Salute The Dark [Paperback]

"Salute the Dark" is the 4th book in the 'Shadows of the Apt' series by Adrian Tchaikovsky. The paper back edition in 325 pages in length...the Kindle version 480 pages.

The characters of the Apt world in this series, although human, have special abilities related to the insect class, e.g. wasps, dragonfly, moths, beetles etc. Each 'species' has its own strength and weaknesses, i.e. good at some things...poor at other. The human Wasp kindred for example, are aggressive, have a lethal 'sting' but are poor socially and depend on other to supply their needs. Similarly, others species have their own 'traits'.

*SPOILER*

After 3 books of persistent aggression towards the 'Lowlands' and 'Commonweal' territories, the Wasp Empire seems poised to push ahead with the final attack and conquer the last remaining bastions of freedom in the cities of Collegium, Sarn and Solarno. However, clandestine plotting has become rampant throughout the Wasp Empire...not only are there ripplings of strife within the Wasp hierarchy, but also a subtle groundswell of resistance is growing in some previously conquered lands. A climate, ripe for changes is apparent.

*END SPOILER*

I described Adrian Tchaikovsky's second book "Dragonfly Falling" as one of the best second books of a series I've ever read. And this book is no different...an intriguing story with a host of interesting people. And although the book is not all fighting and explicit action, there always seemed to be lots going on to captivate the readers interest...I found nothing boring or unduly dragged out in this novel. This book follows in a sequential fashion the gradual development of circumstances in the major cities of Collegium, Sarn, Solarno, Myna and Capitas (the Wasp capital) and a few smaller, yet important areas, as well.

But more than just a tale and its characters, the thing that impresses me most about this author's work is his sense of pace and timing that he uses to develop his story and important people. I found I tended to bond with some of the main characters and looked forward to returning to their part of the story.

The are two maps (although the Kindle edition map is 'fuzzy' and a little difficult to make out in parts) of the area that are more than adequate to let the reader know the geographic locales of the story. They also give the reader a sense of distances between important sites. I really appreciate good mapping in these type of fantasy/adventures.

Conclusion:
Anyone liking the previous books in this series will, I'm certain, like this latest effort. The story in well written, reads easily and has a sense of the dramatic about to happen, that makes it hard to put down. Superb pacing! 5 Stars.

Ray Nicholson

Spring has come, and the war for the Lowlands has resumed. A freshly-reinforced Wasp army is marching on Sarn, whilst a newly-assembled force is preparing to assault the Mantis-held woodland of Felyal and clear the coast route to Collegium. With the chances of victory hanging in the balance, Stenwold Maker embarks on a daring diplomatic mission to the Dragonfly Commonweal, hoping to convince them to attack the Wasp Empire whilst their attention is elsewhere. Meanwhile, Nero and Taki are returning to the Exalsee to try and arrange the liberation of Solarno.

Elsewhere, other events are coming to a head. Tisamon's path leads him to Capitas for an attempt on the Wasp Emperor's life. Uctebri, now master of the Shadow Box, is preparing for the culmination of his own plans. And Cheerwell sees an opportunity to tear apart the Empire from within, but finds that old allies now see her as a deadly enemy and traitor...

Salute the Dark is the fourth book in the Shadows of the Apt series and whilst it isn't the conclusion of the whole series (which will run for ten books), it is the culmination of the first major story arc. Enough closure is given here so that the reader can pause before reading the next book in the series (Books 5-7 form a trilogy of their own within the larger series). Events that Tchaikovsky has been laying the ground for since the first book finally take place and some questionable earlier storytelling decisions are here explained fully. Whilst there's a large amount of military activity going on in the fourth volume, it isn't as overwhelmed by it as the second book was, and there is a good mix between the war scenes, character-building and political intrigue. Thalric's return to the centre of attention is well-handled, and characters like Cheerwell, Tisamon and Salma are all developed impressively.

The main startling thing about Salute the Dark is the death toll. Perhaps aware that the number of characters was getting extremely large, Tchaikovsky takes a scythe to the cast with enthusiasm, killing off major and minor characters in a bloodbath that even George R.R. Martin might find a tad excessive. This gives rise to a genuine feeling of unpredictability and tension as you don't know who's going to be offed next. Some of the deaths fall a little flat, as they're minor characters who haven't had much screen-time, but there's enough major ones to be surprising.

The book's conclusion is well-handled, giving a good explanation for the pause in hostilities whilst laying just enough groundwork for future stories to make you want to pick up the next book without being left on a tedious cliffhanger.

Salute the Dark (****) is the best book in the series to date, featuring impressive developments in the story, the worldbuilding and characters. It is available now in the UK and USA.

I enjoyed the book. Salute the Dark ended the way it should and in a way that doesnt leave you feeling like you got robbed of a decent ending. Yes, decent and yes good fun.
Looking forward to seeing if any of the loose ends are going to be the kickoff point for a new series.
Good Job, thoroughly enjoyed the book.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 10 reviews  4.1 out of 5 stars