February 2026 Reading

2026-03-01 6:59 PM

#books #reading #tim weed #adrian tchaikovsky #science fiction

This was a slower reading month for me - just two finished, both science fiction.

Shards of Earth - Adrian Tchaikovsky

This is the first in a series of books introducing a planet-spanning human civilization prompted by the destruction of the Earth. No one really knows why the Architects came to remake the planet, but they're unstoppable and spell a horrible end for anyone in the path. Miraculously, the Architects were stopped by an Intermediary - an altered human who can make contact with the planet-killing beings. The crew of the Vulture God is a rugged mix of human and alien who get caught up in a new threat and their Intermediary pilot finds himself facing an old enemy.

I wasn't sure if I liked the first third, but the middle and ending really hit a stride and I found myself staying up to read later than I should have. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.

The Afterlife Project - Tim Weed

When the earth's systems are collapsing, a group of scientists mounts a last-ditch effort to save the human race. Al, Natalie, James, and Tollie sail across the Atlantic Ocean to find a small enclave of survivors. At the same time, Nick is in suspension, heading into the distant future where the earth has healed itself and he can help restart civilization.

The Afterlife Project is part ecological thriller, mystery, science fiction, and caution. The near future (2068) feels eerily possible and makes you think about what our choices now will mean for the long term. The two timeframes are beautifully written and the narrative is gripping right up until the final pages.