Dragonfly Falling by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Buy from: Amazon UK
Buy from: Amazon USA
Buy from: eBay
Buy from Bookshop.org indie booksellers
Buy from: Blackwells UK
Buy from: Google Play E-book Store
Every hero must face a trial, and for the city of Tark, that trial is the impending onslaught of the Wasp Empire's armies. As the city braces for battle, Salma and Totho, alongside their Ant-kinden comrades, prepare to face a force greater than any Lowlander has ever seen.
Stenwold Maker, the seasoned spymaster, foresaw this threat. But his warnings have made him a target for the Empire's secret service, deemed too dangerous to live. His beloved city of Collegium is also in the crosshairs, for its loss would crush Lowland resistance.
As the Empire's troops march on, their young Emperor pursues a darker goal. Success would trigger a reign of blood lasting a thousand years.
"Dragonfly Falling" is the second installment in Adrian Tchaikovsky's critically acclaimed Shadows of the Apt series. It takes the epic fantasy genre to new heights, blending traditional elements with innovative twists. The world is divided into "kinden," each linked to a different insect, creating a rich tapestry of characters and cultures.
The story unfolds against the backdrop of an industrial revolution, with steampunk elements adding a unique flavor to the narrative. 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.
In "Dragonfly Falling," the stakes are higher, the battles fiercer, and the characters more complex. From the siege of Collegium to the machinations of the Wasp Empire, the plot is packed with action, intrigue, and suspense. The introduction of new characters, like the haunted and traumatized Felise Mienn, adds depth to the narrative, while the development of existing characters keeps readers engaged.
Tchaikovsky's masterful storytelling shines through in this novel. Each chapter ends on a cliffhanger, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The narrative flows seamlessly, with each scene moving the plot forward or revealing some important detail about the world, characters, or kinden.
"Dragonfly Falling" is more than just a sequel; it's a testament to Tchaikovsky's ability to create a captivating and unique fantasy world. It's a must-read for any fantasy enthusiast, promising a thrilling journey into a world where insects reign supreme, and survival is a daily struggle.