Yes, it's true I've been disparaging about Fantasy but "Empire in Black and Gold" is something different.

The Wasp-kinden are advancing, intent on conquering the Lowlands and only a stubborn Beetle-kinden and his band of students can stave off the enslavement of their civilisation.

There are no Gods, no dragons and no wizards. Instead we have humans with powers and attributes of insects. The Ant-kinden have a telepathic hive-mind, the Beetles are industrious and work wonders with machines (yes, they are machines in this world) the Wasps can fly and their Sting is a deadly bolt of energy. And the Mantids. . .

There isn't a boring page in the whole book. More info at the author's website:-


http://shadowsoftheapt.com/

Thanks so much richie d for that recommendation.
As insects and people with insect characteristics are an interest of mine, I rushed out and bought it at the end of last week and finished it late last night.
I totally agree with you - it was a terrific read and I'm looking forward to the sequels.
If only you'd mentioned it before my birthday though!!

cheers richie d!
yes i really couldn't 'put it down' as they say and thought the plotting and characterization were fantastic. I too don't normally read fantasy but this was exceptionally good.
roll on the sequels!!

If Richie D says it's worth reading, you can take that assurance to the bank, cash it, spend it all over town, and still have change to buy the actual book.