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Tales of the Apt #1
Spoils of War
Tales of the Apt is a companion series to the best-selling decalogy Shadows of the Apt, gathering together short stories from disparate places and supplementing them with a wealth of new tales written especially for the series. Together, they combine to provide a different perspective, an alternative history that parallels and unfolds alongside the familiar one, filling in the gaps and revealing intriguing backstories for many established characters. A must read for any fan of the Shadows of the Apt books, where epic fantasy meets steampunk and so much more. Contents: Introduction by the Author Introduction by the Publisher To Own the Sky Ironclads Spoils of War Camouflage The Shadows of Their Lamps The Dreams of Avaris The Prince Shadow Hunters Sword and Circle Idle Hands An Old Man in a Harsh Season Brass Mantis About the Author
252 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2016
59 people are currently reading
1960 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 25, 2025
Enjoyed pretty much every story in this collection; one of the better anthologies I've read. No story feels randomly thrown in as an afterthought, everything complements characters and plot points in the novels and gives us a glimpse of some of the unexplored parts of the world and the effects of the war. My favourite story was probably the one where the first flying orthopter was invented (~50 years before the first novel).
July 23, 2018
4 Stars
This was a quick, enjoyable book offering some additional depth to the world created in the Shadows of the Apt series. Full of short stories, they give some backstory to secondary characters from the novels as well as introduce some new characters. This book will be enjoyed most by those who have read the main series, as without that background info from the series it will be much harder to follow these short stories.
Many of these stories take place in the Commonweal, either during or after the 12 year war. I enjoyed the book from the series set in the Commonweal, so I was pleased to be able to spend more time there. The nature of that war was so tragic and devastating that many of the stories had a strong sense of melancholy.
Throughout the main series, Tchaikovsky did a fantastic job creating memorable and distinct secondary characters, and we get to see more of a few of them here. Many of these characters are more rogues than heroes, and I found their stories thoroughly entertaining. Another strength of the main series that was found here as well is the complex portrayal of the Wasp Empire, showing the conflict as far more layered than a simple clash between good and evil. There are people on both sides who fall into each of those categories. Showing the humanity of both sides is one of the ways that I think the author was able to create a world that truly felt real.
If you haven’t read the Shadows of the Apt series, go give it a try. If you have and want to read more stories set in that world, you’ll enjoy this collection.
This was a quick, enjoyable book offering some additional depth to the world created in the Shadows of the Apt series. Full of short stories, they give some backstory to secondary characters from the novels as well as introduce some new characters. This book will be enjoyed most by those who have read the main series, as without that background info from the series it will be much harder to follow these short stories.
Many of these stories take place in the Commonweal, either during or after the 12 year war. I enjoyed the book from the series set in the Commonweal, so I was pleased to be able to spend more time there. The nature of that war was so tragic and devastating that many of the stories had a strong sense of melancholy.
Throughout the main series, Tchaikovsky did a fantastic job creating memorable and distinct secondary characters, and we get to see more of a few of them here. Many of these characters are more rogues than heroes, and I found their stories thoroughly entertaining. Another strength of the main series that was found here as well is the complex portrayal of the Wasp Empire, showing the conflict as far more layered than a simple clash between good and evil. There are people on both sides who fall into each of those categories. Showing the humanity of both sides is one of the ways that I think the author was able to create a world that truly felt real.
If you haven’t read the Shadows of the Apt series, go give it a try. If you have and want to read more stories set in that world, you’ll enjoy this collection.
February 16, 2024
Raccolta di racconti che si svolgono prima del primo libro della serie, incentrati principalmente sulla Guerra dei Dodici Anni.
Abbiamo quindi una predominanza di episodi di guerra tra Commonwealth e Vespe, dal punto di vista di vespe o comunque di gente estranea ai Principati e giunta là per altre ragioni, o episodi relativi alla situazione subito dopo la guerra.
Ma abbiamo anche uno sguardo su Collegium prima dell'era dei piccoli mezzi volanti, e pure un'occhiata a Myna e a Helleron (dove troviamo "vecchie conoscenze" come Tisamon prima della riunione con il suo vecchio amico, o un certo vecchio scorpione dedito al contrabbando...)
Tutti racconti, più o meno lunghi (ma mai troppo corti), ma ognuno è un tassello nell'affresco che è questa ambientazione. Capiamo di più delle libellule, ma anche della struttura militare delle vespe, dei giochi di potere accademico-economici in Collegium, di alcuni personaggi... piacevolissima lettura in vista del proseguio della saga
Abbiamo quindi una predominanza di episodi di guerra tra Commonwealth e Vespe, dal punto di vista di vespe o comunque di gente estranea ai Principati e giunta là per altre ragioni, o episodi relativi alla situazione subito dopo la guerra.
Ma abbiamo anche uno sguardo su Collegium prima dell'era dei piccoli mezzi volanti, e pure un'occhiata a Myna e a Helleron (dove troviamo "vecchie conoscenze" come Tisamon prima della riunione con il suo vecchio amico, o un certo vecchio scorpione dedito al contrabbando...)
Tutti racconti, più o meno lunghi (ma mai troppo corti), ma ognuno è un tassello nell'affresco che è questa ambientazione. Capiamo di più delle libellule, ma anche della struttura militare delle vespe, dei giochi di potere accademico-economici in Collegium, di alcuni personaggi... piacevolissima lettura in vista del proseguio della saga
May 1, 2022
These short stories were strong from start to finish, and even though short stories really aren't my thing, reading through these never felt like a drag. Most of them dealt with pretty dark themes surrounding war, and they often had emotional poignance that caught me by surprise.
This is really only for veteran readers of Shadows of the Apt due to all the worldbuilding that wouldn't make sense to readers coming to this first before any of the novels, even though all the stories are set chronologically before the start of the series. It's best read as a companion book to bk 7 Heirs of the Blade, as it introduces that book's main setting and many of the important side characters that pop up in that one. I'd recommend reading it before bk 7 to enrich your experience with the main novel.
Special props to the story Ironclads, which I felt was particularly compelling on its own and also provides important context for Varmen in bk 7 that adds a lot of heft to his character there.
This is really only for veteran readers of Shadows of the Apt due to all the worldbuilding that wouldn't make sense to readers coming to this first before any of the novels, even though all the stories are set chronologically before the start of the series. It's best read as a companion book to bk 7 Heirs of the Blade, as it introduces that book's main setting and many of the important side characters that pop up in that one. I'd recommend reading it before bk 7 to enrich your experience with the main novel.
Special props to the story Ironclads, which I felt was particularly compelling on its own and also provides important context for Varmen in bk 7 that adds a lot of heft to his character there.
February 5, 2017
Short stories set predominately in the Commonweal during the Empire's occupation in the 12 year war containing a vast array of characters, some new, some favorites, some obscure yet all equally engaging and fun to read. As vast as the characters in this series are, so are their stories. Author Adrian Tchaikovsky writes diverse stories that take his characters on many interesting journeys distinct in their own right but complementary to the series proper. I would recommend reading the Shadows of the Apt series first in order to fully appreciate how good this collection is. 5/5 stars.
December 1, 2016
An excellent companion collection from one of the best and most versatile authors in the genre today. There were no weak stories to be found and it was all highly entertaining. They're pretty much all focused on the 12 year war and the aftermath, but while that makes sense it did mean there wasn't quite the same variety of races etc that you find in the series - that's really not a big complaint though and I'm keen to read the next collection.
February 24, 2023
I don't like short stories. I don't like novellas. Heck, I barely even read standalone novels because none of these formats are long enough to build the kind of worlds/characters/stories I enjoy.
But of course Adrian Tchaikovsky doesn't fit that bill and of course I loved reading these companion stories to Shadows of the Apt. I paused my reading of the main series after The Sea Watch to tackle this first collection of short stories and I'd say it's the perfect place for it. There aren't any spoilers for the remainder of the series in them, but some of the things in the snippets make more sense after being familiar with at least the first 5 books in the series.
What I loved about these glimpses outside the main plotlines is how they enrich an already fabulously rich and detailed fictional universe. I needed a window into the Commonweal before Heirs of the Blade and most of the short stories take place there. But they are also bleak and sad and gruesome and the glimpses of the Wasps that we get through the stages of their war upon the Dragonfly Kingdom makes me wish for the complete, total and definitive annihilation of the Wasp race. They are a horrible species of people throughout the entire series and I’m holding out hope that the Empire gets obliterated in the end. But as a culture (or lack thereof) and civilization (or complete lack thereof), the Wasps need to be exterminated, as they bring absolutely nothing of value to human/insect kind, they are only predators and destroyers. I say this even as my favorite character of the entire series is a Wasp and the books do bring forward decent Wasp kinden (Varmen, Gaved, Aagen, Osgan and Thalric, of course). I cannot forgive them for the depredations and the slaughter they commit against all other kinden and especially the Inapt ones.
I’m a fan of the little authorial notes at the end of each story, the way they situate the tales just told in the main plot and the way the author says we shall meet so and so character again in so and so novel of the main series. It’s going to be a great experience to keep an eye on these people I’ve only just met but I’m already hooked by after only a couple of pages. Emphasis on the Dragonfly characters and pretty much all the Inapt characters in this world, I feel such sympathy toward them and such sorrow at the way Apt kinden are simply destroying their world (except the Spiders, screw the spiders, why aren’t the Wasps burning down the Spiderlands, ffs!)
The most pleasant (and visceral) surprise was the last story in this volume, the Brass Mantis… in which Tisamon is the ever so tragic and compelling main character. He was supposed to be my love of this series but he fell so far into the hubris of his own kinden and to the subsequent madness. I’m still shocked that the author chose to destroy him, and gave redemption over to that glorious Wasp son of a bitch instead. Reading about Tisamon is extremely bittersweet, whether in the past or in the nebulous, terrifying, ghostly future.
I didn’t expect to walk away from these short stories as moved and as intrigued as I have. It’s a very pleasant surprise and now I’m looking forward to the other 3 collections of Tales of the Apt. It’ll be great to finish the main series and know it is not the absolute end.
But of course Adrian Tchaikovsky doesn't fit that bill and of course I loved reading these companion stories to Shadows of the Apt. I paused my reading of the main series after The Sea Watch to tackle this first collection of short stories and I'd say it's the perfect place for it. There aren't any spoilers for the remainder of the series in them, but some of the things in the snippets make more sense after being familiar with at least the first 5 books in the series.
What I loved about these glimpses outside the main plotlines is how they enrich an already fabulously rich and detailed fictional universe. I needed a window into the Commonweal before Heirs of the Blade and most of the short stories take place there. But they are also bleak and sad and gruesome and the glimpses of the Wasps that we get through the stages of their war upon the Dragonfly Kingdom makes me wish for the complete, total and definitive annihilation of the Wasp race. They are a horrible species of people throughout the entire series and I’m holding out hope that the Empire gets obliterated in the end. But as a culture (or lack thereof) and civilization (or complete lack thereof), the Wasps need to be exterminated, as they bring absolutely nothing of value to human/insect kind, they are only predators and destroyers. I say this even as my favorite character of the entire series is a Wasp and the books do bring forward decent Wasp kinden (Varmen, Gaved, Aagen, Osgan and Thalric, of course). I cannot forgive them for the depredations and the slaughter they commit against all other kinden and especially the Inapt ones.
I’m a fan of the little authorial notes at the end of each story, the way they situate the tales just told in the main plot and the way the author says we shall meet so and so character again in so and so novel of the main series. It’s going to be a great experience to keep an eye on these people I’ve only just met but I’m already hooked by after only a couple of pages. Emphasis on the Dragonfly characters and pretty much all the Inapt characters in this world, I feel such sympathy toward them and such sorrow at the way Apt kinden are simply destroying their world (except the Spiders, screw the spiders, why aren’t the Wasps burning down the Spiderlands, ffs!)
The most pleasant (and visceral) surprise was the last story in this volume, the Brass Mantis… in which Tisamon is the ever so tragic and compelling main character. He was supposed to be my love of this series but he fell so far into the hubris of his own kinden and to the subsequent madness. I’m still shocked that the author chose to destroy him, and gave redemption over to that glorious Wasp son of a bitch instead. Reading about Tisamon is extremely bittersweet, whether in the past or in the nebulous, terrifying, ghostly future.
I didn’t expect to walk away from these short stories as moved and as intrigued as I have. It’s a very pleasant surprise and now I’m looking forward to the other 3 collections of Tales of the Apt. It’ll be great to finish the main series and know it is not the absolute end.
January 18, 2020
Really fun meeting old comrades and criminals from older books in the series; garvan, talric, hokiac, scyla etc whom all appears on an off in the books but never really given their own voice among the many secondary characters here. The setting is before book one and a sad hard setting in the Commonwealth during and after 12 years wars. Best impact if you have read the first 3-4 books at least.
February 15, 2023
A mixed bag of tales, set in the universe of the ten novel series 'Shadows of the Apt' Most of the stories are back stories for major characters or locations in the Apt series, and some of them really do shine out as great stories. I'll definitely be reading the rest of the short story collections in this universe.
February 4, 2021
I'm not a huge fan of short stories in general but this collection is superb and an absolute must for anyone who enjoyed the Shadows of the Apt series. Intriguing, evocative tales. Some familiar faces and a whole array of insect kinden. A Roach's desperate search for his enslaved daughter, a Wasp's fascination with a Dragonfly warrioress, a Thorn-bug's private war, and a Mosquito.....
(Warning: Subject matter includes slavery and rape)
(Warning: Subject matter includes slavery and rape)
July 18, 2021
I don't like short stories, but these are good. Little nibbles of the history of the universe, before the books begin. Well worth reading. They come before book 1, but better to read AFTER you have begun the series.
October 5, 2022
I wasn’t sure what to expect of this book (while being safe in the knowledge of Tchaikovsky’s brilliance). In some ways I preferred this collection to one or two if the novels. A great combination of background, backstory and insight.
Highly recommended for any fans of Shadows.
Highly recommended for any fans of Shadows.
October 26, 2022
I love the Shadows of the Apt series and these short stories were all great, too. Mr. Tchaikovsky has built one of the most unique fantasy worlds in literature and it's a pleasure to lose myself in it.
September 15, 2021
Excellent collection of short stories from the Shadows of the Apt universe
August 22, 2025
4 Stars
Spoils of War is a companion book to the Tales of the Apt Series by Adrian Tchaikovsky, it is Book #0.5, so it's a bit of a prequel of sorts to the main body of work.
This series is an epic sci-fi fantasy, with steampunk vibes, and political intrigue. It is set in a richly imagined world that feels both alien and yet still eerily familiar. Spanning more than ten books, this series is a testament to Mr. Tchaikovsky’s creativity and ability to weave complex tales with deeply human themes.
The world of Shadows of the Apt is populated by "Kinden", a human-like race (inspired by insects), each with unique traits and abilities. From the militaristic Ant-Kinden to the cunning Spider-Kinden, the diversity of these cultures is awesome. The tension between the "Apt" (technologically inclined) and "Inapt" (magically attuned) adds another layer of depth to the story, reflecting the broader themes of societal/cultural evolution. Mr. Tchaikovsky uses these differences to explore issues of identity, prejudice, and the clash between tradition and progress, making the series as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
The story itself is a sprawling epic, filled with large-scale battles, espionage, and personal struggles. Adrian Tchaikovsky excels at blending the grand with the intimate, ensuring that even amidst the chaos of war, the characters’ personal journey/s remain at the heart of the narrative. The protagonists are flawed, relatable, and yet grow and develop in meaningful ways over the course of the series, making the victories and losses all the more impactful.
One of the series’ standout features is its steampunk aesthetic/vibe. The contrast between the ancient magic and industrial technology created a unique and immersive setting.
Original. Thought-provoking. Epic.
Happy Reading…
Spoils of War is a companion book to the Tales of the Apt Series by Adrian Tchaikovsky, it is Book #0.5, so it's a bit of a prequel of sorts to the main body of work.
This series is an epic sci-fi fantasy, with steampunk vibes, and political intrigue. It is set in a richly imagined world that feels both alien and yet still eerily familiar. Spanning more than ten books, this series is a testament to Mr. Tchaikovsky’s creativity and ability to weave complex tales with deeply human themes.
The world of Shadows of the Apt is populated by "Kinden", a human-like race (inspired by insects), each with unique traits and abilities. From the militaristic Ant-Kinden to the cunning Spider-Kinden, the diversity of these cultures is awesome. The tension between the "Apt" (technologically inclined) and "Inapt" (magically attuned) adds another layer of depth to the story, reflecting the broader themes of societal/cultural evolution. Mr. Tchaikovsky uses these differences to explore issues of identity, prejudice, and the clash between tradition and progress, making the series as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
The story itself is a sprawling epic, filled with large-scale battles, espionage, and personal struggles. Adrian Tchaikovsky excels at blending the grand with the intimate, ensuring that even amidst the chaos of war, the characters’ personal journey/s remain at the heart of the narrative. The protagonists are flawed, relatable, and yet grow and develop in meaningful ways over the course of the series, making the victories and losses all the more impactful.
One of the series’ standout features is its steampunk aesthetic/vibe. The contrast between the ancient magic and industrial technology created a unique and immersive setting.
Original. Thought-provoking. Epic.
Happy Reading…
April 7, 2019
Excellection collection of short stories set in a fascinating and well-developed world. All sorts of nooks and crannies are explored, in and around the edges of the great war. They slot into different time periods of the 10 book Shadows of the Apt series which can be a shade confusing. I suppose they should be read afterwards, as bonus material. However, despite only having read the first three books so far, I was thoroughly entertained by Spoils of War. The stories stand alone in their own right in terms of plot, but there were enough cameos from familiar faces and places to help me feel it was part of the greater work. I’m now having to restrain myself from leaping straight into the next volume - already sitting on my shelf. Sigh...so many books to read, so little time - but I shall be returning to this series soon. Count on it!
August 26, 2018
As I greatly enjoy the Shadows of the Apt series, I feel like the author left a lot of red slippers lying around in that world. This book, and hopefully the other two collections of short stories, pick up and run with them.
The stories themselves range from good to excellent and take you back to the Commonweal, Myna, and Helleron. I’ve greatly enjoyed all of them, particularly Ironclad.
If you enjoyed the Shadow of the Apt, you cannot go wrong with The Tales of the Apt.
The stories themselves range from good to excellent and take you back to the Commonweal, Myna, and Helleron. I’ve greatly enjoyed all of them, particularly Ironclad.
If you enjoyed the Shadow of the Apt, you cannot go wrong with The Tales of the Apt.
December 24, 2019
A brilliant collection of short stories from Shadows of the Apt world. This is the first companion to the main series, eight tales, all set before the first book, Empire in Black and Gold. All written with no spoilers and a great introduction, If you haven't read the main series.
Tchaikovsky excels at character and plot and these stories are engaging and well told.
Highly recommended.
Tchaikovsky excels at character and plot and these stories are engaging and well told.
Highly recommended.
October 1, 2024
Snippets from Shadows of the Apt
Sort of ok. I knew it had to be disappointing , just bits of the world that is so much more fully drawn in the novels. Going to soldier on through, hoping to find more of Cheerwell Maker.
Sort of ok. I knew it had to be disappointing , just bits of the world that is so much more fully drawn in the novels. Going to soldier on through, hoping to find more of Cheerwell Maker.
December 8, 2024
8/10
This book is a collection of short stories that are companions to the Shadows of the Apt series. Each story gives us a bit of backstory to a few characters from the main series or an insight into some aspect of the Twelve Year War between the Commonweal and the Wasp Empire.
This book is a collection of short stories that are companions to the Shadows of the Apt series. Each story gives us a bit of backstory to a few characters from the main series or an insight into some aspect of the Twelve Year War between the Commonweal and the Wasp Empire.
November 20, 2023
Absolutely fantastic, I truly enjoyed it. I would give it seven stars if I could. Reading these short stories made me realise just how much I missed Adrian Tchaikovsky‘s Apt series’s
July 19, 2024
More bug people!
December 25, 2025
Pretty decent. Not much insight into the side stuff, but gives us a feel of the land before the first book and what the author had in mind when written some C tier characters
October 2, 2016
Loved it
Was upset about the book being over, wondering if more Tales would be forthcoming(upcoming?it's early) but then saw at the end that one is already in works. Yay! Always loved this world, this concept. Great being back. Really enjoyed all the stories, though it definitely brought up some characters I wish had been more featured in Shadows. I usually don't like short stories- the exceptions being Road Brothers(Lawrence) and Sharp Ends(Abercrombie) and, obviously, this. So glad I still have Tchaikovsky's Tiger and the Wolf still unread on my kindle! Highly recommended for anyone who liked Shadows of the Apt, a wonderful epic, or to see if you wanna check that out-
Was upset about the book being over, wondering if more Tales would be forthcoming(upcoming?it's early) but then saw at the end that one is already in works. Yay! Always loved this world, this concept. Great being back. Really enjoyed all the stories, though it definitely brought up some characters I wish had been more featured in Shadows. I usually don't like short stories- the exceptions being Road Brothers(Lawrence) and Sharp Ends(Abercrombie) and, obviously, this. So glad I still have Tchaikovsky's Tiger and the Wolf still unread on my kindle! Highly recommended for anyone who liked Shadows of the Apt, a wonderful epic, or to see if you wanna check that out-
August 24, 2016
Don't read unless you have read the entire Shadows of the Apt Series. For those who have made it through...
What a wonderful idea! We have come across so many small but interesting characters throughout the series and what a way to know the back stories of some of them. The Shadow of the Apt series shows the world that already knows the lash of the Wasp and the ambitions of the Wasp. This book (and the series) shows in small glimpses here how the Wasp Empire shaped up to be the vast killing machine it is and how other Kinden come to live with the new reality. The Ironclads are shown in full glory here - waiting for 'The Last Ironclad' in the next installment.
It was a pain to see the 12 year war play out (again in glimpses) the way it did. It is one thing to know of it as a thing of the past in the Shadows series but to experience it from the viewpoint the falling Dragonflies is too gut wrenching (Dragonfly falling was probably one of my most go-back-to novels in the Shadows series). The magnificence of Art... being mowed down like so much grass in a lawn by the artifice of the Apt kindles too many bad feelings of what could have happened to Collegium has Stenwold Maker not been prescient enough.
Except for two stories, the Wasps are everywhere, killing all that is good (and bad) in the name of the Empire. Grim satisfaction then when Wasps get betrayed (sometimes by their own). Dragonflies and Grasshoppers get killed like their namesakes in real world - in droves. And the Fly Kinden are as ubiquitous as ever. We get to see a few Mantids, Moth, Spider and Scorpion Kinden too.
Next book in the series please! Fast (I see there is a Sep 2016 release date - yay!)
What a wonderful idea! We have come across so many small but interesting characters throughout the series and what a way to know the back stories of some of them. The Shadow of the Apt series shows the world that already knows the lash of the Wasp and the ambitions of the Wasp. This book (and the series) shows in small glimpses here how the Wasp Empire shaped up to be the vast killing machine it is and how other Kinden come to live with the new reality. The Ironclads are shown in full glory here - waiting for 'The Last Ironclad' in the next installment.
It was a pain to see the 12 year war play out (again in glimpses) the way it did. It is one thing to know of it as a thing of the past in the Shadows series but to experience it from the viewpoint the falling Dragonflies is too gut wrenching (Dragonfly falling was probably one of my most go-back-to novels in the Shadows series). The magnificence of Art... being mowed down like so much grass in a lawn by the artifice of the Apt kindles too many bad feelings of what could have happened to Collegium has Stenwold Maker not been prescient enough.
Except for two stories, the Wasps are everywhere, killing all that is good (and bad) in the name of the Empire. Grim satisfaction then when Wasps get betrayed (sometimes by their own). Dragonflies and Grasshoppers get killed like their namesakes in real world - in droves. And the Fly Kinden are as ubiquitous as ever. We get to see a few Mantids, Moth, Spider and Scorpion Kinden too.
Next book in the series please! Fast (I see there is a Sep 2016 release date - yay!)
July 23, 2016
Tchaikovsky has rapidly become one of my favorite modern authors, and I love the world he's created in his Shadows of the Apt series. This new anthology trilogy gives us fresh perspectives on the world, and starts us before the beginning of Book 1, setting most of the stories in the end of the Twelve Year War with the Commonweal. It serves well as a prequel or as a way to return to the rich world of the bug-kinden. Looking forward to the second book!
August 21, 2016
I loved the main Shadows of the Apt series, and these stories felt like coming home to that awesome world.
However, the kindle version has tons of typos, which make reading it a bit annoying :(
However, the kindle version has tons of typos, which make reading it a bit annoying :(
October 6, 2024
Not a single story in here wasn't a banger. Every one of them contributing to the general atmosphere of the colonisation by the wasps.
On re-reading, Sword and circle remains my favourite story.
On re-reading, Sword and circle remains my favourite story.
April 12, 2017
They were great stories and insights into the world and history of pre Shadows of the Apt. But I find it hard to connect to stories of conquest and its consequences rather than defence. It was still great fun to revisit the world.
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