Heirs of the Blade by Adrian Tchaikovsky
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In the seventh book of Adrian Tchaikovsky's acclaimed fantasy series Shadows of the Apt, the spotlight shifts to Tynisa, the wanderer haunted by the ghosts of her past. She's on the run, running from herself and the shadow of her father. As she traverses the breaking provinces of the Dragonfly Commonweal, she must confront her personal demons and face her past.
Meanwhile, the mighty Wasp Empire is orchestrating a takeover of Khanaphes, the ancient jewel city fallen from its past glory. The soldiers are on a simple mission of conquest, but Empress Seda has grander ambitions. She believes herself the heir to ancient powers, her eyes set on a treasure far beyond mere city walls.
The story takes a deep dive into Tynisa's troubled life, her wrong choices, and the profound ripple effects they have on the world around her. This installment also reunites readers with characters like Thalric and Che, whose evolution continues to be a riveting part of the tale. Through a complex Wasp character, Varmen, and a seemingly simplistic opportunist, Gaved, Tchaikovsky subtly humanizes the Wasp-kinden, challenging their reputation as mere villains.
However, the story of Khanaphes and Seda takes a backseat after the initial one-third, leaving readers longing for more of their narrative. But every bit of setup, every subplot, serves a greater purpose, contributing to the expansive and vivid world Tchaikovsky has created.
In Heirs of the Blade, Tchaikovsky successfully experiments with different storytelling styles, setting the stage for the following books in the series. Whether the next installment will bring together all the scattered narrative threads is something fans eagerly await.
As a bridge to the latter part of the series, this book serves as a solid and intriguing tale, although it may not be the ideal starting point for new readers. If you're new to Shadows of the Apt, consider diving into the world of kinden from the first book, Empire in Black and Gold.
Despite minor dips, this series' overall quality and inventiveness make it well worth the investment. The unique premise may seem quirky at first, but Tchaikovsky's masterful storytelling ensures you are pulled into this world of insect-kindens and steampunk elements.
The series continues to evolve, each book taking you deeper into the intricate politics, emotional turmoil, and beautifully imagined locales of the Shadows of the Apt universe. Join Tynisa on her personal journey and discover how it intertwines with the greater events shaping the world. Heirs of the Blade is an exciting addition to the series, leaving readers eager for what's to come.