What do you think?
Rate this book
Tales of the Apt #3
For Love of Distant Shores
In a narrative reminiscent of Phileas Fogg meets Professor Challenger, For Love of Distant Shores features the exploits of scientist-cum-adventurer Doctor Ludweg Phinagler, as recorded by his (semi-)faithful assistant, Fosse. A maverick academic, Phinagler is able to charm almost everyone he meets… except for his fellow academics at Collegium, with whom he is frequently at odds. In part to escape the resultant animosity and scandal, and in part to satisfy his own thirst for knowledge, Phinagler mounts a series of expeditions to the far-flung corners of the world (regions which the author always knew were there but which the main narrative of the novels never allowed him to fully explore). In the process, he confronts ancient mysteries and deadly dangers that the majority of kinden would scarcely believe exist. Four thrilling adventures from Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author Adrian Tchaikovsky, three of which are original to this book and have never been told before. Tales of the Apt provides a companion series to the best-selling Shadows of the Apt decalogy.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2018
27 people are currently reading
857 people want to read
About the author
Adrian Tchaikovsky
192 books17.8k 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 6, 2025
Really loved this. It's told in the style of the Romantic adventures reminiscent of Conan Doyle and Verne, where an understudy writes about their experiences with an eccentric academic exploring various hidden aspects of the world. As a result, there is so much really cool worldbuilding and lore and history about the Kinden that we learn through short novellas that are really a breeze to get through. We get a lot of new Kinden such as the Termites, Water Scorpions etc., and some new variations or insights into less explored kinden (Locust, Army Ant, Tiger Beetle Kinden etc.). I enjoyed how Tchaikovsky also used a lot of real world insect behavior as influence for cultural norms of some of the kinden too (such as with the parasitoid wasps). The last novella, For Love of Distant Shores, is a direct bridge between Shadows of the Apt and Echoes of the Fall, even getting some new lore about the weird mammalian counterparts to the insects and all the blurry Kinden in between. Works as a wonderful bookend to this shared universe, while leaving a lot more exploring to be done.
July 29, 2023
Tchaikovsky is a modern master of speculative fiction. His enthusiastic approach towards various genres has given us various wondrous and wonderful works. The current book is no exception.
Within the 'Tales of the Apt' fantasy universe, this book contains four novellas. All of them are about the exploits of Dr. Philangler (yes, the name is a play on Professor Challenger and Phileas Fogg) of Collegium, as recounted by his amanuensis Fosse. They are~
1. Cities of Silver;
2. Written in Sand;
3. Masters of the Spire;
4. For Love of Distant Shores.
Despite being unabashed pulp tales told with dollops of dark humour and witty sophistication, they also contain deeper, darker and disturbingly real themes wihin.
Above all, the tales are superb, with some genuinely shocking twists in their tails.
No admirer of speculative fiction, irrespective of being a follower of the 'Apt'-universe or not, can afford to miss this collection.
Highly recommended.
Within the 'Tales of the Apt' fantasy universe, this book contains four novellas. All of them are about the exploits of Dr. Philangler (yes, the name is a play on Professor Challenger and Phileas Fogg) of Collegium, as recounted by his amanuensis Fosse. They are~
1. Cities of Silver;
2. Written in Sand;
3. Masters of the Spire;
4. For Love of Distant Shores.
Despite being unabashed pulp tales told with dollops of dark humour and witty sophistication, they also contain deeper, darker and disturbingly real themes wihin.
Above all, the tales are superb, with some genuinely shocking twists in their tails.
No admirer of speculative fiction, irrespective of being a follower of the 'Apt'-universe or not, can afford to miss this collection.
Highly recommended.
November 6, 2018
I'm running out of things to say about Tchaikovsky's delightful bug-books, another excellent collection of short stories, this time revolving around a rather promiscuous female Fly-kinden and the doddering and often oblivious Collegium professor she follows around on all manner of strange adventures. The Fly has a solid voice without being too annoying, though her disdain for the Inapt and their magic is more than a bit ironic to long-time readers of the series, since it is definitely not just superstition. I'm most interested in the last story, where we see the first landing of the kinden-folk on a shore where an entirely different variety of humanoid has made its home ... I definitely want to see where it goes from there, and the attempted 'taming' of this new world could spin off its own multi-part series if he wished.
March 8, 2023
Having found the last two short story collections a bit lackadaisical, I went into this book with a touch of caution - and was thoroughly, empathically blown away.
For Love of Distant Shores is a return to a world that I adored as a teenager, and the stories told within it remind me just why I love Tchaikovsky's writing and the world of the Apt as a whole. Doctor Philanger and Fosse are excellently-written characters, and the travel-journal style writing was very well employed in making the book feel whole. The lands and ideas explored in this book, as with all the other Kinden in the world, are very well thought out and intriguing. The four stories feel unique, and offer insight into an expansive land of such diversity and grandeur.
I loved this book. I love the world. My only parting words are: Tchaikovsky, please return to the Apt soon!
For Love of Distant Shores is a return to a world that I adored as a teenager, and the stories told within it remind me just why I love Tchaikovsky's writing and the world of the Apt as a whole. Doctor Philanger and Fosse are excellently-written characters, and the travel-journal style writing was very well employed in making the book feel whole. The lands and ideas explored in this book, as with all the other Kinden in the world, are very well thought out and intriguing. The four stories feel unique, and offer insight into an expansive land of such diversity and grandeur.
I loved this book. I love the world. My only parting words are: Tchaikovsky, please return to the Apt soon!
May 8, 2023
This is the third book in the Tales of the Apt series of short story anthologies set in the Shadows of the Apt universe. There are four novellas, or longish short stories, in this collection, and the timeline pretty much covers the extent of the ten book series. Each story is an account of a mis / adventure that has befallen Fosse, a delightfully unimpressed Fly woman, and her employer, Dr Phinagler, a Beetle and professional traveller from the city of Collegium. You really need to have read the ten book 'Shadows of the Apt' series to get the most out of this anthology, but I would definitely recommend it to anyone who has read the series and is wondering if the anthologies are worth it.
March 27, 2023
This might be my favorite collection among the Tales of the Apt books, possibly because it is comprised of 4 longer stories, starring the same characters, told in the same voice and set in chronological order. Also, Adrian Tchaikovsky's novella game is very strong, he's extremely Apt at showing a lot in just a few brushstrokes.
It's always going to be many stars for me if I am transported back to the Shadows of the Apt kinden world and even more if the stories go to places not explored in the manin series. In these four tales, the intrepid Beetle explorer and his amusing Fly-kinden side-kick (and PoV voice) go to fascinating and terrifying places such as Lake Limnia (under the lake, to be more precise), the forbidden ruins of the Nem desert, the Aleth Forest (the inhabitants of which beat most Kinden at being horrible) and across the western ocean.
The last story was probably my favorite but it is also making me bite my nails in frustration because it shows an expedition that reaches the shapeshifters' continent from Echoes of the Fall. And I hated that series so much, I could not force myself past page 150 of the first volume. I'm torn, because I want to read the part of that series where the insect Kinden invade that continent and destroy the primitives. I might have enjoyed Echoes of the Fall if it had been told from the perspective of the invaders, even the sometimes ridiculous doctor Phinagler. Sadly, it is not, it deals with the natives and I just couldn't stomach any of them.
It's always going to be many stars for me if I am transported back to the Shadows of the Apt kinden world and even more if the stories go to places not explored in the manin series. In these four tales, the intrepid Beetle explorer and his amusing Fly-kinden side-kick (and PoV voice) go to fascinating and terrifying places such as Lake Limnia (under the lake, to be more precise), the forbidden ruins of the Nem desert, the Aleth Forest (the inhabitants of which beat most Kinden at being horrible) and across the western ocean.
The last story was probably my favorite but it is also making me bite my nails in frustration because it shows an expedition that reaches the shapeshifters' continent from Echoes of the Fall. And I hated that series so much, I could not force myself past page 150 of the first volume. I'm torn, because I want to read the part of that series where the insect Kinden invade that continent and destroy the primitives. I might have enjoyed Echoes of the Fall if it had been told from the perspective of the invaders, even the sometimes ridiculous doctor Phinagler. Sadly, it is not, it deals with the natives and I just couldn't stomach any of them.
November 30, 2021
Really enjoyed this one. Four short novellas set in the Shadow of the Apt world that explore Terra Incognita of that universe. Pulpy good fun that shines a flashlight in the dark corners of a fascinating world and for fans of the Echoes of the Fall series (like me) there is a wonderful tie-in story included. Good, fun stuff, with the caveat that if you haven't read the Shadows of the Apt series you might be a bit lost in general.
August 23, 2025
4 Stars
For the Love of Distant Shores is Book 10.6 in the Tales of the Apt Series by Adrian Tchaikovsky. 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…
For the Love of Distant Shores is Book 10.6 in the Tales of the Apt Series by Adrian Tchaikovsky. 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…
August 12, 2018
This is Tchaikovsky's third short story collection set in his Shadows of the Apt world. The previous two collections had a variety of characters and genres of writing, but the four stories here all follow Dr Phinagler, a Collegium Professor with a passion for exploration and seeking out lost civilisations, and his sidekick and chronicler Fosse who narrates the stories. There's an obvious debt to 19th and early 20th Century adventure stories by the likes of Verne, Conan Doyle and H. Rider Haggard, and Tchaikovsky is obviously having fun transposing the genre to his world, and taking the opportunity to explore some of the more peripheral areas that were briefly mentioned in the main series, like Lake Limnia, the Nem Desert or the Forest of Aleth. It quickly becomes clear Fosse rather than her employer of the stories, her witty narration making up for the slightly formulaic nature of some of the plotting, although the fact that she comes across as the hero of the stories might have something to do with her being the one telling the story.
I think fans of the Apt series should find it an enjoyable read, even if most of it isn't too essential. The most important story is left for last, a Columbus-style voyage to the West to try to find a new sea route having consequences that fill in a key connection between some of Tchaikovsky's books.
I think fans of the Apt series should find it an enjoyable read, even if most of it isn't too essential. The most important story is left for last, a Columbus-style voyage to the West to try to find a new sea route having consequences that fill in a key connection between some of Tchaikovsky's books.
February 14, 2024
Excellent compendium of wonderful tales from far-flung and fantastic lands.
A couple of very entertaining characters take us to several corners of the land of the kinden, and beyond. Perfect reading for those who thought “hmm, I wonder what’s down there” or “under there” or “across there” whilst being whisked across the map during the main story arcs (even though we very often received answers to those questions along the way).
The four stories seem to take place over a period in time ranging from before the main novels until after Book 10 and it was nice to see some key events from the point of view of ‘more ordinary members of the public’.
I haven’t read the Echoes of the Fall series yet but I’ll definitely be turning my attention to those once I finish Tales 4.
A couple of very entertaining characters take us to several corners of the land of the kinden, and beyond. Perfect reading for those who thought “hmm, I wonder what’s down there” or “under there” or “across there” whilst being whisked across the map during the main story arcs (even though we very often received answers to those questions along the way).
The four stories seem to take place over a period in time ranging from before the main novels until after Book 10 and it was nice to see some key events from the point of view of ‘more ordinary members of the public’.
I haven’t read the Echoes of the Fall series yet but I’ll definitely be turning my attention to those once I finish Tales 4.
January 20, 2022
As far as I know, this is the last of the Shadows of the Apt canon, so I really wanted to like this, and I did, but not quite as much as some of the mainline books. The last part of the book in particular felt a bit underwhelming. From the author's notes it seems it's a nod to one of his other series, which is all well and good, but since I don't have that extra context it just kinda fell flat. 3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
February 28, 2025
6.5/10
The 4 stories in this collection all feature Professor Phinagler (yes, he does finagle things) and his assistant Fosse, following them on adventures to parts of the kinden world that are less explored in the main Shadows of the Apt series. The author, in his Afterword, describes how he deliberately made the tales rather “pulpy”—not my favorite styles of writing. And the final story, For Love Distant Shores, is heartbreaking in many ways. Overall, not as strong a collection as the first two Tales of the Apt collections.
The 4 stories in this collection all feature Professor Phinagler (yes, he does finagle things) and his assistant Fosse, following them on adventures to parts of the kinden world that are less explored in the main Shadows of the Apt series. The author, in his Afterword, describes how he deliberately made the tales rather “pulpy”—not my favorite styles of writing. And the final story, For Love Distant Shores, is heartbreaking in many ways. Overall, not as strong a collection as the first two Tales of the Apt collections.
January 21, 2026
For Love of Distant Shores!
It's a wicked shame that only 2% of those of us who read "The Empire in black and gold" reached this far.
Although each story was interesting, as an anthology it felt a bit repetitive. On the off-hand, each story is better than the last and the final titular piece is a goddamn masterpiece.
It's a wicked shame that only 2% of those of us who read "The Empire in black and gold" reached this far.
Although each story was interesting, as an anthology it felt a bit repetitive. On the off-hand, each story is better than the last and the final titular piece is a goddamn masterpiece.
July 1, 2019
A fabulous set of interconnected stories that really put a bow on the Apt series. I love the viewpoint of the intrepid assistant to the mad professor, and the vistas this quartet of stories opens up. The bit with the termites is particularly intriguing for potential sequel-fuel.
July 3, 2018
I have always enjoyed books by this author and this didn't disappoint.
January 16, 2023
I've only read For Love of Distant Shores for now and will continue the collection later when I go back to The Shadows of the Apt.
February 4, 2021
Different from the previous volumes as contains fewer stories and new characters common to all. 2nd half was fantastic, new villains, new revelations - classic Tchaikovsky.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews