Time series and it really is something special.
bro ive seen quite a few of your videos and something i always think of is the little displays you put on when moving and showing books is kind of impeccable in an near indescribable way the mannerisms are pleasant for lack of a better explanation
I really like the visuals in this video! Great work as always, I love your videos because I often run out of reading material and don’t know which books to take a chance on at the bookstore/library. Your channel is basically a giant reading list for me at this point! Thanks for all your hard work.
Yes, Quinn! Loved this series. Glad you are covering it.
Please do audio books. Like the whole thing. You’ve got a great voice for sci fi books.
Plix!!
I read this trilogy earlier this year. I finished it in mid-April. It's SO good. I love hearing your speculations. I will neither confirm nor deny anything that you are hypothesizing. But I know you'll enjoy the ride.
Stunning. The final words are mind blowing and intense
Thank you Quinn! You have definitely inspired me to start reading again. I had dune and the three body problem in my list but after the intro of this video I decided to read this one before and then watch the rest of the video. It is truly a page turner, I am already starting the second one
This book series is soooo good. You should also read a memory called empire. I love the classical Aztec sci fi feel.
I loved that book too, I think the empire is more Mayan inspired in that though, I remember that the leader of the Maya in Civ 6 has the same naming scheme as the characters in the book
I always end up leaving this videos because I dont wanna get spoiled. You bring such interesting recomendations!
This is my fav trilogy!! Hope you enjoy it and thank you for covering it!! 🎉🎉🎉
Quinn please do stories of your life and others. A book has never changed the way I think and view memory/ time. It’s a very special read also the movie arrival of course is a gem and also my single favorite movie of all time. I think the heptapod language is one of the coolest concepts in science fiction ever
Along with an introduction to wonderful books the way you illustrated this video is beautiful, I love all the different art styles.
This trilogy is on my list to read. I have gotten the best sci-fi book/series recommendations from you, Quinn (if I haven't already read the books before you talk about them). Now I know this series is going to be good, since you're talking about it.
I came out of the slump from work and exhaustion to finally check this video. I know I'm late to the party. But better late than never.
Quinn, you have such a nice looking and well put together collection. I'm a huge fan, excellent work bro!
The children of time books were definitely some of my favorite books of all time. I'm reading Eyes of the Void right now, I didn't know that there was a third book. This is the second time you made a video about a book I was currently reading. We have similar tastes.
I'm voting for "The Unspeakable Aklu, the Razor and the Hook" as the best ever name for a villain. What an incredibly cool character. I loved this series, and I'm a big fan of Tchaikovsky. The quality of his work is especially impressive if you take into account how prolific he is. His next sci-fi book, Service Model, comes out in a few days. Then another, Alien Clay, is due to come out in September, and on top of that, he also finds time to write fantasy novels!
You continue to be my favorite UA-camr. Thank you for all you do Quinn
I loved Children of Time, completing children of Ruin. Was thinking what to read next. Thanks Quinn, your suggestions are always great
I just finished reading "The Final Architecture" trilogy a few months ago, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Your take enhanced my appreciation for it, so I'm looking forward to your reviews of the next two books in the trilogy :)
And thanks to you I'll probably end up putting "The Children of Time" on my list right after "Remembrance of Earth's Past."
Ugh, Tchaikovsky is so freaking incredible 😭😭😭😭
Read nearly all his books. Loved the Children of Time and The Final Architecture series. Cage of Souls wasn’t what I expected but I did enjoy it.
Thanks Quinn! Always pointing me to new stuff.
I remember seing a video about a man making art by pouring liquid aluminium into an ants nest and letting it solidify.
It's clear that mechanical and biological inteligence are different, but unfortunately i could see us creating something like the 'architects' at some point in our timeline.
As some evolcve faster than others, with some seeming to want to de evolve into something that we should have left behind.
Flower Earth looking better than before, thats for sure
So glad you are doing this series! I just finished it an love you hear our thoughts on the books!
I mean that might have been the best intro to anything I’ve ever watched
Hey Quinn, when you said "best Book ever" i instantly bought audiobooks (1+2, next month 3)😅❤😊😊
Thx so much, going to listen now!
I think this series shows how Tchaikovsky has grown in writing characters. It will be interesting to see how you feel about where it goes. There is a lot of world building that is amazing but the characters of this series are what I remember more
Charters?
Do you mean characters?
@@Welverin youtube comments better than autocorrect.
"Children of Time" and its sequels are amazing...very particular type of sci fi!
I read and loved everything written by Peter F Hamilton, and to see his name on the cover gives me even more incentives to read this trilogy.
Keep it going quinn, goat status for the consistency is coming
Was about watch Dark matter, then I saw that quinn had uploaded a video 4 days ago! best believe I watched this first. Great video as usual. now lemme go and watch Dark Matter.
I loved this book! Thank you for covering it! I’m reading children of ruin now and would love more children of time videos
Quinn reading is top of the game. Best I ever heard
Love watching/listening to your content, Quinn! Keep it up!