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Have you finished reading Empire in Black and Gold by Adrian Tchaikovsky, book 1 in the Shadows of the Apt series? Let us know what you thought about it.

Spoilers allowed here (for book 1 only)!

I finished this a few days early. I thought it would take me longer but I kept wanting to read it!
I really enjoyed this. I love the idea of kinden and apt, and non apt. I especially liked the POVs of Stenwold, Che, and Thalric. I found it clever to include a Wasp kinden POV!
I think my favorite element was that several of the characters had a strong trait; I'm not sure what to call it: a code of conduct or a principled way of living. They strongly believed in what they felt was right and would sacrifice to hold to those beliefs.
I was able to keep track of the long list of characters but I felt character development suffered a bit because Tchaikovsky had introduced so many people.
I'm excited to read on it the series!

I enjoyed this. Each type of kinden had their own strengths and weaknesses, each kinden had their own guiding principles (empire! commerce! combat! magic!). But, with a few exceptions, the individuals were not entirely bound within the constraints of their own kinden, so we could see them grow. I have to admit, the limitations of the non-apt are hard to accept ... really, you can't figure out how to open a door? But I enjoyed getting acquainted with this world, and I look forward to reading the next book.

I finally finished this and really loved it! I just love the feeling of diving into an epic series, knowing how much more there is to learn about the characters and the world. The worldbuilding here is fantastic. I love the arthropod-human races (pedantic science teacher me feels compelled to remind everyone that spiders and scorpions are not insects 🙂) and how they each have their own Art. Helleron as a setting is interesting and it’s completely believable that this kind of corrupt, morally dubious melting pot of a city would have evolved at the nexus of the different races of the Lowlands and beyond.

Characters- are all so well drawn and distinct from one another. I am especially intrigued by the Wasp Captain Thalric, who seems to have the potential to uncover a decent man beneath his single-minded worship of his empire. Sometimes the POV-hopping was a bit clumsy - having read quite a bit of Tchaikovsky’s later work, it’s clear this was an early novel - but I’m still rating this one 5 stars and I can’t wait to continue the series.

9.25/10
As the first book in a long series (10 books), one expects a lot of world-building, introduction of characters, and stage-setting, but there is plenty of action as well. This is Tchaikovsky’s first published book but, to me, it doesn’t read too much like a first novel.

I was fascinated by the various kinden and their traits, both physical and psychological. It makes it possible for the author to include some commentary on different forms of racism without taking the reader out of the story. I am curious about how the various kinden developed, and how some of the kinden became Apt but apparently didn’t lose their Art.

Obviously, we’re in for a long ride, but this first installment was excellent.

As for individual characters, I was most drawn to Stenwold, Che, and Thalric.

Finally finished.

Overall I enjoyed it. There was a lot thrown at us quickly and I'd love to better understand the history of the kinden and how it all happened.

I have to admit to being fascinated by Thalric. I really enjoy a well developed antagonist and I seem to be every bit as invested in what happens to him as I am the rest of the characters. Having his PoV helps a lot and I am really curious where his road eventually leads him.

I agree Random, Thalric is a very interesting character. I've only read through book 3 but already I'm surprised at where he is now!

Please no comments with future knowledge, but I highly suspect that while Thalric is starting out as an antagonist, that he may be ending up as an ally. Just a hunch on my part. The character is just too sympathetic for him to stay on the opposite side for all 10 books.