Adrian Tchaikovsky · novel-series
Shadows of the Apt books in order
A ten-volume epic fantasy series about insect-kinden societies, technological change, and the war against the Wasp Empire.
Choose your route
Reading order
Only reading orders present in the catalog are shown. Optional novellas and companion works can be hidden without changing the underlying sequence.
Publication order
- 1 Empire in Black and Gold
Book 1 · novel · 2008
The Lowlands’ city states have lived in peace for decades, hailed as bastions of civilization. Yet that peace is about to end. A distant empire has been conquering neighbours with highly trained soldiers and sophisticated combat…
- 2 Dragonfly Falling
Book 2 · novel · 2009
The Wasp Empire’s armies are on the move – and the city of Tark will be first to feel their might. Salma and Totho prepare for battle, alongside their Ant-kinden brethren. And within Tark’s walls, they’ll face a force greater than any…
- 3 Blood of the Mantis
Book 3 · novel · 2009
Achaeos the seer has finally tracked down the stolen Shadow Box. But he has only days before this magical artefact will be lost to him forever. Meanwhile, the Empire's dread forces are mustering for their next great offensive. Stenwold…
- 4 Salute the Dark
Book 4 · novel · 2010
The mighty Wasp armies are on the march. And with war imminent, spymaster Stenwold must finally separate allies from false friends. He knows the Empire won’t stop until its flag hangs over Collegium, Stenwold's home city. Tisamon the…
- 5 The Scarab Path
Book 5 · novel · 2010
The war with the Wasp Empire has ended in a bitter stalemate, and Collegium has nothing to show for it but wounded veterans. Cheerwell Maker finds herself broken in ways no doctor can mend, haunted by ghosts of the past. Meanwhile, the…
- 6 The Sea Watch
Book 6 · novel · 2011
A shadow is falling over Collegium. Despite the tenuous peace, Stenwold Maker knows that the Empire will return for his city. Even as he tries to prepare for the resurgence of the black and gold army, a hidden threat is working against…
- 7 Heirs of the Blade
Book 7 · novel · 2011
Tynisa is on the run, but she cannot escape the demons of her own mind. Amidst the fragmenting provinces of the Dragonfly Commonweal, her past will at last catch up with her. Her father's ghost is hunting her down. At the same time, the…
- 8 The Air War
Book 8 · novel · 2012
All is in turmoil as the world moves towards war. In Solarno, spies eye one another and ready their knives – while the people of Myna watch troops gather at its borders. Emotions run high as old fears reawaken. And in Collegium students…
- 9 War Master's Gate
Book 9 · novel · 2013
The Empire’s mighty imperial armies are marching on Collegium once more. They’ve learnt from past failures and this time their Empress will brook no weakness. Stenwold Maker’s aviators still dominate the skies, but their rule will soon be…
- 10 Seal of the Worm
Book 10 · novel · 2014
The Empire has vanquished its enemies at last, but at a terrible price. With her chief rival cast into the abyss, Empress Seda must face the truth of what she’s unleashed in her hunger for power. Now the Seal has been shattered, the…
