Tales of the Apt Series
Tales of the Apt are four collections of shorter fiction set in the world of the Insect-kinden. The first two volumes are my short fiction, the third For Love of Distant Shores, is a collection of four linked novellas, and the final book, The Scent of Tears presents a collection from multiple noted authors, myself included.
1. To Own the Sky
2. Ironclads
3. Spoils of War
4. Camouflage
5. The Shadows of Their Lamps
6. The Dreams of Avaris
7. The Prince
8. Shadow Hunters
9. Sword and Circle
10. Idle Hands
11. An Old Man in a Harsh Season
12. Brass Mantis
1. Introduction
2. Loyalties
3. Bones
4. Queen of the Night
5. Fallen Heroes
6. The Price of Salt
7. The Naturalist
8. The Last Ironclad
9. Alicaea’s Children
10. A Time for Grief
11. The Peacemongers
In a narrative reminiscent of Phileas Fogg meets Professor Challenger, For Love of Distant Shores features the exploits of scientist-cum-adventurer Doctor Ludweg Phinagler, as recorded by his (semi-)faithful assistant, Fosse.
A maverick academic, Phinagler is able to charm almost everyone he meets… except for his fellow academics at Collegium, with whom he is frequently at odds. In part to escape the resultant animosity and scandal, and in part to satisfy his own thirst for knowledge, Phinagler mounts a series of expeditions to the far-flung corners of the world (regions which the author always knew were there but which the main narrative of the novels never allowed him to fully explore). In the process, he confronts ancient mysteries and deadly dangers that the majority of kinden would scarcely believe exist.
Adrian Tchaikovsky has opened up the realm of the Apt, as featured in his best-selling Shadow of the Apt decalogy, to a carefully selected cast of fellow writers, inviting them to do their best and their worst within the world he has created.
Contents:
Old Blood – Adrian Tchaikovsky
The Scent of Tears – Keris McDonald
Wonder – Frances Hardinge
The Promise of a Threat – David Tallerman
The Unforeseen Path – Juliet E. McKenna
The Message – John Gwynne
The Mantis Way – Peter Newman
Poor Little Earwig Girl – Tom Lloyd
Forwards, Up, Back, Down – Joff Leader
Recipes for Good Living – Justina Robson
God of Profound Things – Adrian Tchaikovsky
Some of the finest imaginations in fantasy, including winners of the David Gemmell Award, the Costa Book Award and British Fantasy Award, have combined to produce a stunning collection of tales that examine fresh aspects of the Apt world and its people.
