Looking for the title of a book I read about 5 years ago though I believe the book was a lot older.

Essentially the main male character was on a task and was travelling with a group of people. The mode of transport if I recall was a boat and they were on a remote planet travelling via a river. One of the group was a father to a young female infant. There's a reference to alien artefact/temple that essentially reverse aged a female scientist (the baby) a day at a time and the father is trying to undo it. Also a line I remember is the father used to say see you later alligator and the daughter will reply that awhile crocodile until a day where she forgot.

Another fellow traveller was a pilgrim and his male disciple. There are several other male and female travellers all had different reasons to travel to that location.

The aliens was located within the temple (time locked?) Were invisible to humans. Killed any that entered. Got the impression that they were quadpeds with organic blades/razors that cut people.

I believe the book may be part of a series. The male author though I don't recall the name, has written other works that have received awards. The book or series may have received one too. Which is probably why I decided to read it in the first place.

Question never asked anywhere else. I am from Australia, book was a paper copy bought locally.