A Fire Upon the Deep

The book was written by American mathematician and author Vernor Vinge. It was first published in 1992 and went on to win the prestigious Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1993.

The novel features a unique layered galaxy where the physical speed of light and computing power change depending on your distance from the galactic core. As you move further out into the 'Transcend,' faster-than-light travel and god-like artificial intelligence become possible.

The Skroderiders are an alien species featured in the book that resemble plants on Earth but possess high intelligence and long-term memories. They rely on mechanical wheeled carts, provided to them by another race, to move around and refresh their short-term memory.

Yes, Vernor Vinge wrote a direct prequel set in the same universe titled 'A Deepness in the Sky,' which was published in 1999. A third book in the Zones of Thought series, titled 'The Children of the Sky,' was later released in 2011.