Empire in Black and Gold by Adrian Tchaikovsky
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In a world where peace is a fading memory, the city-states of the Lowlands stand as the last bastions of civilisation. Yet, their tranquility is threatened by a distant empire, armed with sophisticated combat techniques and a thirst for conquest. The empire's armies march closer, their eyes set on the city-states as their next prize.
Enter Stenwold Maker, an aging spymaster, artificer, and statesman. He alone foresees the impending threat, the war that will ravage their lands and obliterate everything in its path. But to warn his people, he must first ensure his own survival.
"Empire in Black and Gold" is not your typical epic fantasy. It takes the classic tropes and gives them a fresh spin. In Adrian Tchaikovsky's Shadows of the Apt series, humans are divided into different races or "kinden," each linked to a different insect. From Beetle Kinden, Ant Kinden, Wasp Kinden, and more, each race possesses distinct physical and mental attributes, creating a rich tapestry of characters and cultures.
The setting is far from the usual medieval fantasy landscapes. Instead, we find ourselves in an industrial world, where steampunk machinery and city-street gangsters reign. The Kinden are either "Apt" or "Inapt," with the former understanding complex machinery and technology, while the latter believe in magic and cannot comprehend even the most basic technological mechanism.
The plot of "Empire in Black and Gold" follows Stenwold Maker, a Beetle Kinden, as he attempts to convince the rulers of his home city of Collegium of the impending threat from the North - the Wasp Empire. As the narrative unfolds, we witness the scale of destruction the Wasps are willing to impose to achieve their goals.
The characters in "Empire in Black and Gold" are as diverse as they are fascinating. From Stenwold's wards - Cheerwell (Beetle), Tynisa (Spider), Salma (Dragonfly), and Totho (Halfbreed) - to the side characters, each one plays a crucial role in the unfolding plot.
"Empire in Black and Gold" is a breath of fresh air in the realm of epic fantasy. Its originality, breathtaking action, and surprising story make it a must-read for any fantasy enthusiast. So, buckle up and prepare for a thrilling journey into a world where insects reign supreme, and the battle for survival is a daily reality.