Blood of the Mantis (Shadows of the Apt Book 3)

Having loved the first two in the series, I was very anxious to read this next installment of the Shadows of the Apt series. And a series it definately is, as there is not only no conclusion to the story here, but no immediate sign of one either, as Tchaikovsky weaves an ever more complex web of intrigue and world conflict.By the time I had prised my copy off my wife, I had read a couple of fairly negative reviews of the book which reduced my expectations significantly, so I was actually very pleasantly suprised by it. Yes, it is not quite the masterpeice Dragonfly falling was and is a couple of hundred pages short of his previous offerings. But there is still an enormous amount to enjoy here. This includes a couple of exciting new charactors, one a female fighter pilot Ace, who is part of an exclusive little pilot club, with it's own code of honour. (Very Red Baron like)Also as other reviewers have alluded to, there is another new wave of Kinden races. I think Tchaikovsky has with this brilliant idea sown a harvest so potentially rich he doesn't know quite where and what to put in next and is just starting to throw the goodies about like a spoilt kid coming out of a sweet shop. I would urge him not to get too carried away but curb the creativity till this story and already huge cast list conclude! Then perhaps write another series on the same world. There is just a risk readers could be swamped by all storylines and ideas coming at them.Anyway back to the book. Our party of heroes are once again sent to the 4 corners of the world. Che and Nero to spy on the Wasps further expansions. Tisamon and Tynisa (and interestingly Thalric) are sent in search of the Darakon box and Sten continues to try and unite the Lowlands against the wasps. On the other side of the fence the 'slave' Mosquito Uctebri starts to flex his magical wings to bring a bit of internal trouble for the wasps and the Rekef continue their own private battle for power. It's action packed, clever, witty and within a fantasy framwork very original. I think lovers of Trad Fantasy will enjoy it as will fans of sci-fi and 'Steampunk'. Particularly those who enjoy Stephen Hunt.

Characters continue to develop, with several deepening as events force them to make choices and mature, not in a binary way but in considered and believable directions that mark the author out as a writer rather than a scribbler.Political machinations now begin to weave their way through an expanding world, opening up new lands and introducing new intrigues. I love the way Tchaikovsky slowly builds his worlds, painting them with different architectures, culture, and characters  where a weaker writer would simply paint two dimensional differences onto literary plasterboard.The slow seeping of old magic into a bright and shiny steam punk world is a joy to behold and reminds me in part of Miyazaki, a film maker of incomparable genius. The pace still flies along and I am carried with it still.Already into book 4.Fleecy Moss, author of the Folio 55 SciFi fantasy series (writing as Nia Sinjorina), End of a Girl, Undon , and 4659 now available on Amazon.

I read and listened to this at every opportunity. The only critique I have is there’s so many plot strands you need to make notes to remember where everyone is. Twists and turns galore keep you guessing on where this series will end up. Superb.

Seriously though,The book was fantastic.Read in a couple of days, most of the way through the following book already and have the next one bought, ready to go.Adrian Tchaikovsky and his books have been a great companion over the past six months, which have been tough here, while my dad was ill, and continue to be good company ever since.So thanks.And a heartfelt recommendation to anyone who reads.

The story continues here with the widening of the world off the apt and inapt. New characters are introduced and new worlds are hinted at.

This is a 10 book series and I’m so pleased I’ve 7 more to read after this. Each book builds on what came before. How the author keeps all the story strands in order I just don’t know but so glad he can :)

The rich storyline, complex characters and parallel plots make for great reading. The pace never slackers as war clouds gather.

One of the telling aspects of a long series is how characters develop. Sometimes they just don't, which over the course of years and through world-shaking events isn't really credible.Fortunately Tchaikovsky manages it and I'm looking forward to following his characters further.