{"title":"Series: Shadows of the Apt","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eShadows of the Apt\u003c\/em\u003e invites readers into a richly imagined world where diverse cultures and intricate histories intertwine. This series explores themes of identity, power, and survival through a blend of imaginative storytelling and thoughtful reflection, appealing to those who enjoy literature that challenges the boundaries between fantasy and reality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith a strong undercurrent of cultural and philosophical exploration, the series offers a unique lens on society and the human condition. Readers can expect a narrative that combines vivid adventure with deep insights, making \u003cem\u003eShadows of the Apt\u003c\/em\u003e a compelling journey for anyone interested in the crossroads of \u003cstrong\u003eArts \u0026amp; Culture\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eHistory \u0026amp; Military\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003ePhilosophy \u0026amp; Psychology\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"blood-of-the-mantis-by-adrian-tchaikovsky-9781529050301","title":"Blood of the Mantis","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBlood of the Mantis\u003c\/em\u003e is the third novel in Adrian Tchaikovsky's richly imagined Shadows of the Apt series, following \u003cem\u003eDragonfly Falling\u003c\/em\u003e. Stenwold must rally his allies for battle against the Empire, even as it seeks a dangerous artifact of enormous power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA dread ritual casts a deadly shadow...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAchaeos the seer has finally tracked down the stolen Shadow Box. But he has only days before this magical artefact will be lost to him forever. Meanwhile, the Empire's dread forces are mustering for their next great offensive. Stenwold and his followers have only a short time to gather allies, before the enemy's soldiers march again—to conquer everything in their path. If Stenwold cannot hold them back, the hated black and gold flag will fly over every city in the Lowlands before the year's end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYet a more insidious threat awaits. Should the Shadow Box fall into the hands of the power-mad Emperor, nothing will save the world from his relentless ambition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBlood of the Mantis\u003c\/em\u003e is followed by \u003cem\u003eSalute the Dark\u003c\/em\u003e, the fourth book in the Shadows of the Apt series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Macmillan Publishers New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46417662148844,"sku":"9781529050301","price":27.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/10924733482732.jpg?v=1746447166"},{"product_id":"dragonfly-falling-by-adrian-tchaikovsky-9781529050288","title":"Dragonfly Falling","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDragonfly Falling\u003c\/em\u003e is the second book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series \u003cem\u003eShadows of the Apt\u003c\/em\u003e by Adrian Tchaikovsky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery hero must be tested...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Wasp Empire's armies are on the move, and the city of Tark will be the first to feel their might. Salma and Totho prepare for battle, alongside their Ant-kinden brethren. Within Tark's walls, they face a force greater than any Lowlander has ever seen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eStenwold Maker predicted this threat, and the Empire's secret service now deems him too dangerous to live. He's to be eliminated, and his beloved city of Collegium destroyed. For if this centre of learning is lost, it will crush Lowland resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs the Empire's troops continue their relentless advance, their young Emperor pursues another, even darker goal. 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Amidst the fragmenting provinces of the Dragonfly Commonweal, her past will at last catch up with her. Her father's ghost is hunting her down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt the same time, the Wasp Empire seeks to conquer the city of Khanaphes, the fallen jewel of the ancient world. Whilst Empress Seda's soldiers seek only conquest and prestige, she sees herself as the heir to all the old powers of history, and has her eyes on a far greater prize.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHeirs of the Blade\u003c\/em\u003e is followed by the eighth book in the \u003cem\u003eShadows of the Apt\u003c\/em\u003e series, \u003cem\u003eThe Air War\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Macmillan Publishers New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46418901696748,"sku":"9781529050387","price":23.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/10925593482732.jpg?v=1746503347"},{"product_id":"empire-in-black-and-gold-by-adrian-tchaikovsky-9781529050264","title":"Empire in Black and Gold","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the author of the thrilling science-fiction epic \u003cem\u003eChildren of Time\u003c\/em\u003e, winner of the prestigious Arthur C. Clarke Award.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEmpire in Black and Gold\u003c\/em\u003e is the first instalment in the critically-acclaimed fantasy series \u003cem\u003eShadows of the Apt\u003c\/em\u003e by Adrian Tchaikovsky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe days of peace are over...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Lowlands' city states have lived in peace for decades, hailed as bastions of civilisation. Yet that peace is about to end. A distant empire has been conquering neighbours with highly trained soldiers and sophisticated combat techniques. And the city states are its desirable new prize.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOnly the ageing Stenwold Maker—spymaster, artificer and statesman—foresees the threat, as the empires' armies march ever closer. So it falls upon his shoulders to open the eyes of the cities' leaders. He sees that war will sweep through their lands, destroying everything in its path.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut to warn his people, he must stay alive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEmpire in Black and Gold\u003c\/em\u003e is followed by the second book in the \u003cem\u003eShadows of the Apt\u003c\/em\u003e series, \u003cem\u003eDragonfly Falling\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Macmillan Publishers New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48241175953644,"sku":"9781529050264","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781529050264-empire-in-black-and-gold-1.jpg?v=1787935468"},{"product_id":"salute-the-dark-by-adrian-tchaikovsky-9781529050325","title":"Salute the Dark","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSalute the Dark\u003c\/em\u003e is the fourth book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series \u003cem\u003eShadows of the Apt\u003c\/em\u003e by Adrian Tchaikovsky, winner of the Arthur C. 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Cheerwell Maker finds herself broken in ways no doctor can mend, haunted by ghosts of the past. Meanwhile, the powerful Wasp Empress is regaining control over those imperial cities that refused to bow to her. But she draws her power from something more sinister than armies and war machines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOnly her consort, the former spymaster Thalric, knows the truth. As assassins seek to end him, he finds his life and his loyalties under threat once again. 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Despite the tenuous peace, Stenwold Maker knows that the Empire will return for his city. Even as he tries to prepare for the resurgence of the black and gold army, a hidden threat is working against his people. Ships that sail from Collegium's harbour are being attacked, sunk by pirates. Some just go missing . . .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLulled by the spread of lies and false promises, Stenwold's allies are falling away. He faces betrayal on every side, and the Empire is just waiting for the first sign of weakness to strike. But they are not the only power that has its eyes on Collegium. 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