Longtime epic fantasy readers will find many familiar elements in this intriguing debut. There's the peaceful, vulnerable land, in this case the Lowlands, threatened by the Mongol-like Wasp Empire. The lone man who sees the danger is unwilling Lowlands spymaster Stenwald Maker. A charmingly diverse group of agents and allies draws from most of the strictly delineated insect-themed clans (which rather resemble the character classes of role-playing games) and runs the gamut from naive student to embittered mercenary. Patriotic but conflicted Wasp Thalric puts a sympathetic face on evil. Tchaikovsky exercises considerable talent in assembling these well-worn pieces into a new puzzle, developing an interesting story and world with humor and skillful prose. Readers may be pleasantly surprised to find themselves looking forward to future installments. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

The Wasp Empire of winged armies now wages a campaign of conquest and destruction along the borders of the Lowlands. Occupying themselves with competitive games and trade, the Lowlands city-states refuse to hear the words of artificer and spymaster Stenwold Maker, who senses the danger posed by the Wasp Empire. Tchaikovsky's first novel exhibits a vibrancy and creative spirit that commands attention. Set in a world where human tribes are identified with totem insects-e.g., messenger Fly-kinden, military-minded Ant-kinden-the story moves quickly between intensely personal interactions and scenes of large-scale battle. VERDICT This original and well-told series opener belongs in most fantasy collections and deserves exposure to a wide audience. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

On a world populated by human-insect and human-arachnid creatures, each type of kinden has special powers and aptitudes. The otherwise average Stenwold Maker, a Beetle kinden, is caught up in extraordinary times, full of violence and impending war with the Wasps. He takes it upon himself to create a small cadre of resistance fighters before it is too late. Unfortunately, he's considered a crackpot, those in power ignore. But he spins his web and becomes a spymaster, doing his best to prepare for the onslaught he anticipates. Each person selected for his group has a tale, and Tchaikovsky develops each slowly, drawing the reader into the lives of each and hinting that there is more to discover. There is a continual sense of urgency and danger, yet there is also time for love and friendship. The story is quickly paced, more than keeps one's interest, and leaves one looking forward to the next book of Shadows of the Apt to learn more about the characters and how the conflict develops.--Gerber, Rebecca Copyright 2010 Booklist