X-Book

Eyes of the Void

This book is not purchasable in your country. Please select another book.

Listen to a sample

What to expect

What waits in the shadows as we fight our greatest foe?


Eyes of the Void is the second high-octane instalment in Adrian Tchaikovsky's Final Architecture space opera trilogy. From the author of the thrilling science-fiction epic Children of Time, which won the prestigious Arthur C. Clarke Award.

The series is read by Sophie Aldred (Doctor Who)


After one great battle, the Architects disappeared. Yet humanity’s fragile peace is brief. For, forty years later, the galaxy’s greatest alien enemy has returned. This time, the artefacts that preserved entire worlds from destruction are ineffective. And no planet is safe.

The Human Colony worlds are in turmoil as they face extinction. Some believe alliances with other species can save them. Others insist humanity must fight alone. But no one has the firepower or technology to ensure victory, as the Architects loom ever closer.

Idris spent decades running from the last war’s horrors. Yet as an Intermediary, altered to navigate deep space, he’s one of humanity’s only weapons. He’s therefore forced back into action. With a handful of allies, Idris must find something – anything – to stop the Architects’ pitiless advance. But to do so, he must return to the nightmare of unspace, where his mind was broken and remade. What he discovers there will change everything.

‘One of the most interesting and accomplished writers in speculative fiction’ – Christopher Paolini, author of Fractal Noise

Listeners love Eyes of the Void:

‘Sophie Aldred is a brilliant narrator’

‘The narrator does a great job whether it be human characters of any gender or the screeching voice of an aliens translator’

‘A fantastic climax that has me very excited to finish the story with the third book’

Critics Review

A thoughtful, sweeping space adventure
SFX Magazine on Shards of Earth
A rip-roaring space opera featuring starship battles, genetically enhanced superhumans and multiple weird and wonderful aliens . . . I can't wait to read the next one
New Scientist on Shards of Earth
Breathtaking scope and vision. Adrian Tchaikovsky is one of our finest writers
Gareth L. Powell, author of the Embers of War series, on Children of Ruin
Enthralling, epic, immersive and hugely intelligent
Stephen Baxter, author of the Xeelee Sequence, on Shards of Earth
He writes incredibly enjoyable sci-fi, full of life and ideas
Patrick Ness, author of The Knife of Never Letting Go and A Monster Calls, on Shards of Earth
Adrian Tchaikovsky turns the HP Lovecraft dial to 11
The Times, Best Science Fiction Books 2021, on Shards of Earth
Tchaikovsky has consolidated his position as the finest purveyor of high-quality space opera around . . . deft and clever, expansive and readable, all informed by Tchaikovsky’s superbly baroque imaginative fecundity
The Guardian, Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books 2021, on Shards of Earth
One of the most interesting and accomplished writers in speculative fiction
Christopher Paolini, author of To Sleep in a Sea of Stars and Fractal Noise

User Reviews

Book 4.0
Narration 5.0
4.0
5.0
I have a weakness for long and sometimes tedious space operas! This one avoids most of the tediousness, although the protagonistu2019s inability to ever say or do anything can turn brain cells to steam.
The narration is what makes this story hum. I donu2019t know how she achieves such variety of expression and voice, but I look forward to more of the same!
robinh 05/06/2024

About xigxag and the x-book®

Discover the best audiobooks with xigxag, an innovative and user-friendly audiobook platform designed to simplify finding, purchasing, and enjoying your favourite books in audio format. Our flexible pricing model makes bestselling audiobooks affordable, offering the best audiobook deals without the need for a subscription. You can also give the perfect gift with our convenient audiobook gift cards and in-app audiobook gifting options.

A core differentiator of xigxag is our groundbreaking listen-and-read x-book® technology, which delivers a truly immersive digital book experience. This unique innovation seamlessly combines the audiobook, text, and images into a brilliant, integrated format, complete with exclusive audiobook features and a next-generation digital reading experience. Our growing x-book selection is easily discoverable by looking for the distinctive purple x-book® ribbon, or by simply filtering your search by ‘x-book’.

Beyond our technology, xigxag is committed to sustainability and ethical practices, ensuring a guilt-free listening experience from an exceptional digital book platform. As the only B Corp certified UK audiobook service, we stand as a leader in audiobook innovation and a compelling alternative to big tech. Our commitment extends to delivering extraordinary customer service, provided by our friendly UK support team.

Effortlessly search audiobooks, gain insights from honest audiobook reviews evaluating both the content and narration, and easily discover hidden gems. You can download or stream top audiobook titles anytime, anywhere, guaranteeing the best possible listening experience on the UK’s best independent audiobook app. Experience the future of audiobooks today.