The characters in The Doors of Eden are a diverse and engaging ensemble, each with their own compelling motivations and arcs that interweave to drive the plot forward. From Lee and Mal, lovers and cryptid hunters whose lives are forever changed by a mysterious disappearance on Bodmin Moor, to a cast of scientists, explorers, and parallel world enthusiasts, Tchaikovsky crafts a rich tapestry of personalities. Some characters are immediately endearing, while others grow on you as their complexities unfold throughout the narrative. Each character's journey is integral to unraveling the mysteries of the parallel Earths and confronting the existential threats that emerge.

Lee and Mal, in particular, stand out as protagonists who anchor the story with their emotional depth and unwavering determination. Their quest to uncover the truth behind Mal's disappearance leads them through a labyrinth of parallel worlds, where they encounter diverse species and societies. Tchaikovsky skillfully develops these characters, fleshing out their relationships and personal histories, which add layers of depth to their individual narratives and their impact on the overarching plot. Despite the vastness of the world-building, the characters remain the heart of the story, driving the reader's investment in their fates and the outcomes of their journeys.

The Doors of Eden unfolds as an epic journey across multiple parallel Earths, each with its own evolutionary trajectory and mysteries waiting to be uncovered. What begins as a seemingly straightforward mystery of a disappearance evolves into a sprawling narrative of cosmic significance. The interludes between chapters provide glimpses into these parallel worlds, offering tantalizing hints and building suspense as connections to the main plot gradually become clear. Tchaikovsky expertly balances the grand-scale adventure with intimate character-driven moments, ensuring that both the vast scope and personal stakes of the story resonate deeply with the reader.

As the plot unfolds, the stakes escalate dramatically, drawing the characters deeper into a web of intrigue and danger spanning multiple dimensions. Themes of exploration, discovery, and the consequences of scientific curiosity permeate the narrative, driving both the characters' actions and the reader's engagement. The pacing is masterful, with each revelation and twist propelling the story forward toward a climactic finale that defies expectations. The Doors of Eden is not just a tale of parallel worlds but a profound exploration of humanity's place in a multiverse teeming with lifeforms and possibilities, making it a standout in the realm of speculative fiction.

Adrian Tchaikovsky's writing in The Doors of Eden is a testament to his ability to blend complex scientific concepts with vivid storytelling. The narrative alternates between academic interludes that delve into speculative evolution and third-person character perspectives filled with action and emotional depth. This dual structure not only enriches the world-building by presenting diverse evolutionary paths but also enhances the thematic exploration of identity, cooperation, and the interconnectedness of life across different realities.

The academic excerpts, drawn from an imaginary book within the story, provide a thought-provoking backdrop that enhances the reader's understanding of the parallel worlds and the scientific principles at play. Tchaikovsky's prose is descriptive yet accessible, painting vivid pictures of alien landscapes and civilizations while maintaining a brisk pace that keeps the reader engaged. His ability to seamlessly integrate hard science concepts with narrative momentum ensures that The Doors of Eden appeals to both fans of speculative fiction and readers interested in the deeper implications of evolutionary biology and cosmology.

At its core, The Doors of Eden explores themes of evolution, diversity, and cooperation across multiple dimensions. Tchaikovsky uses the parallel Earths and their unique ecosystems to pose intriguing questions about the nature of life and intelligence. Each world offers a glimpse into a different evolutionary path, challenging human-centric perspectives and celebrating the diversity of sentient beings. The novel delves into the ethical implications of scientific exploration and the consequences of humanity's actions on other forms of life, fostering a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things.

Cooperation emerges as a central theme as characters from different worlds and backgrounds must set aside their differences to confront existential threats. Tchaikovsky explores how collaboration and understanding can lead to survival and progress, even in the face of overwhelming odds. By presenting a universe where sentience arises in unexpected forms, from spacefaring trilobites to technologically advanced cephalopods, the novel encourages readers to reconsider what it means to be intelligent and how societies can thrive through mutual respect and cooperation.

The Doors of Eden is a quintessential work of science fiction that pushes the boundaries of speculative storytelling. It combines rigorous scientific speculation with thrilling adventure, appealing to both intellect and imagination. Tchaikovsky's exploration of parallel worlds, evolutionary biology, and cosmic mysteries aligns perfectly with the genre's tradition of exploring "what if" scenarios and challenging conventional views of reality. The novel's blend of hard science concepts and narrative excitement ensures that it will captivate readers who enjoy thought-provoking science fiction that remains grounded in scientific plausibility.

The book's immersive world-building and intricate plot make it a standout in the genre, offering a rich tapestry of ideas that invite readers to ponder the vastness of the universe and humanity's place within it. By presenting a universe where every choice and action has far-reaching consequences across multiple realities, Tchaikovsky invites readers on a journey of discovery and exploration that resonates long after the final page.

I rate The Doors of Eden 4.5 stars. It is undoubtedly one of my favorite reads in recent years, showcasing Adrian Tchaikovsky's unparalleled skill in crafting compelling narratives within the realm of speculative fiction. The book's imaginative scope, coupled with its profound exploration of scientific and philosophical themes, makes it a standout work in the genre. From its diverse and well-developed characters to its intricate plot and thought-provoking themes, The Doors of Eden is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the mysteries of evolution, parallel worlds, and the infinite possibilities of the cosmos.

Positives of The Doors of Eden

Inventive Concept: Intriguing exploration of parallel worlds and evolutionary divergence.

Rich World-Building: Detailed creation of alternate Earths with diverse ecosystems and civilizations.

Compelling Characters: Well-developed protagonists with distinct personalities and complex relationships.

Thoughtful Themes: Explores themes of identity, evolution, biodiversity, and humanity's impact on the environment.

Engaging Plot: Mixes mystery, adventure, and scientific exploration seamlessly.

Intellectual Stimulation: Challenges the reader with philosophical questions while maintaining narrative momentum.

Clever Writing Style: Uses humor and wit to convey complex ideas and keep readers engaged.

Unexpected Twists: Keeps readers guessing with unpredictable plot developments and revelations.

Negatives of The Doors of Eden

Pacing Issues: Slower sections where exposition and world-building may overshadow plot progression.

Character Focus: Some secondary characters may feel underdeveloped compared to the protagonists.

Information Overload: Excessive detail at times may overwhelm readers who prefer a more streamlined narrative.

Transition Challenges: Shifts between timelines and worlds may disrupt narrative flow for some readers.

Lengthy Exposition: Relies heavily on exposition to explain scientific concepts and speculative elements.

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley, but alas I made the mistake of not reviewing it soon enough after reading it, and now too much time have passed for me to be able to write a proper, thorough honest review. :(

I do keep fond enough memories of this book, though--not the best read ever for me, but entertaining, and with a cast of characters that was refreshing to see. I particularly enjoyed Dr. Khan, especially when she was faced with the antagonists trying to force her to be who she wasn't. And I also liked the interludes, and the way they presented the two "branches", with the little twist on "our fragile cousins from the forests, who one day disappeared" (a nice change of perspective).

I tried with The Doors of Eden, I really did. I started and gave up on it around 35% of the book three times. Which when you consider the book is 600 pages, is a fair chunk of story.

The premise is quite good, and I actually enjoyed some of the story aspects. The first section about Mal and Lee’s relationship and their trip to Bodmin Moor was interesting. However, in between each ‘story’ section are interludes which were a bit too ‘sci-fi’ for me and were very dense and a bit dry. They did nothing to further the story along and I found myself skimming through them. This however, really ruined the pace of the story for me and I’m sure may have been problematic later on if there were any essential bits of information in these sections that I may have missed.

There are also a lot of narrative perspectives to the story - there’s Lee and FBI Agent Julian and Lucas, plus judging by other reviews there’s three more I haven’t met yet. There’s also a lot of characters in each perspective and it was hard to keep track with who was who at points. The points of view all felt quite similar and the chapters jump perspectives with no headings which left me feeling confused.

Overall, although I have enjoyed some of Adrian Tchaikovsky’s previous work, The Doors of Eden was not for me. With dry interludes that did nothing to further the plot and a lack of relatable characters, I struggled to make it past 35% on three separate occasions. Thank you to NetGalley & Pan Macmillan – Tor for the chance to read the book in exchange for an honest review.

This was so interestingly written, we have so much world building with a multiverse of different versions of Earth, and you can tell research has been done by the author to write this. There were a lot of different character point of views, and in some books this can get confusing, but the way Tchaikovsky has made each character so different, it’s very easy to follow and differentiate between them all. They have relatable, real life issues which make it easy to connect with them while also having to cope with this new knowledge they’ve discovered of other worlds and having aliens and other beings thrust into their daily lives.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but with the detail included in this book to help build the world and the story, it definitely will not be the last.

I ended up not finishing this one, it just wasn't for me, thanks anyway for taking the time to accept my request.

The Doors of Eden by Tchaikovsky is a science fiction novel that explores the idea of parallel universes and evolution. The novel is well-researched and imaginative, with a complex plot that will keep readers engaged. However, the pacing may be slow for some readers, and the multiple perspectives and timelines may be confusing. Overall, The Doors of Eden is a decent read for fans of science fiction who enjoy thought-provoking stories.

Another great Sci-fi novel from Adrian Tchaikovsky. Parallel universes is something I love in my reading, especially when it is done well! As you expect from a Tchaikovsky novel, the story is well written, great cast of characters and it is a truly imaginative read

Thanks very much to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. Many thanks, Dave

This has a lot of elements that I love in fantasy and science fiction - multiverse, varying fantastical creatures and at its heart, a quest. However overall I couldn't really get into this. The pacing is very slow (although the pay off is definitely worth it, with all the threads weaving together magically) and at times I struggled to pick this one up because I just wanted some plot development. I also thought some of themes were a little heavy handed.

Not bad, especially if you can perseve to the great ending, but I wanted a more subtle approach to getting across social commentaries.

Honestly, I bounced off this pretty hard. I left it along for a couple of years and then came back to it and persevered, but just couldn't get to grips with it. Looking for reviews to see whether others felt the same way, I came across the phrase "if evolutionary speculation and the analysis of how life on our world could have evolved differently isn't your jam, then this book is not for you", and... well, I would have thought that those things might have been my jam, but it turns out that they are not. Competently enough written, and a pleasing set of characters, but I just didn't get on with it. Sorry, author. Not for me.

The Doors of Eden is such a complex book to even start to describe, but here goes:
When Lee and Mal fall through a crack between worlds, we begin to see that there isn’t just one Earth, and they’re not all as ‘civilised’ as the one we inhabit. Lee manages to make it back to our Earth, Mal doesn’t.

Kay Amal Khan is attacked, and Julian Sabreur from MI5 is tasked with investigating. He sees some security camera footage that shows Mal - who is still missing, presumed dead - with a frankly enormous man, leaving Khan’s flat, with the men who were going to hurt him and/ or kidnap him (who knows) badly injured or dead.

Were any or all of these people after Khan’s research? Because the research seems to be proving that there are countless parallel Earths, and the walls between them are coming down - with no good end in sight.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this: creatures from different Earths, all with different values and wished. I mean, who’s to say that this couldn’t really happen (err… lots of scientists?)? It’s all so credibly written. And the interludes between chapters from another book:”Other Edens: Speculative Evolution and Intelligence” by Professor Ruth Emerson explains how these Earths evolved. It gives an explanation of the many characters from the different Earths.

There’s just so much interesting detail in this book. I finished it feeling that I really knew the characters, and that I had an understanding of these other Earths. I had to remind myself that they weren’t real (they’re not real, are they?).

This was an exciting, complex, just really interesting sci-fi adventure, and I took the dog for extra long walks, just so that I could keep listening (well, she was happy!). This isn’t my first Adrian Tchaikovsky book, and I’ll be reading/ listening to more - I haven’t been disappointed yet!

Unfortunately this wasn’t for me. By no means a fault of the book, but I don’t think I was ready for a new expansive SFF story.

ORMAT: HARDCOVER (REVIEWED) + DIGITAL | RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 20TH

Adrian Tchaikovsky is one of those sci-fi and fantasy authors that always delivers. His books are consistently good and yet he also seems to relish exploring new ideas and approaches. The Doors of Eden is nothing like Children of Time, Dogs of War or Cage of Souls, except for the fact it’s as delightful and engaging as all of those titles.

The Doors of Eden is the tale of two very close friends, Lee and Mal, who are fascinated by all things Fortean and strange. These amateur monster hunters find themselves looking for beasts on Bodmin Moor. Mal goes missing, and when she returns, nothing is ever the same again. Slowly we discover the truth behind what lurks on the Moors and what the girls actually discovered. It’s a compelling story crammed with mystery and some amazing ideas.

This tale is a heady mix of strange new lands, weird science, and conspiracy. There are some lovely moments of physics gone wrong and Tchaikovsky’s signature fascination with more bizarre elements of nature gives us some truly memorable moments. The world-building is excellent, and the pacing is compelling and steady throughout.

Gateways to other worlds are a staple of science fiction, but many of those stories fail to find the balance between the fascination we all have with other realities and mechanics behind such things. The Doors of Eden gets the balance just right, taking the reader to many worlds without losing sight of the plot. Unforgettable.

I may well have given this book five stars, had the author written it before this modern need to fill every novel with LGBT characters, and instead had focussed more on the characters and less on the labels. I felt that it was unfortunate that it was written as it was, as it seemed too much politics, when underneath it had all the makings of a really good story.
I enjoyed the trilobites - what a wonderful idea; I enjoyed the other ideas, but I felt that some of the characters were drawn too much as stereotypes and I felt this was unnecessary.
This is certainly a book I will remember, but I wish the annoying aspects had not been in it.

Strong world-building as is to be expected from Adrian Tchaikovsky... if at times overwhelming. A strong fast start that slows down, both by choice and I think by getting a little bogged down. I enjoyed parts of it a lot but struggled with other parts.

A scary science fiction novel that I struggled to engage with. It will appeal to a more hardened science fiction reader and the author is very talented in the genre but it was not for me.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an audio copy of this book. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this one.

The narrator is great but I found the story line to be very jumpy and difficult to follow.

I may try a re-read at some point to see if it makes more sense the second time around but I didn't like this.

Every new Adrian Tchaikovsky is cause for celebration. His books are truly exceptional, and the best bit, is they are all so very different. Children of Time is one of the greatest books ever written and The Doors of Eden is similarly exquisite. I recommend everyone picks up an Adrian T as their next read. (Sorry for late review; read in HB and forgot!)

There are some authors that draw me in by their name only and Adrian Tchaikovsky is one of them. As soon as I saw one of his books listed on NetGalley I hit apply. I’ve only read one other book by Tchaikovsky (Empire in Black and Gold, the first book of his Shadows of the Apt fantasy series), however, I've had the pleasure of interviewing him and got to see the mind of a creative writer at work. From that point, I knew that any new releases I was going to check out because I knew they would be incredible.

So yes, I did go into this book with a high level of anticipation. As the synopsis states, Tchaikovsky is an Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author, after all, and there is a certain level of writing you expect from that even if you aren’t familiar with the author. Familiarity aside I’d have picked The Doors of Eden up based on the synopsis anyway. It’s filled to the brim with a mystery which is something I love and poses so many questions that I would just keep coming back to it wondering about the answers. Missing people, MI5, powers, parallel earths and… theoretical physics?! It’s a delicious mix of questions, plots and intriguing characters and that’s just the synopsis!

The Doors of Eden is an imaginative science fiction novel that asks the ultimate question of “what if?”. If one tiny thing went differently at the very start of existence what would that mean? It’s a question I hadn’t really considered until I read The Doors of Eden and afterwards I was a little overwhelmed by the colossal ramifications suggested by Tchaikovsky. It’s all fictional, yet it’s also completely theoretically possible and that is the part that gets to you.

I’m no stranger to the idea of alternate timelines. To the idea that for every decision we make there’s an alternative timeline where we made the opposite one. In The Doors of Eden Tchaikovsky has not gone beyond that concept; it’s gone before it. The events that split the timeline happen before sentient species even occur and they significantly shape the species of each of the parallel earths. Some of them are species you may have considered as possibilities before, and some of them you won’t have come up with in a million years. That’s the beauty of a creative genius at work and this is Tchaikovsky at his best with no holds barred.

Alongside the parallel earths is something just as remarkable; everyday people. Yes, I’m saying that ordinary people are interesting and the reason for that is because Tchaikovsky’s human characters are as skillfully written as the rest of the novel. They’re also wonderfully diverse with the cast featuring a lesbian couple, a transgender character, and a character with severe anxiety. Through these everyday characters, Tchaikovsky reminds us that the British secret service can be anyone; they’re not all James Bond super agents. In fact, it’s mostly filled with analysts and investigators.

As they are drawn into a mystery surrounding top physicist Kay Amal Khan the agents find their investigation going beyond the scope of anything they could ever have imagined. Unlike the other characters, these are the two outsiders, and it’s through their experiences, their feelings that the reader is able to truly feel the fascination, wonder and at times horror of what is happening. There is no review that can prepare you for that aspect of this book; you will come out with more questions than answers. With more thoughts regarding the world we live in and the possibilities of science than you ever thought possible.

As The Doors of Eden is a science-heavy book, specifically physics, there is a lot of mathematics and jargon in the book. I have dyscalculia so I fully understand if that sentence has just made anyone reading this think ‘uh, no this one isn’t for me’. I don’t just dislike numbers; they terrify me. They’re completely alien and unyielding. With that in mind, I still stand by my 5 star rating of The Doors of Eden because while it is a book about calculations, it’s not only about calculations. They are a fundamental part of the plot, and if you finish the book you’ll understand exactly what I mean, but this is still very much a book about life and people.

Despite my initial excitement and interest in this book, it took me a long time to finish it. There are several reasons for that and I wanted to talk about this because it’s something that can easily dissuade people from finishing the book. The Doors of Eden has multiple moving parts which for quite a while seems really fragmented. While there are the separate narratives of the different players (Lee and Mal, Julian Sabreur, Kay Amal Khan and others you meet along the way) there are scientific interludes in-between them. These are excerpts from a Professor from the University of California and some of them can be quite dense, full of scientific jargon and if you’re not interested in that kind of thing, really dull. I found the early ones difficult to read and scanned through them quickly (a skill I picked up at University), and as the book progressed I found the later ones really fascinating.

They seem utterly random, a fun little add-in by the author until you get to the final stages of the book. That is the ultimate beauty and skill of Tchaikovsky’s writing. All those random stories, facts and bits of information come together and suddenly it all makes sense. So my advice to anyone reading The Doors of Eden, if you’re struggling with it; keep going! It’s one of those books that has a very slow buildup.

The Doors of Eden is simply mindblowing. It has everything you want from a science fiction thriller, and then even more. It’s a mystery, it’s a story about people and their search for answers, and it’s about saving everything before it’s too late. If you’re looking for a book that will keep stick with you after you’ve finished it, and open a whole new world to you, then The Doors of Eden is for you.

Hmm - I loved this at the start, found it quite thrilling and creepy. As the story started to develop, I was fascinated by the alternative world theories, in the words of Professor Ruth Emerson, but as I continued I must confess I did start to find it a bit confusing, with some lack of explanation and began to skip pages. Sorry to say I abandoned it around three quarters through. I would still read more from this author though!
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.