Reviews

Blood of the Mantis by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Only show reviews with written explanations

robyn1xp's review against another edition

3.0

The story seems to be meandering at this point, and definitely not going anywhere I thought it would be. More POVs being added each book. I'm having a tough time deciding if I will keep going with it, as nothing is particularly hooking with me. I think I'll read book 4 on the hopes that things will improve.

krissysreading's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I am in no way surprised that i gave this next instalment in this brilliant series 5 stars. I am obsessed with the writing and the concept, the characters and the plot.

vinjii's review

Go to review page

4.0

This is the third book in the Shadows of the Apt series by Adrian Tchaikovsky.

He’s one of my favourite authors. If you're reluctant to dive into a long series without first getting to know an author, I've got a few recommendations. Fantasy: [b:Guns of the Dawn|23524779|Guns of the Dawn|Adrian Tchaikovsky|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1421364877s/23524779.jpg|43127821] (Austen's Elizabeth Bennet goes to war); Sci-Fi: [b:Children of Time|25499718|Children of Time (Children of Time #1)|Adrian Tchaikovsky|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1431014197s/25499718.jpg|45276208] and [b:Dogs of War|35827220|Dogs of War|Adrian Tchaikovsky|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1501011224s/35827220.jpg|57331336].

The premise of the Shadows of the Apt series (which spans ten books) is simple: every species in this fantasy series is an insect-kinden, and has got the mannerisms, characteristics and qualities of said insect. We've got dragonflies, beetles, ants and flies etc.

Then one day, the Wasp Empire attacks.

This is a vast, detailed world and Tchaikovsky's love for everything that crawls is found on every page. The plot is of epic proportion with a sprawling war, and there's a huge cast of characters. Tchaikovsky excels at writing morally grey characters.

This third book is much shorter than the second one but Tchaikovsky continues to treat his characters with great care. Especially Thalric is a fantastic morally grey character which amazing depth. I can’t wait to see what he does next.

I highly recommend this series to all fans of epic fantasy. This is innovative, original and has not been done before.

rogue_runner's review

Go to review page

3.0

Alright, but didn't seem to have the same punch as the previous book. The gang has split up again and occasionally it took a moment to work out who's story a new chapter was referring to.

llim's review

Go to review page

3.0

The whole plot about getting the magic box was ultimately pointless because it ended up in the hands of the Empire anyway. The whole plot with Chee and the fly girl was pointless because the city ended up getting invaded anyway. The whole plot with Stenwold and the ant city was pointless because he didn't get an alliance in the end anyway.
So, ultimately, this book was fun but might as well not even have happened. I could have skipped it entirely and nothing would have changed.