Empire in Black and Gold

By Adrian Tchaikovsky,

Book cover of Empire in Black and Gold

Book description

Empire in Black and Gold is the first instalment in the critically-acclaimed fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky.

The days of peace are over . . .

The Lowlands' city states have lived in peace for decades, hailed as bastions of civilization. Yet that peace is about…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Empire in Black and Gold as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Ten glorious books about deceitful spiders, brave dragonflies, and steadfast beetles. In a world where people possess the traits of different insects, the wasps are expanding their empire. One lone beetle decides to challenge them. Shadows of the Apt turns traditional fantasy on its head by bringing together a whole new set of protagonists - Mantis who are skilled swordsmen beyond compare, Spiders who can craft deceitful webs of intrigue, Ants who can operate within a hive mind, and the like. The storytelling is unique for never before have there been characters like this, on a scale as massive as…

From Rohan's list on fantasy that is off the beaten path.

Unreachable Skies

By Karen McCreedy,

Book cover of Unreachable Skies

Karen McCreedy Author Of Unreachable Skies

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Science-fiction reader Film-goer Reader Traveller History nut

Karen's 3 favorite reads in 2024

What is my book about?

This book (and its sequels) are about overcoming the odds; about learning to improve the skills and abilities you have, rather than dwelling on what you can't do. Conflict, plague, and scheming politicians are all featured along the way–but none of the characters are human!

Unreachable Skies

By Karen McCreedy,

What is this book about?

When a plague kills half the Drax population, and leaves the hatchlings of the survivors with a terrible deformity – no wings – suspicion and prejudice follow. Continuously harassed by raids from their traditional enemies, the Koth, the Drax are looking for someone, or something, to blame.

Zarda, an apprentice Fate-seer, is new to her role and unsure of her own abilities; but the death of her teacher sees her summoned by the Drax Prime, Kalis, when his heir, Dru, emerges from his shell without wings.

A vision that Dru will one day defeat the Koth is enough to keep…


Want books like Empire in Black and Gold?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 86 books like Empire in Black and Gold.

Browse books like Empire in Black and Gold

Book cover of Waylander
Book cover of Mistress of the Empire
Book cover of The Name of the Wind

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,165

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in war, beetles, and dragonfly?

War 2,051 books
Beetles 20 books
Dragonfly 7 books