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Shadows of the Apt #5
The Scarab Path
The Scarab Path is the fifth book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky.
Ancient powers are waking . . .
The war with the Wasp Empire has ended in a bitter stalemate, and Collegium has nothing to show for it but wounded veterans. Cheerwell Maker finds herself broken in ways no doctor can mend, haunted by ghosts of the past. Meanwhile, the powerful Wasp Empress is regaining control over those imperial cities that refused to bow to her. But she draws her power from something more sinister than armies and war machines.
Only her consort, the former spymaster Thalric, knows the truth. As assassins seek to end him, he finds his life and his loyalties under threat once again. And in an ancient city beyond the desert, a terrible secret stirs beneath its stones.
The Scarab Path is followed by the sixth book in the Shadows of the Apt series, The Sea Watch.
Ancient powers are waking . . .
The war with the Wasp Empire has ended in a bitter stalemate, and Collegium has nothing to show for it but wounded veterans. Cheerwell Maker finds herself broken in ways no doctor can mend, haunted by ghosts of the past. Meanwhile, the powerful Wasp Empress is regaining control over those imperial cities that refused to bow to her. But she draws her power from something more sinister than armies and war machines.
Only her consort, the former spymaster Thalric, knows the truth. As assassins seek to end him, he finds his life and his loyalties under threat once again. And in an ancient city beyond the desert, a terrible secret stirs beneath its stones.
The Scarab Path is followed by the sixth book in the Shadows of the Apt series, The Sea Watch.
739 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2010
189 people are currently reading
3182 people want to read
About the author
Adrian Tchaikovsky
191 books17.4k followersADRIAN TCHAIKOVSKY was born in Lincolnshire and studied zoology and psychology at Reading, before practising law in Leeds. He is a keen live role-player and occasional amateur actor and is trained in stage-fighting. His literary influences include Gene Wolfe, Mervyn Peake, China Miéville, Mary Gently, Steven Erikson, Naomi Novak, Scott Lynch and Alan Campbell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
May 16, 2025
In volume four of this epic fantasy, the war between the lowlands and the wasp empire came to a crashing end, leaving the wasps to lick their wounds and consolidate the empire after numerous rebellions from within, and defeat in the lowlands. It seems the first part of the sage is over, so what will Mr. T do now? What can come next to capture our attention as readers? Well, he takes us to other parts of the fantastic world he created for new adventures of course!
While many of the main characters in the first part of the saga are now dead, several remain, including Che, Stenwold's niece, and of course Stenwold himself, now 'master of war' of the lowlands. Stenwold knows the war with the wasp empire is not over, and, like before the war, still is set upon building a long lasting lowland alliance for when the wasps return. Che is wounded however; her mind-connection with her moth kinden beau when he died has somehow deprived her of her Apt, e.g., her ability to understand/utilize technology. Depressed and lonely, she sulks around town until Sten comes up with something for her to do.
In the last few volumes, Mr. T has taken us to the spider lands; rather than the end of the world, it turns out there are lands to the west of the spider lands, including an ancient city that has stood for 1000s of years. Sten decides to send an ambassador there and concludes Che is just the person for the job. Hence, she, along with a few scholars and some ant-kinden 'frenemies' head out on the long journey. Meanwhile, Thalric, the arch wasp spymaster has ended up as the regent for the new wasp queen, but he is not very happy about this (and it is a pretty nasty job). When the wasp empire learns that the lowlands are sending a mission to the distant city of Knanaphes, they decide to send a mission as well, and tag Thalric for the job to lead it. It seems the long and complicated history between Che and Thalric is not over yet!
Another super installment in the series. This one is a doorstop make no mistake, but Mr T takes us on another thrilling adventure. What is the mystery surrounding Knanaphes? Who are the 'Masters' the city's leaders serve and to what ends? We also have Totho showing up; after his escape from the wasps, he now manufactures arms and such deep in the spiderlands, and himself is at Knanaphes when everyone gets there. Perhaps a bit to convenient to have so many old characters ending up someplace so remote, but so be it. Che is a plucky heroine; Thalric a complicated frenemy to be sure, and Totho? He is still besotted by Che, but events place him in a very awkward spot. Lots of fun, and Mr T employs some literary tricks here that are also found in his later science fiction works (such as The Doors of Eden).
The series is still going strong and I am looking forward to the rest! I am surprised this series is not more widely read, but Mr T does have a strong following. I believe Tor is reissuing this series soon (2022) as Tchaikovsky has vaulted his literary standing with his later science fiction works (which are super). 4 strong kinden stars!!
While many of the main characters in the first part of the saga are now dead, several remain, including Che, Stenwold's niece, and of course Stenwold himself, now 'master of war' of the lowlands. Stenwold knows the war with the wasp empire is not over, and, like before the war, still is set upon building a long lasting lowland alliance for when the wasps return. Che is wounded however; her mind-connection with her moth kinden beau when he died has somehow deprived her of her Apt, e.g., her ability to understand/utilize technology. Depressed and lonely, she sulks around town until Sten comes up with something for her to do.
In the last few volumes, Mr. T has taken us to the spider lands; rather than the end of the world, it turns out there are lands to the west of the spider lands, including an ancient city that has stood for 1000s of years. Sten decides to send an ambassador there and concludes Che is just the person for the job. Hence, she, along with a few scholars and some ant-kinden 'frenemies' head out on the long journey. Meanwhile, Thalric, the arch wasp spymaster has ended up as the regent for the new wasp queen, but he is not very happy about this (and it is a pretty nasty job). When the wasp empire learns that the lowlands are sending a mission to the distant city of Knanaphes, they decide to send a mission as well, and tag Thalric for the job to lead it. It seems the long and complicated history between Che and Thalric is not over yet!
Another super installment in the series. This one is a doorstop make no mistake, but Mr T takes us on another thrilling adventure. What is the mystery surrounding Knanaphes? Who are the 'Masters' the city's leaders serve and to what ends? We also have Totho showing up; after his escape from the wasps, he now manufactures arms and such deep in the spiderlands, and himself is at Knanaphes when everyone gets there. Perhaps a bit to convenient to have so many old characters ending up someplace so remote, but so be it. Che is a plucky heroine; Thalric a complicated frenemy to be sure, and Totho? He is still besotted by Che, but events place him in a very awkward spot. Lots of fun, and Mr T employs some literary tricks here that are also found in his later science fiction works (such as The Doors of Eden).
The series is still going strong and I am looking forward to the rest! I am surprised this series is not more widely read, but Mr T does have a strong following. I believe Tor is reissuing this series soon (2022) as Tchaikovsky has vaulted his literary standing with his later science fiction works (which are super). 4 strong kinden stars!!
September 17, 2025
Wow book #5 of Shadows of the Apt did not disappoint. This character driven steampunk fantasy by Tchaikovsky has become a new all-time favorite series. I was a little intimidated by the length at first, and then blown away by the details of this world and the depth of characters. Che and Thalric are complex and interesting. This was still full of a lot of action, however the magic and darkness are increasing and expanding this world and the scale is continually increasing as the story escalates. I highly recommend, it keeps getting better! I loved his space opera with Children of Ruin but I might like this series even better! (Ahhh how can I say that!)
I have some idiosyncrasies about writing style, and for some reason the energetic and engaging writing style of this series really compels me. The words have just been infused with Tchaikovsky crazy energy and pacing.
Another 5 ⭐
I have some idiosyncrasies about writing style, and for some reason the energetic and engaging writing style of this series really compels me. The words have just been infused with Tchaikovsky crazy energy and pacing.
Another 5 ⭐
April 9, 2022
Another excellent instalment in the Shadows of The Apt series.The Scarab Path delivers on all fronts in this edition ; action ,characterisation and setting. I do love a desert setting ! Highly recommended and a must read series.
July 25, 2021
A book with the main focus on Cheerwell Maker - what is there not to love? :D
Seriously - I may be a tiny bit biased, but Che is one of my favourite Fantasy characters ever. Her character developement through the series so far has been very well done. She is relatable, authentic, shy, vulnerable and strong, and all of that without the need to fall back to the trope of badass characters in writing her. Witnessing her stumble through all kind of peril with her believe in the righteousness of people and now carrying her own PTSD from the war was a constant joy and thrill for me. Hers are the kind of adventures that I don't want to end.
After the end of the arc of the first 4 volumes which emphasised on the apt part of this fascinating world of the kinden now the inapt slowly make their way into the foreground of the storytelling. There still is a lot of fighting and strategical moments in the book, but the magic that was only hinted at in the first arc plays a much larger role now. I approve of this combination, it gives the world deeper layers and myself some longed for diversion from constant battling (which I'm not soooo fond of, tbh)
The main plot here is a kind of standalone, the next book starts with a new adventure.
Seriously - I may be a tiny bit biased, but Che is one of my favourite Fantasy characters ever. Her character developement through the series so far has been very well done. She is relatable, authentic, shy, vulnerable and strong, and all of that without the need to fall back to the trope of badass characters in writing her. Witnessing her stumble through all kind of peril with her believe in the righteousness of people and now carrying her own PTSD from the war was a constant joy and thrill for me. Hers are the kind of adventures that I don't want to end.
After the end of the arc of the first 4 volumes which emphasised on the apt part of this fascinating world of the kinden now the inapt slowly make their way into the foreground of the storytelling. There still is a lot of fighting and strategical moments in the book, but the magic that was only hinted at in the first arc plays a much larger role now. I approve of this combination, it gives the world deeper layers and myself some longed for diversion from constant battling (which I'm not soooo fond of, tbh)
The main plot here is a kind of standalone, the next book starts with a new adventure.
May 15, 2025
Историята на Равнините продължава, а подписаното набързо примирие с Империята на осородните е само прелюдия към нови и вълнуващи приключения.
Мравкородни делегации са на посещение в Колегиум, в опит на Стенуолд Трудан да превъзмогне отколешната вражда между двата съседни мравешки града - Век и Сарн.
Той получава предложение от колега политик, да се изпрати мисия до загадъчен град на бръмбарородни - Канафес, разположен далеч от познатия ни до момента свят. Междувременно, Че е изгубила своето умение и се съгласява да стане посланик там, в опит да научи, какво бъдеще я очаква без дарба, в един свят доминиран от Умелите.
В раздираната от междуособици Империя в черно и златно, Талрик се е издигнал до принц-консорт на императрица Седа, но някак не е щастлив от развръзката. Отделно, наемни убийци го преследват където и да отиде, но той си е жилав копелдак. :)
Междувременно дивите скорпионородни племена от пустинята Нем получават имперска подкрепа, инженери и модерни оръжия, за да унищожат Канафес и населението му от бръмбарородни - отдавнашни техни врагове.
Смъртоносният гамбит започва отново, ще се срещнем със стари и нови познайници и ще станем свидетели на епични събития. Полетът на фантазията на Ейдриън Чайковски е все по-оригинален и непредвидим!
Звезда по-малко, заради част от дебилните изпълнения на Че Трудан...
Мравкородни делегации са на посещение в Колегиум, в опит на Стенуолд Трудан да превъзмогне отколешната вражда между двата съседни мравешки града - Век и Сарн.
Той получава предложение от колега политик, да се изпрати мисия до загадъчен град на бръмбарородни - Канафес, разположен далеч от познатия ни до момента свят. Междувременно, Че е изгубила своето умение и се съгласява да стане посланик там, в опит да научи, какво бъдеще я очаква без дарба, в един свят доминиран от Умелите.
В раздираната от междуособици Империя в черно и златно, Талрик се е издигнал до принц-консорт на императрица Седа, но някак не е щастлив от развръзката. Отделно, наемни убийци го преследват където и да отиде, но той си е жилав копелдак. :)
Междувременно дивите скорпионородни племена от пустинята Нем получават имперска подкрепа, инженери и модерни оръжия, за да унищожат Канафес и населението му от бръмбарородни - отдавнашни техни врагове.
Смъртоносният гамбит започва отново, ще се срещнем със стари и нови познайници и ще станем свидетели на епични събития. Полетът на фантазията на Ейдриън Чайковски е все по-оригинален и непредвидим!
Звезда по-малко, заради част от дебилните изпълнения на Че Трудан...
May 15, 2025
I read the last 350 pages in one sitting.
August 15, 2015
Reviewed on my blog - Books by Proxy
5 Stars
I love Adrian Tchaikovsky. The Shadows of the Apt series has taken my breath away with each successive book. Tchaikovsky has created a universe which is truly unique; a universe in which insectoid human races vie for supremacy over one another in a rich and vibrant world. Every time I read another addition to the series, I can’t help but berate myself for leaving it on my bookshelf for so long before picking it up. The Scarab Path is no exception. After two long years of waiting I opened it up, read the first page and was once again drawn into a world of magic and artifice, of war and peace and a clash of cultures. I can’t believe I left it this long.
The Scarab Path continues the story of Cheerwell Maker of Collegium (self-effacing bumbling Beetle) and Thalric of Capitas (Wasp and erstwhile officer of the Rekef) following the events in Salute the Dark.
After an explosive conclusion to the war with the Wasp Empire, Cheerwell finds herself lost; lost in a city she once called home, lost in her grief, and suffering from another loss too great for any Beetle-kinden to comprehend. Determined to draw his niece from her reverie, Stenwold encourages Che to join a Collegium expedition of academics to the mysterious Beetle city of Khanaphes. An expedition which might just hold the answers to those questions which have been unsettling her mind, and an expedition where she might just find more than she was looking for.
Meanwhile, the Empress Seda is consolidating power in what remains of the Wasp Empire. Thalric, now Regent, finds himself at the mercy of this powerful and dangerous woman; a woman whose secrets are far darker and more deadly than anyone could imagine. Under the threat of assassination, Thalric must throw his loyalties to the wind (yet again) and escape from more than just the assassin’s blade. Finding himself in company with a deputation of wasps bound for Khanaphes, events conspire to bring both Che and Thalric together.
But the world has turned its eyes to Khanaphes. There are rustlings in the Scorpion held deserts of Nem and the wheels of the war machine are turning once again. Surviving an encounter with even a small contingent of the Wasp Empire is never simple, and with the Many of Nem at their backs (and fronts, and sides) things are about to get a whole lot more complicated. But the heart of Khanaphes holds a secret; an ancient and powerful secret hidden throughout the ages… and one which might just fight back.
-
The Scarab Path, like the books which precede it, creates a world so rich and varied that with every addition it becomes more real and tangible. By the time Tchaikovsky finishes this series, I may start believing it is real. His worldbuilding is outstanding; every culture is unique yet distinctly human in their isolated motivations – as though one facet of human emotion has been magnified tenfold and applied to a whole race of people. These people are the extremes; warriors, manipulative game players, artificers, cut throats and peacekeepers. The detail in which Tchaikovsky describes these distinctive cultures and the conflicts surrounding their lives is almost like he’s lifted an entire history from an alien world. Perhaps this is the true benefit of having a lengthy fantasy series, but few do it so well as Tchaikovsky.
And if his worldbuilding wasn’t brilliant enough, his characters are incredible. I love them, I hate them, I can easily go through the full range of emotions during an encounter with a Tchaikovsky book. They are so well written, so unique and infinitely relatable that each book can pick up a new set without diminishing the ones left out. Even small, sideline characters are given a touch of the Tchaikovsky magic and become real. Cheerwell is an incredibly endearing and lovable character, bumbling and stumbling into trouble at every opportunity; I’ve loved her from the very first encounter in Empire in Black and Gold. Thalric has also been one of my favourite characters since his Rekef days, a calculating liar and a manipulative antihero – and boy do I love a good antihero. The Scarab Path develops both these characters in a highly satisfactory way and firmly secured them as two of my favourites.
After the climactic events of Salute the Dark, I wasn’t sure how this story would develop, or even if it could develop without become a shadow of the other books. But who was I kidding, of course it could! I am not exaggerating when I say that every single book gets better, every one makes the world a little richer, a little more believable, and makes me love the characters even more. Tchaikovsky is a master of storytelling. The Scarab Path is a great addition to the series; I honestly can’t commend the entire Shadows of the Apt enough. I for one never want to see it end.
Gushing over.
5 Stars
I love Adrian Tchaikovsky. The Shadows of the Apt series has taken my breath away with each successive book. Tchaikovsky has created a universe which is truly unique; a universe in which insectoid human races vie for supremacy over one another in a rich and vibrant world. Every time I read another addition to the series, I can’t help but berate myself for leaving it on my bookshelf for so long before picking it up. The Scarab Path is no exception. After two long years of waiting I opened it up, read the first page and was once again drawn into a world of magic and artifice, of war and peace and a clash of cultures. I can’t believe I left it this long.
The Scarab Path continues the story of Cheerwell Maker of Collegium (self-effacing bumbling Beetle) and Thalric of Capitas (Wasp and erstwhile officer of the Rekef) following the events in Salute the Dark.
After an explosive conclusion to the war with the Wasp Empire, Cheerwell finds herself lost; lost in a city she once called home, lost in her grief, and suffering from another loss too great for any Beetle-kinden to comprehend. Determined to draw his niece from her reverie, Stenwold encourages Che to join a Collegium expedition of academics to the mysterious Beetle city of Khanaphes. An expedition which might just hold the answers to those questions which have been unsettling her mind, and an expedition where she might just find more than she was looking for.
Meanwhile, the Empress Seda is consolidating power in what remains of the Wasp Empire. Thalric, now Regent, finds himself at the mercy of this powerful and dangerous woman; a woman whose secrets are far darker and more deadly than anyone could imagine. Under the threat of assassination, Thalric must throw his loyalties to the wind (yet again) and escape from more than just the assassin’s blade. Finding himself in company with a deputation of wasps bound for Khanaphes, events conspire to bring both Che and Thalric together.
But the world has turned its eyes to Khanaphes. There are rustlings in the Scorpion held deserts of Nem and the wheels of the war machine are turning once again. Surviving an encounter with even a small contingent of the Wasp Empire is never simple, and with the Many of Nem at their backs (and fronts, and sides) things are about to get a whole lot more complicated. But the heart of Khanaphes holds a secret; an ancient and powerful secret hidden throughout the ages… and one which might just fight back.
-
The Scarab Path, like the books which precede it, creates a world so rich and varied that with every addition it becomes more real and tangible. By the time Tchaikovsky finishes this series, I may start believing it is real. His worldbuilding is outstanding; every culture is unique yet distinctly human in their isolated motivations – as though one facet of human emotion has been magnified tenfold and applied to a whole race of people. These people are the extremes; warriors, manipulative game players, artificers, cut throats and peacekeepers. The detail in which Tchaikovsky describes these distinctive cultures and the conflicts surrounding their lives is almost like he’s lifted an entire history from an alien world. Perhaps this is the true benefit of having a lengthy fantasy series, but few do it so well as Tchaikovsky.
And if his worldbuilding wasn’t brilliant enough, his characters are incredible. I love them, I hate them, I can easily go through the full range of emotions during an encounter with a Tchaikovsky book. They are so well written, so unique and infinitely relatable that each book can pick up a new set without diminishing the ones left out. Even small, sideline characters are given a touch of the Tchaikovsky magic and become real. Cheerwell is an incredibly endearing and lovable character, bumbling and stumbling into trouble at every opportunity; I’ve loved her from the very first encounter in Empire in Black and Gold. Thalric has also been one of my favourite characters since his Rekef days, a calculating liar and a manipulative antihero – and boy do I love a good antihero. The Scarab Path develops both these characters in a highly satisfactory way and firmly secured them as two of my favourites.
After the climactic events of Salute the Dark, I wasn’t sure how this story would develop, or even if it could develop without become a shadow of the other books. But who was I kidding, of course it could! I am not exaggerating when I say that every single book gets better, every one makes the world a little richer, a little more believable, and makes me love the characters even more. Tchaikovsky is a master of storytelling. The Scarab Path is a great addition to the series; I honestly can’t commend the entire Shadows of the Apt enough. I for one never want to see it end.
Gushing over.
May 28, 2023
The fifth book in the Shadows of the Apt series seems like a reset in the events. After the momentous events of the excellent fourth book (Salute the Dark), it almost seemed that the fourth book would be the finale of this story. But it is not to be.
The war between the Wasp Empire and Collegium has drawn to a tentative stalemate and they both have an uneasy truce. Collegium and the Wasps both have an interest in the city of Kanaphes. With this city, an all-new "faction" is introduced. The kinden of this city seem to worship all-powerful "masters" who are served by the Ministers. Both Wasp and Collegium ambassadors (Che and Thalric) must negotiate the twists and turns of this mysterious place.
Meanwhile, the conflict between Thalric and the Empress becomes even more defined. The same goes for Che's newly lost apt skills (due to the trauma of Acheos' death) but finds herself in some familiar, yet very strange, ground in the city of Kanaphes.
While not as good as the fourth book, this book seems to be starting a new part of the story and introducing some newer characters (after the multitude of main character deaths in the fourth) and new places, this was still a fun read. While the mysterious Kanaphes were of interest, I really enjoyed the Scorpion kindred that the renegade Imperial, Hrathen, finds in the deserts of Nem to be fascinating. The story for the Battle of Kanaphes was pretty good as well.
While it does seem to start a new story arc, there is a good deal of building on the events of the first four books. Count me in for book 6 of this wonderful fantasy series by Tchaikovsky.
The war between the Wasp Empire and Collegium has drawn to a tentative stalemate and they both have an uneasy truce. Collegium and the Wasps both have an interest in the city of Kanaphes. With this city, an all-new "faction" is introduced. The kinden of this city seem to worship all-powerful "masters" who are served by the Ministers. Both Wasp and Collegium ambassadors (Che and Thalric) must negotiate the twists and turns of this mysterious place.
Meanwhile, the conflict between Thalric and the Empress becomes even more defined. The same goes for Che's newly lost apt skills (due to the trauma of Acheos' death) but finds herself in some familiar, yet very strange, ground in the city of Kanaphes.
While not as good as the fourth book, this book seems to be starting a new part of the story and introducing some newer characters (after the multitude of main character deaths in the fourth) and new places, this was still a fun read. While the mysterious Kanaphes were of interest, I really enjoyed the Scorpion kindred that the renegade Imperial, Hrathen, finds in the deserts of Nem to be fascinating. The story for the Battle of Kanaphes was pretty good as well.
While it does seem to start a new story arc, there is a good deal of building on the events of the first four books. Count me in for book 6 of this wonderful fantasy series by Tchaikovsky.
April 9, 2018
3.5 Stars
I’m rounding this one down to 3 stars. It’s the first time a book in this series has been below 4 stars for me. While there were some very well done elements in the book, overall it was a weaker entry for me.
Fair warning, spoilers coming for previous books in the series. The war with the Wasps is over, at least for now, leaving Stenwold and the other survivors to rebuild. Focus shifts from fighting to adjusting to a new normal brought about by new allies and other kinden encountered during the war. The world has become a much smaller place now that Collegium has started looking beyond the Lowlands. Rumors trickle back to Stenwold and his allies of a distant city of Beetle kinden. As a political favor to a friend, Stenwold endorses an expedition to the city of Khanaphes, led by Che, still grieving the loss of Acheos.
Meanwhile the Wasp Empire is undergoing a change of its own. Its advance into the Lowlands thrown back, their focus has shifted to consolidating its power as they adjust to rule for the first time by an Empress. There is unrest in several of their conquered territories as local governors attempt to turn the upheaval for their own profit. Thalric, newly installed Regent of the Empire, does his best to stay as far away from the capital and his new wife as he can, having discovered a terrifying secret about the Empire’s new leader.
The book started out well, showing a realistic look at the aftermath of a devastating war on both a culture and the individual people in it. Most books rarely address what happens once the battle is over and I thought that aspect was well done. The author continued to expand the remarkable world he’s created, this time showing in detail the savage Scorpion kinden. I am continually impressed by the creativity shown in the worldbuilding, it is some of the best and most unique of any fantasy series I’ve read.
Things stayed interesting once we arrived at Khanaphes, the distant and unknown Beetle city. There is a secret to the city, a mystery that no one has been able to decipher. In the beginning, I thought the mystery angle was quite well handled. I was intrigued and wanted to know the secret. Unfortunately, the secret dragged far too long, which made the eventual reveal underwhelming.
There have been a few stretches of the first four books that were slower paced, but in the Scarab Path the first 300 pages were slower than anything else in the series. Things picked up in the last 200 pages, but not quite enough to compensate for the beginning. This book is also much more tightly focused than the first four. The majority takes place entirely in and around the city of Khanaphes, which far fewer POV characters. The two characters that we do see a lot of are Che and Thalric, which was both good and bad for me.
I am not a fan of Che. It feels like events simply happen to her as opposed to her influencing them. Multiple other characters comment on how she seems utterly incapable of taking care of herself, and I grew increasingly frustrated with her. On the other hand, Thalric is a very interesting character, and I thoroughly enjoyed every time the POV switched to him, or even when he was involved in the action. I think the author has done a great job portraying someone who has done terrible things for a perceived higher purpose and whose loyalties are hopelessly conflicted.
Despite my issues, I did enjoy spending more time in the world the author has created. I’m in the series for the long haul, and have already started the next book.
I’m rounding this one down to 3 stars. It’s the first time a book in this series has been below 4 stars for me. While there were some very well done elements in the book, overall it was a weaker entry for me.
Fair warning, spoilers coming for previous books in the series. The war with the Wasps is over, at least for now, leaving Stenwold and the other survivors to rebuild. Focus shifts from fighting to adjusting to a new normal brought about by new allies and other kinden encountered during the war. The world has become a much smaller place now that Collegium has started looking beyond the Lowlands. Rumors trickle back to Stenwold and his allies of a distant city of Beetle kinden. As a political favor to a friend, Stenwold endorses an expedition to the city of Khanaphes, led by Che, still grieving the loss of Acheos.
Meanwhile the Wasp Empire is undergoing a change of its own. Its advance into the Lowlands thrown back, their focus has shifted to consolidating its power as they adjust to rule for the first time by an Empress. There is unrest in several of their conquered territories as local governors attempt to turn the upheaval for their own profit. Thalric, newly installed Regent of the Empire, does his best to stay as far away from the capital and his new wife as he can, having discovered a terrifying secret about the Empire’s new leader.
The book started out well, showing a realistic look at the aftermath of a devastating war on both a culture and the individual people in it. Most books rarely address what happens once the battle is over and I thought that aspect was well done. The author continued to expand the remarkable world he’s created, this time showing in detail the savage Scorpion kinden. I am continually impressed by the creativity shown in the worldbuilding, it is some of the best and most unique of any fantasy series I’ve read.
Things stayed interesting once we arrived at Khanaphes, the distant and unknown Beetle city. There is a secret to the city, a mystery that no one has been able to decipher. In the beginning, I thought the mystery angle was quite well handled. I was intrigued and wanted to know the secret. Unfortunately, the secret dragged far too long, which made the eventual reveal underwhelming.
There have been a few stretches of the first four books that were slower paced, but in the Scarab Path the first 300 pages were slower than anything else in the series. Things picked up in the last 200 pages, but not quite enough to compensate for the beginning. This book is also much more tightly focused than the first four. The majority takes place entirely in and around the city of Khanaphes, which far fewer POV characters. The two characters that we do see a lot of are Che and Thalric, which was both good and bad for me.
I am not a fan of Che. It feels like events simply happen to her as opposed to her influencing them. Multiple other characters comment on how she seems utterly incapable of taking care of herself, and I grew increasingly frustrated with her. On the other hand, Thalric is a very interesting character, and I thoroughly enjoyed every time the POV switched to him, or even when he was involved in the action. I think the author has done a great job portraying someone who has done terrible things for a perceived higher purpose and whose loyalties are hopelessly conflicted.
Despite my issues, I did enjoy spending more time in the world the author has created. I’m in the series for the long haul, and have already started the next book.
December 29, 2015
This is a review of the entire series - there are NO spoilers.
When I look back at the Shadows of the Apt, what strikes me at first might seem incongruous to most.
There are no unnecessary descriptions of food.
None at all.
10 books, each of them 400 to 700 pages in length - covering battles, history and multiple points of view - and not a single one of them had any descriptions of food.
Or sex, clothing, family crests, whores or incest.
And I loved it.
Not a single wasted line.
There may be many reasons why the Shadows of the Apt is a success, why you SHOULD read these books no matter how difficult it may get at times. If I had to choose one, however, its this - Tchaikovsky doesn't waste a single page, character or event in his storytelling - the march of story is relentless through thousands of pages, culminating in a satisfying finale.
The World in which the Shadows of the Apt (SOTA) is set is astonishing in its originality. There are no elves, trolls, orcs or dwarves - instead, Tchaikovsky populates this world with Insect Kinden - human beings of different races who derive their primary characteristics from insects. Beetle kinden are slow, plodding, hardworking and intelligent with a flair for statesmanship. The Ant Kinden are warlike and live in each other's heads, attempting to work towards the betterment of the Ant city - a frightening and at the same time amusing allegory for communism. The Mantis Kinden live in the woods, are excellent fighters and are generally rooted in arcane magic and rituals - individualists who are dying out due to adherence to traditions which have lost all meaning. There are Spiders, Moths, Thorn Bugs and Flies each with their own definite characteristics that would require an encyclopedia to cover in entirety. At someone's last count there were close to thirty distinct kinden introduced in the series and I belive that must just be scratching the surface.
Another important differentiating factor amongst the people of this world is Aptitude. The Apt are those who are skilled in the art of artifice, and mechanics. They are scientists, using the laws of nature to change the world around them. Crossbows, artillery and even primitive air power all based on the principles of clockwork make their appearance in the early pages of the series. On the other end of the spectrum however, are the Inapt - the erstwhile rulers of the world to whom the apt were but slaves until a long ago revolution altered the power structure forever. The Inapt live in a world of magic, intuition and prophecy - incapable of so much as unlatching a door, their minds unable to comprehend the machine world in form or function.
This status quo is under threat from the Wasp Kinden of the north - a ferocious warlike race which has come into its own and seeks to conquer the world. While this might sound like a cliche far too common to all fantasy fiction there is an important difference - the Wasps aren't inherently evil. The initial stand off is more one of culture and ideology than of good and evil. Two of my favourite characters are, in fact, Wasps. The only people who are aware of the threat the Wasps pose to the world are the beetle Stenwold Maker, a master in Collegium and his Mantis friend Tisamon. As the series begins Stenwold sends his niece Che, his adopted daughter Tynisa, a spider and his halfbreed student Totho and the dragonfly prince Salme Dien to the factory city of Helleron for espionage against the Wasp empire. Having turned its eyes towards the university city of Collegium, a beacon of enlightenment and artifice in the Lowlands, the Wasps are determined to stop Stenwold Maker at any cost.
Anymore would give away the joy of experiencing the plot for yourself. Rest assured, things get complicated very quickly, alliances shift and change, people die and before you know you might find yourself rooting for a villain. Over ten books we are treated to multiple detailed accounts of various battles, war movements and deaths. The narrative moves effortlessly between personal accounts of war and one on one battles. There is a very real sense of forward progression in the book with characters always changing, finding their ideals and comfort zone being challenged on a regular basis and reacting to the world in new ways. These interactions might not always be pleasant and not everyone might walk away from them alive - however, it is wonderful to see such attention to character progression. No one walks out of this book unscathed or unchanged. Some change for the better, some for the worse - but all changes seem normal, organic and make sense. This series capitalises on this characterisation to make things all the more gripping.
SOTA cannot be labelled as grimdark fantasy either. There is war, death, murder, rape and cruelty. There are slave camps, dying civilisations and loss. A large chunk of characters are dead towards the end of the book. However, there is a resilience to all the characters that makes it possible to believe they will eventually find a way out. It might be because the author is British but all the characters have a stoic, stiff upper lip approach to situations which makes even the darkest segments of the book immensely enjoyable. The dialogue is witty, snappy and fluid - more importantly, it's distinctive in a sense and tailor made to each character. Atrocities, when they are committed are mentioned but not described in detail. This seems to be a more effective method of conveying the horrors of war. I have seen fantasy where rape and murder are described to a distasteful degree under the excuse of realism. Tchaikovsky actually doesn't indulge in voyeurism which significantly increased the emotional impact when bad things eventually DID happen. (Basically books 4 and 10)
A standard fantasy talks about heroism in the face of darkness with a well demarcated line between good and evil. SOTA takes a different tack. While set in a fictional world the themes are often all too relevant. The novels are given over to varied themes - whether duty to oneself comes over and above duty to the city state, are we willing to enslave others so that we may be free, the struggle between the old world and new, between science and superstition. There are also deeper questions about the creation of weapons of war and deterrents- does an inventor take pride in a weapon that has been created solely for killing, and if he is horrified what mental toll does this take? The stark contrast between killing a person yourself and ordering the deaths of hundreds in a mechanised attack is also touched upon. The question asked of a lot of the artificers in this series is whether they feel war has allowed them progress and innovation and whether, coming on the heel of the human cost, this innovation is worth it. A lot of the characters might answer yes. The beauty in Tchaikovsky's characters lies in how easy it is to understand if not exactly sympathise this point of view.
Over the course of the series, we are also treated to innovation and how it can change the face of war. Ranged weapons are deployed against an unarmed infantry, submersibles are invented out of necessity and there is an entire book devoted to an Air War that brings to mind the Battle of Britain and the RAF during World War II. This mechanical progress is a plot point which drives the book forward. The enemy improvising and modifying weapons while the defenders need to think on their feet to win the war and vice versa.
The only criticism I might want to level against this series is that it seems a little too dry at times.Tchaikovsky's prose is fluid, and wonderful on page. However, at times, it fails to convey the images necessary to visualise the world around. I am an extremely visual reader, by which I mean that I enjoy building the environment around me. Tchaikovsky was adequate to this task but I wanted more. However, I choose not to reduce any points for this - This is Tchaikovsky's first work. A ten volume series which serves as a nuanced account of the wages of war in a fantasy world. It is rare for anyone to get something THIS RIGHT on the first round and I am sure he will only get better as he continues to write more.
The SOTA is unlike any fantasy I have read in a long long time - nuanced, with wonderful characterisation, multiple plot threads and points of view and absolutely no narrative drag. It begins, builds to a crescendo and ends almost perfectly. I don't recommend this to just lovers of fantasy but to all lovers of good literature. Don't turn your nose down on this, you won't be disappointed.
When I look back at the Shadows of the Apt, what strikes me at first might seem incongruous to most.
There are no unnecessary descriptions of food.
None at all.
10 books, each of them 400 to 700 pages in length - covering battles, history and multiple points of view - and not a single one of them had any descriptions of food.
Or sex, clothing, family crests, whores or incest.
And I loved it.
Not a single wasted line.
There may be many reasons why the Shadows of the Apt is a success, why you SHOULD read these books no matter how difficult it may get at times. If I had to choose one, however, its this - Tchaikovsky doesn't waste a single page, character or event in his storytelling - the march of story is relentless through thousands of pages, culminating in a satisfying finale.
The World in which the Shadows of the Apt (SOTA) is set is astonishing in its originality. There are no elves, trolls, orcs or dwarves - instead, Tchaikovsky populates this world with Insect Kinden - human beings of different races who derive their primary characteristics from insects. Beetle kinden are slow, plodding, hardworking and intelligent with a flair for statesmanship. The Ant Kinden are warlike and live in each other's heads, attempting to work towards the betterment of the Ant city - a frightening and at the same time amusing allegory for communism. The Mantis Kinden live in the woods, are excellent fighters and are generally rooted in arcane magic and rituals - individualists who are dying out due to adherence to traditions which have lost all meaning. There are Spiders, Moths, Thorn Bugs and Flies each with their own definite characteristics that would require an encyclopedia to cover in entirety. At someone's last count there were close to thirty distinct kinden introduced in the series and I belive that must just be scratching the surface.
Another important differentiating factor amongst the people of this world is Aptitude. The Apt are those who are skilled in the art of artifice, and mechanics. They are scientists, using the laws of nature to change the world around them. Crossbows, artillery and even primitive air power all based on the principles of clockwork make their appearance in the early pages of the series. On the other end of the spectrum however, are the Inapt - the erstwhile rulers of the world to whom the apt were but slaves until a long ago revolution altered the power structure forever. The Inapt live in a world of magic, intuition and prophecy - incapable of so much as unlatching a door, their minds unable to comprehend the machine world in form or function.
This status quo is under threat from the Wasp Kinden of the north - a ferocious warlike race which has come into its own and seeks to conquer the world. While this might sound like a cliche far too common to all fantasy fiction there is an important difference - the Wasps aren't inherently evil. The initial stand off is more one of culture and ideology than of good and evil. Two of my favourite characters are, in fact, Wasps. The only people who are aware of the threat the Wasps pose to the world are the beetle Stenwold Maker, a master in Collegium and his Mantis friend Tisamon. As the series begins Stenwold sends his niece Che, his adopted daughter Tynisa, a spider and his halfbreed student Totho and the dragonfly prince Salme Dien to the factory city of Helleron for espionage against the Wasp empire. Having turned its eyes towards the university city of Collegium, a beacon of enlightenment and artifice in the Lowlands, the Wasps are determined to stop Stenwold Maker at any cost.
Anymore would give away the joy of experiencing the plot for yourself. Rest assured, things get complicated very quickly, alliances shift and change, people die and before you know you might find yourself rooting for a villain. Over ten books we are treated to multiple detailed accounts of various battles, war movements and deaths. The narrative moves effortlessly between personal accounts of war and one on one battles. There is a very real sense of forward progression in the book with characters always changing, finding their ideals and comfort zone being challenged on a regular basis and reacting to the world in new ways. These interactions might not always be pleasant and not everyone might walk away from them alive - however, it is wonderful to see such attention to character progression. No one walks out of this book unscathed or unchanged. Some change for the better, some for the worse - but all changes seem normal, organic and make sense. This series capitalises on this characterisation to make things all the more gripping.
SOTA cannot be labelled as grimdark fantasy either. There is war, death, murder, rape and cruelty. There are slave camps, dying civilisations and loss. A large chunk of characters are dead towards the end of the book. However, there is a resilience to all the characters that makes it possible to believe they will eventually find a way out. It might be because the author is British but all the characters have a stoic, stiff upper lip approach to situations which makes even the darkest segments of the book immensely enjoyable. The dialogue is witty, snappy and fluid - more importantly, it's distinctive in a sense and tailor made to each character. Atrocities, when they are committed are mentioned but not described in detail. This seems to be a more effective method of conveying the horrors of war. I have seen fantasy where rape and murder are described to a distasteful degree under the excuse of realism. Tchaikovsky actually doesn't indulge in voyeurism which significantly increased the emotional impact when bad things eventually DID happen. (Basically books 4 and 10)
A standard fantasy talks about heroism in the face of darkness with a well demarcated line between good and evil. SOTA takes a different tack. While set in a fictional world the themes are often all too relevant. The novels are given over to varied themes - whether duty to oneself comes over and above duty to the city state, are we willing to enslave others so that we may be free, the struggle between the old world and new, between science and superstition. There are also deeper questions about the creation of weapons of war and deterrents- does an inventor take pride in a weapon that has been created solely for killing, and if he is horrified what mental toll does this take? The stark contrast between killing a person yourself and ordering the deaths of hundreds in a mechanised attack is also touched upon. The question asked of a lot of the artificers in this series is whether they feel war has allowed them progress and innovation and whether, coming on the heel of the human cost, this innovation is worth it. A lot of the characters might answer yes. The beauty in Tchaikovsky's characters lies in how easy it is to understand if not exactly sympathise this point of view.
Over the course of the series, we are also treated to innovation and how it can change the face of war. Ranged weapons are deployed against an unarmed infantry, submersibles are invented out of necessity and there is an entire book devoted to an Air War that brings to mind the Battle of Britain and the RAF during World War II. This mechanical progress is a plot point which drives the book forward. The enemy improvising and modifying weapons while the defenders need to think on their feet to win the war and vice versa.
The only criticism I might want to level against this series is that it seems a little too dry at times.Tchaikovsky's prose is fluid, and wonderful on page. However, at times, it fails to convey the images necessary to visualise the world around. I am an extremely visual reader, by which I mean that I enjoy building the environment around me. Tchaikovsky was adequate to this task but I wanted more. However, I choose not to reduce any points for this - This is Tchaikovsky's first work. A ten volume series which serves as a nuanced account of the wages of war in a fantasy world. It is rare for anyone to get something THIS RIGHT on the first round and I am sure he will only get better as he continues to write more.
The SOTA is unlike any fantasy I have read in a long long time - nuanced, with wonderful characterisation, multiple plot threads and points of view and absolutely no narrative drag. It begins, builds to a crescendo and ends almost perfectly. I don't recommend this to just lovers of fantasy but to all lovers of good literature. Don't turn your nose down on this, you won't be disappointed.
January 10, 2013
I think someone whose fantasy world includes 3-foot Fly kinden, 11-foot Mole Cricket kinden, and everything in-between should perhaps not use the phrase "as tall as a man" quite so damn much.
January 8, 2012
Read the fifth volume of Shadows of the Apt, The Scarab Path, by Adrian Tchaikovski while on holiday.
Contains spoilers for all books of the series up to this one.
The Scarab Path takes place about a year after the events of the previous book; the defeat of the Wasp army, and the death of Achaeos. Che is still extremely distraught, and can't let go, especially as she keeps feeling the ghostly presence of her unhappy dead lover. She also lost her Aptitude at the end of the ritual that killed Achaeos, and now feels doubly lost in a city full of machinery she used to understand.
Meanwhile, the Scholars of Collegium have discovered an ancient Beetle city named Kanaphes on old maps. Stenwold decides to send an embassy headed by Che there, both to get her distracted from ger sorrow, and to possibly help her, as reports indicate that these Beetles may be Inapt, as there is no artifice in their city.
The first person Che comes across in Kanaphes is Thalric, formerly Wasp agent, formerly Collegium agent, now the consort of the Wasp Empress. As the Empress is completely insane and has some very disturbing habits, he has fled there.
At the same time, a half Wasp, half Scorpion agent is sent to the Scorpions of the New desert, in order to recruit them to destroy Kanaphes. Which turns out to be the biggest cover-up ever, as somebody really really wants Thalric dead, and will go into any kind of extremes to get there.
As if that wasn't enough, Totho, now the head of a rich arms merchand consortium, also shows up, still utterly obsessed by Che.
As the local population isn't very open-minded, Che and Thalric become rather close, which doesn't make Totho any happier, and leads to some disturbing stalking. Also, there's something really strange going on about the mysterious Masters of Kanaphes, extremely powerful people who went underground centuries ago, and left instructions to keep their subjects from exploiting their Aptitude, keeping them in an artificial stone age, so that the Scorpions, armed by the Empire, make short work of their fortifications.
Che and Thalric finally get to meet the Masters, and there are some interesting revelations...
I quite liked this one.
There is finally some exploration of the Inapt kinden, in a way that they are not depicted as quasi-retarded, defeated by a simple door-lock. While Che feels like she is disabled at the beginning, she finds alternative talents in Kanaphes, as she feels some kind of connection to the Inapt Masters, and finds that she can read writing and maps that don't make any sense to the local Apt Beetles. So the Apt kinden get technology, but can't wrap their head around anything metaphysical, the Inapt kinden get powerful magic, which more than makes up for the lack of technology (especially if you get to keep some Apt kinden in slavery so they can take care of that stuff for you). Which explaines how the Inapt were able to dominate the other kinden for millenia, and balances the power between Apt and Inapt somehow.
The character development was quite interesting here. Thalric definetely seems to be related to Jaime Lannister, a not actualy evil man, who has done evil things, and is now seeking redemption. I think Che and him make quite a nice couple, actually. Totho, on the other hand, is acting like Anakin Skywalker, ca the middle of Episode 3. His obsession with Che is rather disturbing, as she has become the yardstick against which he measures all his actions. Understandably, she isn't too happy about this, as he's pretty much stalking her, going: look at what I've done, do you love me now?. The fact that he coldbloodedly killed a whole garrison in Szar doesn't help there. He's a bit of an annoying character, really, and I hope we won't see much more of him in the coming volumes.
One could argue that Che is a bit of a special snowflake character, as all the special stuff only seems to happen to her. However, as we're in her point of view a lot of the time, and get a lot of her internal monologue and her motivations, we get to understand her, and sympathise with her, so that you end up quite liking her.
Both plot lines, the one about the Scorpion invasion, and the one about the Masters are interestingly done, although personnally, I found the latter more fascinating, as I'm into worlbuilding mythology stuff. We also almost found out why the Spiders and the Mantis hate each other so much...that would have been interesting.
A good transition from the Wasp war to other matters.
8.5/10
Contains spoilers for all books of the series up to this one.
The Scarab Path takes place about a year after the events of the previous book; the defeat of the Wasp army, and the death of Achaeos. Che is still extremely distraught, and can't let go, especially as she keeps feeling the ghostly presence of her unhappy dead lover. She also lost her Aptitude at the end of the ritual that killed Achaeos, and now feels doubly lost in a city full of machinery she used to understand.
Meanwhile, the Scholars of Collegium have discovered an ancient Beetle city named Kanaphes on old maps. Stenwold decides to send an embassy headed by Che there, both to get her distracted from ger sorrow, and to possibly help her, as reports indicate that these Beetles may be Inapt, as there is no artifice in their city.
The first person Che comes across in Kanaphes is Thalric, formerly Wasp agent, formerly Collegium agent, now the consort of the Wasp Empress. As the Empress is completely insane and has some very disturbing habits, he has fled there.
At the same time, a half Wasp, half Scorpion agent is sent to the Scorpions of the New desert, in order to recruit them to destroy Kanaphes. Which turns out to be the biggest cover-up ever, as somebody really really wants Thalric dead, and will go into any kind of extremes to get there.
As if that wasn't enough, Totho, now the head of a rich arms merchand consortium, also shows up, still utterly obsessed by Che.
As the local population isn't very open-minded, Che and Thalric become rather close, which doesn't make Totho any happier, and leads to some disturbing stalking. Also, there's something really strange going on about the mysterious Masters of Kanaphes, extremely powerful people who went underground centuries ago, and left instructions to keep their subjects from exploiting their Aptitude, keeping them in an artificial stone age, so that the Scorpions, armed by the Empire, make short work of their fortifications.
Che and Thalric finally get to meet the Masters, and there are some interesting revelations...
I quite liked this one.
There is finally some exploration of the Inapt kinden, in a way that they are not depicted as quasi-retarded, defeated by a simple door-lock. While Che feels like she is disabled at the beginning, she finds alternative talents in Kanaphes, as she feels some kind of connection to the Inapt Masters, and finds that she can read writing and maps that don't make any sense to the local Apt Beetles. So the Apt kinden get technology, but can't wrap their head around anything metaphysical, the Inapt kinden get powerful magic, which more than makes up for the lack of technology (especially if you get to keep some Apt kinden in slavery so they can take care of that stuff for you). Which explaines how the Inapt were able to dominate the other kinden for millenia, and balances the power between Apt and Inapt somehow.
The character development was quite interesting here. Thalric definetely seems to be related to Jaime Lannister, a not actualy evil man, who has done evil things, and is now seeking redemption. I think Che and him make quite a nice couple, actually. Totho, on the other hand, is acting like Anakin Skywalker, ca the middle of Episode 3. His obsession with Che is rather disturbing, as she has become the yardstick against which he measures all his actions. Understandably, she isn't too happy about this, as he's pretty much stalking her, going: look at what I've done, do you love me now?. The fact that he coldbloodedly killed a whole garrison in Szar doesn't help there. He's a bit of an annoying character, really, and I hope we won't see much more of him in the coming volumes.
One could argue that Che is a bit of a special snowflake character, as all the special stuff only seems to happen to her. However, as we're in her point of view a lot of the time, and get a lot of her internal monologue and her motivations, we get to understand her, and sympathise with her, so that you end up quite liking her.
Both plot lines, the one about the Scorpion invasion, and the one about the Masters are interestingly done, although personnally, I found the latter more fascinating, as I'm into worlbuilding mythology stuff. We also almost found out why the Spiders and the Mantis hate each other so much...that would have been interesting.
A good transition from the Wasp war to other matters.
8.5/10
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2024
This is the fifth book in the series and I’m finding it builds very well on the previous ones while introducing new characters and settings at the same time. This story explores themes of identity, history, and change. It’s also filled with action, war strategy, tension and a hint of romance.
The strength of this book is in the characters they are very believable and each has their own charm. The pace is slower at the beginning but given the amount of detail Tchaikovsky includes about the world I think this makes the book a more in-depth read.
”This world has too many sharp edges, she brooded, and I have cut myself too often on them.” - Cheerwell Maker
Overall it’s an exciting, thoughtful and adventurous addition to the series. The blend of fantasy and imaginative elements sets the stage for future adventures in the series. A really satisfying book with an ending I found gripping and a filled with hope.
The strength of this book is in the characters they are very believable and each has their own charm. The pace is slower at the beginning but given the amount of detail Tchaikovsky includes about the world I think this makes the book a more in-depth read.
”This world has too many sharp edges, she brooded, and I have cut myself too often on them.” - Cheerwell Maker
Overall it’s an exciting, thoughtful and adventurous addition to the series. The blend of fantasy and imaginative elements sets the stage for future adventures in the series. A really satisfying book with an ending I found gripping and a filled with hope.
April 26, 2025
"If I met him, that burning idealist, I would kill him if I could. Far too dangerous to let him live."
- Regent Thalric about Rekef Major Thalric
After the conclusion of the arc I was expecting beginning of new one but this book barely moves anything forward except character growth. It begins with diplomatic mission to distant beetle-kinden city of Khanaphes and stays there the whole time. It was interesting for a while, just this mindless discovering of ancient city that's still alive, but once again I have to call out fantasy book for being too damn long. Some books deserve 700 page count and for some it's not enough (Dragonfly Falling, for example) but this one could've been easily 300 pages shorter without any consequences.
Khanaphes is fascinating and there's the veil of mystery around it for the whole time. It's suppose to be ruled by masters but they never show up in the public. Instead all citizens are their slaves with First Minister as a spokesperson for the masters. Are they real? Are they all dead and ministers are using them for power? I'll say one thing - there are no scarab-kinden and I have no idea where that title came from aside from city's architecture evoking Egyptian style.
I'll be damned if Thalric wasn't the best character in this book. His character was pretty clunky at certain points in the past but he went through a huge growth here. Even Che finally seems to do things instead of passively reacting to surroundings except...
Then there's Totho. For some reason Tchaikovsky's been trying to make Totho sympathetic this whole time and he does so again on steroids here. Never. To compare his character to something real he'd be like Mikhail Kalashnikov working for Hitler with Himmler as his closest companion. Trying to woo his crush who has restraining order against him by showing off his newest inventions by slaughtering people with latest AK-47 iteration. I completely believe I was suppose to sympathize with Totho according to Tchaikovsky's writing because his story parallels Che's obsession with Achaeos. Hopefully this madness was resolved in this book and author will spare me until the end of the series.
Overall this is like a side story that moves the plot forward. Something like First Law standalone novel - time moves forward and there's a bunch of old characters there. I just wonder how many of remaining books will have the same vibe as all of them are 700 pages long.
- Regent Thalric about Rekef Major Thalric
After the conclusion of the arc I was expecting beginning of new one but this book barely moves anything forward except character growth. It begins with diplomatic mission to distant beetle-kinden city of Khanaphes and stays there the whole time. It was interesting for a while, just this mindless discovering of ancient city that's still alive, but once again I have to call out fantasy book for being too damn long. Some books deserve 700 page count and for some it's not enough (Dragonfly Falling, for example) but this one could've been easily 300 pages shorter without any consequences.
Khanaphes is fascinating and there's the veil of mystery around it for the whole time. It's suppose to be ruled by masters but they never show up in the public. Instead all citizens are their slaves with First Minister as a spokesperson for the masters. Are they real? Are they all dead and ministers are using them for power? I'll say one thing - there are no scarab-kinden and I have no idea where that title came from aside from city's architecture evoking Egyptian style.
I'll be damned if Thalric wasn't the best character in this book. His character was pretty clunky at certain points in the past but he went through a huge growth here. Even Che finally seems to do things instead of passively reacting to surroundings except...
Then there's Totho. For some reason Tchaikovsky's been trying to make Totho sympathetic this whole time and he does so again on steroids here. Never. To compare his character to something real he'd be like Mikhail Kalashnikov working for Hitler with Himmler as his closest companion. Trying to woo his crush who has restraining order against him by showing off his newest inventions by slaughtering people with latest AK-47 iteration. I completely believe I was suppose to sympathize with Totho according to Tchaikovsky's writing because his story parallels Che's obsession with Achaeos. Hopefully this madness was resolved in this book and author will spare me until the end of the series.
Overall this is like a side story that moves the plot forward. Something like First Law standalone novel - time moves forward and there's a bunch of old characters there. I just wonder how many of remaining books will have the same vibe as all of them are 700 pages long.
December 6, 2023
Bello, molto bello.
Diverso dai volumi precedenti e per diverse ragioni:
intanto abbiamo unità di spazio, mentre in precedenza l'azione si era sempre divisa in due, tre, quattro filoni sparpagliati per il mondo; poi abbiamo un protagonista univoco, con al limite un paio di coprotagonisti che si guadagnano il loro spazio.
Ma il centro del libro è sempre chiaro: è Che che decide di andare nella misteriosa, inesplorata e lontanissima città di Scarafaggi del sud; è Che che funge da ambasciatrice per la spedizione di Collegium; è per via della spedizione di Che che anche l'Impero ne manda una, e quindi che manda un emissario ad armare e puntare contro la città gli scorpioni del deserto.
È per via di Che che scopriamo il fato ultimo di Tisamon, e dei Padroni della città. È per lei che Totho diventa un eroe riscattandosi in parte.
Quindi una protagonista, Che, in un'antica città misteriosa e leggendaria.
Con una missione, scoprire il proprio posto nel mondo in seguito alla morte del suo amato e alle conseguenze che ciò ha avuto su di lei.
Un viaggio di crescita personale (per almeno due, tre persone), una storia di guerra eroica e disperata.
E i Padroni, ho già citato i Padroni? Che ci offrono uno sguardo sul mondo prima della rivoluzione, ma anche su quello ancora prima.
Non nego di aver sperato quasi che Che alla fine restasse lì, con la città che diventava un ibrido tra passato e presente... L'unica delusione mi arriva dalla copertina, dove si dice che "antichi poteri si risvegliano".
Vero, letteralmente vero, ma anche enormemente falso.
Speravo nell'avvio di una controrivoluzione che avrebbe agitato ulteriormente le acque, grazie anche all'imperatrice, invece...
Comunque ottimo libro, e la situazione ora è aperta a qualunque evoluzione.
Diverso dai volumi precedenti e per diverse ragioni:
intanto abbiamo unità di spazio, mentre in precedenza l'azione si era sempre divisa in due, tre, quattro filoni sparpagliati per il mondo; poi abbiamo un protagonista univoco, con al limite un paio di coprotagonisti che si guadagnano il loro spazio.
Ma il centro del libro è sempre chiaro: è Che che decide di andare nella misteriosa, inesplorata e lontanissima città di Scarafaggi del sud; è Che che funge da ambasciatrice per la spedizione di Collegium; è per via della spedizione di Che che anche l'Impero ne manda una, e quindi che manda un emissario ad armare e puntare contro la città gli scorpioni del deserto.
È per via di Che che scopriamo il fato ultimo di Tisamon, e dei Padroni della città. È per lei che Totho diventa un eroe riscattandosi in parte.
Quindi una protagonista, Che, in un'antica città misteriosa e leggendaria.
Con una missione, scoprire il proprio posto nel mondo in seguito alla morte del suo amato e alle conseguenze che ciò ha avuto su di lei.
Un viaggio di crescita personale (per almeno due, tre persone), una storia di guerra eroica e disperata.
E i Padroni, ho già citato i Padroni? Che ci offrono uno sguardo sul mondo prima della rivoluzione, ma anche su quello ancora prima.
Non nego di aver sperato quasi che Che alla fine restasse lì, con la città che diventava un ibrido tra passato e presente... L'unica delusione mi arriva dalla copertina, dove si dice che "antichi poteri si risvegliano".
Vero, letteralmente vero, ma anche enormemente falso.
Speravo nell'avvio di una controrivoluzione che avrebbe agitato ulteriormente le acque, grazie anche all'imperatrice, invece...
Comunque ottimo libro, e la situazione ora è aperta a qualunque evoluzione.
July 31, 2023
This wasn't perfect, but I think it is my favorite since book 2. Whereas books 3 and 4 expanded things really fast and kind of lacked depth in the characters I was most interested in this book really focuses in on just a few characters and I enjoyed that. Also it still expands the world as we go to a new place. More importantly though this book really starts getting deeper into the lore of the world and the magic. While I was somewhat frustrated through the first 3 parts because I wasn't hooked by the plot happenings part 4 was really really good and brought it home. I'm not sure how I feel about a couple of the choices at the end, but it was nothing that ruined anything for me. I'm excited to read the next one.
November 30, 2010
After 4 spectacular fresh fantasy novels in this series, I was skeptical at where Adrian Tchaikovsky would take our characters and the story. At the end of the 4th novel we found the war with the Wasp Empire now over, and the death to many of our favorite protagonists, including main line heroes.
Tchaikovsky has done it again, in creating a new feel fantasy novel, this one even differing from his previous 4 novels. This story is tight and focused and centers around Cheerwell and Thalric. These were definitely two of my favorites going into this novel, and now they hold that title to me. The story here is focused around the mysterious far off city of Khanaphes. Che is sent as an Ambassador of Collegium, Thalric the Ambassador of the Empire, along with the Ambassador of "The Iron Glove".
The story is the mystery of the city, it is about the growth of Che and it is about the trials and tribulations of Thalric. Magic runs deep through this one, very different from the first books of this series. Dark, relentlessly paced, and filled with characters that you can believe in.
I loved the first 4 books of this series. They are a great achievement in themselves. This book however read too me on entirely higher level. It was among the best reads of 2010 for me and will remain a fantasy novel to beat through out the next year.
If you call yourself a fantasy reader than by all means make The Shadows of the Apt a priority to read. You are missing out if you do not read this. Spectacular...
Tchaikovsky has done it again, in creating a new feel fantasy novel, this one even differing from his previous 4 novels. This story is tight and focused and centers around Cheerwell and Thalric. These were definitely two of my favorites going into this novel, and now they hold that title to me. The story here is focused around the mysterious far off city of Khanaphes. Che is sent as an Ambassador of Collegium, Thalric the Ambassador of the Empire, along with the Ambassador of "The Iron Glove".
The story is the mystery of the city, it is about the growth of Che and it is about the trials and tribulations of Thalric. Magic runs deep through this one, very different from the first books of this series. Dark, relentlessly paced, and filled with characters that you can believe in.
I loved the first 4 books of this series. They are a great achievement in themselves. This book however read too me on entirely higher level. It was among the best reads of 2010 for me and will remain a fantasy novel to beat through out the next year.
If you call yourself a fantasy reader than by all means make The Shadows of the Apt a priority to read. You are missing out if you do not read this. Spectacular...
December 2, 2013
Would be a solid four stars if the beginning was better. I can't recall another book which was such a long hard slog at the start but then picked up to become so entertaining 200 pages in. So many times I almost gave up because it was so dull. Surely that's poor writing/editing to allow that to happen?
November 18, 2021
I would like to have a lot more Thalric and a lot less Cheerwell and even less than that of Totho. I mean I understand very well that you couldn't tell this story with just Thalric but that doesn't stop me from wanting unreasonable things.
July 31, 2021
https://undertheradarsffbooks.com/202...
The war between the Wasp Empire and the Collegium has ended in a stalemate with victims on both sides of the battle. No one is sure what the next steps are but the one certainty is that this stalemate will not last forever. The Empire is regaining control over several imperial cities with sights set on the ancient beetle city of Khanaphes in the desert of Nem. The Collegium must send an envoy there as well to uncover its secrets but their is much more mystery to Khanaphes than anyone could have ever expected. This will be a spoiler free review but I will be touching upon certain events in the previous installments. Please note that I listened to the audiobook narrated by Ben Allen and the work he has put into these characters are spectacular.
I have mentioned this before in my previous reviews but Shadows of the Apt is essentially spilt into two arcs. Books 1-4 are the first and 5-10 are the second and you couldn’t have started this second part to a series any better. Cheerwell maker starts off this story as a broken person given the death of her lover Achaeos following the part be played in the downfall of the emperor with his magic. Cheerwell is haunted by the ghost of Achaeos as she sleeps and it breaks her heart every time. Stenwold agrees to send Cheerwell on this mission to Khanaphes, but she is also drawn to the city by a greater power that may have something to do with her inapt abilities. The Emperor has been slain by the Mantis Kinden Tisamon who sacrificed himself in the killing of the ruler and his devious Mosquito Kinden Uctebri. Uctebri’s plan to sacrifice the emperor and to give powers to the Emperor’s sister Seda has failed, but Seda finds herself a different person after the ritual with the desire for vengeance and blood. Seda now sits on the throne of the Wasp empire with her sites set on Khanaphes and she knows just the right person to send. The one person whom and knows the Collegium so well, Thalric.
I won’t go into too many details regarding the plot, but the worldbuilding and lore that Tchachovsky unravels in the Scarab Path is wonderful. Khanaphes is essentially Tchaikovsky’s version of an Egyptian city ruled by a group of Kinden known as the masters but no one has seen these rulers for centuries. The ruling power therefore comes down to the ministers of the masters who rule with an impunity and instill fear, religious and physical, to maintain order. We also get to see more into the skills and histories of many different Kinden especially the scorpions and I was hanging on every word. To put the icing on cake, we get to see Totho again and discover what part he has to play in this war. Totho’s character development is of a person who tries to do the right things but for the wrong reasons and poor Totho always seems to suffer for it. This is put on full display in this book and it will both excite and crush you emotionally. Adrian, could you give the kid a break!
Magic and technology as always is present and the battle tactics of war are shoved to the forefront. Adrian Tchaikovsky has put himself on a pillar for the most creative world I have ever read with fantastic characters to go along with it. Although known in the SFF communities, I am always shocked when I get messages from readers whom haven’t tried Shadow of the Apt yet, but when they do the praises come pouring in. If you need a new series to get absorbed in and getting emotionally gut punched from time to time, this is where you need to go. Its full steam ahead for me.
Cheers!
The war between the Wasp Empire and the Collegium has ended in a stalemate with victims on both sides of the battle. No one is sure what the next steps are but the one certainty is that this stalemate will not last forever. The Empire is regaining control over several imperial cities with sights set on the ancient beetle city of Khanaphes in the desert of Nem. The Collegium must send an envoy there as well to uncover its secrets but their is much more mystery to Khanaphes than anyone could have ever expected. This will be a spoiler free review but I will be touching upon certain events in the previous installments. Please note that I listened to the audiobook narrated by Ben Allen and the work he has put into these characters are spectacular.
I have mentioned this before in my previous reviews but Shadows of the Apt is essentially spilt into two arcs. Books 1-4 are the first and 5-10 are the second and you couldn’t have started this second part to a series any better. Cheerwell maker starts off this story as a broken person given the death of her lover Achaeos following the part be played in the downfall of the emperor with his magic. Cheerwell is haunted by the ghost of Achaeos as she sleeps and it breaks her heart every time. Stenwold agrees to send Cheerwell on this mission to Khanaphes, but she is also drawn to the city by a greater power that may have something to do with her inapt abilities. The Emperor has been slain by the Mantis Kinden Tisamon who sacrificed himself in the killing of the ruler and his devious Mosquito Kinden Uctebri. Uctebri’s plan to sacrifice the emperor and to give powers to the Emperor’s sister Seda has failed, but Seda finds herself a different person after the ritual with the desire for vengeance and blood. Seda now sits on the throne of the Wasp empire with her sites set on Khanaphes and she knows just the right person to send. The one person whom and knows the Collegium so well, Thalric.
I won’t go into too many details regarding the plot, but the worldbuilding and lore that Tchachovsky unravels in the Scarab Path is wonderful. Khanaphes is essentially Tchaikovsky’s version of an Egyptian city ruled by a group of Kinden known as the masters but no one has seen these rulers for centuries. The ruling power therefore comes down to the ministers of the masters who rule with an impunity and instill fear, religious and physical, to maintain order. We also get to see more into the skills and histories of many different Kinden especially the scorpions and I was hanging on every word. To put the icing on cake, we get to see Totho again and discover what part he has to play in this war. Totho’s character development is of a person who tries to do the right things but for the wrong reasons and poor Totho always seems to suffer for it. This is put on full display in this book and it will both excite and crush you emotionally. Adrian, could you give the kid a break!
Magic and technology as always is present and the battle tactics of war are shoved to the forefront. Adrian Tchaikovsky has put himself on a pillar for the most creative world I have ever read with fantastic characters to go along with it. Although known in the SFF communities, I am always shocked when I get messages from readers whom haven’t tried Shadow of the Apt yet, but when they do the praises come pouring in. If you need a new series to get absorbed in and getting emotionally gut punched from time to time, this is where you need to go. Its full steam ahead for me.
Cheers!
September 5, 2021
Book:1 4.5
Book 2: 4.5
Book 3: 4
Book 4: 4.5
Book 5: 4.25
Really slow started after a lot of things got buttoned up at the end of the last book. Nice recovery and motion towards the next one.
September 21, 2010
I guess i would have to begin this review by saying up until this book i've thoroughly enjoyed the previous 4 installments of Shadows of the Apt. I do admit that i'm somewhat disappointed with this novel and am by no stretch placing this at the top of my favorites list. Even after completing the novel i have absolutely no idea why it was titled "The Scarab Path"...it has nothing to do with scarab kinden at all. Even more frustrating for me was that this novel had so little to do with it's predecessors.
I believe Tchaikovski shot himself in the foot by killing off so many of the "exciting" main characters in the last novels. Being left with a story based almost solely on Che there wasn't enough action in this novel. Almost 300 pages were dedicated to Che and a collection of scholars either travelling to the city of Khanaphes or going about some boring tasks within the city. Che's plot in the story was very strange throughout. She had been seeing ghosts, having weird dreams, became Inapt, and for some reason beyond my knowledge was "the chosen one" by the Masters of Khanaphes to run the entire city...all things that made very little sense at this point in the overall plot of the 5 novels. Even the whole sub-plot about the Master of Khanaphes was ridiculous. The idea of the "Fir" and a whole city run by ministers speaking their "masters" was painful to read. The way the war ended was an easy way out for Tchaikovsky and added very little excitement to the overall story.
If it was not for Thalric's being highlighted as a main plot once again this novel would have received an even lower rating from me. Even Thalric in this novel is a little less himself; he was quite a bit more emotional and a little more lame then i like him. Totho is brought back into the plot heavily, but he is also an emotional mess and his insecurities were a little too much for me to enjoy. Luckily for all the readers Tchaikovsky left Stenwold out of a large majority of the story so i didn't have to struggle through the chapters with his involvement.
All in all i believe this whole story had some very weak connections to previous 4 novels and so many of the great characters were missing. With the losses of Salma, Tisamon, Felice, Archeos,Balkus and any other character you may have enjoyed, there is not much for the reader to look forward to in the next installment. However, there is one thing we can all look forward to; we know Tynisa is alive somewhere as she was mentioned infrequently throughout the novel... i'm sure she will turn up in the following novel. Hopefully the author will develop some new strong characters that the reader can grow to love. I will definitely read book 6 when it is published but if it is more of the same i will have to say goodbye to this series.
I believe Tchaikovski shot himself in the foot by killing off so many of the "exciting" main characters in the last novels. Being left with a story based almost solely on Che there wasn't enough action in this novel. Almost 300 pages were dedicated to Che and a collection of scholars either travelling to the city of Khanaphes or going about some boring tasks within the city. Che's plot in the story was very strange throughout. She had been seeing ghosts, having weird dreams, became Inapt, and for some reason beyond my knowledge was "the chosen one" by the Masters of Khanaphes to run the entire city...all things that made very little sense at this point in the overall plot of the 5 novels. Even the whole sub-plot about the Master of Khanaphes was ridiculous. The idea of the "Fir" and a whole city run by ministers speaking their "masters" was painful to read. The way the war ended was an easy way out for Tchaikovsky and added very little excitement to the overall story.
If it was not for Thalric's being highlighted as a main plot once again this novel would have received an even lower rating from me. Even Thalric in this novel is a little less himself; he was quite a bit more emotional and a little more lame then i like him. Totho is brought back into the plot heavily, but he is also an emotional mess and his insecurities were a little too much for me to enjoy. Luckily for all the readers Tchaikovsky left Stenwold out of a large majority of the story so i didn't have to struggle through the chapters with his involvement.
All in all i believe this whole story had some very weak connections to previous 4 novels and so many of the great characters were missing. With the losses of Salma, Tisamon, Felice, Archeos,Balkus and any other character you may have enjoyed, there is not much for the reader to look forward to in the next installment. However, there is one thing we can all look forward to; we know Tynisa is alive somewhere as she was mentioned infrequently throughout the novel... i'm sure she will turn up in the following novel. Hopefully the author will develop some new strong characters that the reader can grow to love. I will definitely read book 6 when it is published but if it is more of the same i will have to say goodbye to this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2021
Понякога дори и боговете трябва да си заработят славата...
Какво би се случило, ако Древен Египет (т.е. градът-държава Канафис) влезе в досег с Третия Райх (незабравимата империя на Осородните), наоколо вилнеят бедуини (т.е. скорпионородни), и някой вземе, че накрая осъзнае индустриалните ползи на суровия петрол? Междувременно в декор, типичен за филмите с Индиана Джоунс, се вият безкрайни лабиринти и капани в потайни гробници на мъртви богове.
В тази част Чайковски си поставя за задача да зарадва по-сериозно романтиците от двата пола (аз съм много доволна!), като за любителите на футбола и ролевите игри са предвидени достатъчно живописни битки и съпровождащите ги интриги (някои от които минах на вентилатор). И тъй като чичо Ейдриън не е млада YA “фентъзи” писателка - слава на Господарите на Канафис! - няма никакви политкоректнички розови алфа герои. Не, това са си старите колоритни грешници от предните части, допълнени с малко нови свежи лица. Светът на Канафис и пустинята на Ним са изградени със замах и сочни, но свързани детайли.
Тук отново, уви, има едни 200 страници излишни, което е типично за средата на тези безкрайни фентъзи поредици, но понеже Чайковски е печен, отново не тежат много. Част от старите герои нарочно са резервирани за отделна следваща книга, което е малко дразнещо и в стил “и-нека-няма-край” дЕдо Мартин. Не ми хареса и как изпрости накрая образа на Тото (надявам се в бъдеще пак да си го направи като преди), но пък писмото на майор Талрик до генерал Бруган компенсира абсолютно всичко като връх в комедийната епистоларна проза!
Отлично забавление с капка ирония, както винаги с този полски англичанин, фен на насекомите и буболечките. (Дали има поне една негова книга без паяци?!)
***
➡️ Цитати:
🦂 “all insanities have their own internal logic”
🪲 “she lived her life without any luxuries, including manners”
🦋 “Pretend hard enough and it builds a shell of reality, as difficult to scrub off as barnacles from a boat.”
🐝 “I know it’s the fashion to call people like these savages, but with these people it’s true. It’s not that they’re stupid, it’s just … they have no rules.”
🦂 “manufacture a common enemy and the world falls into your lap.”
🐝 “He found that he was frightened by the man he had once been. If I met him, that burning idealist, I would kill him if I could. Far too dangerous to let him live.”
🐌 “belief is easy in the dark”
Какво би се случило, ако Древен Египет (т.е. градът-държава Канафис) влезе в досег с Третия Райх (незабравимата империя на Осородните), наоколо вилнеят бедуини (т.е. скорпионородни), и някой вземе, че накрая осъзнае индустриалните ползи на суровия петрол? Междувременно в декор, типичен за филмите с Индиана Джоунс, се вият безкрайни лабиринти и капани в потайни гробници на мъртви богове.
В тази част Чайковски си поставя за задача да зарадва по-сериозно романтиците от двата пола (аз съм много доволна!), като за любителите на футбола и ролевите игри са предвидени достатъчно живописни битки и съпровождащите ги интриги (някои от които минах на вентилатор). И тъй като чичо Ейдриън не е млада YA “фентъзи” писателка - слава на Господарите на Канафис! - няма никакви политкоректнички розови алфа герои. Не, това са си старите колоритни грешници от предните части, допълнени с малко нови свежи лица. Светът на Канафис и пустинята на Ним са изградени със замах и сочни, но свързани детайли.
Тук отново, уви, има едни 200 страници излишни, което е типично за средата на тези безкрайни фентъзи поредици, но понеже Чайковски е печен, отново не тежат много. Част от старите герои нарочно са резервирани за отделна следваща книга, което е малко дразнещо и в стил “и-нека-няма-край” дЕдо Мартин. Не ми хареса и как изпрости накрая образа на Тото (надявам се в бъдеще пак да си го направи като преди), но пък писмото на майор Талрик до генерал Бруган компенсира абсолютно всичко като връх в комедийната епистоларна проза!
Отлично забавление с капка ирония, както винаги с този полски англичанин, фен на насекомите и буболечките. (Дали има поне една негова книга без паяци?!)
***
➡️ Цитати:
🦂 “all insanities have their own internal logic”
🪲 “she lived her life without any luxuries, including manners”
🦋 “Pretend hard enough and it builds a shell of reality, as difficult to scrub off as barnacles from a boat.”
🐝 “I know it’s the fashion to call people like these savages, but with these people it’s true. It’s not that they’re stupid, it’s just … they have no rules.”
🦂 “manufacture a common enemy and the world falls into your lap.”
🐝 “He found that he was frightened by the man he had once been. If I met him, that burning idealist, I would kill him if I could. Far too dangerous to let him live.”
🐌 “belief is easy in the dark”
November 21, 2021
This fifth book in the Apt series is special: it's a departure because it has to be, since at the end of book four everything changed. But it still has the hallmarks of this series: a rich, detailed world, great character work (not just on the mains, but the side characters too), fascinating lore, new (old) kinden, intrigue, adventure, romance, magic. Plus the story and everyone in it are extremely haunted. I had a fantastic time reading it and it made me excited to continue the series.
The Empire/Lowland war is on ice, many key characters are either gone for good or relegated off-screen temporarily, and we're whisked away across the world to the most far-flung locale we have yet explored, ancient Khanaphes, so far removed and even indifferent to all the politics and drama of the people and places we know. The cast is smaller and more focused: Cheerwell, Thalric and Totho turn out to be a really interesting set of people to center on. I was neutral on Cheerwell before, but now I'm on board - she is well-developed, authentic, and I like her. I'm still constantly furious with Totho at every turn, which shows how well-realized he is, because he is absolutely supposed to enrage the reader (especially in direct comparison to the eminently lovable new character Amnon!). Thalric is such a standout, a complex and entertaining character, always a joy to read even in pitch-black slime-covered depths... Well.
Do I keep saying that each new Apt book is my favourite? Oh well, this is my favourite now.
The Empire/Lowland war is on ice, many key characters are either gone for good or relegated off-screen temporarily, and we're whisked away across the world to the most far-flung locale we have yet explored, ancient Khanaphes, so far removed and even indifferent to all the politics and drama of the people and places we know. The cast is smaller and more focused: Cheerwell, Thalric and Totho turn out to be a really interesting set of people to center on. I was neutral on Cheerwell before, but now I'm on board - she is well-developed, authentic, and I like her. I'm still constantly furious with Totho at every turn, which shows how well-realized he is, because he is absolutely supposed to enrage the reader (especially in direct comparison to the eminently lovable new character Amnon!). Thalric is such a standout, a complex and entertaining character, always a joy to read even in pitch-black slime-covered depths... Well.
Do I keep saying that each new Apt book is my favourite? Oh well, this is my favourite now.
May 2, 2023
'Why don't they escape?' she asked. [...]
'Why should they? They've got it good: get fed, even get money. Only thing they ain't got is freedom, and that's an overvalued commodity.'
What an emotional read this was! It made me laugh and it moved me to tears. And it wouldn't let me sleep. In fact after finishing it, I felt a bit like James Bond's Martini. Any book that achieves all that, deserves full stars by my standards.
We see development of characters and shifting dynamics between them, as well as plenty of action and revelations. The new magical realm and mysteries add to the diversity of the reading experience. And the random philosophic musings about freedom, about ties, about war - they seem to always catch me off guard, and make me see things from a new perspective or find interesting analogies in real life.
I am amazed how Tchaikovsky manages to create fantastic characters and worlds, while exploring very realistic aspects of life - economic, social, psychological, ideological.
Each book in this series is an epic adventure, and I am dying to have more people in my life to share the pleasures and agonies of reading them with.
"There is no one alive that is not a slave, we say: slave to city, slave to past, slave to feelings. Even the wild beast in the wastes is a slave to hunger."
'Why should they? They've got it good: get fed, even get money. Only thing they ain't got is freedom, and that's an overvalued commodity.'
What an emotional read this was! It made me laugh and it moved me to tears. And it wouldn't let me sleep. In fact after finishing it, I felt a bit like James Bond's Martini. Any book that achieves all that, deserves full stars by my standards.
We see development of characters and shifting dynamics between them, as well as plenty of action and revelations. The new magical realm and mysteries add to the diversity of the reading experience. And the random philosophic musings about freedom, about ties, about war - they seem to always catch me off guard, and make me see things from a new perspective or find interesting analogies in real life.
I am amazed how Tchaikovsky manages to create fantastic characters and worlds, while exploring very realistic aspects of life - economic, social, psychological, ideological.
Each book in this series is an epic adventure, and I am dying to have more people in my life to share the pleasures and agonies of reading them with.
"There is no one alive that is not a slave, we say: slave to city, slave to past, slave to feelings. Even the wild beast in the wastes is a slave to hunger."
December 29, 2021
The last book of 2021, and a five-star treat.
"Shadows of the Apt" series has impeccable world-building and many amazing characters that I wish to never forget.
There's a scene in this book that fully explains its uniqueness: A Beetle-kinden (Human-Beetle hybrid) is riding a giant grasshopper into a huge battle against the desert Scorpion-kinden horde, which are riding giant scorpions, and the grasshopper is jumping high, avoiding cannon and crossbow fire, and falling on the enemy lines, wreaking havoc.
This particular book was inspired by ancient Egypt, so I loved it even more.
"Shadows of the Apt" series has impeccable world-building and many amazing characters that I wish to never forget.
There's a scene in this book that fully explains its uniqueness: A Beetle-kinden (Human-Beetle hybrid) is riding a giant grasshopper into a huge battle against the desert Scorpion-kinden horde, which are riding giant scorpions, and the grasshopper is jumping high, avoiding cannon and crossbow fire, and falling on the enemy lines, wreaking havoc.
This particular book was inspired by ancient Egypt, so I loved it even more.
June 19, 2023
I enjoyed this book centered mostly on Che and Thalric. Thalric is my favorite character: dastardly but charming in a strange way. Some more Totho is here and I really feel for him. He is so clever but his romantic notions need to given a reality check.
I was amazed at the revelation of Che’s apparition and who the Masters really were. I wonder if they will show up again.
The beginning of the book was a little slow and repetitive but probably because I read the books close together. And it took a while to get a handle on the new characters too.
But this was a very good book in this wide world.
I was amazed at the revelation of Che’s apparition and who the Masters really were. I wonder if they will show up again.
The beginning of the book was a little slow and repetitive but probably because I read the books close together. And it took a while to get a handle on the new characters too.
But this was a very good book in this wide world.
May 25, 2020
At last, some answers. That's the feeling that strikes me upon finishing this book, even though I never felt like I was without answers until finishing it. The little hints at the deeper origins of the insect-kinden were surprising, as I thought Tchaikovsky was content with playing his universe relatively straight - the Ancient Mediterranean meets Steampunk aesthetic surely couldn't cope with, couldn't even need further exposition. But it becomes all the richer for it.
We travel to the distant city of Khanaphes, an Egyptian-analogue whose lauded Masters haven't been seen in centuries; but still rule their people, demanding a near-religious-like fervor. A delegation from Collegium embarks, led by our favourite beetle Cheerwell, and who does she meet but Thalric?
There's some brilliant character development here for Che, Thalric, and some old favourites. The middle of the book dig drag slightly, but the cracker of an ending outweighs it. Like the ancient stones of Khanaphes themselves, each word adds weight and meaning. Some stellar fantasy work here.
We travel to the distant city of Khanaphes, an Egyptian-analogue whose lauded Masters haven't been seen in centuries; but still rule their people, demanding a near-religious-like fervor. A delegation from Collegium embarks, led by our favourite beetle Cheerwell, and who does she meet but Thalric?
There's some brilliant character development here for Che, Thalric, and some old favourites. The middle of the book dig drag slightly, but the cracker of an ending outweighs it. Like the ancient stones of Khanaphes themselves, each word adds weight and meaning. Some stellar fantasy work here.
May 11, 2017
Series is starting to drag now. This book felt like a side alley off of the main story and didn't advance the overall plot hardly at all. I'm thinking that the entirety of this book could have been covered in a chapter or two in the larger story. I'm having doubts if I can make it through the rest of the stories at this pace.
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