The New Scientist Book Club has chosen Claire North's space opera 'Slow Gods' as its July read. An extract from the second chapter provides readers with a glimpse into the early life of the protagonist on the planet Tu-mdo.
This selection continues the book club's tradition of highlighting speculative fiction that pushes narrative boundaries. North is known for her intricate world-building and character-driven stories, which often explore themes of time, identity, and alien cultures.
The provided excerpt focuses on the protagonist's formative experiences on Tu-mdo, a setting that promises to shape the larger narrative. Details about the planet's environment and society are revealed through the character's personal history.
For fans of the genre, 'Slow Gods' represents a new addition to the space opera canon, blending personal coming-of-age elements with broader cosmic stakes. The full novel is available for those interested in continuing beyond the extract.
New Scientist encourages readers to engage with the book club discussion online, sharing their interpretations of the excerpt and predictions for the story's direction.