Radix (novel)

Radix is a science fiction novel by A.A. Attanasio, published in 1981. It is the first book in the four-part Radix Tetrad, which includes In Other Worlds (1984), Arc of the Dream (1986), and The Last Legends of Earth (1989).

The novel explores themes of transhumanism, evolution, and the nature of consciousness, set against a backdrop of a far-future Earth where humanity has diverged into various genetically and technologically modified forms. The story follows several interconnected characters as they navigate a complex and often dangerous world undergoing profound transformations. The narrative is characterized by its lyrical prose, imaginative world-building, and philosophical depth. Key elements include advanced technologies indistinguishable from magic, psychic abilities, and the struggle for survival and meaning in a rapidly changing cosmos. Radix is noted for its ambitious scope and challenging themes, often drawing comparisons to the works of Olaf Stapledon and Gene Wolfe.