Dragonfly Falling: Book Two in the Epic Fantasy Series from British Fantasy Award Winner Adrian Tchaikovsky (Shadows of the Apt 2)

After the excellent 'Empire in Black and Gold' I guess many were waiting to see if Tchaikovsky could maintain that standard. He has not only done this but set himself a new personal best he may have trouble besting in the future!Dragonfly falling has everything you could want in a modern fantasy tale. Heroes, anti-heroes, wonderful baddies that are just on the believable side of evil and baddies you are actually quite sympathetic too. All riding an incredible story so huge in it's scope it is more like the first couple of years of WW2 than a traditional battle between light and dark.Swordplay and 'Trad' fantasy lovers may be frustrated by the book as there are ironclad warships, helicopters, and even a submarine! Personally I quite liked the almost 'Steampunk' element, as Tchaikovsky, with this novel, swerves away from Tolkien and sets a course for Stephen Hunt territory. Not as manic as Hunt though and Tchaikovsky does allow a bit more room for dialogue and charactor development. The introductions of the wasp Emperor and the Dragonfly Felise are also welcome additions to the cast list and there a couple of significant deaths of which I will say no more!The only problem I forsee for the author is that the swordplay elements (which he seems to be very fond of) are going to seem increasingly incongrous with huge leaps in weapons technology that happen every couple of chapters. There is not much point in being a master swordsman if your enemy can pick you off fromm 200 hundred yards away with a 'snapbow'.Whilst I also love the whole 'Apt' and insect 'kinden' ideas, it does not do to dwell to long on them. The non Apt races are for example are so inapt as not to be able to even work a crossbow, so one wonders how they manage to even put their trousers on let alone learn't how to forge metals to make swords out of, however this is high fantasy here and I'm being too pedantic.The story concludes with the Wasp's empiric ways stirring up the Spider lands (a little like Hitler with Russia) which promises some great future plot developments! I just have to wait for my wife to finish 'Blood of the Mantis' so I can read it!

Apt 2 is not only a page turner but addresses a range of the moral issues linked to war. Further, the characterisations are strong enough to ensure great concern when my favourites were in mortal danger. I'm not generally a fan of phantasy novels, but this series has worked it's magic on me.

Straight into two after book one, and an excellent continuation and development of story, characters, and canon in a detailed and pacy manner. Lot of attention is given to the maturing and deepening of relationships between the characters against the backdrop of the story, something too many authors only pay lip service to when advancing their tales.I'm already into book 3 and still hooked 8-)Highly Recommended.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.

Bit of a pun there, but very true book#2 every bit as good as book#1 - better possibly. The story is sharp, the characters excellent (and rather different) and the magic is very subtle and unusual. Absolutely loving this series.

An excellent continuation of the story, world building and characters whose relationships are constantly developing against the backdrop of the imminent war. I think my favourite are the Mantis kinden, I love the way they fight and their characters are fascinating.This book focuses on the take over of the other kinden and their countries by the wasps. I found this to be interesting as there were many different tactics used by all sides and by the characters in the previous book and also new ones too. It also brings up some moral questions about war and it’s consequences.On the whole a satisfying story which kept me entertained right up to the end. Jam packed full of action, sieges and battles. I’m Looking forward to the next..

I admit that I don't purchase books at full price and the first in the series was purchased as a Daily Deal some time ago. I enjoyed it so much that I added this book to my wish list and waited for the price to reduce. I wish I had purchased it sooner because I found myself getting mixed up at first with who was who and where did they come from but it became easier as I got into the book. If you enjoyed the first book in the series you should enjoy this with its complex plot and unusual heros and villains. This was another enjoyable read from Adrian Tchaikovsky and in fact I have already purchased the next two in the series.

Second book in series. Really enjoyed

I have read all of Adrian's stand alone books and they are all brilliant. Wasn't sure I was going to like the Shadows of The Apt books, but needless to say, I shouldn't have worried - this one and the previous one are of a very high standard.