Description:

From Publishers Weekly

Tchaikovsky returns to the caste-haunted insect-themed world of 2010's Empire in Black and Gold, as the inapt kinden realize that their natural gifts and old knowledge are no longer sufficient to allow them to dominate their apt cousins, who can use technology. The Wasp kinden have been slowly conquering the land for three generations, and the people of the Lowlands are finally waking to the danger that confronts them. As Wasps threaten Collegium, a city of innovators and a rallying point for Lowland resistance, the diverse protagonists struggle to salvage what they can, unleashing forces beyond their control. The story will be recognizable to anyone familiar with modern fantasy (or even the Persian invasion of Greece), but Tchaikovsky's setting is innovative, the characters are engaging, and the battles are epic. Several further volumes are planned. (Apr.)
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Review

"Adrian Tchaikovsky makes a good and enjoyable mix between a medieval looking world and the presence of technology" --_Starburst_

"Full of colorful drama and non-stop action involving mass warfare and personal combat." --Fantasy Book Critic

"_Empire in Black and Gold_ is a very strong debut. It is a fast-paced and action-driven novel that nonetheless leaves plenty of room for character-development. Its primary strength is, however, the highly imaginative world that Tchaikovsky has created. ...a remarkably strong fantasy debut and I for one am eagerly anticipating the sequels Dragonfly Falling and Blood of the Mantis." --_Book Spot Central_

"_Empire in Black and Gold_ has enough going for it to make it one of the most enjoyable books that I've read so far this year. I want more and there's nothing I can do but sit it out and wait..." -- --Graeme's Fantasy Book Review, Nine and a Quarter out of Ten

SUMMARY:
Two young companions, Totho and Salma, arrive at Tark to spy on the menacing Wasp army, but are there mistakenly apprehended as enemy agents. By the time they are freed, the city is already under siege. Over in the imperial capital the young emperor, Alvdan, is becoming captivated by a remarkable slave, the vampiric Uctebri, who claims he knows of magic that can grant eternal life. In Collegium, meanwhile, Stenwold is still trying to persuade the city magnates to take seriously the Wasp Empire's imminent threat to their survival. In a colourful drama involving mass warfare and personal combat, a small group of heroes must stand up against what seems like an unstoppable force. This volume continues the story that so brilliantly unfolded in Empire in Black and Gold - and the action is still non-stop.

### From Publishers Weekly Tchaikovsky returns to the caste-haunted insect-themed world of 2010's *Empire in Black and Gold*, as the inapt kinden realize that their natural gifts and old knowledge are no longer sufficient to allow them to dominate their apt cousins, who can use technology. The Wasp kinden have been slowly conquering the land for three generations, and the people of the Lowlands are finally waking to the danger that confronts them. As Wasps threaten Collegium, a city of innovators and a rallying point for Lowland resistance, the diverse protagonists struggle to salvage what they can, unleashing forces beyond their control. The story will be recognizable to anyone familiar with modern fantasy (or even the Persian invasion of Greece), but Tchaikovsky's setting is innovative, the characters are engaging, and the battles are epic. Several further volumes are planned. *(Apr.)* Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. ### Review "Adrian Tchaikovsky makes a good and enjoyable mix between a medieval looking world and the presence of technology" --*Starburst* "Full of colorful drama and non-stop action involving mass warfare and personal combat." --Fantasy Book Critic "*Empire in Black and Gold* is a very strong debut. It is a fast-paced and action-driven novel that nonetheless leaves plenty of room for character-development. Its primary strength is, however, the highly imaginative world that Tchaikovsky has created. ...a remarkably strong fantasy debut and I for one am eagerly anticipating the sequels *Dragonfly Falling* and *Blood of the Mantis*." --*Book Spot Central* "*Empire in Black and Gold* has enough going for it to make it one of the most enjoyable books that I've read so far this year. I want more and there's nothing I can do but sit it out and wait..." -- --Graeme's Fantasy Book Review, Nine and a Quarter out of Ten