REVIEW: Dragonfly Falling by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Dragonfly Falling by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Publishing information: Kindle
Publisher: Pyr 2 April 2010
ISBN 10: 1616141956
ISBN 13: 978-1616141950
ASIN: B005J6BLZS
Series: Book 2 of the Shadows of the Apt series
Copy: Out of Pocket
Reviewer: Tyson

Synopsis: "Two young companions, Totho and Salma, arrive at Tark to spy on the menacing Wasp army, but are there mistakenly apprehended as enemy agents. By the time they are freed, the city is already under siege. Over in the imperial capital the young emperor, Alvdan, is becoming captivated by a remarkable slave, the vampiric Uctebri, who claims he knows of magic that can grant eternal life. In Collegium, meanwhile, Stenwold is still trying to persuade the city magnates to take seriously the Wasp Empire's imminent threat to their survival. In a colourful drama involving mass warfare and personal combat, a small group of heroes must stand up against what seems like an unstoppable force. This volume continues the story that so brilliantly unfolded in Empire in Black and Gold - and the action is still non-stop."

I do not know why I do not read this series back to back each one just seems to get better and better. Tchaikovsky is truly a hidden gem. In Dragonfly Falling we continue the story of the Wasp Empire marching to take over the known world. Only Stenwold and his band of agents seem to have an understanding of what is about to happen to Collegium and the nearby cities.

In this installment of the series, the story progresses along quite a bit and only a few new characters are introduced. One in particular is Uctebri of the mosquito kinden. A magical race that uses blood to do their will. We also learn a great deal more about the Wasp emperor Alvdan and while he is an interesting character, his enslaved sister is much more interesting and I foresee her playing a much larger role in the series as it progresses.

There is a lot of movement on both sides in Dragonfly Falling and just as many things occur behind the scenes as they do on the battlefield. In this novel we have the true set up to the rest of the story arc as the story comes to an end we are introduced to a relic of great importance. It is further explored in Blood of the Mantis.

If you liked Empire of Black and Gold, I think this book will definitely be enjoyed as it is much richer and the characters start to come into their own. Lots of battles and intrigue are also found within it's pages. It is definitely a step up from the first book in the series and should prove to many that Tchaikovsky is a force to be reckoned with. It also begins the true motivations for the first story arc. A great edition to the series.

Plot 8/10
Characters 7/10
Style 7/10

Overall 7.5/10