[georgeecollins]

I second the recommendation of Children of Time! A cracking fun novel that goes in some weird directions. Very well realized "aliens" that have their own culture and technology.

[yreg]

I haven't read it yet, but I keep seeing it recommended on this website again and again, so something about it must be good.

And I think there is one more similar spider civilization book that's also popular – A Deepness in the Sky by Vernor Vinge.