Scan barcode
A review by katmarhan
The Scarab Path by Adrian Tchaikovsky
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
10/10
Tchaikovsky’s world-building in the Shadows of the Apt series has been imaginative, to say the least, and that continues in the 5th book of the series as most of the plot unwinds far from the Lowlands, the Wasp Empire, and even the Spiderlands. The desert of the Nem and the city of Khanaphes bring new challenges, new mysteries, and new characters to interface with some continuing characters from the first 4 books.
Tchaikovsky’s characters are never one or two dimensional, but always well-developed, wonderfully imperfect specimens of their kinden. They make difficult, maddening, and bittersweet choices as they grow and evolve. The plots are layered, nestled and twisted together, complex but always comprehensible.
And as the characters themselves adapt and evolve, so do their respective kinden and societies, not always in expected ways. I’m looking forward to continuing the journey!
Tchaikovsky’s world-building in the Shadows of the Apt series has been imaginative, to say the least, and that continues in the 5th book of the series as most of the plot unwinds far from the Lowlands, the Wasp Empire, and even the Spiderlands. The desert of the Nem and the city of Khanaphes bring new challenges, new mysteries, and new characters to interface with some continuing characters from the first 4 books.
Tchaikovsky’s characters are never one or two dimensional, but always well-developed, wonderfully imperfect specimens of their kinden. They make difficult, maddening, and bittersweet choices as they grow and evolve. The plots are layered, nestled and twisted together, complex but always comprehensible.
And as the characters themselves adapt and evolve, so do their respective kinden and societies, not always in expected ways. I’m looking forward to continuing the journey!