Blood of the Mantis

Blood of the Mantis is the third novel in Adrian Tchaikovsky's Shadows of the Apt series, following Dragonfly Falling. Stenwold must rally his allies for battle against the Empire, even as it seeks a dangerous artifact of enormous power. A dread ritual casts a deadly shadow, and Achaeos the seer has only days before the Shadow Box is lost forever. The Empire's dread forces are mustering for their next great offensive, and Stenwold and his followers have only a short time to gather allies before the enemy's soldiers march again. If Stenwold cannot hold them back, the hated black and gold flag will fly over every city in the Lowlands before the year's end. However, a more insidious threat awaits: if the Shadow Box falls into the hands of the power-mad Emperor, nothing will save the world from his relentless ambition.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 18 March 2021
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

The third installment in Adrian Tchaikovsky's captivating Shadows of the Apt series, Blood of the Mantis, picks up right where Dragonfly Falling left off. The story revolves around Stenwold, who must gather his allies and prepare for a fierce battle against the Empire, even as they relentlessly seek a powerful artifact of immense power. As the Empire launches its next grand offensive, Stenwold and his followers race against time to assemble a formidable force to confront the enemy. However, a more sinister threat looms over them. If the Shadow Box falls into the hands of the deranged Emperor, the world will be plunged into utter chaos and destruction.

The novel is filled with intense action, suspense, and political intrigue, as Stenwold navigates the treacherous waters of the Empire and confronts his own inner demons. Tchaikovsky's writing is masterful, with vivid descriptions and intricate world-building that transport readers to a realm of magic and danger.

Blood of the Mantis is followed by Salute the Dark, the fourth book in the series, which continues to explore the complex relationships between the different factions and the struggle for power in the Lowlands. The Shadows of the Apt series is a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure, as it offers a rich and immersive world that is sure to captivate readers for years to come.

Weight: 316g
Dimension: 196 x 130 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529050301