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A review by mwplante
The Scarab Path by Adrian Tchaikovsky
4.0
This fifth volume represents a return to the heights of the second volume for the series, albeit with a more tightly focused plot line and setting than that book. The creepiness of the strange and ancient city of Khanaphes is really well played by Tchaikovsky. Even if you kind of suspect what's going on with the mysterious Masters, their eventual reveal and the moment they burst onto the scene are extremely gratifying. The exposition they provide on the ancient history of the world of the insect kinden is kind of weird, but ultimately gratifying enough to leave me wanting to know much more.
Tchaikovsky continues to refuse to sacrifice characterization for action and vice versa. Indeed, this volume contains both some of the most interesting characters and some of the most desperate battles of the series to date. Amnon starts out wooden and alien but becomes all too understandable by the end. Wasp-Scorpion Hrathen and Scorpion Warlord Jakal's relationship gives you something to puzzle at, and Teuthete and Meyr someone to root for. These secondary characters are never quite as fleshed out as I would like, but I think this is a product of the economy of Tchaikovsky's writing style, and not of the attention he pays the characters in his own head. He does seem to be getting better at it as he goes along.
Thalric continues to assert himself in his quest to become my favorite character. I think he's really neat, but his constant reversals of fortune feel like erratic writing at times. His constant harping about loyalty rings hollow as circumstances continue to toss him around from allegiance to allegiance. Indeed, the only alignment that feels genuine for him is the one most driven by his own desires -- his love of Che.
I do have to complain a bit about Totho, who is basically wearing a steampunk fedora at this point. We can only hope that his fixation on Che will finally end after this book.
Seda continues to be a very interesting character. Looking forward to more of her going forward.
Tchaikovsky continues to refuse to sacrifice characterization for action and vice versa. Indeed, this volume contains both some of the most interesting characters and some of the most desperate battles of the series to date. Amnon starts out wooden and alien but becomes all too understandable by the end. Wasp-Scorpion Hrathen and Scorpion Warlord Jakal's relationship gives you something to puzzle at, and Teuthete and Meyr someone to root for. These secondary characters are never quite as fleshed out as I would like, but I think this is a product of the economy of Tchaikovsky's writing style, and not of the attention he pays the characters in his own head. He does seem to be getting better at it as he goes along.
Thalric continues to assert himself in his quest to become my favorite character. I think he's really neat, but his constant reversals of fortune feel like erratic writing at times. His constant harping about loyalty rings hollow as circumstances continue to toss him around from allegiance to allegiance. Indeed, the only alignment that feels genuine for him is the one most driven by his own desires -- his love of Che.
I do have to complain a bit about Totho, who is basically wearing a steampunk fedora at this point. We can only hope that his fixation on Che will finally end after this book.
Seda continues to be a very interesting character. Looking forward to more of her going forward.