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  • Empire in Black and Gold

  • Shadows of the Apt, Book 1
  • By: Adrian Tchaikovsky
  • Narrated by: Ben Allen
  • Length: 23 hrs and 4 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (89 ratings)

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Empire in Black and Gold

By: Adrian Tchaikovsky
Narrated by: Ben Allen
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Publisher's Summary

Empire in Black and Gold is the first instalment in the critically-acclaimed fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of the Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning Children of Time.

The days of peace are over....

The Lowlands’ city states have lived in peace for decades, hailed as bastions of civilization. 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.

Only 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.

But to warn his people, he must stay alive.

Empire in Black and Gold is followed by the second book in the Shadows of the Apt series, Dragonfly Falling.

©2020 Adrian Tchaikovsky (P)2020 Macmillan Publishers International Ltd

Critic Reviews

Brimming with imagination (SciFiNow)

The Shadows of the Apt series is simply one of the best epic fantasy series out there (LEC Book Reviews)

Super worldbuilding, great characters and extreme inventiveness (Fantasy Book Critic)

What listeners say about Empire in Black and Gold

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

great

took a while to get into it but once hooked thoroughly enjoyed it. wonder if there is a sequel..

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

All medieval fighting and no plot.

I gave up. Despite the good reviews by some, I was bored to death... I know some like this style, but it is not for me.
I could not relate to any of the characters ( all wooden and predictable )
At least I can return it.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Just could not finish it

Lots of bits seem they should interesting but was a dull listen. I turned up the speed and that helped but it wasn't worth my $15.

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