Driven by the ghosts of the Darakyon, Achaeos has tracked the stolen Shadow Box to the marsh-town of Jerez, but he has only days before the magical box is lost to him forever. Meanwhile, the forces of the Empire are mustering over winter for their great offensive, gathering their soldiers and perfecting their new weapons. Stenwold and his followers have only a short time to gather what allies they can before the Wasp armies march again, conquering everything in their path. If they cannot throw back the Wasps this spring then the imperial black-and-gold flag will fly over every city in the Lowlands before the year's end. In Jerez begins a fierce struggle over the Shadow Box, as lake creatures, secret police and renegade magicians compete to take possession. If it falls into the hands of the Wasp Emperor, however, then no amount of fighting will suffice to save the world from his relentless ambition.
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Tchaikovsky's third Shadows of the Apt novel (after 2010's Dragonfly Falling) finds his steampunk-flavored sword and sorcery world, once dominated by the magic-wielding inapt, now threatened by the insatiable and technologically apt Wasp Empire. The empire, heretofore the beneficiary of the mutual distrust and disunity among Lowlanders, begins to falter as external threats bring the Lowlands together, diplomatic ruses go horribly awry, and the empire's habitual abuse of its subjects leads to internal discord. Its only hope now lies in a small wooden box that holds the promise of power but may deliver only nightmares. New readers may struggle to keep up as Tchaikovsky puts his large cast through its paces, introduces secretive assassins of a forgotten race, and heaps on plot twists with a generous hand. (May)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
The third Shadows of the Apt volume extends the series' excitement and complexity. New characters crop up, and the inner workings of the Wasp Empire become a greater part of the story. With a war ongoing, technological advances are creating more deadly weapons, and the original motley band of resisters has been scattered. As each splinter group pursues its goals, the series' characters face ever more difficult choices. When is betrayal a good thing? What goals are worth sacrificing lives for, and when, on the other hand, does doing so become “evil”? Is the advancement of technology justified for its own sake? For readers who enjoy delving into the psychology of the characters, this installment fills the bill. The series as a whole continues to be a well-woven tapestry portraying the living world of the insect-kinden. Even as some questions are answered, more emerge, and the intensity of the proceedings pulls the reader deeper into them. --Rebecca Gerber
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More About the Author
Adrian Tchaikovsky was born in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire before heading off to Reading to study psychology and zoology. For reasons unclear even to himself he subsequently ended up in law and has worked as a legal executive in both Reading and Leeds, where he now lives. Married, he is a keen live role-player and occasional amateur actor, has trained in stage-fighting, and keeps no exotic or dangerous pets of any kind, possibly excepting his son. Catch up with Adrian at www.shadowsoftheapt.com for further information about both himself and the insect-kinden, together with bonus material including short stories and artwork. Author Website: http://shadowsoftheapt.com/
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The high quality continues in book three of the 'Shadows of the Apt' series,
This review is from: Blood of the Mantis (Shadows of the Apt 3) (Paperback)
The third book in the 'Shadows of the Apt' series (with more to come) by Adrian Tchaikovsky.
This book continues with the tale of the Wasp Empire's quest for expansion through continental domination, while their various and diversified (and often divided) 'enemies', try their absolute best to fend them off. There is magic, battles, clandestine plotting, deceit and betrayals. Add to this a host of interesting and diversified characters and you've got fantasy/adventure with all the basic ingredients for a great tale. However, all the above would mean little without great writing, and the writing in this book (as with the 2nd book) is stellar. The author has found that magic formula that allows him to tell an interesting tale and then present it with near perfect timing and pace. In addition, there is: 1.) a good map, that encompasses an eastern extension of the maps found in books one and two. 2.) there is a helpful list of names, places and organizations (with brief descriptions of each) that explain the relationship of some of the unusual characters and places you'll encounter in this work. Conclusion: Simply one of the finest series I've read in ages, and more to follow (I initially thought that this was a trilogy, but apparently this in not the end). A great story, told with superb writing and an author with a uncanny sense of timing for suspense and the unexpected. Fantasy/adventure lovers rejoice. 5 Stars...more if I could. Ray Nicholson
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Third in Series as good as the first two,
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This review is from: Blood of the Mantis (Shadows of the Apt 3) (Paperback)
With more books yet to come in the Shadows of the Apt series, the third book scatters our gang to edges of the
land and back in entertaining fashion. Strong fantasy award candidate and overall great read. The author develops the plot, the fantasy setting, and the characters with equal measure. Nice epic adventure continues in this Fantasy/Steam punk style book.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Second hand review,
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Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Blood of the Mantis (Shadows of the Apt 3) (Paperback)
This book was not for me, but for my Nephew, who is incarcerated. He said that he was very satisfied with the book, and the delivery.
Thank you, S. Lee
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