In the first installment of what is sure to be a grand multi-volume epic, Kote Adler introduces us to an alien species who evolved as sentient, fungal beings, the Rachis. The Rachis use the power of self replicating, fungal probes to explore the galaxy and search for other, sentient life forms. Adler builds a beautiful and mysterious human civilization, in which mankind has embraced a "truer utopia than death". In what is a clear attempt to build a future that is optimistic rather than outright terrifying, Adler carefully crafts a civilization that is both flawed and remarkable. Timelock is book with brave reach, unpacking an incredible number of ideas, posing a myriad of original questions not regularly explored in science fiction. Timelock's strong female and male characters are both delightful and unique. Adler clearly has an appreciation for those that society would otherwise consider mediocre or downright worthless. Timelock is not a book of hero worship or in search of 'the one', instead it explores the incredible power wielded by the humble and the unassuming. It is in a lack of ambition that the characters find the best parts of themselves and it is ultimately through the power of mycology that two galactic neighbors are finally able to shake hands. Timelock will surely be considered one of the greatest science fiction novels of our generation. It is a novel that begs exploration within the same curious vein that drives humans to imagine what wonders reside in the stars around us.
