DESCRIPTION :

Empire in Black and Gold by Adrian Tchaikovsky is the first novel in the Shadows of the Apt series, introducing readers to a richly imagined world where different humanoid races, each associated with a specific insect totem, vie for power and survival. The story follows Stenwold Maker, a statesman and spymaster from the city of Collegium, who has long feared the rise of the Wasp Empire—a militaristic and expansionist power. As the empire begins its march across the Lowlands, Stenwold gathers a group of unlikely heroes, including students, engineers, and warriors, to resist the impending invasion. Tchaikovsky masterfully blends elements of steampunk, epic fantasy, and political intrigue, creating a unique and dynamic world where ancient technology and new inventions collide.