I’ve only read the Children of Time and the Children of Ruin by Tchaikovsky but he’s skyrocketed up my list of favorite authors. Can’t wait to get to this one plus Guns of the Dawn!
I find the interactions between Stenwald and some of the students of the college- notably Eujen Leadswell and Averic- later in the series to be interesting, because we empathize with Stenwald but the students have a lot of valid criticism of his opinion on wasps and his calls for violence. I think you understated the difference between the Apt and Inapt though. The Inapt can't even figure out how to open a door or pull a trigger.
I just bought the entire series without reading book one, I know that was potentially risky, but I had so many kindle credit points, so I am giving my faith to him Can't wait to dive into it I'm like 3 years, cause I still have two other trilogies by him to get through, malazan, among a ton of other series so I will eventually get to it
I started reading the book after seeing this and I'm absolutely loving it! I've just now hit chapter 17 and knowing there's not only over half the book to go, but another 9 books past that, I'm excited for it. I haven't had time to read for quite a while, and boy did you turn me on to a good book to get back into it with.
Booktube has definitely been sleeping on Adrian Tchaikovsky. I read Dogs of War earlier this year and had the same reaction to Tchaikovsky's writing as you had: I am now determined to read everything he's written (which will be a challenge since he's published 2 books this year, with another coming out...) About a third of the way into EiB&G and I have not been disappointed so far!
As someone who got stung by a wasp last week and got ALL the bug bites and had a bug influenced nightmare last night I might need to take a minute before this series but it does seem really promising and I like a lot of the things you mentioned so if you keep loving it I will have to keep moving it up higher on my tbr!
It is EXCEPTIONAL. I honestly can't imagine a Sanderson fan NOT liking it. It's not a Sanderson clone but there are things I love in Mistborn that I feel echoes of here. The characters are great and that's the key!
A flare-up of my autoimmune disorder in my eyes this month kept me from joining the readalong, but now that I’m better I cannot wait to read this! The entomological aspect to this series sounds amazing.
You've convinced me on this one. At first, it sounds just too weird, but you sold me with the Neville Chamberlain allusion. I would have never given "The Folding Knife" a chance either, but for your enthusiasm.
Ooo these themes have me very interested, I will definitely pick it up one of these days! I’m glad you enjoyed it and the 5 star strumpet is back in action! I wonder what countries or governments inspired each insect group because I have theories 😂
Spectacular review! You hit on so many themes that it explores in a nuanced and engaging way. Can’t wait for book 2! All hail the return of the 5-star strumpet!!
You've reminded me how much I loved this! I read the first six instalments and thought that it was just genius. Don't know why I stopped! It deserves a re-read. Will
I'm not a fan of military fantasy, and it's unlikely I'll pick this author up - so why am I commenting? Because your reviews are really satisfying. You're never afraid to enjoy a story that contains flaws. Listening to you gush, and still be honest, is marvelous.
Yeah, Derri, he writes other stuff, the military stuff is just what I've read already because that's what I gravitate towards! I'm eager to eventually read his non-military stuff!
im so glad to hear that, I've had all 10 sitting on my shelf for some time, I loved children of time, haven't read ruin yet, bought this series and the iron age/shape shifting trilogy (can't remember the name) and was kinda disappointed by that one... so i was hesitant about shadows of the apt... but hearing your enthusiasm i will tackle this soon, i guess. Thanks.
What's interesting to me here is that this series sounds so great, and all the people I know that have tried it have loved it, so I'm sure I will too, and I'm definitely going to try it out. That said, the Goodread reviews are ABYSMAL. I don't put that much stock in Goodreads reviews, admittedly, but we're talking lower than almost anything I've ever read. I wonder what the disconnect is there. Regardless, fantastic review, Allen! I'm more excited to finally get to this series!
I’m 45% in and I am really enjoying it! I didn’t love the first Tchaikovsky I read (Tiger and the Wolf) but I like this so much more and am ready to try some more of his stuff!
Tchaikovsky is a well spring of amazing books. How more people like Allen aren't talking about his books is a mystery to me. My guess is the popular success of Children of Time overshadowed his other works. Allen giving Tchaikovsky the LPQ treatment.
I do think the other books in the first 4 book arc are all better, Adrian gets better at a lot of small details. In September I will read the three more standalone books in the middle of the series, looking forward to seeing what they are about.
I somehow couldn't connect with the characters but then I just read 20 percent before I dropped it ! .. Now after watching this video I feel I need to give it a go again real soon 👍
Currently at 50%. I read this before when it originally came out and while I enjoyed it I didn’t continue on. Clearly my tastes have changed as it’s ticking all the boxes for me this time. Hope to be finished in time to watch the live show. To anyone who does audiobooks can recommend the narration for this series. Almost as good as the writing…..almost.
@@TheLibraryofAllenxandria I've read both Children books and they were great. I'm in the middle of Dogs of War and it's shaping up to be fantastic as well. He's a master of non-human PoVs imo. "My name is Rex. I am a Good Dog." From the very first line 🥺 😂
great book, great themes, I think i might've described the beginning tension more cold-warish, but WWII is probably a better descriptor. I'm just on the lookout for Cold-War feeling fantasy books (which LPQ sorta fulfills to start out)
@@TheLibraryofAllenxandria but in a weird way, because only one country has the nukes. I have more thoughts, we'll def talk about it on the AAW liveshow
This sounds freaking sick. And if one of the only issues is prose that’s great. I don’t care at all about prose unless they are fancy (which I don’t like), so does that I mean I prefer bad prose lol idk
Despite having a few issues, mainly with it's abhorrent sentence structure (at times) and gimmicky prose, I really did enjoy much of this book. I'm really hoping the technical aspects of the writing get better, as I've been reassured they do. Some folks are just naturally great storytellers. Tchaikovsky is one of those. I just think reading his prose in this book is like driving a car with square wheels. My fave prose styles are something similar to GGK, where it is almost lyrical and flowing, or like Robin Hobb where the prose doesn't call any attention to itself, gets out from between you and the story. I think Tchaikovsky tried to do some cool creative things with his prose as I think most untrained new writers probably experiment with, but is completely unnecessary and at tines distracting. The characters and the setting were great though. Dialogue was good enough. Everything else was awesome. I still gave it 4 stars and will enthusiastically continue the series. Great review. I enjoyed a lot of those parallels to our world and hope for more of that. Cheers.
I can’t wait to get more into this, enjoying it so far(read the first two ? chapters maybe). Great review ! I love the parrellels you drew with real world history, and Im even more excited to read on.
It's actually about imperialism and coming of age in times of war, and setting aside prejudice in times of crisis. The section you refer to is a thought one of the characters has in one scene. Also, wage slavery, while not an actual accepted logical fallacy like 'straw man', has been compared to actual slavery by people like Cicero, a decided non-Marxist and wealthy Roman conservative.
The more you talk about Tchaikovsky the more I know I need to read him! But... I have the other 12 series you're pushing to get through 😂
just read them all. who needs work? who needs sleep? just binge them ALL
I agree with Pete here, Ben.
I’ve only read the Children of Time and the Children of Ruin by Tchaikovsky but he’s skyrocketed up my list of favorite authors. Can’t wait to get to this one plus Guns of the Dawn!
Guns is fantastic. I still need to read his scifi catalog.
I find the interactions between Stenwald and some of the students of the college- notably Eujen Leadswell and Averic- later in the series to be interesting, because we empathize with Stenwald but the students have a lot of valid criticism of his opinion on wasps and his calls for violence.
I think you understated the difference between the Apt and Inapt though. The Inapt can't even figure out how to open a door or pull a trigger.
I just bought the entire series without reading book one, I know that was potentially risky, but I had so many kindle credit points, so I am giving my faith to him
Can't wait to dive into it I'm like 3 years, cause I still have two other trilogies by him to get through, malazan, among a ton of other series so I will eventually get to it
I started reading the book after seeing this and I'm absolutely loving it! I've just now hit chapter 17 and knowing there's not only over half the book to go, but another 9 books past that, I'm excited for it.
I haven't had time to read for quite a while, and boy did you turn me on to a good book to get back into it with.
Glad you're loving it! I just finished book 4 and am still loving it!
What an excellent start to the series, luckily I've Books 2 and 3 ready to go ASAP
Booktube has definitely been sleeping on Adrian Tchaikovsky. I read Dogs of War earlier this year and had the same reaction to Tchaikovsky's writing as you had: I am now determined to read everything he's written (which will be a challenge since he's published 2 books this year, with another coming out...) About a third of the way into EiB&G and I have not been disappointed so far!
I also want to read all of his books!
As someone who got stung by a wasp last week and got ALL the bug bites and had a bug influenced nightmare last night I might need to take a minute before this series but it does seem really promising and I like a lot of the things you mentioned so if you keep loving it I will have to keep moving it up higher on my tbr!
It is EXCEPTIONAL. I honestly can't imagine a Sanderson fan NOT liking it. It's not a Sanderson clone but there are things I love in Mistborn that I feel echoes of here. The characters are great and that's the key!
Really didn’t think I’d wanna read about bug inspired(?) societies….. but you made me wanna read this Allen 😂😂
dooooo eeeeet it's so good
A flare-up of my autoimmune disorder in my eyes this month kept me from joining the readalong, but now that I’m better I cannot wait to read this! The entomological aspect to this series sounds amazing.
Oh my gosh it's so awesome
You've convinced me on this one. At first, it sounds just too weird, but you sold me with the Neville Chamberlain allusion. I would have never given "The Folding Knife" a chance either, but for your enthusiasm.
Yes! I hope you enjoy it as well! It SOUNDS way weirder than it actually is.
"Strumpetude" is my new fave word
It's a good word
Ooo these themes have me very interested, I will definitely pick it up one of these days! I’m glad you enjoyed it and the 5 star strumpet is back in action!
I wonder what countries or governments inspired each insect group because I have theories 😂
It's so interesting! I actually didn't think on who inspired who past the Greeks and the Persians lol
Spectacular review! You hit on so many themes that it explores in a nuanced and engaging way. Can’t wait for book 2! All hail the return of the 5-star strumpet!!
Yesssssss, Ben, I'm so excited to keep reading!
You've reminded me how much I loved this! I read the first six instalments and thought that it was just genius. Don't know why I stopped! It deserves a re-read.
Will
You didn't finish??? Will!!
You should buddy read them with me when I get to book 7
@@TheLibraryofAllenxandria I may need to take you up on that!
Great review. I love how there's just so much to this and it just expands the more you keep digging.
Yea I’m excited to talk about it
i'm so excited to continue!
Hmmmm....I'm iffy on this one. I'll wait and hear more from you as you continue the series and see what I think.
Roger that!
I thank you for hosting this readalong. I loved this book and have decided to read all ten as soon as I finished this one.
OH MY GOSH SAME
I will be back sir. Im only 26% in. Take my like and this comment and my vow of my imminent return to watch this entire video.
Do it before our live stream!
I'm not a fan of military fantasy, and it's unlikely I'll pick this author up - so why am I commenting? Because your reviews are really satisfying. You're never afraid to enjoy a story that contains flaws. Listening to you gush, and still be honest, is marvelous.
Yeah, Derri, he writes other stuff, the military stuff is just what I've read already because that's what I gravitate towards! I'm eager to eventually read his non-military stuff!
Really enjoying it so far. We just met Scuto and a lot of things are starting to happen. Hope to get it done before Sunday.
YESSSSSSS, good stuff from there!
Alright Allen, you've convinced me.
YESSSSSSS
I haven't had a chance to read any Tchaikovsky yet, but his books are definitely towards the top of my TBR.
Yesssss dooooo eeeet!
Happy for another 5 stars for you! Great review. I only read Children of Time by him and really loved it
I have now purchased the first book in the series. Now I have ANOTHER mammoth to start!
Yessssssss
im so glad to hear that, I've had all 10 sitting on my shelf for some time, I loved children of time, haven't read ruin yet, bought this series and the iron age/shape shifting trilogy (can't remember the name) and was kinda disappointed by that one... so i was hesitant about shadows of the apt... but hearing your enthusiasm i will tackle this soon, i guess. Thanks.
It's so good! I still need to tackle his sci-fi books!
What's interesting to me here is that this series sounds so great, and all the people I know that have tried it have loved it, so I'm sure I will too, and I'm definitely going to try it out. That said, the Goodread reviews are ABYSMAL. I don't put that much stock in Goodreads reviews, admittedly, but we're talking lower than almost anything I've ever read. I wonder what the disconnect is there.
Regardless, fantastic review, Allen! I'm more excited to finally get to this series!
Goodreads also hates Long Price Quartet. It is a bozo.
Oho, so much good stuff in book 1. And yes, Allen, they do get better as the series progresses!
Oh my gosh, I'm super excited!
@@TheLibraryofAllenxandria I noticed! You should invite Adrian along to a live discussion as you get into the series.
Oooooooooooo
Hello Allen! Have you read "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy"? If so, what did you think?
lol... and Allen, if you haven't, why not?!
I have, a long time ago! I really like Book 1, like book 2 but didn't LOVE books 3 and 4!
I’m 45% in and I am really enjoying it! I didn’t love the first Tchaikovsky I read (Tiger and the Wolf) but I like this so much more and am ready to try some more of his stuff!
Yessssssssss
I love these books and the apt/inapt divide is always interesting
I know! It's so fascinating! I just finished up Salute the Dark and am excited to continue!
So glad you loved it. I was actually pretty confused the first time i read this book but this re-read has been amazing.
I was confused for the first like 20% then things became clearer especially when the kids separated.
Yessss I'm glad the re-read has been great!!
Tchaikovsky is a well spring of amazing books. How more people like Allen aren't talking about his books is a mystery to me. My guess is the popular success of Children of Time overshadowed his other works. Allen giving Tchaikovsky the LPQ treatment.
I'm hoping this is another series I can force-feed to people.
Oooh. Never read him before, but i just checked my audio book app and it has 7 of these! Might actually try to join in on this thing.
They're great! He has many good books, apparently, and writes so much!
Great review, Allen! Yeah, that one plot line really annoys me, but I have hope for book two.
fingers crossed for sure
I do think the other books in the first 4 book arc are all better, Adrian gets better at a lot of small details.
In September I will read the three more standalone books in the middle of the series, looking forward to seeing what they are about.
I'm pumped to continue, for sure!
Yeah, okay - fine. FINE! I'll add it to my TBR. Sheesh. ;)
The appeasement is fascinating because it's still such a relevant issue. I kept thinking of Afghanistan while reading 😭
Yesss the pacing is FANTASTIC
I agree. I love the pacing!
Finished it yesterday and loved it. Already started Dragonfly Falling.
Ok, now after watching this, I want to change my rating from 4 to 5 stars. Lol
Yesssssssss
I'm hoping to get this tonight for my birthday. If not, I'll use a gift card to get it next weekend.
I'll come back to this review once I've read it.
Awesome!
@@TheLibraryofAllenxandria Yep! I got it for my bday along with book two. Yay!
@@angelamccollister yessssss. Happy birthday!!
@@TheLibraryofAllenxandria Now I just have to make myself finish The Heroes before I start this series.
uuugh, wasps. I don't know if I can handle that.
I would say I am irrationally afraid of wasps, but wasps are terrifying, my fear is irrational
🤣🤣🤣🤣
They're just people who throw fireballs and sometimes fly.
@@TheLibraryofAllenxandria wasps are basically just less capable daleks
@@jakebishop7822 accurate
Leaning type 😂😂
The scene where Stenwold couldn't control his expression from showing his internal racism is soo realistic.
YES! Such a good characterization moment.
Jesus Christ, another long ass series on my TBR. I'm never going to finish this list.
it's so gooooood
I somehow couldn't connect with the characters but then I just read 20 percent before I dropped it ! .. Now after watching this video I feel I need to give it a go again real soon 👍
I get that and I think you dropped it RIGHT before it hits it's stride. If you don't like it by the end of ch. 19, it's probably not for you.
@@TheLibraryofAllenxandria Alright, yea makes sense to read more before taking a call
I'm 30% in. It's so good!
Yesssss
Currently at 50%. I read this before when it originally came out and while I enjoyed it I didn’t continue on. Clearly my tastes have changed as it’s ticking all the boxes for me this time. Hope to be finished in time to watch the live show. To anyone who does audiobooks can recommend the narration for this series. Almost as good as the writing…..almost.
oh that's fantastic about the audio!
Haven't read this book yet, but Tchaikovsky rules.
YESSSSSSS. Which have you read? The Children books?
@@TheLibraryofAllenxandria I've read both Children books and they were great. I'm in the middle of Dogs of War and it's shaping up to be fantastic as well. He's a master of non-human PoVs imo.
"My name is Rex. I am a Good Dog."
From the very first line 🥺 😂
Great review!
Thank you!
great book, great themes, I think i might've described the beginning tension more cold-warish, but WWII is probably a better descriptor. I'm just on the lookout for Cold-War feeling fantasy books (which LPQ sorta fulfills to start out)
yes! LPQ DOES have Cold War vibes!
@@TheLibraryofAllenxandria but in a weird way, because only one country has the nukes. I have more thoughts, we'll def talk about it on the AAW liveshow
This sounds freaking sick. And if one of the only issues is prose that’s great. I don’t care at all about prose unless they are fancy (which I don’t like), so does that I mean I prefer bad prose lol idk
Yeah, he's a great writer, it's just not 'purple', as Matt is saying. I much prefer less dense prose, personally.
Not gonna give away all of my points for the live stream but the ambition of this and it’s a debut is ridiculous.
absolute madness. It's so good
Despite having a few issues, mainly with it's abhorrent sentence structure (at times) and gimmicky prose, I really did enjoy much of this book. I'm really hoping the technical aspects of the writing get better, as I've been reassured they do. Some folks are just naturally great storytellers. Tchaikovsky is one of those. I just think reading his prose in this book is like driving a car with square wheels. My fave prose styles are something similar to GGK, where it is almost lyrical and flowing, or like Robin Hobb where the prose doesn't call any attention to itself, gets out from between you and the story. I think Tchaikovsky tried to do some cool creative things with his prose as I think most untrained new writers probably experiment with, but is completely unnecessary and at tines distracting. The characters and the setting were great though. Dialogue was good enough. Everything else was awesome. I still gave it 4 stars and will enthusiastically continue the series. Great review. I enjoyed a lot of those parallels to our world and hope for more of that. Cheers.
Agree, he's an excellent storyteller. I'm I'm excited to continue the series.
And you don't like 'much of a muchness??' Such a great phrase!
@@TheLibraryofAllenxandria haha.. No, not my favorite idiom. Doesn't make a muchness of sense 😂
@@readingreignbro5680 hahahaha I had to look it up and it's apparently an actual idiom, but archaic in use. I too was like...wuuuut?
@@TheLibraryofAllenxandria It should be said that much of a muchness is a redundance of abundance
I can’t wait to get more into this, enjoying it so far(read the first two ? chapters maybe). Great review ! I love the parrellels you drew with real world history, and Im even more excited to read on.
I hope you enjoy it! It hits its stride and never stops at ch. 18
Black gold book ASD
It sounds like "Marxism: the fantasy book". Even the "wage slave" fallacy makes an appearance.
It's actually about imperialism and coming of age in times of war, and setting aside prejudice in times of crisis.
The section you refer to is a thought one of the characters has in one scene. Also, wage slavery, while not an actual accepted logical fallacy like 'straw man', has been compared to actual slavery by people like Cicero, a decided non-Marxist and wealthy Roman conservative.